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

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1386

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes hit and destroyed a major hospital in al-Sakhour in Aleppo, killing up to four civilians and wounding 15 more. Al Jazeera reported: “Russian and Syrian warplanes shelled  the biggest hospital still working in Eastern Aleppo, destroying it and forcing it out of service, as well

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

April 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2138

LOCATION

اللطامنة , Lataminah, Hama, Syria

Between one and four civilians died and four more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Lataminah, local media reported. According to Syria Mirror, “The Russian warplanes carried out several air strikes with cluster bombs on residential buildings in the city of Latamna, killing four civilians and causing considerable damage.” RFS said

Summary

First published
April 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS083

LOCATION

البوابية, Buwaybiyah, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians including a young girl were reported killed following heavy airstrikes at Al Bawabye which were widely attributed to Russia. The White Helmets reported that “Civil defence teams pulled out 4 martyrs in Al Bawabiya.” The Violations Documentation Center later named three fatalities.    

Summary

First published
October 27, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child2 men)
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 2, 2019

Incident Code

RS3644

LOCATION

كنصفرة, Kansafra, Idlib, Syria

According to local sources, Russian “fixed-wing warplanes” struck what was described as a “bird shack” on the eastern outskirts of the town of Kansafra in Jabal al-Zawiya, south of Idlib, killing up to four members of the same family. The Syrian Network for Human Rights described the location as a poultry farm that displaced persons

Summary

First published
May 2, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
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

April 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3398

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

At least four civilians, including a woman and child, died during “intensive shelling” of the city of Douma, allegedly carried out by Syrian and Russian forces, local sources reported. More than 30 air strikes fell throughout the morning, according to the Euphrates Post, leaving dozens more injured. Gheith Bashar al Kelles, aged 13, was among

Summary

First published
April 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS480

LOCATION

أبو حمام, Abu Hamam, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four civilians including one women and two children were killed and several others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on the al Shaitat area of Abu Hamam, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. The Syrian Observatory reported the deaths of two children, one woman and one man in a Russian

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS640

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Three to four civilians including two children were killed in airstrikes on Talbiseh, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Shaam News Network said that three civilians died and several were injured – “most of them  children” – in Russian raids, while a

Summary

First published
February 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2 children0–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–20
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS3899

LOCATION

كفريا, Kafriya, Idlib, Syria

An alleged Syrian or Russian airstrike struck the village of Kafriya in the morning of July 13th, according to local sources. The strike led to the death of three civilians (and a fetus) who seem to be from the same family. A man, his child and a pregnant woman who were displaced were reported killed

Summary

First published
July 13, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–11
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

June 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS962

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that up to four civilians died and several more were injured in an airstrike on Deir Ezzor – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to one source, Al Jisrtv, ISIS mortars also hit the governorate on this day. The Syrian News Network reported  that

Summary

First published
June 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(0–1 children)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1656

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and four civilians were killed and at least 10 others were wounded in air or artillery strikes on Aleppo’s Al Fardous neighbourhood, although local sources were conflicted as to whether Russian or regime planes were responsible. According to sources such as @ShahbaPress and @AleppoAMC, explosive barrel bombs were dropped in the attack. The

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS1925

LOCATION

حي الوعر, Al Waer, Homs, Syria

Four civilians were killed, including a child, and as many as 24 others were wounded in an alleged parachute missile attack on the residential neighbourhood of Al Waer, local media reported. All sources but one blamed the Syrian regime for the raid. The Shaam News Network was alone in reporting “violent raids by Assad and

Summary

First published
February 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
6–24
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

April 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2146

LOCATION

رسم العبد, Rasim Al-A'bid, Hama, Syria

Four civilians were killed – including a child – and as many as three more were wounded – some seriously – following an airstrike on Rasim Al-A’bid. Sources  blamed Russian warplanes for the incident. Both sources reported that the area was held by ISIS. Additionally many of the civilians residing there were displaced from Raqqa. Civilian

Summary

First published
April 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
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

September 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2465

LOCATION

ﺣﻄﻠﺔ , Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four members of one family were killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian air/ artillery or rocket strike on the village of Hatla in the eastern countryside, according to local sources. Hajj Attallah al-Assaf was the only individual named. Syrian East Agency attributed the “heavy artillery and rocket launchers” to Syrian forces, however most sources

Summary

First published
September 18, 2017
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2659

LOCATION

الصبحة, Sabha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A brother and sister were killed, alongside two others, in an airstrike on Sabha, according to sources on the ground. Only one source placed the blame on Russia (Syrian Network for Human Rights), while the other sources blamed “shelling”, without attributing blame. DeirEzzor24 reported that the victims were struck and killed “during their displacement to

Summary

First published
October 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 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, Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2552

LOCATION

جديد بكارة , Jadid Bkara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A total of four civilians including a child and two women were killed in raids by warplanes as well as artillery bombardments on the town of Jadid Bkara on September 28th, according to local sources. The reporting mentioned both the regime forces and the Russian forces as responsible for the bombardments. According to the Syrian

Summary

First published
September 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3388

LOCATION

كورين, Koreen, Idlib, Syria

At least three civilians, including a child, died in the town of Koreen as a result of reported airstrikes by Russian and Syrian forces on April 3rd, 2018 according to local sources. Smart News said four members of the same family were killed while two others were injured. “Four civilians from one family were killed

Summary

First published
April 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS384

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians were reported killed in an alleged airstrike by Russian warplanes on Maskanah, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights.  

Summary

First published
January 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS491

LOCATION

الجنينة, Al Jneina, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four civilians including one woman were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Jneina, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported a death toll of four, including one woman, in an attack by “suspected Russian warplanes“. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently said that there had been two Russian strikes and named some

Summary

First published
January 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 woman2 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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2759

LOCATION

العباس, al Abbas river crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source reported that Russian warplanes struck “Hajeen village and the crossing of the village of Abbas al-Nahari east of Deir al-Zour, [with] several raids, killing 4 civilians.” There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3157

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Three to four civilians were killed due to injuries sustained in an earlier shelling on Douma, according to local media. Sources attributed this strike to both Russia and the Syrian regime. According to SHRC.arabic, “three people affected by the impact of a previous air strike that targeted the city of Douma in the province of

Summary

First published
March 4, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(4 men)
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1149

LOCATION

الرحيبة, Al Rahiba, Damascus, Syria

Four named civilians died and up to 20 more were wounded in strikes on the northern neighbourhood of Al Rahiba town, Damascus, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the regime were to blame for the casualties. According to Syria News Desk, “Russian warplanes launched five raids on al Rahiba town

Summary

First published
August 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1775

LOCATION

الانصاري, al-Ansari, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that air or artillery strikes killed up four civilians as they struck the neighbourhood of al-Ansari, Aleppo. The responsible belligerent was, however, unclear with one source pointing to the Syrian regime and another two attributing the incident to Russia. The incident was reportedly part of a larger aerial shelling of Aleppo, that in

Summary

First published
December 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS1874

LOCATION

قصر البريج , Qasr al Bureij village, south east al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians from one family died and three more were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qasr al Bureij village, south east al Bab, according to multiple local sources. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “four civilians, including two children and a woman, died in suspected Russian warplanes”.

Summary

First published
January 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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

March 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1985

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskana, Aleppo, Syria

Russian warplanes killed between four and seven civilians, including two children and two women, in an alleged attack on the Hittin compound in the the city of Maskanah, local media reported. According to the Step News Agency, “seven civilians, including two children and a woman, were killed and dozens more wounded when Russian warplanes targeted

Summary

First published
March 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2684 CS1666a

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abo Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as four civilians were killed in Russian airstrikes according to local media, as well as a report by the Russian Ministry of Defence. However, one source reported “We do not know whether the bombing is Russian or Coalition”. Many other sources blamed the International Coalition for the strikes. Some sources blamed Iraqi airstrikes,

Summary

First published
November 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 man)
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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS202

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Two sisters and their mother were among four civilians killed in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, according to reports. Local journalist Bassel al Darwish said “Assad’s criminal planes and Russia” were responsible for the deaths. The FSA and the Damascus Centre blamed the regime. And Syria 2011 and the local

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2932

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Between two and four civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in airstrikes which hit a residential neighbourhood in Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources all either lamed Russian warplanes for the strikes, or did not attribute blame. Two raids which struck the vicinity, caused much material damage, reported local sources. The Civil Defence

Summary

First published
January 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child3 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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3402

LOCATION

الحميدية, al Hamidiya, Hama, Syria

Both Assad and Russian forces allegedly struck the village of al Hamidiya in the Hama countryside, according to local sources.. The attack reportedly included artillery shells as well as airstrikes. Local Coordination Committees of Syria reported: “The martyrdom of 4 civilians and wounding of others as a result of the Russian raids on the villages

Summary

First published
April 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS662

LOCATION

حرنبوش, Haranbush, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians including a mother and her one or two children died in airstrikes on Haranbush, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Among the sources alleging that this was a Russian strike were Chamtime, Syrian Revolution and

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1–2 children1–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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

July 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1048

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

A family reportedly died in As Sukhnah, local media reported – though it was unclear whether they were killed in a Russian airstrike or an action by the Syrian regime. Syriamubashar was among a number of sources which blamed Russia, reporting that “one person was killed and others wounded due to Russian warplanes shelling in

Summary

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