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

June 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS848

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

Five children from the same family died in an airstrike on As Suknhah, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. LCCSY said that “five children were killed and others injured on the outskirts of al Sokhna in the eastern countryside following raids by Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
June 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(5 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–14
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS880

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians including one child were killed in an airstrike on Hraytan, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that “suspected Russian warplanes” had fired missiles on the city, leading to

Summary

First published
June 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
5
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS912

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shiekhoun, Idlib, Syria

Multiple sources reported that a woman died and five other civilians wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun. The syriannewsdesk, and Halab Today TV were among sources that blamed the attacks on Russian warplanes, specifying the use of cluster bombs. The Shaam News Network reported that some of those injured involved “cases of amputation due to

Summary

First published
June 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS946

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that an alleged Russian strike on an aid store house in Urma al-Kubra killed one woman and wounded up to 12 other civilians. According to sources on the ground, the targeted building belonged the aid organisation “Big Heart”. Step News Agency said that “one of the refineries and a fuel oil plant

Summary

First published
June 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–12
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

July 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS978

LOCATION

حي الشعار, Al Shia'ar (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians died and 10 more were wounded in an alleged airstrike on Al Shia’ar in Aleppo, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. AMC reported that the Syrian regime killed four and wounded ten more. Other local

Summary

First published
July 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1010

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Artillery and warplane shelling bombarded Hryatan leaving between three to four civilians dead, local media reported. According to Halab News, Step and Al Jazeera, this was the work of the Assad regime. However, TurkArab Now blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrike. Al-Marsad News put the death toll at four. However the Syrian Observatory for Human

Summary

First published
July 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child2 women)
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

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1042

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians died and many more were wounded in an airstrike on Al Marja, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime for the death of one child – and published an image of the victim.

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
3–10
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

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1074

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

One named child died and a number of other non-combatants were injured in an airstrike on Ar Rastan, according to local media – though it was unclear whether planes belonging to the Syrian regime or Moscow caused the casualties. The victim was also named by some other sources, though they didn’t identify the warplane which

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1137 RS2313a

LOCATION

المجاوده, Majawdeh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and a number of others were injured following airstrikes on Majawdeh, roughly 85km southeast of Deir Ezzor. However responsibility was contested. The victim was identified by a number of sources, which also reported that his wife and daughter were injured. The Syrian Human Rights Committee reported that the wife

Summary

First published
July 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5
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, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS1408

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On August 23, 2017, six members of the Lafi family were among up to 11 civilians reported killed in air raids on the city of Mayadin, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, the Syrian regime or even Russia were responsible. Although Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported

Summary

First published
August 23, 2017
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(1–3 children1–3 women1 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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1656 RS2666

LOCATION

السيال, Abu Kamal, Al Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and six civilians died in an airstrike on the home of Mohammed al-Shabib Abu Jassim, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, the Iraqi air force, Syrian regime or Russia were to blame. According to Eldorar, “The sources said that in conjunction with the artillery

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1–2 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
18
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, Iraq Irregular Forces
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1091

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that six civilians including two children died and up to 30 more non-combatants were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Atareb, which reportedly struck an aid convoy and several nearby camps for displaced people. On August 3rd 2016, Syrian News Desk reported that “Six civilians killed most of them are truck

Summary

First published
August 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
5–30
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1123

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Bazza square, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Reports estimated that between eight and 10 civilians were killed and an additional five to 13 more wounded, including two children, in airstrikes on Bazza square in Old Aleppo, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed the regime for the event, though one blamed Russia and a significant number of others didn’t identify

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
Civilians reported injured
5–13
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

August 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1155

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between six and eight civilians died and 16 more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on the al Sakhour neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. The Step News Agency said that the strike occurred “near a footbridge”. Shahed-aya, Step, Sama, Syrian-reporters and @syrianArwad all put the death toll at six –

Summary

First published
August 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
Civilians reported injured
16
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

August 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1187

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 14 civilians including women and children died and as many as dozens more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Sukkari, according to local media. Multiple sources reported that residential homes were struck and that fires broke out causing significant material damage. One source added that “the main market” was hit. The

Summary

First published
August 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 14
(2–4 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
8–24
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 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1220

LOCATION

الزربة, Al Zorba, Aleppo, Syria

One child died and other civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Al Zorba, according to local media. Most sources blamed Russia, though the Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to both Russia and Syrian regime. Syrian Press Centre, Syrian News, Alwatan and the Smart News Agency all said that several civilians were wounded in

Summary

First published
September 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
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

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1252

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to seven civilians died and as many as 22 more were wounded in an airstrike on Salheen, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work or Russia or the Syrian regime. Baladi, Halab Today and LCCSY blamed Russia. The lowest death toll – of one –

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
Civilians reported injured
10–22
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

September 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1285

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and 24 civilians were killed and up to 13 wounded in intense air strikes with barrel bombs and napalm on the al Marja neighbourhood of Aleppo, local sources reported. About half the sources stated only that “warplanes” were involved, while the other half said Russian planes were responsible. One source, the Shaam News

Summary

First published
September 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 24
(1 woman1 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1317

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Air raids on the al Sakhour neighbourhood of Aleppo killed up to two civilians, local media reported. It was unclear whether the attacks were carried out by the regime or by Russia. Islammemo reported, “two martyrs in al Sakhour.” So did @Sy_Reporter and HNN. Alaraby News stated that Russian fighters carried out the strike, along

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

September 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1349

LOCATION

حي المشهد, Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed in the Al Mashhad neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local media. Reporting was conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian Regime was responsible. LCCSY reported: “Aleppo: Three martyrs and some wounded as Russian warplanes bombarded Mashhad neighborhood.” Thiqanewsagency reported that a bus was hit with cluster bombs in the strikes.

Summary

First published
September 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1381

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Ltamenah, Hama, Syria

Up to six civilians including a girl died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on al Latamna, Hama, according to local media. Sources were not clear whether or not Khadija (Um Daher) and Hussein Al-Saleh (Abu Hussein) were two people or one person. In this instance they have been listed as two people. According

Summary

First published
October 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child1 woman0–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1415

LOCATION

البلاط, al Balat, Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, the neighbourhood al-Balat in Aleppo was hit by air and/or artillery strikes which led to the death of one child and the injury of several more people, including the child’s father. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime, although the majority of

Summary

First published
October 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1447

LOCATION

‏التمانعه‬, al Tamana, Idlib, Syria

One woman died and three other civilians including two children were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime air or artillery strike on Al Tamana’a town, according to local media. The Step News Agency reported that “Russian planes launched several raids using bunker-busting missiles after mid night targeting al Taman’a town in southern Idlib, killing

Summary

First published
October 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

October 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1479

LOCATION

جديد عكيدات, Jadid Akeidat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Syria News Desk reported “two civilians were killed and 12 others wounded, including three paramedics, this afternoon [Oct 18th], when Russian warplanes fired four missiles on residential sites and the only field hospital in the village of Jadid Ekadat”. @snewscenter also said that Russia struck the hospital.They also reported the use of cluster bombs. Many

Summary

First published
October 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

October 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1511

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

A single source, Halab News, reported the deaths of “Abdallah al Hasan al Khalaf and his two children, following the explosion of a cluster bomb left by Russia planes following a bombing of Sarmin in Idlib”. The source added that the victims were from the town of al Eiss. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
October 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1763

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafr Sajna, Idlib, Syria

Up to eight civilians were killed and 15 injured in multiple airstrikes on Kafr Sajna, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Step News, who put the death toll at four with a “number” of injuries, reported that “warplanes launched four airstrikes with surface rockets

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
December 27, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(2 men)
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
2 named
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

March 15, 2018

Incident Code

RS3278

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ein Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Multiple sources reported alleged Russian and regime air and artillery strikes on Ein Tarma on March 15, 2018. However, Airwars researchers have not found any claims of civilian harm.

Summary

First published
March 15, 2018
Last updated
June 20, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 14, 2020

Incident Code

RS4518

LOCATION

البادية السورية, Syrian Badia, Homs, Syria

Civilians were reported killed and injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Syrian desert, or Al Badia Al Souria, on August 14th, 2020. @so_ria98 reported intense airstrikes by Russian warplanes in several areas of the desert and stated there were reports of civilian casualties, as well as the targeting of a car believed to be

Summary

First published
August 14, 2020
Last updated
March 1, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
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

March 23, 2022

Incident Code

R4444

LOCATION

بلدتي معارة النعسان و كفرنوران, between Maaret Al Nassan and Kafar Nuran, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians, farmers, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling between the towns of Maarat Al-Naasan and Kafr Nuran on March 23, 2022. The Syrian Civil Defense reported that two farmers were injured in artillery shelling by Syrian regime and Russian forces on agricultural fields between the towns of Maarat Al-Naasan and Kafr

Summary

First published
March 23, 2022
Last updated
March 30, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Al Qaeda/HTS
View Incident

Incident date

October 10, 2022

Incident Code

R4475

LOCATION

الأبزمو, Al Abzimo, Aleppo, Syria

A child was killed and between one and two women were injured in alleged Syrian regime or Russian artillery shelling of Al Abzimo on October 10, 2022. According to @SyriaCivilDefe, a child was killed and his mother was seriously injured by artillery shelling launched by the Syrian regime and Russian forces at a residential house

Summary

First published
October 10, 2022
Last updated
November 17, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident