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

January 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS368

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Five civilians including three women and one child were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Rastan, according to multiple sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Russian warplanes raided Al Rastan and Der al-Foul, killing three non-combatants including a child in Al Rastan. Distressing and graphic videos posted by ‘Al Rastan’ depict child casualties, while footage

Summary

First published
January 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child3 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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS400

LOCATION

تل رفعت, Tall Rif`at, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tel Rifa’at, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN reported that 10 civilians were killed in airstrikes on the cities and towns of the northern countryside of Aleppo since Saturday morning: four in Ma’arsta al-Khan, two in Hayyan, two in Tel Rifa’at and two in Tamoura, in addition to dozens wounded. According to a Tweet

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS432

LOCATION

حي بستان القصر, Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Russian warplanes allegedly “carried out raids on several areas in the neighbourhoods of Sheikh Saeed and Bostan al-Qasr in Aleppo.” They said that casualties had been reported in the Bustan al Qasr neighbourhood, but did not provide further details.  Aleppo Media Center published a video depicting the aftermath of alleged

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS466

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS498

LOCATION

حردتين, Hardatin, Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported on the alleged Russian airstrike in Mare’, and added that there had been “several similar raids on towns and Hardatin Bayanoun and Hayan and Tal Rifa’at leaving several killed and wounded, including children.” No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS534

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Five adult male civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Anadan, according to the Violations Documentation Center. But the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported missiles belonging to the Assad regime killed at least three people including two children. This could, however, be a separate incident, as no children are listed as killed in the

Summary

First published
February 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(0–3 children5 men)
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS567

LOCATION

الهلك, Huluk (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Shaam News Network reported “Russian enemy planes carried out raids on the neighbourhoods of Al Halak, Al Salheen and al Kalassa and Ain Al Tall which led to the fall of martyrs – 16 in Salheen, 2 in Halak and wounded in Al Kalassa and many other wounded.” According to LCCSY a woman and a

Summary

First published
February 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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

February 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS600

LOCATION

مارع, Mare', Shaikh Isa, Aleppo, Syria

Three to four civilians including one woman and one to three children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Sheikh Eisa village in Mare’, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that two civilians – a woman and a child – died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on

Summary

First published
February 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–3 children1 woman)
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 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS632

LOCATION

تل نصري, Nasri, Al Hassakah, Syria

Up to five civilians including two children and possibly a woman were killed in an airstrike on Nasri, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Hassaka’s Youth Union reported that “two orphaned children, the grandchildren of the citizen Mohammad Al

Summary

First published
February 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(2 children1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS664

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One child was killed and up to 15 other civilians injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on a school in Talbiseh according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were to blame. Activists told Shaam News Network that “Russian warplanes targeted the morning the city of Talbissa

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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

February 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS696

LOCATION

رسم عبود, Rasm Aabed, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Rasm Aabed, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
February 29, 2016
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

March 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS728

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

Between 15 and 19 civilians died in an alleged airstrikes on a public bus in Palmyra,  according to local sources. According to Alarby, Homs Media Center and Shaam News, 15 died and 20 more were injured when Russian warplanes targeted a bus on the road from Palmyra to Raqqa. Eldorar reported that Russia continued to

Summary

First published
March 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 19
(1 woman8 men)
Civilians reported injured
20
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
9 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS760

LOCATION

حي طريق الباب, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Airstrikes on the Tareeq al-Bab neighborhood of Aleppo killed between 10 and 17 civilians and injured at least 20 more, according to local sources. Reports did not definitively identify the warplanes responsible, with some referring to Russia and the regime, while others attributed the incident solely to the regime. The White Helmets said two raids

Summary

First published
April 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(2 children6 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–24
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
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS793

LOCATION

تقاد, Taqad, Aleppo, Syria

According to multiple local sources, three children died when the remains of a cluster bomb – allegedly earlier dropped by Russia – exploded in the town of Taqad. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which also said three children died, blamed the regime for originally dropping the cluster bomb. Alarab News reported that “a

Summary

First published
May 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
1
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

May 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS826

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

A single source, LCCSY, reported that nine civilians were killed in Homs – “most of them in Russian airstrikes on Sukhnah city”. No further details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
May 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS858

LOCATION

الموحسن, Muhassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported that several civilians had been killed and wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mohassan in Deir ez-Zor. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that “warplanes” had carried out raids in the area, but neither identified them nor provided casualty figures.

Summary

First published
June 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS890

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one child were killed and other civilians were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Kalassa, according to local sources. LCCSY and Qasioun were among sources blaming Russia for the death of a child. According to Baladi, two civilians died and four were wounded – it also attributed the incident to Moscow. Other

Summary

First published
June 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
4
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS922

LOCATION

Castello Road, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on the Al Castello Road north of Aleppo city, according to local media – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that a media activist and IT Engineering student at the Free Aleppo University died

Summary

First published
June 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS956

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians died and several more were wounded in airstrikes on Hayan in Aleppo, local media said – though most sources blamed Russia, there was also an allegation against the Syrian regime. Most sources reported the death of one civilian, while one source, LCCSY alleged the strikes led to four civilian deaths. Halab

Summary

First published
June 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
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

July 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS988

LOCATION

Displaced persons camp near al Qali', al Sokhna, Homs, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on a camp for displaced persons near al Qali’, al Sokhna, according to sources on the ground. Sinn News, Shahba Press and Step News Agency all blamed Russia for the attack. There are no reported numbers of those killed or wounded,

Summary

First published
July 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

July 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1020

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

What has been described as a ‘bombardment’ on Bab al Nairab reportedly killed six civilians, including an unborn child. – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Qasioun filmed as an explosive barrel was thrown on the neighbourhood, which is also located very close to an airport.

Summary

First published
July 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children2 men)
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
Named victims
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1052

LOCATION

‏كفر بسين‬, Kafr Bssein, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one child died in Kafr Bssein, local media reported – though it was unclear who was responsible for the deaths. According to Halab News, Halab Today and Syrian Press Center, an unidentified “man and a child” died in an attack using cluster bombs. The sources didn’t identify the culprit. Some other sources

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2016

Incident Code

CS329

LOCATION

جسر السياسية, Al Siassah Bridge [exact location], Deir Ezzor, Syria

On Thursday, October 6, 2016, one civilian was killed and several others were injured when warplanes bombed Al-Siassah bridge over the Euphrates river in Deir Ez-Zawr, in eastern Syria. Reports cited both Coalition and Russian forces, although CENTCOM reported the destruction of two supply routes in Deir Ezzor for October 5th-6th. Sham News Network reported

Summary

First published
October 6, 2016
Last updated
June 27, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1243

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

At least 11 people, including children, were killed and a number of others were wounded in airstrikes on Ma’dan in eastern Raqqa governorate. However it was contested as to who was responsible. Step News Agency alleged that the Coalition had caused the deaths, while an ISIL propaganda video alleged that Russia was to blame. The

Summary

First published
July 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 24
(6 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1485 RS2443

LOCATION

بقرص تحتاني, Bokros Tahtani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between seven and nine civilians died including three children and one woman and up to 17 others were wounded in airstrikes on the al Qasr area of Bokros Tahtani, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Step News Agency and

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(3 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
17
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1669 RS2705

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians including one woman died in an airstrike on Abu Kamal, according to local media. Sources mostly attributed the blame to the Coalition, however most reports published during from this period reported Russian and Syrian regime raids. The Centcom Daily Summary reported there were no Coalition strikes in Syrian or Iraq on November 8th

Summary

First published
November 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1101

LOCATION

مديرة, Madira, Damascus, Syria

An entire family was killed in an alleged “rocket attack” in the town of Madira in an aerial bombardment according to local media. Sources reported that cluster bombs and rockets were used in the airstrike. All sources reported that Russian aircraft was to blame for this incident. These included Al Jazeera, Jisrtv, Halab Today and

Summary

First published
August 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
36
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
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1133

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Seven named civilians died and up to 50 more were wounded in multiple alleged Russian airstrikes on Raqqa, according to local media. According to @lebanon4_com, 30 civilians died in the Russian strikes, though the Violations Documentation Center put the number at seven. @DoumaRevolution added that 50 more civilians were wounded in 12 raids.

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 30
(1 woman6 men)
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
Russian Military
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1165

LOCATION

الصالحية, Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to nine civilians including children and a woman died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on the village of Salihiya at the northern entrance to the city of Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Three sources – @ِALAMAWI, @ShahbaPress, LCCSY – said that six victims from one family had died.

Summary

First published
August 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(1–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
15–24
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

August 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1198

LOCATION

أورم الصغرى, Orm al Sughra, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least 3 victims died in alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on Orm Al Sughra town in Aleppo governorate, August 29.” AMC, Alwatan, @SyriaFnn and @Syria_Pulse reported that three civilians died and several more were wounded in “four strikes with cluster bombs”, but didn’t identify the culprit.

Summary

First published
August 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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
View Incident