Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

October 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1471

LOCATION

الشيخ فارس, Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and eight civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Sheikh Faress neighbourhood, according to local media. LCCSY and Halab News were among sources attributing the event to Russia, and putting the death count at five civilians. According to Mojahedin: “the Civil Defence was able to lift 5 martyrs from the rubble

Summary

First published
October 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1503

LOCATION

Al Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one civilian died and up to four more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on the al Hamidiya neighborhood in the city of Deir Ezzor, according to sources on the ground. Most sources didn’t specify the number of victims, referring only to “martyrs” and “civilian casualties”. But Euphrates Post

Summary

First published
October 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1658

LOCATION

ابو الظهور, Abu Al Zuhur, Idlib, Syria

Four civilians were killed – including one child – and several others injured in airstrikes which struck a market place in Abu Al Zuhur – though sources were conflicted as to who was responsible, with some reports blaming Russian warplanes and others blaming the Syrian regime for the raid. Sdu Syria reported that rocket propelled

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
January 10, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

April 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2057

LOCATION

ريف حلب الغربي, Various location in western Aleppo countryside, Aleppo, Syria

On April 2, 2017, six civilians were killed, including four children and two women, and as many as eight others were wounded following an alleged Russian raid on various villages in the Western part of Aleppo’s countryside, local media reported. All sources either attributed blame to Russia, or “unknown warplanes”. According to sources Kafrnah, Khan al-Asal, Babsaka,

Summary

First published
April 2, 2017
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(4 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 7, 2020

Incident Code

RS4510

LOCATION

كفر عويد, Kara Awaid, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians were reported injured during alleged Regime or Russian artillery shelling on residential neighborhoods of the town of Kara Awaid in the southern countryside of Idlib on July 7, 2020. Multiple sources such as @TVIdlib, @ShahbaPress and @Syria TV reported that four civilians were injured in the artillery shelling. However, other sources

Summary

First published
July 7, 2020
Last updated
March 1, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

December 27, 2021

Incident Code

R4429

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Ma'arat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

At least three civilians, including a child, were injured in alleged Russian strikes near a poultry farm and IDP camp outside of Ma’arat Misrin on December 27, 2021. The Syrian Civil Defense reported that three workers, including a child, were injured in Russian airstrikes on a poultry farm outside of Ma’arat Misrin. @thiqanewsagency also tweeted

Summary

First published
December 27, 2021
Last updated
March 17, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 8, 2022

Incident Code

R4467

LOCATION

الغفر, Al Ghafir, Idlib, Syria

An alleged Russian air raid injured five civilians using surface-to-surface missiles loaded with cluster bombs in Al Ghafar in Idlib province on September 8th, 2022. The Syrian Civil Defense (SCD) reported that 5 civilians were injured and that the strikes killed dozens of goats and sheep owned by a local shepherd and farmer. The strikes

Summary

First published
September 8, 2022
Last updated
September 30, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
5
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2023

Incident Code

R4503

LOCATION

النيرب, Al Nerab, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians and up to three civilians, including one child, one woman, and one man, were reportedly injured in an artillery shelling attributed to either the Syrian regime or Russian forces which hit residential neighbourhoods and “the vicinity of a closed school” in Al Nerab, a town to the east of Idlib, on

Summary

First published
February 27, 2023
Last updated
December 22, 2023
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
(1 child1 woman0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 9, 2023

Incident Code

R4538

LOCATION

تديل, Tadel, Aleppo, Syria

On August 9th 2023, a civilian was killed and at least one other civilian, a child, was slightly injured, as a result of artillery shelling by Syrian regime and/or Russia forces on the village of Tadel, west of Aleppo. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that an elderly civilian was killed and a child

Summary

First published
August 9, 2023
Last updated
August 28, 2023
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2023

Incident Code

R4560

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, city of Jisr Al Shughour, western Idlib, Idlib, Syria

On Monday evening, 25 September 2023, between seven and 10 civilians, including two children and up to four women (one of whom was pregnant), were injured in missile strikes and artillery shelling allegedly by Syrian regime forces and/or Russian forces and/or Iranian forces on residential neighborhoods, the popular market and near the mosque in the

Summary

First published
September 25, 2023
Last updated
April 3, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
Marketplace, Water station
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
7–10
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Impact
Food
Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Iranian Military
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 24, 2023

Incident Code

R4613

LOCATION

مخيم أهل سراقب في قرية الحمامة, Ahel Saraqeb camp in Al-Hamamah village, Jisr-al-Shoughour, Idlib, Idlib, Syria

During the morning of Tuesday, October 24, 2023, a declared Russian airstrike reportedly killed six civilians, including three women, one of whom was pregnant, and at least two children, and injured up to 10 civilians in the Ahel Saraqeb camp for displaced people located on the outskirts of the village of Al-Hamamah in the Jisr

Summary

First published
October 24, 2023
Last updated
July 2, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
IDP or refugee camp
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2015

Incident Code

RS022

LOCATION

القريتين, Al Qaryatayn, Homs, Syria

The Syrian Observatory reported an unspecified number of casualties from an alleged Russian strike at Qarayatain, a town to the south west of Palmyra. Qasioun also reported that “a raid by fighters of the Russian Air Force on Tuesday afternoon led to deaths and injuries among civilians, some serious, as well as widespread destruction of

Summary

First published
October 6, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS054

LOCATION

دير العصافير, Dayr Al Asafeer, Damascus, Syria

One possible non-combatant was reported killed at Dayr al Asafeer, according to a single source. Shaam News Network reported that a joint air-ground assault by Russian and Assad forces “led to the fall of one martyr” in the town, though no further details were given of their status.  

Summary

First published
October 18, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS087

LOCATION

تل هادية, Tal Hadya, Aleppo, Syria

As many as 11 civilians were reported killed in the second alleged Russian airstrike in as many days on Tal Hadya. A large number of civilians were also reportedly injured in the nighttime attack. According to the Syrian Observatory, “nine people [six women, one child and two men] were killed in bombing by warplanes believed

Summary

First published
October 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(1–7 children0–6 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2015

Incident Code

RS121

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reported that one named civilian male was killed, allegedly due to “Russian airforce shelling“. VDC named the victim as Soeoud al-Thamer. No additional information is presently known.  

Summary

First published
November 5, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS155

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

An alleged Russian midnight raid on Saraqib destroyed a bakery in the town. The Idlib Media Centre complained that “this oven is for baking, it’s not the headquarters of the rebels.” While The Syrian Observatory and Idlib Media Centre reported unspecified casualties, the Syrian News Desk put the toll at one civilian killed, with six

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS188

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center listed one adult male civilian, a Palestinian national, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Douma. However, the VDC listed seven further civilians killed that day in Douma “due to regime`s army forces shelling.” And the Syrian Observatory cites the Assad regime as being responsible for the event.  

Summary

First published
November 22, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 2, 2015

Incident Code

RS220

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al Tamani'ah, Idlib, Syria

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Russian warplanes allegedly targeted the areas of Al Tamaanah and Tal A’as. A woman and her unborn child were said by Syria News to have been killed – though it blamed the Assad regime for the deaths.  

Summary

First published
December 2, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

December 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS253

LOCATION

الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One 30-year-old male civilian, Mohammad Muffed Razzouq, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Salheen, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No further details are available at the present time.  

Summary

First published
December 10, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS286

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Eight to nine civilians including two children and five women were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Azaz, according to multiple sources. The White Helmets, Al Jazeera, the Shaam News Network and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that Russia carried out the raid, which killed nine non-combatants. SOHR said this included a child, a girl

Summary

First published
December 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(2 children5 women1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS318

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Four civilians including a child were reported killed in major alleged Russian air raids on Palmyra. Revolution Palmyra reported as many as 60 strikes on the city by Russia, including with cluster munitions. It said the raids were concentrated as follows: “- 10 air strikes on the city hospital which led to massive destruction –

Summary

First published
December 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child3 men)
Civilians reported injured
25
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS350

LOCATION

أبو طلطل, Abu Taltal, Aleppo, Syria

Four named civilians from one family including a child died when Russian warplanes allegedly fired missiles on the town of Abou Taltal in Aleppo governorate.    

Summary

First published
January 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS382

LOCATION

قاضي عسكر, Qadi A'skar, Aleppo, Syria

Seven to ten civilians were killed and dozens injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on a mosque in Qadi A’skar, according to a number of sources. Activists told Shaam News that Russian warplanes targeted the mosque of Agha Jakk during afternoon prayers, resulting in the deaths of 10 people with dozens more wounded. The Syrian Observatory

Summary

First published
January 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
Civilians reported injured
12
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS414

LOCATION

معردبسة, Ma’ardabssa, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed and several other civilians injured following an alleged Russian raid on the town of Ma’ardabssa, according to the Shaam News Network. Fresh Syria reported that “a woman was killed  in the village of Ma’ardebsah Idlib, a result of the Russian aviation targeting the village on Sunday afternoon with three air raids. The raids

Summary

First published
January 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS448

LOCATION

الطابية جزيرة, Al Tabiya Jazeera, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 34 and 50 civilians including up to eight women and 16 children were killed and more than 60 injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Tabiya Jazeera, according to multiple sources. An initial report by Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently said that Russian two strikes led to the deaths of four civilians families in their entirety. Subsequent reports put the death toll

Summary

First published
January 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
34 – 50
(10–16 children4–8 women)
Civilians reported injured
24–60
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
18 named, 8 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS480

LOCATION

أبو حمام, Abu Hamam, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four civilians including one women and two children were killed and several others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on the al Shaitat area of Abu Hamam, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. The Syrian Observatory reported the deaths of two children, one woman and one man in a Russian

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS513

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to Radio Al Kul “Two [civilians] killed, including a child and several wounded with burning shops, as a result of Russian aviation targeting with rockets the shoe market in the neighborhood of # AL SALHEEN south of Aleppo.” No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
January 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS549

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported deaths in Maarat al Numan, which it attributed to Russian warplanes: “Since early morning, the Russian enemy planes circled the skies of the province and launched air raids on civilian homes in the towns of Maaret al-Numan and Khan Sheikhun and Kafrtkharim and the outskirts of

Summary

First published
February 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS581

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one civilian Abo Shukri as a victim – but no details were given about where he was killed, and the name is not precise. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Namer al-Shukri was killed in alleged Russian raids. However it said he was “the military commander of Aleppo

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS614

LOCATION

حزرما, Hazrama, Damascus, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported that one civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Hazrama as part of “dozens of raids on the towns of eastern Ghouta”. The VDC listed one adult male, as killed in “warplane shelling” in Hazrama. The victim was also listed by Syrian Martyrs, who said he was killed

Summary

First published
February 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident