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

March 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3134

LOCATION

كفربطنا, Kafr Batna, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians, including a young girl, were killed and dozens were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on the town of Kafr Batna, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. @saqbani1972adam, who reported that the strikes hit residential areas, said that three were killed and “dozens” were left wounded. The three victims were identified by

Summary

First published
March 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child2–3 men)
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS398

LOCATION

معرسة الخان, Ma’arasta al Khan, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Ma’arasta al Khan, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN said that 10 civilians were killed in airstrikes on the cities and towns of the northern countryside of Aleppo since Saturday morning: four in Ma’arsta al-Khan, two in Hayyan, two in Tal Rifaat and two in Tamoura, in addition to dozens wounded. The Syrian Observatory for

Summary

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

Incident date

February 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS3023

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’arat Harma, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians, including as many as three children, were killed and as many as ten more people were wounded as alleged Russian warplanes struck the town of Ma’arat Harma, Idlib, local media reported. In this event, described by many as a “massacre”, residential buildings were struck and left in complete rubble with numerous

Summary

First published
February 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2–3 children)
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS697

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three or four civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hamidiya, according to local sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently said two homes were destroyed killing 2 adult males.The victims were also named by the Violations Documentation Centre. According to Alarabay, tens of other civilians were also injured. All4Syria reported that Russia had

Summary

First published
February 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
Civilians reported injured
10
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

June 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS955

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians including a child died and as many as five more were wounded in airstrikes on the outskirts of Saqabib, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. LCCSY, Syria News Desk, Qasioun and al-AMAWI blamed Russia.   Regarding the

Summary

First published
June 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1099

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians died and dozens more were wounded in an aerial bombardment of a school and neighbourhood in Al Atareb, according to sources on the ground – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. Sources reported that Russian warplanes and government helicopters were sighted in the vicinity – and that

Summary

First published
August 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 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
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1423

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

One woman died and up to 20 more civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Idlib, according to sources on the ground. The Twitter account Maaramc12 reported that “there was an unidentified female martyr and 20 wounded in Idlib as a result of three Russian raids in Idlib”. Other sources,

Summary

First published
October 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS1939

LOCATION

خفسة, Khafsa, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians were killed and up to three wounded when airstrikes, believed to be Russian, struck Khafsa, Aleppo, multiple sources reported. All the sources, who reported about the number of victims, agreed that four civilians were killed. The Syrian Network for added that all four victims were from the same family. Some sources merely referred

Summary

First published
March 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2399

LOCATION

حواجي دياب, Hawaji Diab, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four civilians were killed, including two women, and others were wounded, following airstrikes – with the use of cluster bombs – on Hawaji Diab. Sources all blamed Russia for the raids on the neighbourhood, except Alghad who blamed the Syrian regime. Smart News reported that “Militants said Russian warplanes targeted civilian houses on Tuesday night

Summary

First published
August 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 6, 2019

Incident Code

RS3671

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes struck northern Kafar Zeita in the night of May 6th to May 7th, 2019. Four civilians were reported killed, including two women and two children of the same family. A man and three children were reported wounded. SyriaTV wrote that “the city of Kafar Zeita

Summary

First published
May 6, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
4
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS281

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians including two children were killed in airstrikes on the Fardous neighbourhood, Aleppo, according to multiple sources – though it is unclear whether regime or Russian warplanes were responsible for the attacks. The Shaam News Network reported that three non-combatants were killed in Russian airstrikes. But the White Helmets suggested that the Assad regime may have

Summary

First published
December 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 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

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS505

LOCATION

الموظفين, Al Mouwathafeen (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three or four non-combatants died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Mouwathafeen village, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and others. However Al Khabar TV reported that “three children from the Maslawi family, including two brothers, were killed by a mortar targeted the Al Mouwathafeen neighborhood.” Deir News Network also said the deaths

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(3 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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS901

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and four civilians including one woman died and several others were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Urma al Kubra, according to local sources. Most sources blamed Russia for the strike, putting the death toll at four. According to @ShahbaPress, “two Palestinians were killed and wounded, including a woman in a Russian bombardment

Summary

First published
June 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 woman)
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

August 5, 2019

Incident Code

RS3991

LOCATION

مورك, Morek, Hama, Syria

Up to five civilians, most of them from the same family, were reported killed and several others injured in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes or artillery shelling  on Morek in Idlib, Syria during the night of August 5/6th, 2019. Syrian Network for Human Rights also reported “at least 4 civilians, most of them

Summary

First published
August 6, 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
(3–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
1–30
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS1921

LOCATION

الناجية, Al-Najia, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians were killed – and as many as five were injured – in alleged airstrikes which struck residential homes in Al-Najia. All sources blamed Russia, apart from one source which blamed the Syrian regime. One source reported that there were three Russian raids which caused huge material damage to residential homes and roads.

Summary

First published
February 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2497

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan al Subul, Idlib, Syria

At least four civilians and five alleged members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham – a militant Islamist group – were killed and seven other civilians and four members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Khan al Subul in southeast Idlib. All sources attributed the blame to Russian missiles.

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2275

LOCATION

جب الجراح غنيمان, Ghneiman village, Jeb al Jrah district, 55 km east of Homs, Homs, Syria

Four civilians died, including a woman and a child, and six other non-combatants were wounded in an airstrike on Ghneiman in Homs, according to local media. Only one source, the Smart News Agency, pointed to Russia as the “likely” culprit; the other reports didn’t apportion blame of this event. According to the Smart News Agency,

Summary

First published
June 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

May 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS3429

LOCATION

Jisr al-Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Three or four civilians were killed and several others were wounded by airstrikes on the town of Jisr al Shoughour in Idlib Governorate on May 6th 2018. Women and children were reportedly among the casualties. A Baladi News correspondent added that civil defence teams rushed to the site after the strikes to rescue the injured

Summary

First published
May 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
6–24
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS388

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

An early morning airstrike killed four civilians including two women, with most sources blaming Russia. However the Damascus Centre said the regime was responsible.  

Summary

First published
January 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(0–2 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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 24, 2019

Incident Code

RS4069

LOCATION

بلدات متعددة في ادلب, Several towns in Idlib, Idlib, Syria

Baladi reported: “Four civilians were killed and others were injured on Monday in shelling of warplanes in different areas of the towns and villages of Jabal Al-Zawiya in the southern countryside of Idlib.” According to Shaam, “Russian and Assad warplanes launched fierce air raids targeting the cities and towns of Ma`arat al-Nu’man, Kafar Nabil, Al

Summary

First published
August 24, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1509

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

A woman and her unborn child died in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strike on Douma, according to sources on the ground.  According to the Step News Agency, “a woman and her foetus were killed and a number of more people wounded when Russian planes targeted residential areas in Douma Eastern

Summary

First published
October 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2088

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Lataminah, Hama, Syria

Four civilians were named as being killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in al Latamna, Hama.  The Violations Documentation Centre in Syria listed their deaths as a result of “warplane shelling” from “Russian troops”. The death toll included one child and one woman. The only other known source that reported on this event was the Syrian

Summary

First published
April 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child1 woman2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2154

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A family including three girls and a woman were killed, and 25 or more civilians were reportedly wounded, in an airstrike on Darat Izza, Aleppo. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some blaming the Syrian regime, while others blamed Russian warplanes. AMC did not attribute blame, but tweeted that a “military aircraft” struck the

Summary

First published
April 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2–3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–25
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2229

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Three or four civilians were killed – three from one family – and others were wounded, when an airstrike hit a residential neighbourhood, farm and water-tank in Akeirbat, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some sources such as Baladi news, blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes, while the Syrian Network for

Summary

First published
May 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child1 woman1 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
View Incident

Incident date

October 25, 2015

Incident Code

RS077

LOCATION

الشيخ بركة, Sheikh Barakeh, Idlib, Syria

According to the Syrian Observatory, “suspected Russian warplanes attacked the village of al-Sheikh Barakah in the township of Sinjar in the eastern countryside of Idlib, killing a woman and [her] two children while other civilians were seriously wounded.” A third child died a fews days later of her injuries. The centre of the village was

Summary

First published
October 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS239

LOCATION

المغيرية, Mughayriyah, Latakia, Syria

Four civilians were reported killed and several others injured, including women and children, when Russian warplanes allegedly “launched scores of strikes on residential areas”, according to the Shaam News Network. No further details are available at the present time.  

Summary

First published
December 7, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS367

LOCATION

حوش الصالحية, Al Hoash, Damascus, Syria

Four to five civilians were killed – and many wounded – in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Al Hoash Al Salhiya, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN referred to the incident as “a new massacre to be added to the series of daily massacres committed by the Russian aggression in the cities and towns of

Summary

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

Incident date

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS666 CS183

LOCATION

البوكمال, Al Bukamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between one and four civilians died in an airstrike on al Bukamal according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the US-led Coalition were to blame. SyrianPC said four non-combatants died in a Russian shelling of “oil separators in the Al-Hajjana area”. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently also

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1–4 men)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS3141

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

As many as four civilians were reported as killed, and others injured, due to air and artillery strikes in Beit Sawa, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. The raids struck a residential area, and killed as many as three children. The Syrian Civil Defence reported “three

Summary

First published
March 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2–3 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

June 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS956

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
June 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident