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

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS666 CS183

LOCATION

البوكمال, Al Bukamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between one and four civilians died in an airstrike on al Bukamal according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the US-led Coalition were to blame. SyrianPC said four non-combatants died in a Russian shelling of “oil separators in the Al-Hajjana area”. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently also

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1–4 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS3141

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

As many as four civilians were reported as killed, and others injured, due to air and artillery strikes in Beit Sawa, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. The raids struck a residential area, and killed as many as three children. The Syrian Civil Defence reported “three

Summary

First published
March 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2–3 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 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

July 9, 2019

Incident Code

RS3879

LOCATION

دير الشرقي, Deir Al Sharqi, Idlib, Syria

According to local sources, alleged Russian or Syrian airstrikes struck an Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp with four rockets in the outskirts of the town of Deir Al Sharqi in rural Idlib, killing up to five civilians and wounding up to 15. @ShahbaPress tweeted: “Three civilians were killed, including children, and at least ten wounded,

Summary

First published
July 9, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1–3 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–15
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
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

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

March 12, 2018

Incident Code

RS3238

LOCATION

جفتلك حج حمود, Jafatlek Haj Hamoud, Idlib, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed and as many as ten others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Jafatlek Haj Hamoud, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to Moscow on this occasion. The alleged Russian missile caused destruction to civilian property. Members of the Civil Defence teams worked to retrieve the bodies

Summary

First published
March 12, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
7–10
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
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1414

LOCATION

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

According to local sources, the Khan al-Assal area in Aleppo was subject to warplane shelling, leading to the deaths of up to three civilians though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime caused the civilian harm. The twitter account @Aleppo reported that the strikes hit a funeral gathering. Meanwhile, the Syrian

Summary

First published
October 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1558

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians – a girl and two women – died and several more were wounded, following an air or artillery strike on Saqba – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. Syrian Press Center reported that surface rockets were used in the attack, with other sources reporting

Summary

First published
November 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS1965a

LOCATION

قريتي دالية وسوحا, Suha and Abu Dalia villages, Hama, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed, including a woman, and as many as “dozens” more were injured following an alleged Russian raid on the villages of Suha and Abu Dalia, local media said. @B_ALHAMAWI was the only source to blame Russian warplanes; the other sources do not attribute any blame. According to @HalabTodayTV, two raids that

Summary

First published
March 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 woman)
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2197

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

A child was killed and up to 20 other civilians were injured in alleged Russian and Syrian missile strikes on the town of Sarmin, local media reported. Sources on the ground reported two others were killed by land-to-land cluster bombs. A total of three died and 10 were wounded as a result of Syrian ballistic

Summary

First published
April 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–20
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

June 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2270 CS919a

LOCATION

موحسن , Mohsen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported the killing of Mohamad Amla Al Fals Abu Ammar and his daughter Wafa Amla Al Fals on Sunday June 4th, as warplanes struck his residence in the village of Muhasan in rural Deir Ezzor. Some sources also mentioned the wounding of other members of his family. The sources disagreed on the nationality

Summary

First published
June 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 25, 2015

Incident Code

RS078

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

According to the White Helmets in Aleppo, “Russian warplanes bomb the towns of Al Bab and Tadef yesterday evening with several raids using vacuum missiles – leaving several dead and dozens wounded and homes destroyed.” Other reports described two raids on Tadef and one on Al Bab. Radio Al Kul attributed the attacks to the

Summary

First published
October 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2857

LOCATION

كفريا, Kafraya, Idlib, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in air and artillery strikes which hit the town of Kafraya in Idlib. Sources mostly blamed the Syrian regime, however Shaam News Network blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. According to sources, 120 rockets were used to strike the vicinity,

Summary

First published
January 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
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

December 31, 2015

Incident Code

RS336

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including a woman and child were reported killed at a camp for displaced people in A’zaz. Radio Al Kul reported that “Three civilians were killed and tens injured, among them many children in critical condition, by Russian airstrikes on A’zaz and a refugee camp on the outskirts of the town.” The three victims were

Summary

First published
December 31, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6–12
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

February 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS688 CS186

LOCATION

محيميدة, Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to three civilians were killed in an airstrike on Mahimideh according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the US-led Coalition was responsible. Euphrates post named two fatalities including an unidentified victim. It said that Russia was responsible. However, Al Jazeera and Lebanon360 alleged this was a Coalition

Summary

First published
February 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(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
Unknown, US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS881

LOCATION

حي ‏الجزماتي‬, Al Jazmati (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including a child and a woman died and dozens more were injured when non-combatants’ homes were struck by airstrikes in the Al Jazamati neighborhood of Aleppo, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted or unclear as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY blamed Russian strikes

Summary

First published
June 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
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
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3161

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that “three civilians were killed and others were injured by an air bomb likely to be a Russian on the town of Beit sawa (12 km east of Damascus), pointing to the death of a person from wounds sustained by the past days.” There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1042

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians died and many more were wounded in an airstrike on Al Marja, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime for the death of one child – and published an image of the victim.

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
3–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3234

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in alleged Russian or regime air or artillery strikes on Saqba, according to local media. Halab Today said that “civilians, including children, were wounded by artillery shelling on the town of Saqba in the eastern Ghouta”. According to @reema3110, “Russian planes targeted two residential neighborhoods in the town

Summary

First published
March 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1669 RS2705

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians including one woman died in an airstrike on Abu Kamal, according to local media. Sources mostly attributed the blame to the Coalition, however most reports published during from this period reported Russian and Syrian regime raids. The Centcom Daily Summary reported there were no Coalition strikes in Syrian or Iraq on November 8th

Summary

First published
November 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS4015

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib governorate, on August 13th, 2019, according to local sources. Eight others were injured. Two of the injured victims, including a child, passed away on August 18th due to the injuries they sustained in the strikes. Step Agency reported that “Russian

Summary

First published
August 13, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
6
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
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1198

LOCATION

أورم الصغرى, Orm al Sughra, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least 3 victims died in alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on Orm Al Sughra town in Aleppo governorate, August 29.” AMC, Alwatan, @SyriaFnn and @Syria_Pulse reported that three civilians died and several more were wounded in “four strikes with cluster bombs”, but didn’t identify the culprit.

Summary

First published
August 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

September 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1262

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

A mother and her two female children were killed and several more civilians wounded in airstrikes on western neighbourhoods of Idlib city, local media said. All but two sources blamed Russia. Baladi and MapnewsAR reported Regime warplanes were responsible. According to MapnewsAR, as many as ten civilians died in the strikes. According to the Shaam

Summary

First published
September 12, 2016
Last updated
December 13, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(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
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1521

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى , Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and three civilians, including one woman and one child, were killed and up to six others were wounded by airstrikes fired on Urma Al Kubra town. Russian warplanes were identified as responsible for the airstrikes by most local media sources, including Local Coordination Committees, @ShahbaPress and Syrian Network for Human Rights. However, Muslm

Summary

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