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

April 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS3412

LOCATION

مخيم اليرموك, Al Yarmouk refugee camp, Damascus, Syria

Four civilians were reported killed and others injured in alleged Syrian regime and Russian forces airstrikes on Yarmouk camp in Damascus, Syria on April 21st, 2018 according to local sources. Step News Agency said that a Palestinian family of three was among four killed as Syrian forces attacked Al Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus. “Mahmud

Summary

First published
April 21, 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
(1 child1 woman1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS867

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians died in an airstrike on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. The Shaam News Network, reported that 21 civilians died in Aleppo “in the first day of Ramadan in regime and Russian bombing“. It put the death

Summary

First published
June 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
8–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1060

LOCATION

حي بستان القصر, Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and four civilians died and up to six others were wounded in Bustan al Qasr, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible for the deaths. Abdulkarimlaila blamed Russia, but most sources did not identify the culprit. Orient News and Rojava, however, referred to

Summary

First published
July 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 6, 2019

Incident Code

RS3992

LOCATION

مزرعة كفرطاب خان شيخون, Kafar Tab farm, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Up to eight civilians most if them from the same family were reported killed and further three to four others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian airstrikes or artillery shelling on their farm in Khan Sheikoun, Idlib, in the afternoon of August 6th 2019. The victims were pistachio workers as local sources said. The

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
4 – 8
(3–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–4
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
7 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1205

LOCATION

الزعفرانة, Zafarana, Homs, Syria

Up to four civilians including a child and one woman died in airstrikes on Zafarana, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible for the attacks. The majority of sources, including Yaarabaladeli9, Step News Agency, Alghad Alsoury, and NabdSyria, blamed Russia. Baladi, also blaming

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–6
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1270

LOCATION

دير حافر‎, Dayr Hafir, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians of whom between two or four were children died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Dayr Hafer, Aleppo, local media reported. Halab News said that the four victims were from the family of Hussein al Allawi al Kiyari. According to LCCSY, “warplanes, believed to be Russian, launched several airstrikes on Abu Souseh village, which

Summary

First published
September 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2–4 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
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1399

LOCATION

الهلّك, Hallak, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and four civilians died in an incident in Hallak, Aleppo, according to local media – though it was unclear whether they were killed by Russian or regime strikes or by a sniper.  According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least 4 civilians including a woman were killed by suspected Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
October 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime, Kurdish Forces
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2060

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Between two and four civilians were killed and up to 15 more were injured following an alleged Russia or Assad regime missile strike on Khan Sheikhoun. Syria News Desk said that up to 20 people were killed and wounded, specifying that three civilians were killed, meaning as many as 17 were likely injured in the raid.

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2–17
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 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2414

LOCATION

الجابرية , Al-Jabriya, Homs, Syria

Three to four civilians were reportedly killed and others injured in an airstrike in Al-Jabriya in the eastern Homs countryside. Several sources, including the head of the local district, Ahmed Hamwi, accused Russian warplanes of carrying out the attack. Zaman Masdar reported that the shelling took place between the villages of Al-Abd, Hamdi Omar, Suha,

Summary

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

October 18, 2016

Incident Code

R1347

LOCATION

قرية بريهة , Bariha village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that between two and four civilians died and up to another five were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bariha village. Sound and Picture put the death toll at two, though Euphrates Post said as many as four died. Radio AlKul added that five more civilians were wounded in the attack.

Summary

First published
October 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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

October 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS064

LOCATION

الرهجان, Al Rahjan, Hama, Syria

The VDC lists four unidentified civilian males as having been killed by “Russian air force shelling” at Al Rahjan in Hama. Other sourcing is weak, with the Syrian state news agency Sana attributing the attack to Assad regime aircraft, while Al Watan mentions only ‘aircraft.’  

Summary

First published
October 20, 2015
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3785

LOCATION

معرشورين, Ma'ar Shureen, Idlib, Syria

One to five civilians were reported killed by airstrikes on Ma’ar Shureen, Idlib, on June 10th. Both Shahba Press and Idlib Plus stated that of those initially killed, two were children, and one was a woman, and Syrian Network for Human Rights reported the death of “at least three civilians (a child, an unborn baby

Summary

First published
June 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(1–3 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
30–47
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

February 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS546

LOCATION

بعيدين, Bai'ideen, Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network, reported that four civilians were killed in Bai’ideen as part of “Russian aggression on different areas in Aleppo.” Syrian Press Center also put the death toll at four and blamed Russia, while Shahba Press said Russia had carried out strikes on Bai’ideen along with other locations in Aleppo.  

Summary

First published
February 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3882

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’ret Harma, Idlib, Syria

Two to four civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on a camp for displaced people in Ma’ret Harma, Idlib, on July 10th. Syrian Network for Human Rights states that “Mahmoud Mohammad al Ali, a member of Civil Defense- Kafr Zita center – was killed along with his daughter Yasmin as warplanes we believe were Russian

Summary

First published
July 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3084

LOCATION

كفر زيتا, Kafar Zita, Hama, Syria

Up to four civilians, including two children and a woman, were killed and several were left injured, local media reported, following aerial and artillery shelling of Kafar Zeita, Hama, carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime. While most sources reported that the town in the countryside of Hama had been struck by air

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 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

July 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS3932

LOCATION

مورك, Mourek, Hama, Syria

Four civilians were killed and at least one civilian was injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on the city of Mourek, Hama governorate, on July 21st, 2019, according to local sources. @Step_Agency reported that “four civilians were killed and another injured when the city of Mourek in the northern countryside

Summary

First published
July 21, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

October 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1507

LOCATION

بارة, Bara, Idlib, Syria

Three or four civilians included women and children died in an airstrikes on Bara, according to local media. Most sources blamed the Syrian regime; there were no direct allegations against Russia, but a number of sources didn’t identify the warplane responsible. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “three victims including two women died

Summary

First published
October 26, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2 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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2004

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisir Al-Shoghour, Idlib, Syria

Four civilians were killed and up to five injured in an air or artillery strike on Jisir Al-Shoghour, according to local media sources – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible for the event. Akhbar News, who put the death toll at four killed and five wounded, reported that “Russian aircraft

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 men)
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
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2602

LOCATION

العشارة, Al-A'shara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as four civilians were killed, including between two and three men, and several others were wounded, following airstrikes on Al-A’shara. Almost all sources blamed Russian warplanes, though some did not attribute any blame. The raids allegedly occurred during a bombardement of water crossings “in the towns and cities of Al-A’shara, the Hajin, and

Summary

First published
October 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2–3 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

March 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS3262

LOCATION

قلعة المضيق, Qal’et Al Madik, Hama, Syria

Four civilians from one family were killed, including a man, a woman and two children, and others were injured, in alleged Russian airstrikes on Qal’et Al Madik, local media reported. @bokraahla1984 tweeted: “Today, [March 14th] a good resident was killed with his wife, child and daughter, leaving in this life his eldest son, who did

Summary

First published
March 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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

June 19, 2019

Incident Code

RS3822

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Latamina, Hama, Syria

Four civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Latamina, Hama governorate, on June 19th, 2019. According to the Syrian Civil Defense, “four were killed by aerial bombardment of Al Latamina” – a figure also cited by Shaam News. The Syrian Network for Human Rights wrote that “Ra’fat Kallal al Saleh al Hamada

Summary

First published
June 19, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
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

March 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3158

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

Three to four civilians were killed and others were wounded in airstrikes on Mesraba, according to local media. Sources are conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming Russia while others blamed the Syrian regime. Misraba Now reported that “three explosive barrels of helicopters, in addition to several missiles and rocket launchers. A

Summary

First published
March 4, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child3 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

September 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1356

LOCATION

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

LCCSY reported four dead civilians as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo. It added that “some people were wounded.” Currently there is no more information available.

Summary

First published
September 26, 2016
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
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1389

LOCATION

الشيخ فارس, al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians including two children died in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Aleppo’s al Sheikh Faress neighbourhood, according to local media. Information was sparse but al-Hayat reported that “according to the Syrian Observatory, two children were killed in Sheikh Fares due to warplanes shelling” while Halab News Network reported that the

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1518

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Maarat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

Four civilians died and between four and ten were wounded after a series of three cluster missile attacks were carried out against the city of Maarat Misrin, according to local media. The majority of sources have assigned responsibility to Syrian regime planes but LCCSY and Syria Idlib Today alleged that Russian warplanes carried out the

Summary

First published
November 2, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
4–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1698

LOCATION

معارة الأرتيق, Maarat al Arteek, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and four civilians were killed and seven others were injured, including a woman, in airstrikes against the town of Maarat al Arteek in Aleppo. The airstrikes reportedly struck the police station with bunker busting missiles and resulted in the death of a policeman. The consensus among local sources, including @RFS_NORTH and @Syriamubasher, was

Summary

First published
November 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2009

LOCATION

جبل حويسيس, Jabal Huweisses, Homs, Syria

Four civilians were reported killed and others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jabal Huweisses, Homs – though there was only one known source for the event. Smart News Agency reported: “Four civilians were killed and others injured in an airstrike thought to be Russian on a city, village and mountain under the control of

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
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
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2801

LOCATION

زور شمر, Zor Shamer, Raqqa, Syria

Four children (several from the same family) were killed when remnants of a cluster bomb exploded from a previous Russian raid on Zor Shamer on December 16th, according to local media. All sources blamed Russia for the raid. It is unclear when the initial strike occurred, however first reportage of these civilians deaths was 16th

Summary

First published
December 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 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
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS086

LOCATION

قبر الأنكليزي, Kabr al Inglizi, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians were reported killed in Kabr al Inglizi (‘Tomb of the English’) in an alleged strike by Russia. According to the White Helmets “Civil defence removed the bodies of four martyrs and several wounded following Russian bombing with vacuum missiles.“  

Summary

First published
October 27, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident