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

May 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3430

LOCATION

النقير, Al Naqir, Idlib, Syria

Between one and three civilians were killed and several more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Al Naqir in Idlib Governorate on May 8th 2018. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that three of those killed were children, who according to the Syrian Network, were from the same family. Sources

Summary

First published
May 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–3 children)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 10, 2018

Incident Code

RS2878

LOCATION

جزرايا, Jazraya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A single source reported that there were, “Three martyrs and several wounded as a result of the targeting of the Russian air force in the town of Jazraya in southern rural Aleppo.” Despite this, one comment on the post reported that there was nothing in Jazraya on the 10th, and asked the administration to delete

Summary

First published
January 10, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS659

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

One to three civilians were killed and several more injured in airstrikes on Saqaib according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News Network posted photos in which it said Russia was responsible. Other sources, including Alsouria and Al

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 woman0–1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2018

Incident Code

RS3030

LOCATION

حزانو, Hazano, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians, all children, were killed and as many as seven, including women and children, were wounded as alleged Russian warplanes struck the village of Hazano, Idlib, local media reported. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR) reported that the air raids had hit “near al Kabir Mosque in Hazano village” Like the

Summary

First published
February 17, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS723

LOCATION

أبو دالية, Abu Dalia, Hama, Syria

Three civilians including two women died in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Abu Dalia, according to local sources. Baladi News reported: “One male and two females were killed in warplane raid targeted center of Abu-Dalyeh town in Eastern countryside of Hama.” The Shaam News Network said: “In the eastern countryside Russian enemy planes

Summary

First published
March 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women)
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

August 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1433

LOCATION

صغير شامية, Sagheer Shamiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On August 31, 2017, at least three civilians died in an airstrike on Zaghir Shamiya, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, Russia or the Syrian Regime were responsible for the event. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that between two and three people were killed

Summary

First published
August 31, 2017
Last updated
June 27, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of injury / death
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS4074

LOCATION

بسقلا, Bsaqla, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that at least three civilians including a woman and a girl were killed and many were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bsaqla on the morning of August 25, 2019. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least three civilians, including a girl and her mother, were killed as

Summary

First published
August 25, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1539

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed, including one woman and two children, and others were injured in airstrikes which struck Urma al Kubra town in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Both children were found buried in rubble by the Civil Defence team following the raids. Local sources, including Halab News and Assakina News, identified Russian

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2251

LOCATION

الطيبة, al Teeba, Homs, Syria

At least three civilians were killed and five others, including women and children, were injured in alleged Russian raids against the town of al Teeba near Palmyra according to a local source. Smart News Agency was the only source to report on this incident and at this time we have no other details.

Summary

First published
May 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
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

December 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2812

LOCATION

شنان, Shanan, Raqqa, Syria

Three children were killed by the remnants of an alleged Russian cluster bomb in the town of Shanan, eastern Raqqa, local media reported. Among the sources, Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that the three children were killed due a “cluster bomb explosion left behind by the Russian shelling of the town of Shanan.” It

Summary

First published
December 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS3626

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians, including a child, died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling on Kafar Nabil on April 27th, 2019, local media said. According to the White Helmets, “a cluster targeting the town of Kar Nabil killed a child martyr and caused injury to a woman.” The Step News Agency put the death toll

Summary

First published
April 27, 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 child)
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS092

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar Rastan, Homs, Syria

A woman and child (and possibly a third civilian) were killed in an alleged Russian morning airstrike at Ar Rastan. According to the Union of Hama rebels, those killed were “an orphan and his grandmother“. They were later named by VDC.  

Summary

First published
October 30, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 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
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3676

LOCATION

مرج الزهور, Marj Al Zuhour, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians were reported killed and eight others including two children were reported injured as Russian forces or Syrian regime targeted with airstrikes or artillery Marj Al Zohur in Idlib on May 7th, 2019, according to local reports. Two of those killed were workers with a humanitarian organisation for food support. The Local

Summary

First published
May 7, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 25, 2015

Incident Code

RS189

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Two to three civilians were reported killed and several others injured (“most of them women and children”) in an alleged Russian air raid with vacuum missiles on the town of Jisr al Shughour, according to Radio Alkul. The local media organisation additionally reported that “The town was also struck by more than 50 rockets from

Summary

First published
November 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2–3 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

December 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS254

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Three adult males were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Zita. The victims were named by the VDC. While most described the trio as civilians, one tweet said they were rebel fighters with the group Ajnad al Sham. Reporting remains confused, with multiple alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Zita between December 9th

Summary

First published
December 10, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 24, 2019

Incident Code

RS3710

LOCATION

حاس , Haas, Idlib, Syria

One to three civilians, including two children, were reported killed in several airstrikes on the town of Haas, Idlib, on May 24th. While Shahd is the only named fatality in a number of sources, the Syrian Network for Human rights claimed that “Shahd Jamal al Farhat was killed along with one of her family members,

Summary

First published
May 24, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
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
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
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

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3069

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalaka, Damascus, Syria

Up to three civilians were killed and several were wounded as Zamalaka, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was subject to air strikes and helicopter bombings, carried out by either Russia, the Assad regime, or both, as reported by local media. As the shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on Friday, February 23rd, Zamalaka was not excepted from the

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(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

June 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS960

LOCATION

حريتان, Baghdad street, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that alleged Russian airstrikes in Baghdad street in Hraitan outside of Aleppo killed three civilian men and wounded several more. According to Halab Today TV, “three civilians were martyred following the targeting of Baghdad street in the town of Hraitan in Aleppo”.  Radio al-kul added that the strikes left several wounded. LCCSY,

Summary

First published
June 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 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
View Incident

Incident date

August 19, 2019

Incident Code

RS4052

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh , Idlib, Syria

Three civilians, including a child, were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Heesh, Idlib, on August 19th 2019. Smart News cited “two civilians killed by Russian warplanes in Heesh town, south of Idlib” and @jisrtv tweeted that two civilians had been killed in the strike. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented “the death

Summary

First published
August 19, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1201

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians including a child and a woman died and as many as 19 others were injured in strikes on Idlib, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. One source reported the use of regime warships in the attacks, while several

Summary

First published
August 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10–19
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 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS1941

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airstrikes on the town of Hajjin in Deir Ezzor reportedly killed at least one four-year old girl and critically wounded several other civilians – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime carried out the strike. With the exception of the Step News Agency, who reported as many as three civilian

Summary

First published
March 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2205

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians, a baby girl, her mother and a boy, were killed and dozens more civilians were wounded as Hamuriya, Damascus, was hit by airstrikes, local media reported. Though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Most sources reported the death of three civilians, namely a four-year-old baby girl, her

Summary

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

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2501

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed, including a man and a pregnant woman, and five others, including three women and two children, were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes in the agricultural vicinity of Khan Sheikhoun in southern Idlib, according to local sources. A correspondent from the Civil Defence Centre Anas Diab told Smart News

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 woman1 man)
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

Incident date

September 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2559

LOCATION

الهبيط , Al-Habit, Idlib, Syria

Three airstrikes using cluster bombs, likely by Russian warplanes, were the cause of three civilian deaths (of whom two were women) and the wounding of ten others, according to Smart News Agency. The cluster bombs were allegedly dropped on the town of Al Habeet, 35 km south of Idlib. However Alghadalsory reported that the warplane

Summary

First published
September 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women)
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

October 23, 2015

Incident Code

RS071

LOCATION

مسرابا, Missraya, Damascus, Syria

According to reports, Russian warplanes allegedly carried out four raids on the town of Missraya in eastern Ghouta. Two or more people died and ‘dozens’ were injured, including women and children. According to the White Helmets, one of those killed was a little girl. The VDC also named adult male civilian Mohammad Saeid Mohammad Ali

Summary

First published
October 23, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3000

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafr Sajneh, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime waged shelling of Kafr Sajneh in Idlib killed up to three civilians, including children and women, and wounded up to six children, local media reported. Local reports varied in terms of the death toll, though most agreed that both children and women were among the victims. Smart News cited local

Summary

First published
February 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children1–2 women)
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS617

LOCATION

حر بنفسه, Harbnafsa, Hama, Syria

Two or three civilians were killed in airstrikes on Harbnafsa according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. Shaam News Network said that  Russian warplanes launched “intensive air raids on the town” in the morning. Activists documented eight strikes, leading to two

Summary

First published
February 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(0–1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS3834

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

A woman was reported killed  when alleged Russian and Syrian regime air raids reportedly struck Kafar Zeita on June 21st, 2019. A woman was also reported killed in Kafar Zeita on June 20th, 2019. No other details are known at this time.

Summary

First published
June 21, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2572

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al-Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that three people were reportedly killed, including a child, in airstrikes on the village of Al Salhia, which lays at the entrance of Deir Ezzor. The airstrikes were blamed on Russian warplanes. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident