Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

February 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS670

LOCATION

الحصان, Al Hissan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that one civilian, was killed in an airstrike at a roundabout in the village of Al Hissan – though did not say who carried out the strike. However, Shaam News Network said Russia was responsible. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “Warplane shelling thought to be

Summary

First published
February 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

March 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS702

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Three civilians including one child and one woman died in airstrikes on Palmyra – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News reported that Moscow was responsible: “Russian enemy planes carried out more than 15 air raids on the city of Palmyra targeting civilian

Summary

First published
March 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
11
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, 2016

Incident Code

RS734

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

At least one child was killed in Douma according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was a Russian airstrike or the result of regime artillery. Shaam News, reported: “Russian planes carried out raids on Douma neighbourhoods which was preceeded by artillery shelling. One civilian was killed and others were

Summary

First published
March 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS766

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Four or five civilians died and others were wounded in alleged airstrikes on Fardous, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted or unclear as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. On Twitter, Syriam_m_m as well as Wesal_tv reported that five people died and many were wounded “in Russian

Summary

First published
April 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
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 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS799

LOCATION

السحل, Al Sahal, Raqqa, Syria

Raqqa News 24/24 reported that a “Russian warplane” targeted the home of one of the residents of the village at 02.30am, leading to the man’s immediate death. It also said that the planes targeted the water pump east of Al Mansoura, causing material damage. Muslim Forum also reported the death of the man and said

Summary

First published
May 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS832

LOCATION

التمانعة, At Tamani'ah, Idlib, Syria

According to one local source, LCCSY, one woman was killed and three other non-combatants wounded in several alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Al Tamani’ah. However, Smart News blamed “regime warplanes” for a woman’s death and the injury of “a number of other civilians”. Qasioun also reported the incident but did not identify the

Summary

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

June 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS864

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between two and four civilians died in an airstrike on the Marja neighborhood of Aleppo, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “suspected Russian warplanes” killed four civilians when they fired missiles on the

Summary

First published
June 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
Civilians reported injured
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

June 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS896

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

A mother and four or more of her children were among those killed in an airstrike on Maarat al Numan, local media reported – the majority of sources blamed the Syrian regime for the attack, though some sources attributed the event to Russia. The Shaam News Network blamed Moscow, reporting: “The city of Maarat al

Summary

First published
June 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(4–6 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

June 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS929

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Four to six civilians from one family, including women and children, died following air strikes on the Qaterji neighbourhood of Aleppo, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. A number of sources alleged the regime responsible, including the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Halab Today

Summary

First published
June 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
7–8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS962

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that up to four civilians died and several more were injured in an airstrike on Deir Ezzor – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to one source, Al Jisrtv, ISIS mortars also hit the governorate on this day. The Syrian News Network reported  that

Summary

First published
June 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(0–1 children)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS994

LOCATION

قبر الأنكليزي, Kabr al Inglizi, Aleppo, Syria

A man named was killed in an an alleged Russian airstrike on Qabr Inglisi, according to local media. LCCSY and Smart News blamed Russia. Smart News reported the death of two people in this raid, but the other has victim has not been identified. There is no other information on this raid.

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1026

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Russian and Assad regime warplanes continued to attack Idlib on July 21st, killing up to another six civilians, according to sources on the ground. The Smart News called the bombardment a massacre and also commented that the raids began in the night continuing on from the 20th of July. Images published by the Shaam News

Summary

First published
July 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1058

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that an unidentified child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS470 RS1876

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

A reported Coalition, or possibly Russian, airstrike which hit a Syrian Red Crescent hospital in Idlib injured up to a dozen civilians. The Coalition later denied involvement, though a unilateral US action remained possible. The intended target of the dawn strike appeared to be the militant gropup Fatah al Sham at a base at the

Summary

First published
February 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
5–12
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1276

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Between 29 and 36 civilians died in air and artillery strikes in Raqqa over the previous 24 hours, according to local sources. Most reports blamed the Coalition – though one also said that Russia had carried out strikes in the city. It should be noted that the numbers given in these reports are general numbers

Summary

First published
July 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
29 – 36
Civilians reported injured
50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 15, 2017

Incident Code

CS1495

LOCATION

السوا, Al Sa'awa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two to six civilians died in airstrikes on an IDP camp in the village of Al Sa’wa in the western suburb of Deir Al Ghazur, according to local sources. The location is disputed, as Sharqiya24 and Deirezzor24 cited “the water crossing” as the location and not the camp. Marsad Al Hasaka named victims. The source added

Summary

First published
September 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1695 RS2797

LOCATION

الجردي الغربي, Al Jarthi al Gharbi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian male was named as killed in an airstrike on al Jarthi al Gharbi. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to the US-led Coalition, and others to Moscow. The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed Syrian regime warplanes for his death. But according to Al Haall, Russia was

Summary

First published
December 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1107

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and three to five were wounded, including women and children, from vacuum missile, cluster bomb or artillery strikes on a Palestinian refugee camp in Khan al Sheikh, according to local media. Five or more raids were carried out by warplanes, with most sources attributing the attacks to Russia. However,

Summary

First published
August 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–5
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1139

LOCATION

عرب سعيد, Arab Said, Idlib, Syria

Between three and 13 civilians died and up to dozens more were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on a fuel market in Arab Said, according to local media. The majority of victims were reportedly so badly burnt that it was impossible to identify them. The lowest death count was give by Radio

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 13
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
2 named
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

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1204

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Two possible civilians died in airstrikes on Hraytan, according to local media, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible for the deaths. Halabtoday, Syr_Rev_News and Alamawi, the Violations Documentation Center and HNN blamed Russia. Smart added that eight non-combatants were also wounded. However, according to Alaraby the regime was to

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS1236

LOCATION

تادف, Tadif, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 19 civilians including six children died and up to 50 more were wounded in air and/or artillery strikes on Tadef in Aleppo, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible: the majority blamed Russia (citing the use of cluster bombs), though there were also allegations against the Syrian regime

Summary

First published
September 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 19
(1–6 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
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, Turkish Military
Named victims
9 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1269 CS314

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians reportedly died in an air raid on Maskanah which most sources said involved cluster munitions. Egypt Today put the death toll at five, “including a woman and her two daughters and her child”. Reportedly, the strikes injured up to 12 civilians, including six children. While most reports blamed Russia, Baladi News claimed

Summary

First published
September 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1–2 children1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–15
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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
15 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1301

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

Alleged Russian or Assad regime warplanes killed one civilian, a young man, and wounded two others on the road outside the Maskana souk, Aleppo, local reports alleged. “Airstrikes also targeted the main highway near Bado neighbourhood and the entrance to the souq of Maskana city in the eastern suburbs where a young man was martyred

Summary

First published
September 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1333

LOCATION

كرم حومد, Karam Homad, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and eight civilians were killed and as many as 22 more injured in airstrikes in Karam Homad in Aleppo, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. The lowest death count was given by Almustaqbal and Zamanmasdar at one

Summary

First published
September 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 8
Civilians reported injured
20–22
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 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1365

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Between three and six civilians including up to three children were reportedly killed in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib. LCCSY wrote that “three died and some were wounded among civilians as Russian warplanes bombarded Khan Sheikhoun city.” The Syrian Network for Human Rights, on the other hand, accused the Assad regime

Summary

First published
September 29, 2016
Last updated
December 13, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1–3 children)
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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1398

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources air and artillery strikes hit the city Anadan north of Aleppo, killing one or two civilians. According to Nabd Syria, “two people were killed and others wounded in Anadan due to regime warplanes and artillery shelling”. One source, Muslm, attributed the strikes to both the Assad regime and Russia, while Jsirtv

Summary

First published
October 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 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 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1463

LOCATION

ترمانين, Termamin, Aleppo, Syria

Between nine and 11 civilians died and up to 25 more were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Termamin town, according to local sources. The lowest death count was given by @NewsFlashNet at at least nine. RevoSpring said that 10 people died, while Halab News joined most sources in putting the figure

Summary

First published
October 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
Civilians reported injured
12–25
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

October 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1495

LOCATION

Tarei, Idlib, Syria

In what looks to have been a Syrian regime action, an elderly man and his son were reported killed by an airstrike in Tarei village, Idlib. LCCSY initially appeared to blame Russia, but in a later post attributed the deaths to the Syrian regime. Most other sources also pointed to the regime. According to the

Summary

First published
October 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(0–1 children1–2 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
View Incident