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

August 6, 2019

Incident Code

RS3995

LOCATION

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

A single source reported an unknown number of injured civilians as the result of alleged Russian and Syrian regime air and artillery strikes on several cities and towns in Idlib governorate on August 6th, 2019. Shaam News Network reported that “Russian and regime warplanes and helicopters launched dozens of airstrikes accompanied by fierce rocket and

Summary

First published
August 6, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1404

LOCATION

Kafr Nassr, Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Kafr Nasseh outside of Aleppo, according to local media. Halab News listed two additional unidentified victims – and joined all other sources in attributing this event to Russia. Photographic evidence shows that cluster bombs were used.

Summary

First published
October 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1585

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib , Aleppo, Syria

Between one and three civilians died in airstrikes on Al Atareb hospital according to multiple local sources. Orient and Al Jazeera and most other sources, blamed Russia for the incident. The hospital is now out of service including the operating rooms and pharmacy according to Al Jazeera who also alleged a number of medical personnel

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1684

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Up to three civilians including two children were killed and as many as 15 more were wounded following airstrikes targeting Douma, Damascus, local media reported. Sources were unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. Most sources reported that the incident led to the death of three civilians, with several reports saying that two children

Summary

First published
November 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children)
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
Named victims
1 named
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

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2556

LOCATION

بزيت , Bzeit, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians from the same family were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bzeit, according to sources on the ground. Local media reported multiple deaths and injuries from two air alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Bzeit on September 28th, according to local media. Smart News Agency and Step News Agency reported the

Summary

First published
September 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 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
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS197

LOCATION

القريتين, Al Qaryatayn, Homs, Syria

Three non-combatants including two women were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on a farm 7km from the city of Qaryatain. The Syrian Network for Human Rights described the location as providing shelter to internally displaced civilians. The VDC named two victims, and  SN4HR named the third victim who was named byrom Haraween in Homs

Summary

First published
November 27, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 18, 2018

Incident Code

RS2912

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma'ara Al-Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

A mother and her two children were killed when alleged napalm bombs struck their home in Ma’ara Al-Nu’man, according to local media. Sources all attributed the blame to Moscow. A number of civilians were also wounded in the raid, with one source reporting that as many as eight civilians received wounds. Footage published shows a

Summary

First published
January 18, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
8
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 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS678

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Between two and three civilians including one female child died in an alleged Russia airstrike on Arbeen, according to local sources. Arabstoday, Baladi, DCHRS and Smart reported Russian raids on Arbeen. Baladi said that one female child was killed. Other sources didn’t identify the warplanes responsible, while Freeqabon reported “artillery shelling”. Erbinrevo named Ismaeil Haj

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child2 men)
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 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2735

LOCATION

حسرات, Hasrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A man and two of his children were killed in airstrikes on Hasrat, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the airstrikes. Civilian homes were allegedly struck, which some sources claim killed an entire family. There were no reports of wounded and no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 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

March 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS3197

LOCATION

الغوطة الشرقية, Al Ghouta Al Sharqiya, Damascus, Syria

Three named adult males – members of the White Helmets – were killed and five others were wounded when an airstrike hit a Syrian Civil Defence ambulance in either Al Ghouta or Al Sharqiya, Eastern Ghouta, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raid. There is some confusion from

Summary

First published
March 7, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
5
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1349

LOCATION

حي المشهد, Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed in the Al Mashhad neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local media. Reporting was conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian Regime was responsible. LCCSY reported: “Aleppo: Three martyrs and some wounded as Russian warplanes bombarded Mashhad neighborhood.” Thiqanewsagency reported that a bus was hit with cluster bombs in the strikes.

Summary

First published
September 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 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

October 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1511

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

A single source, Halab News, reported the deaths of “Abdallah al Hasan al Khalaf and his two children, following the explosion of a cluster bomb left by Russia planes following a bombing of Sarmin in Idlib”. The source added that the victims were from the town of al Eiss. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
October 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 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

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

May 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2216

LOCATION

الطيبة, Tayba, Homs, Syria

A single source reported that a child and two other civilians were killed, and two members of ISIS were wounded, following an airstrike on Tayba.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
May 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

May 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2234

LOCATION

الحويقة, Haweiqa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed and seven others were wounded in an airstrike on Haweiqa. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with allegations against both the Syrian regime and Russia. RFS Media Office reported that “two children were killed and two others were wounded when Russian warplanes targeted Al Hawaiqa

Summary

First published
May 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children1 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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2198

LOCATION

السلمية مغيزيل, Mgheizal village, al Silmiya district, Hama, Syria

A woman and two children were killed in alleged Russian raids on Mghezel, east of Hama, according to a single source. Three other civilians were reportedly  wounded during strikes on civilian houses in the village controlled by ISIS. Some were later rushed to hospital in the city Deir Ezzor. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
April 28, 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
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
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

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

July 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3518

LOCATION

أم المياذن, Um Al Mayadhen, Daraa, Syria

Up to three civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Um Al Mayadhen, Dara’a governorate, on July 8th, 2018, according to local sources. An unknown number of people was injured. @omar_hariri_dr wrote: “Two martyrs up to this moment and a large number of wounded by the Russian airstrikes on the town of Um Al

Summary

First published
July 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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
Suspected target
Unknown
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

July 6, 2019

Incident Code

RS3873

LOCATION

مورك, Mourek, Hama, Syria

Three civilians from one family, including an infant, were reportedly killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Mourak, Hama governorate, on July 6th, 2019, according to local sources. According to Syrian Network for Human Rights, “three civilians (a girl and her parents), were killed while grazing sheep as warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on

Summary

First published
July 6, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1054

LOCATION

Jel al Omar, Homs, Syria

Local media reported that a woman and her two daughters died and the father was badly injured in an airstrike on Jel al Omar. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Arabstoday pointed towards Russia, though the Syrian Press Center didn’t identify the warplane responsible. There are no other details available at this time.

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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, Unknown
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

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

Incident date

November 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS2769

LOCATION

العباس و هجين, al-Abbas and Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one and as many as three civilians were killed in an airstrike in the al-Abbas/ Hajeen crossing in al Bukamal, local sources reported, though it was unclear who was to blame. Step News Agency put the death toll at three while the others reported one male fatality, identified by name in multiple reports.

Summary

First published
November 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS4016

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salehiya, Idlib, Syria

Up to three children were reported killed and their father injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime night airstrikes on Al Salehiya, Idlib, on August 13th. A woman was also reported killed in the attack, and it is unclear whether she is related to the victims’ family. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Step Agency

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
3 – 4
(2–3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1296

LOCATION

حي المشهد, Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that one to three civilians died and as many as ten more were wounded in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Mashad neighbourhood. This event looks to have been carried out by helicopters belong to the Assad regime. There were no allegations against Russia, though some sources referred to unidentified “warplanes”. Photographs from

Summary

First published
September 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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

October 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1393

LOCATION

بعيدين‬, Baeedin, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including a woman died and up to 11 more people were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Baeedin, according to local media. A number of sources said that the three victims were elderly people. The media opposition activist Abu Mohammad al-Halab told Syria News Desk that “the Russian air force struck houses in

Summary

First published
October 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4–11
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 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1426

LOCATION

حي كرم الجبل, Karam al Jabal, Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources, the city of Karam al-Jabal in Aleppo was struck by artillery strikes that led to the deaths of three civilians. All sources but one – Shaam News Network (who blamed both Russia and the regime) pointed to the regime as the culprit. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights “three

Summary

First published
October 10, 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