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

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1075

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Five civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat al Numan, according to local sources. Syrian Press Center, Smart News Agency, Zakaria Nassani, Eldorar, Iraqsunahnews, RFS, EMC and LCCSY all blamed Russia. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
July 30, 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

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1754

LOCATION

حي مساكن الفردوس, Masaken al Ferdos, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians were killed and between 12-15 injured in an airstrike on Masaken al Ferdos, Aleppo according to local media – though it was unclear whether the Russia or Assad regime were responsible. A “massacre” took place in Al Ferdos as the neighbourhood was struck by rocket-propelled grenades, according to Enab Beladi News.

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
Civilians reported injured
12–15
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

April 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2155

LOCATION

عابدين, Abidien, Idlib, Syria

As many as five civilians were killed – including four doctors – and others were injured, following an airstrike on a makeshift hospital in Abidien, local media reported.  Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some blamed Russia, whilst others blamed the Syrian regime. Alarabiya news reported that it was either Syrian or a Russian warplane. A

Summary

First published
April 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2267

LOCATION

السخنة, Al-Shokhna, Homs, Syria

Warplanes, likely to be Russian, were reported by multiple sources to have struck the ‘Souq Al Khamis’ market of Al-Shukhna, according to local media. Al-Shukhna was under ISIS control at the time of the incident. Most sources reported the death of five civilians and the wounding of 17 others. There are no other details at

Summary

First published
June 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
Civilians reported injured
6–17
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 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2606

LOCATION

الطاحونة, al Tahouna neighbourhood, al Tayba, Al Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to five civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded following airstrikes on Al-Tahoona. Sources all attributed blame to Russian warplanes. Two out of three sources reported that three women were killed in the airstrikes, however the third reported that two children and a woman were killed. Airwars has therefore assessed that the death

Summary

First published
October 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(2 children1–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2633

LOCATION

الحجر الاسود, Al-Hajar Al-Aswad, Damascus, Syria

Up to five civilians were killed and as many as 12, including women and children, were wounded, following airstrikes in al-Hajr al-Aswad neighbourhood south of Damascus, local sources reported. While most sources blamed the Assad regime there were also allegations against Russia. Zaman al-Wasl’s correspondent said that the airstrikes killed a whole family, in addition

Summary

First published
October 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
Civilians reported injured
2–12
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 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS047

LOCATION

سابقية, Sabkiye, Aleppo, Syria

A husband, wife and their three children, all boys, were reported killed in a Russian airstrike at Sabkiye, in Aleppo governorate. This event is presently single-sourced, with few details known. More broadly, the Syrian Observatory reported a major ground battle taking place at Sabkiye on the same day.

Summary

First published
October 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
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

May 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS796

LOCATION

Ibn Khaldoun (Ar Raqqahh), Raqqa, Syria

Four or five civilians including three children and one women died in airstrikes on the Ibn Khaldoun neighborhood of Ar Raqqa, according to local sources which also said that a school was targeted – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network

Summary

First published
May 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(3 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1199

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between two and five civilians including between one and two children and a woman were killed and as many as dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Salheen, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russian warplanes or explosive barrels dropped from Assad regime helicopters caused the casualties. The lowest death

Summary

First published
August 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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

November 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1592

LOCATION

حي الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two to five civilians died in airstrikes on Al Fardous, Aleppo. The strikes on the neighbourhood took place among many more strikes across Aleppo on November 16th. The majority of sources reported that Russia responsible – however some sources pointed towards the Syrian regime. Sdusyria claimed two people died, as did Syria News Desk. However @mhmdfaisel

Summary

First published
November 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(2 children1 woman)
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 19, 2019

Incident Code

RS3589

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

In a renewed artillery bombardment of Khan Sheikhoun, between four and five civilians were killed, including three from one family, and others were injured, following a strike on a bakery. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame Russia, while others blamed the Syrian regime. Huge fires broke out, according to

Summary

First published
February 19, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2–4 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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2612

LOCATION

القورية, Al-Qourya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five civilians, including one child and one woman, were reportedly killed and several others wounded in alleged Russian strikes on city of Al-Qourya, Deir Ezzor, according to sources on the ground. The strikes reportedly killed two adult brothers and another male family member, as well as a mother and her child, while the father was

Summary

First published
October 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 woman3 men)
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
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS359

LOCATION

سفلانية, Suflaniyah, Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians including three women and two children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Saflaneh, according to the Violations Documentation Centre.  

Summary

First published
January 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 children3 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
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS840

LOCATION

حي ‫‏بعيدين‬, Bei'deen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and five civilians died in an air or artillery strike on Bei’deen, according to local sources – though reports are 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

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS3178

LOCATION

حزة, Hazza, Damascus, Syria

One to five civilians, including a girl, were killed, and several others were injured in air and artillery strikes on the residential neighbourhood of Hazza. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Qasioun News reported on “artillery shelling by the regime’s forces” in the residential area. There were as many as

Summary

First published
March 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS3954

LOCATION

الاتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that up to five civilians were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Al Atarib, Aleppo countryside, on July 25th, 2019. At least three others were injured. @SyriaCivilDefe tweeted: “A man and a woman were killed and three others were wounded, as a result of the warplanes

Summary

First published
July 25, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1–2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1577

LOCATION

عندان , Anadan, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that five civilians from the Hishoum family – a woman and her four children – died and as many as dozens more civilians were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Anadan. SMO-SY reported: “According to activists, the Russian aircraft committed a massacre in the city of Anadan in the northern countryside,

Summary

First published
November 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2064

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

As many as five civilians were killed – including a child and two women – and others were injured, following an alleged air and artillery strikes on the residential neighbourhood of Saqba. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some blamed Russia, while others blamed the Syrian regime for the raids. According to Abohanin617 and Shehab

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1 child2 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
View Incident

Incident date

April 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2122

LOCATION

السكرية و محميل , Sukariya and Muhmil, Idlib, Syria

Four or five civilians, reportedly from the same family, died in an airstrike on Sukariya and Muhmil in rural Idlib, according to local media. All but one source blamed Russia. Syria Mirror: reported: “Russian warplanes launched several air strikes with rocket-propelled grenades at communities in the village of Sukariya in the eastern countryside of the city

Summary

First published
April 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2 children2 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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2667

LOCATION

عشاير, Ashayer, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as five civilians were killed following an airstrike on Ashayer, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming Russia while others attributed blame to the Syrian regime. Two mothers and two daughters were killed, as well as another unidentified child. According to media, “House of

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2–3 children2 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
Named victims
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS005

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “Allegedly Russian warplanes shelled Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Jisr Al Shoughour city, killed one individual and destroyed the mosque completely.” Footage showed the mosque and surrounding houses to be severely damaged, with other reports placing the death toll higher. Two videos were posted. In one,

Summary

First published
September 30, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6–8
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS101

LOCATION

حي ‫‏صلاح الدين, Salahudin (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

As many as five civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian strike at Salaheddin. According to the White Helmets “The civil defence rushed to the scene and pulled out five bodies including children. Several wounded were rescued.“ Smart News later published footage showing significant damage to residential apartments. One eyewitness named as Amer told

Summary

First published
October 30, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(1–2 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS242

LOCATION

الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three or four civilians including a child and at least one women were reported killed – and dozens injured – in an alleged Russian airstrike in the neighbourhood of Salheen, according to Shaam News Network and the White Helmets. The White Helmets reported that the team managed to rescue three people and transferred them to

Summary

First published
December 7, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 15, 2019

Incident Code

RS3804

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

At least three civilians were reportedly killed in an airstrike with three rockets on civilian homes in the outskirts of Ma’arat al-Nu’man south of Idlib. Smart News blamed the Syrian regime and added that 13 others were wounded in addition to causing destruction to homes and property. Some sources said the airstrikes resulted in the

Summary

First published
June 15, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–13
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS3267

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Local media reported that four adult male civilians died in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Saqba. @ragga_shkeir tweeted that there were “Russian air strikes with guided missiles and missiles loaded with internationally prohibited cluster bombs”. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least 4 civilians were killed as Syrian/Russian warplanes fired missiles

Summary

First published
March 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS562

LOCATION

معارة الارتيق, Maarat al Arteek, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians including two women and two children died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Maarat al Arteek, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Additionally, Shaam News Network reported alleged Russian strikes on the town, but did not provide casualty numbers: “They [Russia] also targeted with cluster bombs anadan city and the towns of

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS594

LOCATION

حزوان, Hazwan, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians (possibly from the same family) including two children and one woman were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hazwan, according to the Violations Documentation Center. In a news roundup, Shaam news Network reported that “In the Eastern Aleppo countryside, Russian enemy planes carried out raids on the towns of al Bab, Tadef, Deir

Summary

First published
February 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS690

LOCATION

الليرامون, Liramon, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Centre, four civilians including three women died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Liramon. The four victims were named by the VDC. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
February 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 women1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS883

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians including one woman and one child died in an airstrike on Hraytan, according to local sources – though it’s unclear form reports whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. LCCSY, pointed towards Russia, saying that  one civilian died as a result of “shelling by vacuum missiles and cluster bombs“. A later

Summary

First published
June 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child1 woman2 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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident