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

June 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS901

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
June 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2019

Incident Code

RS3991

LOCATION

مورك, Morek, Hama, Syria

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

Summary

First published
August 6, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(3–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
1–30
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 24, 2019

Incident Code

RS4069

LOCATION

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

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

Summary

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

Incident date

October 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1509

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

April 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2088

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Lataminah, Hama, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

April 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2154

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
April 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2–3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–25
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2229

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

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

Summary

First published
May 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 25, 2015

Incident Code

RS077

LOCATION

الشيخ بركة, Sheikh Barakeh, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

December 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS239

LOCATION

المغيرية, Mughayriyah, Latakia, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

January 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS367

LOCATION

حوش الصالحية, Al Hoash, Damascus, Syria

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

Summary

First published
January 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 19, 2019

Incident Code

RS4051

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Outskirts of Ma`arat Al Nu`man, Idlib, Syria

A Turkish military convoy crewed by civilian personnel came under air attack from regime forces (or possibly Russian) – leading to the reported deaths of up to three civilians and the injuring of a further 12. According to some sources, the convoy appeared to be attempting to deliver heavy armour including tanks and armoured personnel

Summary

First published
August 19, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
12
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
1
Belligerents reported injured
3
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1572

LOCATION

كفرناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A father, son and the sister of the father were killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Kafr Naha, Aleppo – although sources were conflicted as to who was responsible – with some sources not even identifying the aircraft. According to reports, residential buildings were stuck and many of them were badly damaged

Summary

First published
November 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2108

LOCATION

السخنة, Al-Sukhna, Homs, Syria

Smart News reported that an airstrike struck the village of Al-Sukhna, causing the deaths of three people and wounding others. The strikes were thought to be conducted by Russian warplanes.  One of those killed was a woman and another was reportedly a member of ISIS, although it is not clear whether or not this person

Summary

First published
April 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(0–1 women1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2277

LOCATION

حريشة, Harisha, Hama, Syria

A single source reported that “warplanes – likely to be Russian – launched a phosphorous bomb attack on the village of Al-Huraisha, near Aqirbat (about 67 km east of Hama), killing three civilians from one family, including a child.” There were no reports of wounded and no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2619

LOCATION

الميادين, al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three male victims, reportedly cousins, were killed and several other civilians were injured in alleged Russian or Assad regime strikes on al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Several sources reported the death of the three named victims. One of these was the Facebook account, Ahmad Abush, who listed the three victims and referred to them as

Summary

First published
October 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3623

LOCATION

كفرنبل , Kafar Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians, reportedly two men and a baby girl, died and another five non-combatants were wounded in an airstrike on agricultural land between the town of Kafar Nabil and the village of Jbala in the southern suburb of Idlib, local media reported. Most sources blamed Russia, though there was also an allegation that the Assad regime

Summary

First published
April 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
5
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS217

LOCATION

مهين, Mahin, Homs, Syria

Three civilians, including two women and one child, were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maheen according to the Violations Documentation Center.

Summary

First published
December 1, 2015
Last updated
February 24, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 25, 2015

Incident Code

RS314

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on A’zaz, according to multiple sources. The Shaam News Network reported that four Russian airstrikes struck the city. Activists told SNN that the raids targeted a field hospital and a women’s and children’s hospital, causing severe damage and huge fires which the White Helmets attempted to extinguish. They stated that

Summary

First published
December 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS346

LOCATION

نوى, Nawa, Daraa, Syria

Three non-combatants were killed and several others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Nawa, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Smart News reported that “Russian warplanes launched four raids on residential neighborhoods in the city, leaving three dead and several wounded including women and children (some of them critical), who were taken to

Summary

First published
January 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

January 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS2943

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

In the third in a set of raids on Saraqeb, as many as three civilians were killed in strikes on the outskirts of the city, according to local media. Sources all attributed the blame to Russia. Media reported that there were four raids on the outskirts of Saraqeb, and as many as three died, including

Summary

First published
January 29, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child0–1 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
Rebel Forces
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS570

LOCATION

معارة الارتيق, Maarat al Arteek, Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat al Arteek, according to local sources. In a news roundup, Shaam News Network reported deaths in the town as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes: “Russian planes launched intense air raids using cluster bombs on the towns of Anadan, Hraytan, al Tamoura, Mang,

Summary

First published
February 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS634

LOCATION

الشيخ علي, Sheikh Ali, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including one child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Sheikh Ali, according to local sources. Al-Arabiya blamed Russia, reporting an “unspecified number of dead including children“. Shahba Press also put the death toll at three, including a child – and also attributed the incident to Russia. According to a 40-minute programme by

Summary

First published
February 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
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

June 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS827

LOCATION

حي خان العسل, Khan Al Assal (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including one child died and five more were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khan Assal, according to local sources. Orient News put the death toll at three and said that one of those killed was a child. It blamed Russia. Step News Agency also said that Russia was responsible, while SRG

Summary

First published
June 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
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

August 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS4059

LOCATION

تل منس , Tal Mnes, Idlib, Syria

One to three civilians were reported killed, and one to five wounded, in three to four airstrikes on Al Rahman hospital in Tal Mnes village, Idlib, on August 21st, 2019. Of the civilians killed, one may have been a child – according to Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which identified those killed in Tal Mnes

Summary

First published
August 21, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–5
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2019

Incident Code

RS4092

LOCATION

التح, Al Tah, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians – a woman and her two sons (one of whom was a child) died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Tah the first hours of dawn on August 29, 2019, local media reported. According to the Shaam News Network, “Russian warplanes targeted al-Tah town in the southern countryside of Idlib, leaving three

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
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
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
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1240

LOCATION

Sabkha al Mo, Homs, Syria

Three civilians – a woman and two men – died in an alleged Russian airstrike on a car in Sabkha al Moh, local media reported. According to the Shaam News Network, “Russian planes targeted a civilian car carrying traveling bedouins [one woman and two men] in the area around Sabkha al Moh south of the

Summary

First published
September 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman2 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1584

LOCATION

قرية عويجل, Aweijal, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A named civilian man and two unidentified civilians allegedly died as a result of airstrikes on the Baghdad hospital in Aweijal village, Aleppo, according to multiple local sources. Sources added that a number of medical staff were injured. Annahar cited the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who didn’t identify a culprit. Reportedly the attack on

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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

November 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1707

LOCATION

الحلوانية , Al Hilwaniya neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians died in an alleged Russian air or artillery strike on Aleppo’s Al Hilwaniya neighbourhood, according to local media. Step said that “Russian warplanes and helicopters” had carried out strikes on neighbourhoods in Aleppo including Al Hilwaniya, “resulting in civilian casualties”. @shahed-alep reported “a heavy artillery and rocket attack on Al-Sakhour and Al-Halawani neighborhoods and the

Summary

First published
November 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

December 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1730

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى , Orme al Kubra, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians including a child and a woman died and up to five more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Orme al Kubra, according to local media. LCCSY reported that a child and a woman died in a Russian airstrike. Syria News Desk, however, put the death toll at three (including

Summary

First published
December 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1762

LOCATION

زردنا, Zardana, Idlib, Syria

Between one and three civilians were killed during an airstrike on Zardana, Idlib, according to local media reports – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Idlib Media Centre, who stated that one woman died in the attack, reported that it was because of a “missile launched by Russian occupation

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
December 20, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(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
Geolocation
Village
View Incident