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

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1437

LOCATION

جرجناز, Jarjanaz, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians, a mother and her two children, were reported killed in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Jarjanaz. Shahba reported: “Two children were killed with their mom in a Russian warplanes shelling in Jarjanaz and others wounded.” Halab Today TV published a similar report. All of the other sources reported that a

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
8–24
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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

December 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1810

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed – including a man and a woman and a child – and many more were wounded, in alleged air and artillery strikes on Harasta. All sources blamed the Syrian regime for the raids, except LCCSY who blamed Russian warplanes.  According to sources, the artillery and air bombardment targeted a school and residential

Summary

First published
December 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2256

LOCATION

دبسي عفنان, Debsi Afnan, Raqqa, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed and a woman was wounded in two alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the town of Debsi Afnan in the western Raqqa countryside, according to local activists and sources. In reporting the estimate of two killed, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently acknowledged that it was the initial

Summary

First published
May 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 men)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2262

LOCATION

القسطل, al Qastal village, Hama, Syria

Three civilians were killed and four others wounded in an aerial ‘bombardment’ of the village of Al Qastal in Hama Governorate on the 27th or 28th of April 201, according to local media The wounded sought treatment at hospitals in Deir Al-Zour. The casualties included women and children, but their identities are unknown. Sources laid

Summary

First published
May 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
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

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2061

LOCATION

الهبيط, al Habeet, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians – a mother and her two children – died and up to 20 more were wounded in an alleged Russia or Assad regime airstrike on al Habeet, according to sources on the ground. According to the Step News Agency, “Russian warplanes targeted the town of Habeet in the southern countryside of Idlib with twenty-three

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3594

LOCATION

خان شيخون,, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians including a child died and four or five others were wounded in a heavy bombardment of Khan Sheikhoun on March 1st, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed the Assad regime, though there were also allegations against Russia. The heavy shelling reportedly encompassed rockets, artillery and airstrikes. Multiple sources

Summary

First published
March 1, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–5
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

May 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS3436

LOCATION

مخيم اليرموك, Al Yarmouk Refugee camp, Damascus, Syria

Smart News Agency reported that three civilians, among them one child and a woman, were killed after alleged Russian airstrikes on Yarmouk refugee camp, Damascus governorate, on May 19th 2018. Smart wrote that “two women, one old, and one child were killed by the shelling that targeted a residential basement in the camp. [Local activists]

Summary

First published
May 19, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 women)
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

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2433

LOCATION

موحسن, Mohassein, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between one and three men were killed in airstrikes on Mohassein, local media reported. Sources all attributed the blame to Russia or “military aircraft”. Airwars researchers believe that Hamza Mahmoud al-Fathi al-Nasser was possibly a militant, however we are unclear so have left him in the death count. In addition to this, sources claim that

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–3 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS980

LOCATION

جندول, Jandol (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Russian warplanes and Syrian Regime helicopters allegedly shelled a roundabout in Al Jandol killing three civilians, according to Halab News Network and Syrian Network for Human Rights. Several local news sources including Step News, Halab Today and Sky News blamed Russian warplanes for the shelling. Additionally, local source syriapost1 reported the use of “phosphorous bombs”. Ara

Summary

First published
July 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1221

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians died and 10 more were wounded in shelling of Aleppo’s Al Ansari neighbourhood, local media reported – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. According to Ara, Russia carried out an airstrike killing three civilians and wounding more than 10 others. Halab News also pointed to

Summary

First published
September 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1318

LOCATION

المعادي, Al Ma'adi, Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians were killed in the al Ma’adi neighbourhood of Aleppo on September 23rd by a bombing raid, local sources reported. Reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime was to blame. Halab News Network said three civilians died and named two of them. Extremely graphic photographs from @AleppoAMC showed

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children)
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

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1537

LOCATION

البلليرمون, Al Baleirmoon, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and three civilian were killed and others were wounded in cluster bomb attacks against Al Leirmoun town in northern Aleppo. Thiqa News pointed out that this incident was part of a fierce Russian campaign which struck parts of Aleppo with no regard for the civilians in this vicinity.  Local sources, including Baladi News

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(0–2 children1 man)
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

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1646

LOCATION

ارض الحمرا, Ard Al Hamra, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians, including a child and a woman, were reportedly killed and several more were left wounded following two airstrikes targeting Ard al-Hamra, Aleppo, local sources reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. The Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to the Syrian regime as the culprit while

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS1856

LOCATION

قحطان, Kahtan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians from the same family were killed when an alleged Russian raid struck civilian homes near a hospital in Kahtan. Only one on the ground source – Euphrates Post –  reported on this incident, and it blamed Russian warplanes. It alleged that the homes near Kahtan hospital were struck which led to the collapse of an

Summary

First published
January 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
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

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2091

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians were killed and others injured in an airstrike in Darat Izza, Aleppo, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Whilst most sources attributed responsibility of the event to Russia, the Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed towards the “Syrian-Russian alliance”,

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2268

LOCATION

رسم الطويل , Rasim Al-Tawil in Jab Al Jarah, Homs, Syria

Smart News reported that civilian housing in the village of Rasim Al-Tawil was struck by an aerial bombardment of warplanes, likely to be Russian. Three civilians were reported killed and five others were reported wounded, amongst them women and children. There are no other details at this time.  

Summary

First published
June 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2322

LOCATION

مراط, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to three civilians, including one or two children, were killed and several were wounded following airstrikes launched by either Russia or the Syrian regime in Mrat, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Step News Agency reported that the Russian airforce  launched surface-to-surface missiles in multiple locations in Deir Ezzor, including Mrat. According to Free Deir

Summary

First published
July 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children)
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2378

LOCATION

رسم العوايد, Rasim Awaed, Hama, Syria

On July 31, 2017, three civilians were reportedly killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian and or Syrian regime raids in Rasim Awaed, near Akirbat town in Hama, according to local media.  Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Baladi News blamed the Syrian regime, while all others attributed blame to Russia.

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

October 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2598

LOCATION

طيبة جزيرة, Taiba Jazera, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians, two women and one female child, were killed as airstrikes struck residential areas in Taiba Jazera, Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though it remained unclear as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. The three victims were identified by multiple sources and were reportedly from the same family; a grandmother, Rajiha

Summary

First published
October 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(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
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2651

LOCATION

الغبرة, Al-Ghabra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A family of three was killed – including a father, mother and daughter – and one other civilian was injured, following an airstrike on Al-Ghabra, local media reported. Sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, or did not attribute any blame. Deirezzor24 reported that there was extensive damage to property in the aftermath of

Summary

First published
October 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2824

LOCATION

تحتايا, Tahtaya, Idlib, Syria

Two airstrikes which hit Tahtaya killed three civilians and wounded another three, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. Despite @AjamiNetwork reporting there were no civilian casualties, all other sources reported on civilian harm. According to Baladi News, the victims were pulled out of the rubble

Summary

First published
December 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

September 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2483

LOCATION

خشام, Khisham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians, members of the same family, were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Khisham in the eastern suburbs of Deir Ezzor according to a local source. Step News Agency was the only source to report on the civilian harm and they identified Russian planes as responsible for carrying out the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
September 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 2, 2019

Incident Code

RS3751

LOCATION

كفرلاته, Kafar Lata, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Kafar Lata, Idlib, on June 2nd, 2020, according to local sources. Two other civilians were injured. Several sources reported civilian casualties as the result of airstrikes on Kafar Lata. The Syrian Civil Defence, among other sources, reported one civilian death. The Syrian

Summary

First published
June 2, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3154

LOCATION

بين بلدة مسرابا, Area between Douma and Misraba, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed, including two children and one woman, and dozens more were injured, in air and artillery strikes on the area between Douma and Misraba, local sources reported. The raids struck a residential vicinity however there were no reports of material damage. The deaths and wounded occurred “as a result of the shelling

Summary

First published
March 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3078

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

As Russian and/or Assad warplanes struck the town of Harasta, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported that up to three civilians were killed and several left wounded. The town of Harasta was bombed with at least four air raids, as reported by Ghouta Media Center, who blamed Russia. Meanwhile, al-Jazeera, who quoted field source, said

Summary

First published
February 23, 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
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3112

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Two children and their mother were killed in air and artillery strikes on Douma, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russian warplanes and the Syrian regime for the raids. The vicinity was struck with land to land missiles and heavy artillery shelling. Images show the extent of destruction to property. There are no more details

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3124

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed and others were injured in airstrikes on Beit Sawa, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. The house of ‘Asi’ was reportedly struck by alleged Russian warplanes. Two victims were named and one unidentified civilian was named. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3235

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

A family were – a man, his wife, and their baby girl – died and others wounded in airstrikes on Saqba, local media reported. Sources mostly attributed the blame to Russia, however VDC blamed the Syrian/Russian alliance. Members of the Syrian Civil Defence pulled the bodies of the family form the rubble of their home.

Summary

First published
March 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS1257 RS2361

LOCATION

الشميطية, Shumeteya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians from one family died (a father, his son and his daughter) and up to 20 more people were wounded in airstrikes in Shumeteya, according to local sources. No reports pointed directly at the Coalition – though several referred to unidentified “warplanes”. Other sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of

Summary

First published
July 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
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
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2751

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al-Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were killed by airstrikes, possibly supplemented by artillery shelling, in Al-Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though the apportion of blame was unclear. While all reports agreed that three civilians were killed in this event, they disagreed in terms of cause and responsibility. While Step News Agency, Violations Documentation Center Syria and Masar Press

Summary

First published
November 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
Russian Military, Iraq Government Forces, Syrian Regime
View Incident