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

November 13, 2015

Incident Code

RS145

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

The Violations Documentation Centre reported that one adult male was killed as a result of alleged shelling by Russian warplanes. Mr al Rajab’s status is contested, with some reports claiming he was an opposition fighter. The pro-regime site Hama News Network said he was a field commander with the FSA, for example.    

Summary

First published
November 13, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS178

LOCATION

مرعيان, Mareian, Idlib, Syria

Four children were among up to five civilians reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mareian, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The Network stated that two rockets fell on the town and that two houses were completely destroyed. Jisr TV placed the death toll at five,

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(4 children)
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

November 29, 2015

Incident Code

RS210

LOCATION

الدانا, Al Dana, Idlib, Syria

Shaam News Network and Aljazeera Mubashner reported that civilian relief trucks were allegedly struck by Russian warplanes in the town of Al Dana. No deaths or injuries were initially reported. Aljazeera Mubashner’s footage is entitled: ‘Aftermath of Russian bombing after they targeted relief trucks in Al Dana in Idlib.’ An interviewed man says the targeted

Summary

First published
November 29, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

December 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS243

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Eight to 13 civilians including three women and three children were reported killed – and dozens injured – in an airstrike on Kafr Hamra according to multiple sources. Reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network said Russian forces were responsible and had pounded

Summary

First published
December 8, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 13
(3 children3 women1–2 men)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 14, 2015

Incident Code

RS275

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Five civilians including one child were killed in airstrike on Maarat Al Numan, according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Both Shaam News Network and Almarra Today reported that the Russians were responsible for firing cluster bombs on the city, while

Summary

First published
December 14, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child4 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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 24, 2015

Incident Code

RS308

LOCATION

الديرونة, Daironeh, Hama, Syria

One adult male civilian, Staif al-Wahban, was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Daironeh, Hama, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Human Rights Campaign. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
December 24, 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

January 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS340

LOCATION

بيانون, Bayanoun, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed – one possibly a child – in an alleged Russian airstrike or artillery attack on the town of Bayanoun.  

Summary

First published
January 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 men)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS372

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Eight to nine civilians including two women and four children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Bab. SNN reported that alleged Russian warplanes shelled the residential houses northwest of Al Bab city in eastern Aleppo suburbs, under the control of ISIL. The IS agency Al A’maq also reported on the incident, stating that nine

Summary

First published
January 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(4 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS404

LOCATION

عين ترما, A'ayn Turma, Damascus, Syria

Three to four civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes and/or shelling by the Assad regime, according to local sources. However, reports need further verification as half of them speak of Russian followed by regime shelling while the other half only mention regime shelling. Orient News published a video showing the aftermath of a alleged Russian

Summary

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

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS436

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Saif al Dawla, Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria

Seventeen civilians including eight children and five women died in airstrikes on the Saif al Dawla area of Raqqa, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. RBSS initially referred to raids by “warplanes” and did not identify them, however, in a later

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17
(8 children5 women5 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
17 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS470

LOCATION

تراحيل, Tal Rahil (Taraheil), Aleppo, Syria

Between three and six civilians including two women were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Taraheil, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Shaam News Network. SN4HR reported that three non-combatants, including two women, died when “suspected Russian warplanes” shelled Taraheil. The Shaam News Network – also blaming Russia – put the death toll

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(2 women)
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 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS502

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Shaam News Network, Russian forces targeted the town of Azaz with two ballistic missiles, causing the death of one civilian and injury of several others. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently published an image of a young man, who came from Raqqa and was said to have died in bombing. The source does not say which day the incident

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
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

February 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS538

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian Network for Human Rights, reported that three civilians including one woman died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on Hraytan. Shahed A’ayan Halab reported the deaths of 5 people and the wounding of 3 others as a result of Russian bombing in Hraytan.  

Summary

First published
February 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1 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 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS571

LOCATION

الدار الكبيره, Dayr al Kabira, Homs, Syria

Two non-combatants including a woman were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Dayr al Kabira, according to local media. In a news roundup, Shaam News Network reported two deaths in Dayr al Kabira as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes. Two victims were named by the Violations Documentation Center. The victims were also named

Summary

First published
February 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS604

LOCATION

ضاحية الكهرباء, Dahiat al Kharaba, Aleppo, Syria

Shaam News Network reported two children killed in alleged Russian airstrikes: “Russian planes continued their raids on the town of Khan Al A’ssal and Dahiat al Kahraba neighbourhood which led to the dead of two children [girls] in the latter.” Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies also said that two unidentified civilians died in a

Summary

First published
February 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS636

LOCATION

تل الضمان‬, Tal al Daman, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including two children died in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Tal al Dhaman, according to local sources. However Mr Ramadan’s death was also reported for Fbruary 16th, likely making this a double reporting. DCHRS reported the death of Hameed Radaman from a Russian strike. It also said that his son was killed, but

Summary

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

Incident date

February 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS668

LOCATION

درعا البلد, Dara al Balad, Daraa, Syria

Up to five civilians including one or two children died in an airstrike or artillery bombardment on Dara al Balad, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was a Russian strike or action by the Syrian regime. Among the sources blaming Russia were Khaled Abu Slem, Abn_Horan and Syria

Summary

First published
February 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS700

LOCATION

الزعينية, Al Zou’ainiyah, Idlib, Syria

Up to four people died and at least 10 were injured when a ballistic missile hit Al Zou’ainiyah – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russian warships or the Assad regime. Alaraby reported that Russian warships stationed in the Mediterranean launched ballistic missiles on Al Zou’ainiyah, resulting in three

Summary

First published
March 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(0–2 women2–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–13
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS732

LOCATION

كفرنبل‎, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

One adult male civilian may have died in an airstrike on Kafr Nabil, according to two local sources. The VDC listed Jameel al Ekel as a victim of a Russian strike but says the victim is from Kafr Nabil, and doesn’t state where he was killed. Fresh News reports the same victim killed  “in warplane

Summary

First published
March 13, 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 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS743

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One unidentified civilian male was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra, according to the Violations Documentation Center. Activists told Shaam News Network that Russian warplanes targeted a bus carrying passengers from Damascus to Deir ez-Zor “near the third stop near Palmyra, which led to the death of one civilian and several wounded.” Syriapost1

Summary

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

April 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS775

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

In a summary of Russian raids carried out on April 28th, LCCSY  said six civilians had died in two strikes on Sukkari. But the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime, putting the death toll at three. Al-Buraq Media institution also blamed the regime, and said 6 had died in Al-Sukkari. Shaam News Network referred to

Summary

First published
April 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
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 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS808

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians including three children died in airstrikes on Kafr Hamra according to local sources –  though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. According to Syrian Newsdesk more than fifteen Russian and regime warplane raids in the Kafr Hamra area resulted in the death of a family

Summary

First published
May 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(3 children1 woman)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS841

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Four or five civilians died in an air or artillery on Marja, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia was responsible or the Syrian regime. The Shaam News Network, reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. It said that this coincided

Summary

First published
June 3, 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

June 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS873

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center, reported one girl killed in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Darat Izza. All4Syria and A_siba also blamed Russia, though the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights did not identify the culprit.

Summary

First published
June 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS905 CS230

LOCATION

‏السموقة‬, Jisr Samouqa, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians died in an airstrike on the village of Samouqa, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the US-led Coalition. Aleppo24, @ALAMAWI, Al Mukhtassar and Nabd Syria blamed Russia. Aleppo 24 reported: “A family made up of 7 people killed and 3 other civilians killed

Summary

First published
June 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS939

LOCATION

الخربة‬, Al Khirba (al A'mika), Hama, Syria

Local sources reported the deaths of up to 11 civilians, including five children, in airstrikes on the two villages of Al Khirba and Al A’lkamiya. It is contested with the Syrian Regime by one source, Arabi21, however most sources, attributed the strike to Russia. LCCSY named five of the killed civilians, including four children.

Summary

First published
June 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(4–5 children)
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS971

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

On July 5th 2016, alleged shelling by either Russian and/or Syrian regime warplanes, killed up to four civilians. According to Step News and Al Jazeera there were no reported casualties, however Janoubia News reported one female casualty, and Halab Today named one male civilian casualty – yet the age is not specified. Further to this,

Summary

First published
July 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1003

LOCATION

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

Shuhada’a Al-Aqsa Mosque was struck in east Aleppo and destroyed following an airstrike carried about by both Russian and Syrian regime warplanes, local media reported. The raid occurred in the morning of July 14th, according to the White Helmets. Between seven and ten civilians including an entire family were reportedly killed. Smart News and Shahba News

Summary

First published
July 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
(3–5 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
11–24
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
9 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1035

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Eleven or twelve civilians died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Fardous neighbourhood, according to local media. Smart News reported that Russian warplanes carried out two raids on the town. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, however, blamed “the regime and its allies for the warplane shelling”. The shelling reportedly

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 12
(2 children1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–35
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1067

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

A 16-year-old boy reportedly died in an airstrike on his home in Khan al Shiekh, according to local media – though sources were unclear whether the strike was carried out by Russia or the Syrian regime. Syrian News Desk reported that the victim was “a boy aged 16, who was a soccer player in the

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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