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

September 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1273

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Between two and four civilians were killed by shelling from Assad’s forces on the city of Talbisah, local sources said. Two casualties were identified by name, a child and a woman. Eldorar News stated that three civilians were killed, while RozanaFM stated “at least two women” died from regime shells. All4Syria News named five total

Summary

First published
September 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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

November 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1638

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians, including two children and one woman, were killed and as many as 15 more were injured following airstrikes targeting al-Fardous, Aleppo, local sources reported.  The sources were, however, not clear as to whether the Syrian regime or Russia were to blame for the strikes. Sources reported that between two and four

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 children1 woman)
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
Syrian Regime, 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

January 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS421

LOCATION

القصابية, Al Qassabiya, Idlib, Syria

The Syrian Network for Human Rights, reported that at least four civilians including a girl and a woman died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired two missiles on a school in the village of Al Qassabiya. LCCSY said that four civilians from one family died as a result of Russian strikes in Al Qassabiya. Syria2011 also named these victims –

Summary

First published
January 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS613

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ain Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Four non-combatants including one child died in airstrikes on Ain Tarma in Damascus governorate, according to two local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime carried out the attacks. The Shaam News Network reported that “The towns of eastern Ghouta are still living under bombardment by aviation Russian

Summary

First published
February 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child0–3 men)
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
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS978

LOCATION

حي الشعار, Al Shia'ar (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians died and 10 more were wounded in an alleged airstrike on Al Shia’ar in Aleppo, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. AMC reported that the Syrian regime killed four and wounded ten more. Other local

Summary

First published
July 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1010

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Artillery and warplane shelling bombarded Hryatan leaving between three to four civilians dead, local media reported. According to Halab News, Step and Al Jazeera, this was the work of the Assad regime. However, TurkArab Now blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrike. Al-Marsad News put the death toll at four. However the Syrian Observatory for Human

Summary

First published
July 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1911

LOCATION

ام تينة , Umm Tine village, Maskana, Aleppo, Syria

Four victims (one adult male, one adult female and two children) were named by the VDC as killed by Russia in Umm Tine village, Maskana. But the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime, reporting: “three civilians, including a girl and her mother, died when Syrian regime artillery shells fired on Om Tena village

Summary

First published
February 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2081

LOCATION

الضاهرية, Dahiriya, Idlib, Syria

Two to four civilians were killed, and others were wounded, following an airstrike on Dahiriya. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Sources were conflicted as to whether the civilians killed were women or girls. For example, AMC reported two women were killed, whereas Al Jazeera reported two girls were killed. It cannot be ruled

Summary

First published
April 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(0–2 children0–2 women)
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

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

October 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2649

LOCATION

مويلح شمالية, Muweleh Shimaliya, Hama, Syria

An entire family of four were killed when an airstrike hit their home in the night in Muweleh Shimaliya, local media said. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. It is unclear whether this strike occurred on the 19th or 20th of October. Images suggest it occurred during the night. Other civilians were reportedly

Summary

First published
October 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2680

LOCATION

عشاير, Ashayer, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as four civilians were killed – including a man, his wife and daughter – in alleged Russian or Syrian regime raid strikes on Ashayer, according to local media. Some media reported that “warplanes” fired missiles – therefore not attributing blame to a belligerent. Syrian Network for Human Rights – who blamed the Syrian

Summary

First published
November 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–2 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2632

LOCATION

ذيبان, Dhiban, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to four civilians, including one woman, were killed and several more were wounded, following an airstrike and/or artillery attack on Dhiban, Deir Ezzor, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were to blame. While some sources reported the death of two civilians, several sources reported a

Summary

First published
October 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 woman3 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

July 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3517

LOCATION

غرز, Gharaz, Daraa, Syria

Four civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian airstrikes in Gharaz, Dara’a governorate, on July 8th, 2018, according to local sources. An unknown number of others was wounded. Several sources, such as @Wesal_TV, reported that four civilians were killed and others were wounded by airstrikes targeting the Gharaz area, east of Dara’a. While most sources

Summary

First published
July 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS592

LOCATION

Liramon, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians (two women and two children) died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Liramon, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies also said Russia was responsible. According to Halab News, Russian warplanes launched “several raids” on Liramon, resulting in the death of

Summary

First published
February 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3066

LOCATION

الأفتريس, al-Aftis, Damascus, Syria

As the shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on its fifth day, four civilians were killed and up to “dozens” more wounded as Russia, possibly in cooperation with the Assad regime, carried out airstrikes in al-Aftis, Damascus, local media reported. All sources, who provided a death toll, reported that four civilians were killed. While some, such

Summary

First published
February 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1021

LOCATION

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

Four civilians died in an airstrike on Deir Ezzor, according to local reports. There was, however, only one source (LCCSY) that pointed to possible Russian involvement. The Syrian Human Rights Committee published the names of four victims killed by “warplanes” in Deir Ezzor on July 19th, these are listed below.

Summary

First published
July 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3122

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Between two and four civilians were killed and others were injured in air and artillery strikes on Douma, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Sources reported that there were both rocket launchers and artillery shelling on the residential neighbourhood. Alaraby reported that “the regime renewed it’s shelling

Summary

First published
February 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child)
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

August 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS4082

LOCATION

معرشورين,, Ma'ar Shourin, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians, including a child and one to two women, died and seven others were injured in alleged Russia or regime raids on Ma’ar Shourin on August 27, 2019. The majority of sources pointed to the use of barrel bombs. A Facebook post by Nabed Maarshourin listed the names of those killed: Wael Abdulaziz Al-Qaddour, Abdul

Summary

First published
August 27, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7–15
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

September 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1295

LOCATION

قاضي عسكر, Qadi Askar, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and four civilians were killed, and up to seven wounded, in an airstrike on  Qadi Askar, Aleppo, local sources reported – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russian warplanes or regime helicopters were to blame. On September 22nd, aircraft pummeled several neighbourhoods in Aleppo. Smart News reported “four civilians were killed, and

Summary

First published
September 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2245

LOCATION

أبو رمال, Abu Ramal , Hama, Syria

At least four civilians, including a woman, were killed and three others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Abu Ramal in the Al Silmiya District of eastern Hama, according to sources on the ground. The civilians that were killed were members of the same family and those that were injured were

Summary

First published
May 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2502

LOCATION

سلمية, Salamiya, Hama, Syria

At least four civilians, including a woman and her three children, were killed and others, including two children, were wounded in airstrikes against the neighbourhoods of Salamiya east of Hama in central Syria, according to local sources. Many sources, such as Smart News Agency, did not identify who was responsible for carrying out the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(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
Unknown, ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS539

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and four civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hraytan, according to local sources. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, three victims including a child died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on Hraytan. Shaam News Network published a distressing video showing “the reaction of a mother who finds her son’s

Summary

First published
February 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(0–1 children3 men)
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

August 29, 2019

Incident Code

RS4093

LOCATION

معرشمشة, Ma’arshamsha, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that four civilians died and others injured in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Ma’arshamsha. According to the Shaam News Network, “a civilian vehicle for IDPs in the village of Maarshamsheh” was struck, killing three people – two women and a child. Step put the death toll at four, including a

Summary

First published
August 29, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
4 named
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 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1370

LOCATION

جسرين, Jesrin, Damascus, Syria

Between three and four civilians including one woman died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Jesrin in Eastern Ghouta, according to sources on the ground. The Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed the event to the Syrian regime, putting the death toll at three. Meanwhile, SCDrifdimashq reported that four people were killed and

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 woman)
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2204

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Between two and four civilians were killed and up to 15 more were wounded as airstrikes, allegedly carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime, struck Saqba, Damascus, local media reported. While LCCSY said that two civilians were killed in the attack, the majority of sources reported  four victims and SaqbaCoordinating1234 identified all four

Summary

First published
May 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 man)
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS390

LOCATION

دير سنبل, Deir Sunbul, Hama, Syria

Four civilians including a father and his two sons were killed in an airstrike on Deir Sunbul, in what the VDC said was a Russian action. According to Syria News, “a source said it was the first time that Russian planes targeted the village, which led to a state of fear and terror among the

Summary

First published
January 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–6
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

January 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS454

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

Four civilians were killed in an airstrike on Ma’adan, according to local sources – though it is currently unclear whether Russian forces or the Assad regime were responsible for the incident. Only the Shaam News Network blamed Russia for the raid, reporting in a news roundup that “Russian enemy planes launched air raids on civilian homes in

Summary

First published
January 23, 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

March 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS710

LOCATION

بزاعا, Bza'a village, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four non-combatants died in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Bza’a, according to local sources. SY_Post said Russian warplanes conducted three raids on the village.

Summary

First published
March 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 woman1–3 men)
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