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 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS462

LOCATION

جرجناز, Jarjanaz, Idlib, Syria

Between four and five civilians including one child and three women died in airstrikes on Jarnaz, according to local sources. Five sources alleged that Russia was responsible, but a fifth – the Violations Documentation Center – blamed the Assad regime. Syria 2011 said that four died and a number were wounded when rockets were fired

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 child3 women)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS494

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five non-combatants reportedly died and several others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike near the entrance to the the town of Al Salhiya, according to Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
January 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
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

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS558

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and five civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Anadan, according to local sources. The victims included members of a family who had returned to Anadan to bury their two children killed in a strike on Kafr Hamra on February 7th, listed above. The Shaam News Network reported that five were killed and

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
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

June 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS911 CS232

LOCATION

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Raqqa, Syria

Between three and five civilians died and up to 17 others were wounded in an airstrike on Al Mansoura village, according to local media. Multiple reports said a strike hit a car travelling along the al Rasafa road and killed those inside. It was unclear who was responsible for the deaths, with allegations against Russia,

Summary

First published
June 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
2–17
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1072

LOCATION

سرمدا, Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

Four or five civilians died in an airstrike on Sarmada, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Qasioun, Almntsrbalaah and Halabtoday all said that Russia was responsible, while Syria News Desk added that Russian warplanes had dropped cluster bombs on Sarmada’s main

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2–3 women1 man)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1314

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that five civilians were killed, and four injured, in an airstrike on the al Salheen neighbourhood of Aleppo. While most sources blamed Russia some reports said that the regime also carried out strikes in al Salheen on this day. A tweet from @AleppoAMC included graphic photographs of three wounded children and a

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 man)
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

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1444

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians died and several others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Ansari neighbourhood, according to local media. Radio Alkul, Shahba and Sadatawheed put the death toll at five with others wounded and blamed Russia. Halab News listed “five unidentified civilians killed, following Russian enemy raids on al Ansari neighbourhood”.

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
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

October 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1476

LOCATION

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

Five civilians from one family including three children and one woman died and up to 20 more were wounded in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Bustan al Qasr neighbourhood. Most sources blamed Russia for the attack, though one also pointed to the Syrian regime. According to Zamanalwasl, “Russian aircraft targeted the Bustan al Qasr neighbourhood with

Summary

First published
October 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 children6–1 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2228

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between one and five people died – indulging one adult male – following an airstrike on Dier Ezzor. Others were also wounded, however there were no specific numbers reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some attributed blame to the Syrian regime, however most blamed Russia. DeirEzzor24 was the only source to

Summary

First published
May 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 man)
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

November 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS151

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Five non-combatants – including a woman and child – were reported killed and more than five people injured in an alleged Russian airstrike targeting the town of Khan Shaikhoun. The Shaam News Network said three civilians were killed in the raid, while the Union of Hamas rebels reported that four people died. The VDC put

Summary

First published
November 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 woman3 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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2988

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Up to five civilians, including a child and woman, were killed and “many” wounded following Assad or Russian-waged aerial shelling of Hamouriya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. According to local reports, the incident in Hamouriya was one out of many that day in eastern Ghouta. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR),

Summary

First published
February 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 child1 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS441

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and five civilians died and dozens more were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab, according to local sources. The Syrian Press Centre reported that three civilians died in four Russian raids on residential neighbourhoods, leaving dozens more wounded, including women and children. A later report put the death toll at five,

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
19–24
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS2942

LOCATION

مشفى سراقب, Saraqeb Hospital, Idlib, Syria

In a second round of strikes on the 29th, a charity hospital supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was reportedly  hit in an aerial attack by alleged Russian warplanes, killing as many as five civilians and wounding others. Sources all attributed the blame to Moscow. Wounded civilians from a raid on the potato market (see

Summary

First published
January 29, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
5–6
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS3034

LOCATION

جسرين, Jisreen, Damascus, Syria

Up to five civilians including one woman were killed and dozens were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Jisreen, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. The death toll amounted to three or four, sources on the ground said. However, a total of five fatalities were identified by name by Zaman al-Wasl and Damascus

Summary

First published
February 19, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS761

LOCATION

الكماري, Kamari, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians including three children died in airstrikes on Kamari, Aleppo, according to multiple sources – though sources are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. A tweet by Jabalybarra (an Al Jazeera-affiliated photographer in Aleppo) said a child was killed in the Al-Salheen neighbourhood: “Reports

Summary

First published
April 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(3 children1 woman1 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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2730

LOCATION

العوينة, Al'A'waina, Idlib, Syria

As many as five children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on a gathering of IDP tents in Al’A’waina, local media reported. Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed Russia for the raids. Initially Syrian Network for Human Rights reported the death of only one child, however this rose to five later on. Tents were destroyed

Summary

First published
November 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1–5 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3064

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Between three and five civilians, including at least one child, were killed and several left wounded by Russian and/or Assad waged warplanes striking in Arbeen, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. Without specifying how many were killed on February 22nd alone, Qasioun News and al-Youm reported that between ten and 13 civilians, including five children,

Summary

First published
February 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(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

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1051

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians died in Kafr Hamra, local media said. Most sources blamed Russia, however, some others (Sada_Altawhed, Shahed_Alep, Syrian Press Center) reported artillery shelling as well as airstrikes. Additionally, some reports did not identify the warplanes responsible. According to Qasioun, “Russian warplanes carried out more than 20 raids in Kafr Hamra, killing five

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1293

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between four and five civilians died in the al Sukkari neighbourhood of Aleppo when a six-storey residential building was destroyed, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russian airstrike or regime artillery or helicopters were to blame. Several sources alleged that Russian used phosphorus bombs in the attack.

Summary

First published
September 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
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

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1758

LOCATION

حي قارلق, Karlak neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians were reportedly killed in airstrike on Karlak neighbourhood, Aleppo, according to local media source, HNN. HNN reported that the five civilians died “following Russian enemy raids”. There were no other known sources reporting on this incident.

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS1918

LOCATION

الجابرية, Al-Jabriya, Hama, Syria

Four or five civilians died and four or five more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on the village of Al-Jabriya in Hama, according to sources on the ground. Fourteen militants from the Islamic Movement of Ahrar al-Sham were also claimed killed. AMC reported that “four paramedics were killed and another

Summary

First published
February 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(4–5 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–5
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2155a

LOCATION

احسم, Ihsim town, Al Zawiya mountain, Idlib, Syria

Five civilians were killed – including a child – and others were wounded, when un-exploded cluster bomb remnants from a previous strike detonated in Ihsim town, Al Zawiya mountain, Idlib, local media said. Only the Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes were responsible for the initial shelling; all other sources did not attribute any blame.

Summary

First published
April 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
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, Unknown
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS227

LOCATION

احرص, Ahras, Aleppo, Syria

In what appears to be a separate incident from the Maskaneh event previously listed, five non- combatants were reported killed when Russian warplanes allegedly struck a convoy of trucks carrying aid to the areas controlled by rebels in the northern countryside of Aleppo. Shaam News Network cited the Anatolia News Agency as saying the trucks

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS3392

LOCATION

قرية مرعند, Mar’, Idlib, Syria

A woman and her four children were killed in airstrikes on the town of Mar’, according to local media. Early reports said the injured children were taken to nearby medical points where they are believed to have later died. The mother was named as Samar Abdul Rahman by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Syria

Summary

First published
April 5, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(4 children1 woman)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS772

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians died and 16 were injured in a Russian or regime attack on Marja. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said three civilians died as a result of Russian strikes. LCCSY also blamed Russia, putting the death toll at four. But the Syrian Mirror said the regime was responsible, reporting that four

Summary

First published
April 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
16
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

April 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3413

LOCATION

مخيم اليرموك, Al Yarmouk refugee camp, Damascus, Syria

Up to five civilians were reported killed in alleged Syrian regime or Russian forces airstrikes on Al Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus Syria ffor the third consecutive day on April 22nd, 2018. Marsad Hasaka said that Anas Bassam Amouri , Haj Saleh Mahmoud, Muhannad Saleh Mahmoud and Jamal Samih Hamid ‘Abu Khaled’ were killed in

Summary

First published
April 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1–5 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3071

LOCATION

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria

At least one – possibly a child – and as many as five civilians were killed as Madera, Damascus, was subject to airstrikes, carried out by Russia and/or the Assad regime, as reported by local media. As a part of the intense shelling of eastern Ghouta, Madera was also struck by warplanes, local media reported. For

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(0–1 children)
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 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1272

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Five named civilians including one child and a woman died and up to eight more were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime air and artillery strikes on Talbissa, Homs, according to sources on the ground. Syria News Desk reported that “three young men were killed and five others wounded today after cluster bombs dropped

Summary

First published
September 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–8
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

November 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1682

LOCATION

قرية مراط, Marat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to local sources, warplanes struck a house in Marat, Deir Ezzor, killing up to five civilians from the same family, including children and women as well as wounding up to ‘dozens’. Several sources reported that the strikes struck residential buildings, calling the incident a “massacre”. Reportedly, the strikes struck a home belonging to the

Summary

First published
November 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2–3 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
7–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2413

LOCATION

صغير شامية, Saghir Shamiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In this single-source incident, the Smart News Agency reported that “five civilians from one family were killed on Thursday night [Aug 31st] in an air strike likely to be a Russian attack on the village of Zaghir Shamiya”. There are no further details currently available.

Summary

First published
August 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident