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

September 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1330

LOCATION

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

Between six and eight civilians including five children and one woman were reportedly killed in an airstrike in the Al Mashhad neighbourhood in Aleppo. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. Most sources seven civilians died in the attack. The Syrian Network for Human Rights elaborated on the location

Summary

First published
September 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(5 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1362

LOCATION

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources, two civilians, most likely children, were killed and up to another eight people injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Mansoura outside Aleppo. The vast majority of sources attributed the strike to Russia, though AleppoAMC and Syrianpc just mention “the air force”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
5–8
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1395

LOCATION

بستان الباشا, Bustan al Basha, Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, alleged Russia or Assad regime airstrikes killed six civilians from one family in Aleppo’s Bustan al Basha neighbourhood. Only one child from the family was said to have survived the attack. Al-Jazeera published a video, showing how the surviving child, named Shihab, was rescued from the rubble while the rest of his

Summary

First published
October 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(1–4 children)
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1428

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

In what local media described as “a massacre”, between six and 16 civilians died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air and artillery strikes on Aleppo’s al-Ferdos neighbourhood. Up to 50 more people were reportedly wounded in the attack. In a video taken by SafwanAhmad1, of a civilian casualty being dug from the rubble another airstrike

Summary

First published
October 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 16
Civilians reported injured
12–51
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 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1460

LOCATION

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

Six or seven civilians died 20 more were wounded, including women and children, in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Aleppo’s Al Mayysar neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground. Halab News listed six unidentified civilians as killed in a Russian strike. But Shahba Press put the death toll at seven. Alaraby reported

Summary

First published
October 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1492

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al-Shughur, Idlib, Syria

Seven civilians including up to five children – reportedly mostly from the same family – died and up to dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Jisr al Shoughour, according to sources on the ground – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Among sources attributing the event to

Summary

First published
October 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(4–5 children2–3 women)
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1548

LOCATION

عربين, Arbin, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and others were injured in airstrikes launched against the town of Arbin in Eastern Ghouta – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The series of three airstrikes launched against the residential areas were part of an escalated attack

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS1884

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

At least two civilians, one man and one woman, were killed and others were wounded in airstrikes on the town of Palmyra in the eastern Homs countryside. According to @journalhader and the Local Coordination Committee of Syria, the airstrikes were carried out by Russian warplanes. The two air raids reportedly struck the main square and

Summary

First published
February 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 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
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2020

Incident Code

RS4496

LOCATION

باتنتة, Batneta, Idlib, Syria

Two to four civilians, including one child, were killed and five others, including two women, were injured as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian Regime airstrike on agricultural lands in the vicinity of Batenta village near Idlib on the morning of March 1st 2020 according to local sources. Almost all of the sources

Summary

First published
March 1, 2020
Last updated
March 1, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child)
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 31, 2020

Incident Code

RS4529

LOCATION

تلتونه, Taltuna, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reportedly killed and five others were injured after an alleged airstrike by a Russian or Syrian or Iranian drone on agricultural lands in the village of Taltuna, west of  Ma’arat Misrin north of Idlib on the morning of October 31st, 2020 according to local sources. According to sources including Orient news and

Summary

First published
October 31, 2020
Last updated
March 2, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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, Iranian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2016

Incident Code

R915a

LOCATION

مشفى عمر بن عبد العزيز في حي المعادي, Omar Abd Al Aziz Hospital, Al Maadi, Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources, there were injuries to medical staff and material damage to the Omar Bin Abdul Aziz Hospital in the Maadi neighbourhood in Aleppo on July 16th 2016 after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime missile targeted the healthcare facility. Other local sources, such as Radio Al Kul and @salqin also described that

Summary

First published
July 16, 2016
Last updated
August 3, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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

November 17, 2022

Incident Code

R4490

LOCATION

الاتارب, Al Atareb, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and six civilians, including up to five children, were injured by alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery shelling of the outskirts of Al Atareb on November 17, 2022. The @SyriaCivilDefe reported that six people, including two children, were injured by Syrian regime and Russian artillery shelling of the outskirts of Al Atareb. The

Summary

First published
November 17, 2022
Last updated
December 1, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
5–6
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

June 24, 2023

Incident Code

R4521

LOCATION

بسبت, Basbat, Idlib, Syria

On Saturday June 24th 2023, an alleged airstrike by Russian armed forces hit a farm in the village of Basbat, in the countryside of Jisr al-Shughour, west of Idlib, northwest Syria, killing two civilians and injuring others. Sources including @SyriaCivilDefe, @DeirEzzore twitter accounts, and Syria TV reported two civilians being killed by the airstrike on

Summary

First published
June 24, 2023
Last updated
August 1, 2023
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2023

Incident Code

R4533

LOCATION

كفرعمة, Kafar Ammah, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian, a child, was injured as a result of the artillery shelling of the residential villages of Kafar Ammah and Al-Qasr, west of Aleppo, allegedly by Russian and/or Syrian Regime forces on Sunday July 23rd 2023. Local sources @SyriaCivilDefe and @spc_fr only mentioned that a child was injured, with @SyriaCivilDefe reporting that

Summary

First published
July 23, 2023
Last updated
August 24, 2023
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2023

Incident Code

R4559

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

On the night of September 23, 2023, in Sarmin, Idlib, an incident with contested responsibility—reportedly either by Syrian regime forces or the Russian military—struck an agricultural area, injuring a civilian man, which was confirmed by multiple sources including the White Helmets organization. The civilian injured was reportedly a farmer who was picking figs in a

Summary

First published
September 23, 2023
Last updated
February 7, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
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.
Impact
Food
Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 8, 2023

Incident Code

R4597

LOCATION

الأبزمو, Al Abzemo, Aleppo, Syria

On the evening of Sunday, 8th October 2023, an alleged bombardment with missiles reportedly carrying incendiary ammunition by the Syrian regime and/or Russian military caused moderately serious injuries to three civilians: a father Salwan al-Yousef, his 13-year-old daughter Fatima Salwan Al-Yousef, and his infant son Mohamed Salwan Al-Yousef who was only three months old. The

Summary

First published
October 8, 2023
Last updated
June 28, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
Residential building
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2015

Incident Code

RS022

LOCATION

القريتين, Al Qaryatayn, Homs, Syria

The Syrian Observatory reported an unspecified number of casualties from an alleged Russian strike at Qarayatain, a town to the south west of Palmyra. Qasioun also reported that “a raid by fighters of the Russian Air Force on Tuesday afternoon led to deaths and injuries among civilians, some serious, as well as widespread destruction of

Summary

First published
October 6, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

October 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS054

LOCATION

دير العصافير, Dayr Al Asafeer, Damascus, Syria

One possible non-combatant was reported killed at Dayr al Asafeer, according to a single source. Shaam News Network reported that a joint air-ground assault by Russian and Assad forces “led to the fall of one martyr” in the town, though no further details were given of their status.  

Summary

First published
October 18, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS087

LOCATION

تل هادية, Tal Hadya, Aleppo, Syria

As many as 11 civilians were reported killed in the second alleged Russian airstrike in as many days on Tal Hadya. A large number of civilians were also reportedly injured in the nighttime attack. According to the Syrian Observatory, “nine people [six women, one child and two men] were killed in bombing by warplanes believed

Summary

First published
October 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(1–7 children0–6 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
50
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2015

Incident Code

RS121

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reported that one named civilian male was killed, allegedly due to “Russian airforce shelling“. VDC named the victim as Soeoud al-Thamer. No additional information is presently known.  

Summary

First published
November 5, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS155

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

An alleged Russian midnight raid on Saraqib destroyed a bakery in the town. The Idlib Media Centre complained that “this oven is for baking, it’s not the headquarters of the rebels.” While The Syrian Observatory and Idlib Media Centre reported unspecified casualties, the Syrian News Desk put the toll at one civilian killed, with six

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
6
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 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS188

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center listed one adult male civilian, a Palestinian national, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Douma. However, the VDC listed seven further civilians killed that day in Douma “due to regime`s army forces shelling.” And the Syrian Observatory cites the Assad regime as being responsible for the event.  

Summary

First published
November 22, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 2, 2015

Incident Code

RS220

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al Tamani'ah, Idlib, Syria

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Russian warplanes allegedly targeted the areas of Al Tamaanah and Tal A’as. A woman and her unborn child were said by Syria News to have been killed – though it blamed the Assad regime for the deaths.  

Summary

First published
December 2, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

December 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS253

LOCATION

الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One 30-year-old male civilian, Mohammad Muffed Razzouq, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Salheen, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No further details are available at the present time.  

Summary

First published
December 10, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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

December 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS286

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Eight to nine civilians including two children and five women were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Azaz, according to multiple sources. The White Helmets, Al Jazeera, the Shaam News Network and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that Russia carried out the raid, which killed nine non-combatants. SOHR said this included a child, a girl

Summary

First published
December 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(2 children5 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
Russian Military
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS318

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Four civilians including a child were reported killed in major alleged Russian air raids on Palmyra. Revolution Palmyra reported as many as 60 strikes on the city by Russia, including with cluster munitions. It said the raids were concentrated as follows: “- 10 air strikes on the city hospital which led to massive destruction –

Summary

First published
December 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child3 men)
Civilians reported injured
25
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS350

LOCATION

أبو طلطل, Abu Taltal, Aleppo, Syria

Four named civilians from one family including a child died when Russian warplanes allegedly fired missiles on the town of Abou Taltal in Aleppo governorate.    

Summary

First published
January 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS382

LOCATION

قاضي عسكر, Qadi A'skar, Aleppo, Syria

Seven to ten civilians were killed and dozens injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on a mosque in Qadi A’skar, according to a number of sources. Activists told Shaam News that Russian warplanes targeted the mosque of Agha Jakk during afternoon prayers, resulting in the deaths of 10 people with dozens more wounded. The Syrian Observatory

Summary

First published
January 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
Civilians reported injured
12
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

January 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS414

LOCATION

معردبسة, Ma’ardabssa, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed and several other civilians injured following an alleged Russian raid on the town of Ma’ardabssa, according to the Shaam News Network. Fresh Syria reported that “a woman was killed  in the village of Ma’ardebsah Idlib, a result of the Russian aviation targeting the village on Sunday afternoon with three air raids. The raids

Summary

First published
January 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS448

LOCATION

الطابية جزيرة, Al Tabiya Jazeera, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 34 and 50 civilians including up to eight women and 16 children were killed and more than 60 injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Tabiya Jazeera, according to multiple sources. An initial report by Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently said that Russian two strikes led to the deaths of four civilians families in their entirety. Subsequent reports put the death toll

Summary

First published
January 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
34 – 50
(10–16 children4–8 women)
Civilians reported injured
24–60
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
18 named, 8 families identified
View Incident