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

December 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2780

LOCATION

السماقة, Samaqa, Hama, Syria

Three civilians were killed – including one woman – and seven others were wounded in air and artillery strikes which struck Samaqa, sources on the ground reported. Local media blamed both Russian warplanes and Syrian regime planes for the strikes. According to ‘Al Latamna Youth gathering’, farm shops or an agricultural factory was hit in

Summary

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

October 6, 2015

Incident Code

RS020 CS133

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Two children and a 46 year old male were reported killed during four alleged Russian strikes in the evening on Anadan. Another man was also named as a victim by VDC. Eyewitnesses described at least one secondary, or ‘double tap’ strike. A local medic told Qassioun: “Between the afternoon and evening Russian planes carried out intensive

Summary

First published
October 6, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children2 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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3688

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians including a woman died and three others were wounded in alleged Russian or regime air or artillery strikes on Khan Sheikhoun, according to source on the ground. The Step New Agency pointed to Russia and put the death toll at one civilian. However, most other sources attributed the civilian harm to

Summary

First published
May 10, 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 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3861

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One to three civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Khan Sheikoun, Idlib, on July 1st. IdlibPlus alleged “two martyrs and a number of wounded as a result of the targeting of Russian warplanes in the city of Khan Sheikhoun,” while Syria Civil Defense documented the death of three civilians in the attack. Meanwhile, Syrian

Summary

First published
July 1, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS855

LOCATION

هورة الجريات, Horat al Jariyat, Raqqa, Syria

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, two civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Horat al Jariya. The Shaam News Network also blamed Russia, but did not provide casualty numbers. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at three but didn’t identify the warplanes responsible.

Summary

First published
June 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 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

March 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3208

LOCATION

منطقة الفروع, Al Foru’ area, Homs, Syria

Three civilians were killed and members of the Bani Khaled tribe were injured in airstrikes on the Al Foru’ area. Sources blamed Russian raids for the civilian casualties. 7al reported that “the area of ​​the Al Foru’ Badia Al Alyania has been subjected to more than five Russian raids. All the residents of the region

Summary

First published
March 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely 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
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 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2746

LOCATION

القورية, Qouriya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians, a father and son, were killed and at least another two were wounded as an unidentified drone struck in Qouriya, Deir Ezzor, local sources reported. In the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights general reporting from the Euphrates River, the media reported that “two men were killed and another were wounded after being targeted

Summary

First published
November 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS3249

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

At least two civilians including a woman were killed, including one member of the Syrian Civil Defence, and three or more wounded in airstrikes on Zamalka, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. According to media, the planes struck an ambulance killing a civil defence volunteer and injuring

Summary

First published
March 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–10
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1387

LOCATION

الزبدية, al Zarbadia, Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources, air and artillery strikes hit the neighbourhood of al-Zarbadia in Aleppo, killing up to three civilians and wounding as many as six more. According to the Smart News Agency, “regime artillery shelling by Assad forces stationed in Hamdaneya stadium targeted the Al-Zebdiya neighbourhood and killed three children and wounded six others

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(0–3 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS1905

LOCATION

ابو جبار, Abo Jabbar, Aleppo, Syria

Three children were reportedly killed in an airstrike on Abo Jabbar town, Aleppo – though only one source has reported the event. The Violations Documentation Centre in Syria listed three unidentified children as victims of “warplane shelling” by “Russian troops”.  

Summary

First published
February 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2097

LOCATION

طيبة, Tayba, Daraa, Syria

Three children were killed in an airstrike in Tayba, Dara’a, according to local media sources – though it was not clear whether Russia or Assad’s regime were responsible. Local media Facebook page, Mohammed Al-Rifaei, named the three children who died in the attack and attributed responsibility to Russian forces.  Whilst most sources suggested that Russia

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
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

June 9, 2019

Incident Code

RS3784

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Three to four civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib on June 10th. Though some sources said the airstrike happened at the dawn, others said in the evening. Three of the victims are named as Mustafa Sayyadi, Ibrahim Sayyadi and Khaled Marati. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights named the three mentioning Khaled

Summary

First published
June 9, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(3–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 2, 2019

Incident Code

RS3864

LOCATION

معرة حرمة أو معرتحرمة, Ma’arat Harma, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Ma’arat Harma, Idlib governorate, on July 2nd, 2019, according to local sources. At least one other civilian was wounded. @AleppoAMC tweeted that “a civilian was killed in an airstrike on the town of Ma’arat Harma in the southern

Summary

First published
July 2, 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 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS3193

LOCATION

العالية, Al Alia, Idlib, Syria

One to three civilians were killed, and dozens more were injured in airstrikes on AAl Alia, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Three raids directly struck the town, with media reporting that both Russian RPG’s and explosive barrel bombs were used on the vicinity. Idlib Plus tweeted

Summary

First published
March 7, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS995

LOCATION

عنجارة, Ain Jara, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Ain Jara, according to local media. All sources  blamed Russian warplanes for the attack in Ain Jara. NabdsyriaTV claimed that others were also wounded and trapped under the rubble for a period of time.

Summary

First published
July 12, 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
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1059

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians died and several more were wounded in airstrikes on Al Sukkari in Aleppo, local sources reported – though it was unclear from reports whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to Baladi, the hospital was put out of service as a result of strikes. Halab Today blamed both

Summary

First published
July 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1171

LOCATION

قبطان الجبل, Qubtan al Jabal, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including one child and one woman died and several more civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qubtan Al-Jabal, according to sources on the ground. Reports cited the use of cluster bombs in the attack. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 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
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

October 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1431

LOCATION

صوران, Souran, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in either Russian, Turkish or ISIS artillery shelling on Souran near Aleppo. Baladi wrote that “three civilians were killed due to artillery shelling by ISIS in Souran.” However, according to Syrian Mirror, “three women were killed in Turkish artillery shelling in Souran north of Aleppo.” The Syrian Observatory for Human

Summary

First published
October 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(0–3 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, ISIS, Turkish Military, ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1442

LOCATION

الهلّك, al Halak, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and three civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Halak neighbourhood, according to local media. Baladi put the death toll at three, but like most sources didn’t identify the culprit. The Shaam News Network noted that both Russia and the regime shelled

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1554

LOCATION

منطقة شاميكو, Shamico area, Aleppo, Syria

At least three civilians, including a mother, her child and a young man, were killed and several more were wounded in airstrikes launched against the Shamico area in west Aleppo. The majority of sources did not identify who was responsible for the airstrike. However, Halab News blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes and Vedeng News

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2048

LOCATION

بعربو, Ba'arbo, Idlib, Syria

Between two and three civilians, including two women and a female child, were killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes against the town of Ba’arbo in the southern countryside of Idlib. At the time of their death, the civilians that were killed were riding in a car. According to @Omar_Madaniah, the civilians

Summary

First published
March 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 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

May 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3659

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria

Between one and three civilians died and up to five more were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Ma’aret Hrema in Idlib, local media reported, adding that cluster bombs have been used in the attack. According to Smart News, both Russia and the Syrian regime forces were to blame for killing one

Summary

First published
May 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS364

LOCATION

الشيخ علي, Sheikh Ali, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed when “warplanes believed to be Russian” bombed areas in Sheikh Ali village in the western countryside of Aleppo, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory said there was “initial information about more casualties“, but did not specify. Al Burraq placed the death toll at three, with several injured.  

Summary

First published
January 11, 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2019

Incident Code

RS3820

LOCATION

كنصفرة, Kansafra, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians were killed when Syrian and Russian airstrikes allegedly struck the village of Kansafra on June 19th. Syrian Civil Defense forces who were present at the scene reported that missiles struck the village in the evening, killing thee civilians including a pregnant woman and wounding 14 others of whom five were women

Summary

First published
June 19, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–14
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
16 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS588

LOCATION

الغارية, Al Gariya, Daraa, Syria

Three civilians including one woman and one child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Gariya, according to local sources. The VDC named one adult male victim of a Russian strike as  Khaled Ayed al Mefrej. All4Syria also attributed the incident to Russia, reporting that “Russian warplanes targeted the towns and cities (Naemeh –

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
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

July 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS3957

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Latamina, Hama, Syria

One to three civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on al Latamina, Hama, on July 25th, 2019. @jisirtv tweeted that barrel bombs were used in the attack. Syrian Network for Human Rights named one fatality as “Abdul Hakim Ahmad al Sayyed”, “killed as warplanes we believe were Russian fired several missiles on al Latamina town

Summary

First published
July 25, 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
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
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1086

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Russian and Assad regime helicopters allegedly dropped what were reportedly exploding chloride barrels on a residential neighbourhood in Saraqeb in Idlib at 23.20 on Tuesday August 2nd. The Shaam News Network reported that this attack was a “revenge for the killing of a number of Russian officers after their helicopter crashed in the vicinity of

Summary

First published
August 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
10–33
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

August 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1150

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians including several children died and up to ten more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Atarib, according to local media. Syrian News Desk was among sources putting the death toll at two – with “ten others injured”. However, LCCSY – who blamed Russia – reported that three died including

Summary

First published
August 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
3–10
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

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1247

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al-Shughur, Idlib, Syria

Between two and three civilians including a girl died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Jisr al Shoughour, local media reported – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. According to Baladi, “10 people were injured due to regime warplanes shelling with

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
December 13, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
17–23
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
19 named, 2 families identified
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2289

LOCATION

فجر, Fajir, Hama, Syria

A woman and two children were killed, and five others were wounded, in an airstrike on Fajir, local media reported. Sources all blamed Russian military aircraft for the raids.  According to Radio.Fresh, the wounded were transferred to hospital in the aftermath.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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