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 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2470

LOCATION

معرزيتا , Ma’arzita, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were allegedly killed as planes bombed a primary school in the village of Ma’arzita. Khaled Rzouq Qattish was named dead by local sources alongside two women. Al Jazeera reported two members of the civil defence forces were among those killed. The perpetrator of the attack is unclear with reports of both Russian and Syrian

Summary

First published
September 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(2 women1 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

May 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3424

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airstrikes allegedly conducted by Russian forces reportedly killed three civilians in the village of Al Baghouz on the Syrian-Iraqi border in Deir Ezzor Governorate. The strikes took place on May 4th 2018. Smart news was the only source to report these strikes, and cited in its summary that it received information from “a local source”

Summary

First published
May 4, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

December 25, 2015

Incident Code

RS313

LOCATION

حي باب قنسرين, Bab Qansreen, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including two children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bab Qansreen, according to multiple sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that Russian warplanes shelled the Bab Qansreen neighbourhood on December 25th, while the Shaam News Network posted a video by Aleppo Media Center showing the body of a child and

Summary

First published
December 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3007

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafr Sajneh, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians, including one child and one woman, were killed and another three children were wounded as Russian or Assad-waged warplanes carried out airstrikes in Kafr Sajneh, Idlib, local media reported. The raids were reportedly launched in the centre of the village, and according to locals on the ground, cited by Smart News

Summary

First published
February 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(0–1 children1 woman0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2018

Incident Code

RS3433

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Two children and a woman were killed by alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Ariha, Idlib governorate, on May 15th 2018, according to local sources. An unknown number of civilians was wounded. The Syrian Civil Defence reported that the children Bara’ah Haj Ali (aged 6) and Rayan Haj Ali (aged 12)

Summary

First published
May 15, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children1 woman)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1078

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed and several others injured, including women and children, in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Marja, according to local sources. According to HNN Russian planes carried out several raids “leading to the death of three people and causing material damage”. The Shaam News Network reported that “activists said the

Summary

First published
August 1, 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

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1434

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians including a woman and her baby or foetus were reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air and/or artillery strikes on Douma. RadioAlKul wrote: “More than 25 warplane raids in Douma in addition to extensive artillery shelling which killed two and wounded more than 30.” Bof-sy reported the lowest death count saying

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
10–30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS1976

LOCATION

الأتارب الشيخ علي , al Sheikh Ali village in Al Atarib district, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that three civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on the al Sheikh Ali village in Al Atarib district, Aleppo. On March 16th, Baladi reported: “he cities and towns of Al-Atareb, Sheikh Ali, Babis, Maarat al-Atareb, Abyan Samaan and Kfarkermin were heavily shelled by the Russian air

Summary

First published
March 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 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

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2062

LOCATION

بزابور, Bzabor, Idlib, Syria

Between one and three civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bzabor, local media said. Both sources attributed blame to Russian warplanes. According to SMO, “activists reported that the Russian occupation aircraft launched several air raids on the city of Khan Sheikun and the town of Bazabor, killing three people

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2269

LOCATION

رسم العالي, Rasim Al Aa’li village, Akeirbat area, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that an alleged Russian warplane struck the village of Rasim Al Aa’li in the Akeirbat region in eastern Hama by warplanes, killing three civilians and injuring three civilians.  Smart News reported that a woman and two children were killed and that another three civilians were wounded, some of whom were in critical

Summary

First published
June 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2712

LOCATION

غريبة, Ghariba, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in airstrikes which “targeted” their home in the morning in Ghariba. Sources either blamed Russia for the strikes or did not attribute any blame to a belligerent. There was allegedly “widespread destruction” upon and in the surrounding vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS195

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed and five injured – including children – in an alleged Russian airstrike on Baghdad Street in Hraytan, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. According to Smart News “Russian warplanes carried out four raids with rockets on the town which left three dead and seven wounded, including a woman,

Summary

First published
November 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–7
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS3024

LOCATION

حاس, Haas, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes in Haas, Idlib, killing up to three civilians, including one child, as well as wounding several more, local media reported. The aerial shelling struck the Sham Surgical Hospital, rendering it inoperable. Al-Adiya’s correspondent reported that the hospital was left “completely out of service after three consecutive Russian raids targeting

Summary

First published
February 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

March 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS3264

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

Three civilian males died in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Harasta, according to local media. The Violations Documentation Centre listed three unidentified adult male civilians as killed by warplanes belonging to “Syrian government and affiliated militias”.

Summary

First published
March 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS623

LOCATION

جاسم, Jassem, Daraa, Syria

Three civilians (one man and his two children) died in an airstrike on Jassem, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News Network reported three deaths – “a father and his two children” – and blamed Russia. It also

Summary

First published
February 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS880

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians including one child were killed in an airstrike on Hraytan, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that “suspected Russian warplanes” had fired missiles on the city, leading to

Summary

First published
June 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child)
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
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3160

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed, including one adult male, by air and artillery shelling in Beit Sawa, local media reported. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the strikes. Marsad Al Hasaka, who reported that the victim was the father of three children, added that an unspecified number of civilians were also wounded in

Summary

First published
March 4, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2762

LOCATION

ابوحردوب, Abou Hardoub, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were killed and others were injured in air and artillery strikes on Abou Hardoub, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Local media reported that house of Oweid Al Dulan struck. He was killed as well as two members of his family There are no other

Summary

First published
November 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1218

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including one child died and up to seven more were wounded in an airstrike on Kafr Naha, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Anapress Smart, Syrian Press Centre and Halab Today all blamed Russia. However, Step News and the Syrian Network

Summary

First published
September 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4–7
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1779

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Ferdos, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Airstrikes on Aleppo’s Al Ferdos neighbourhood killed three civilians, local sources reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. The incident was reportedly part of a larger aerial shelling of Aleppo, that in total killed and wounded “dozens” on December 8th 2016, Aletihad Press News reported. According to

Summary

First published
December 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

April 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2080

LOCATION

الحور, Hor, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A mother and her two children were killed, and as many as four more civilians were injured, following an airstrike on the residential neighbourhood of Hor, Aleppo. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raid. Al Jazeera initially reported that “a girl and her mother were killed in the bombing” on Hor, however, later reports

Summary

First published
April 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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

Incident date

July 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2372

LOCATION

مراط, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were killed and an unspecified number were wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes on Mrat town in Deir Ezzor countryside, local media reported. Only two sources attributed their blame to Russia, while others did not attribute blame. One named “military aircraft”. The strikes “targeted the house of Denous al-Besha’an” causing three civilian deaths, according

Summary

First published
July 28, 2017
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS045

LOCATION

الفرحانية, Al Farhaniah, Homs, Syria

Three civilians were reported by al Jazeera as having been killed in a Russian strike on Al Farhaniah – part of a major wave of attacks that day. However footage of civilians transported to a local hospital described injuries from ‘artillery,’ with Homs News also reporting that regime shelling had targeted the town.

Summary

First published
October 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS2851

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in air and artillery strikes which hit Arbeen, local media reported. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. Baladi News was the only source to specify that three civilians were killed. According to the Smart News Agency, an entire family was killed

Summary

First published
January 5, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 5, 2019

Incident Code

RS3662

LOCATION

ترملا, Tarmala, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians including a child and a woman died and as many as 10 more were injured in alleged Russian or regime shelling of Tarmala, local media reported. Several sources reported only one fatality, though it was widely reported that a man and his seven-year-old daughter were killed, and that the rest of

Summary

First published
May 5, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3135

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Local sources reported the death of three civilian men in the town of Hamouriya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, following airstrikes, either carried out by Russia, the Syrian regime or both. As a part of a larger aerial shelling of eastern Ghouta on March 1st, three civilians, identified by name, were killed in Hamouriya. However, it should

Summary

First published
March 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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
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