Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS498

LOCATION

حردتين, Hardatin, Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported on the alleged Russian airstrike in Mare’, and added that there had been “several similar raids on towns and Hardatin Bayanoun and Hayan and Tal Rifa’at leaving several killed and wounded, including children.” No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS534

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Five adult male civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Anadan, according to the Violations Documentation Center. But the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported missiles belonging to the Assad regime killed at least three people including two children. This could, however, be a separate incident, as no children are listed as killed in the

Summary

First published
February 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(0–3 children5 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
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS567

LOCATION

الهلك, Huluk (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Shaam News Network reported “Russian enemy planes carried out raids on the neighbourhoods of Al Halak, Al Salheen and al Kalassa and Ain Al Tall which led to the fall of martyrs – 16 in Salheen, 2 in Halak and wounded in Al Kalassa and many other wounded.” According to LCCSY a woman and a

Summary

First published
February 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS600

LOCATION

مارع, Mare', Shaikh Isa, Aleppo, Syria

Three to four civilians including one woman and one to three children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Sheikh Eisa village in Mare’, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that two civilians – a woman and a child – died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on

Summary

First published
February 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–3 children1 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS632

LOCATION

تل نصري, Nasri, Al Hassakah, Syria

Up to five civilians including two children and possibly a woman were killed in an airstrike on Nasri, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Hassaka’s Youth Union reported that “two orphaned children, the grandchildren of the citizen Mohammad Al

Summary

First published
February 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(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

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS664

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One child was killed and up to 15 other civilians injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on a school in Talbiseh according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were to blame. Activists told Shaam News Network that “Russian warplanes targeted the morning the city of Talbissa

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS696

LOCATION

رسم عبود, Rasm Aabed, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Rasm Aabed, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
February 29, 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 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS728

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

Between 15 and 19 civilians died in an alleged airstrikes on a public bus in Palmyra,  according to local sources. According to Alarby, Homs Media Center and Shaam News, 15 died and 20 more were injured when Russian warplanes targeted a bus on the road from Palmyra to Raqqa. Eldorar reported that Russia continued to

Summary

First published
March 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 19
(1 woman8 men)
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
Russian Military
Named victims
9 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS760

LOCATION

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

Airstrikes on the Tareeq al-Bab neighborhood of Aleppo killed between 10 and 17 civilians and injured at least 20 more, according to local sources. Reports did not definitively identify the warplanes responsible, with some referring to Russia and the regime, while others attributed the incident solely to the regime. The White Helmets said two raids

Summary

First published
April 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(2 children6 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–24
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS793

LOCATION

تقاد, Taqad, Aleppo, Syria

According to multiple local sources, three children died when the remains of a cluster bomb – allegedly earlier dropped by Russia – exploded in the town of Taqad. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which also said three children died, blamed the regime for originally dropping the cluster bomb. Alarab News reported that “a

Summary

First published
May 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS826

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

A single source, LCCSY, reported that nine civilians were killed in Homs – “most of them in Russian airstrikes on Sukhnah city”. No further details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
May 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS858

LOCATION

الموحسن, Muhassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported that several civilians had been killed and wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mohassan in Deir ez-Zor. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that “warplanes” had carried out raids in the area, but neither identified them nor provided casualty figures.

Summary

First published
June 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS890

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one child were killed and other civilians were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Kalassa, according to local sources. LCCSY and Qasioun were among sources blaming Russia for the death of a child. According to Baladi, two civilians died and four were wounded – it also attributed the incident to Moscow. Other

Summary

First published
June 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
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
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS922

LOCATION

Castello Road, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on the Al Castello Road north of Aleppo city, according to local media – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that a media activist and IT Engineering student at the Free Aleppo University died

Summary

First published
June 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 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
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

Incident date

July 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS967

LOCATION

حي المشهد, Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

An entire residential building in the neighbourhood of Al-Mashhad was reportedly destroyed killing four or five civilians. Both LCCSY and locals have confirmed the shelling took place on Al-Albisah Street. Multiple sources claim there was heavy shelling and the use of missiles by Russian warplanes. All sources, including Syrian News Desk, reported the warplanes to be Russian.

Summary

First published
July 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1–2 children)
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

July 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS999

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

A Russian “vacuum missile attack” allegedly caused huge destruction in the local market of Ariha. Residential housing was reportedly also been damaged as a result of the airstrike. Many of the reports differed in the numbers given, however, it is most likely that up to 22 civilians were killed. There was only one mention of

Summary

First published
July 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 22
(3 children4 men)
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
35 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1031

LOCATION

بني زيد, Bani Zeid, Aleppo, Syria

A woman named Hasna’a Ali Danon, aged 55, was killed on July 22nd by alleged Russian and Assad regime warplanes in Bani Zeid, sources on the ground reported. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights blamed the Assad regime for “artillery shelling” and “warplane shelling” on the neighbourhood. The reports claimed it caused destruction to buildings with no civilian

Summary

First published
July 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1063

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Maraat Harma, Idlib, Syria

One civilian – either a doctor or a nurse – died and other medical staff were reportedly wounded in an airstrike on a hospital/medical facility in Maarat Harma, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to Zamanalwasl, “Assad warplanes shelled Ma’arat Harmaa,

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS615 RS2025a

LOCATION

منطقة الادخار, Al-ldikhar, Raqqa, Syria

Up to five civilians died including a child and two women in a reported airstrike on Al-ldikhar, according to local media. Reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the Coalition or Russia. Smart news agency said that three civilians died in a strike “likely” carried out by the Coalition However RFS

Summary

First published
March 25, 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS1297

LOCATION

الميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On July 29, 2017, several civilians were reportedly wounded in an airstrike on the main road to Al-Mayadin garage, local media reported, though it was unclear whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were responsible for the incident. Radio AlKul reported that “several civilians were injured by flying cluster bombs near the garage in Al Mayadin”.

Summary

First published
July 29, 2017
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1533 RS2543

LOCATION

البلعوم, Al Mayadin, Al Baloum neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to five civilians, including one woman and one child, were reported killed following airstrikes on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor governorate. The Coalition and Russian warplanes were blamed by local media. According to Al Natek, Russian raids targeted the city resulting in four civilians deaths. Smart also believed the attack was carried out by Russian

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1 child1 woman2 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1080

LOCATION

أبو الظهور, Abu al Duhur, Idlib, Syria

More than 10 civilians were killed in alleged airstrikes in Abu al Duhur, close to the location of a downed Russian warplane, according to multiple sources. Reports are conflicted as to whether Russian or Assad regime forces were responsible for the deaths. Syria Newsdesk reported that “Russian warplanes targeted with more than 30 raids the

Summary

First published
August 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 16
(4 children2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–30
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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1112

LOCATION

تقاد, Taqad, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed by warplane rockets, according to Halab Today and VDS-SY. A further two civilians were also injured in the attack, according to the Smart News Agency. Sources attributed the attack to Russian warplanes, and reported that fires broke out in civilian homes. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1144

LOCATION

الصناعة, Hai al Sinaa, Idlib, Syria

Between six and nine civilians died and up to 20 more were injured in an airstrike on Hai al-Sinaa, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Radio Al Kul was one of several sources attributing the event to Russia. It put the death toll at

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
November 3, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
Civilians reported injured
2–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1176

LOCATION

الغنطو, Al Ghantu, Homs, Syria

One named civilian died and several more were wounded in shelling of Ghantou, according to local media. Most sources blamed the regime, specifying a mortar or rocket attack. @MasarPressNet blamed the regime for firing mortars on the town, while @RadioAlKul said that regime artillery strikes were conducted. Other sources blaming the regime included LCCSY and

Summary

First published
August 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1209

LOCATION

Hussaynah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and ten civilians including a woman and her child died in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Hussaynah, according to local media. Alamawi, Euphrates Post, Mkmoam123, Alnaba and Alsharqia24 all blamed Russia. Euphrates Post put the death toll as high as 10.

Summary

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

Incident date

September 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1241

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Up to five civilians including as many as four children died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Qasioun reported the death of a female child, blaming the regime. Other sources also

Summary

First published
September 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1–4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
20–24
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1274

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Al Rastan, Homs, Syria

Four civilians died and several more were injured in alleged Russian or regime air or artillery strikes on Al Rastan, Homs, according to local media. Among sources attributing the event to Russia were Al Jazeera and Smart. However, many other reports, including those by @so_ria98, @ShahbaPress and LCCSY, pointed to the regime. Several sources, such

Summary

First published
September 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1306

LOCATION

المشهد, Al Mashad neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Al Jazeera reported that seven civilians died in alleged Assad regime airstrikes on the Aleppo neighbourhoods of “Sukkari, ِMashhad, Marjeh, and Salhin”. @alhammamnetwork made no mention of civilian harm but said that “Omar Orabi, from the Istaqim Kma Umirt terrorist organisation, died when Syrian helicopters targeted a gathering in the Al Mashad neighbourhood”. No further details

Summary

First published
September 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Regime
View Incident