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 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS4065

LOCATION

دير الشرقي, Deir Al Sharqi, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Deir Al Sharqi, Idlib, on August 21st. An early tweet from Step News reporting the incident stated that “a number” had been wounded in the attack. The same source later tweeted “three civilians killed in Deir Al-Sharqi town of Idlib southern countryside, due to aerial bombardments by

Summary

First published
August 21, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1278

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and three civilians including one woman and one child were killed, and several more wounded, by bombings carried out either by the Assad regime or Russian planes in the Al Sakhour neighborhood in Aleppo. According to Halab Today TV and SyrianPC, an unidentified child was also killed. Meanwhile, Shahba Press tweeted that a

Summary

First published
September 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3–12
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

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1310

LOCATION

المواصلات, Al Mowasalat, Aleppo, Syria

Two children and a man were killed by airstrikes in the al Mowasalat neighbourhood, local media reported. The strikes were reportedly part of a larger set of attacks with cluster bombs and phosphorus on multiple Aleppo neighbourhoods and were attributed both to the Syrian regime and to Russian aircraft. Up to five civilians were wounded

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1408

LOCATION

الشيخ خضر, al Sheikh Kudar, Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians including two children and a woman died and several more people were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Shikh Khudur, according to local media. The location hit was Sheikh Fares, which is inside the Sheikh Khudar area. According to Thiqan News Agency, there were “two martyrs and a number of

Summary

First published
October 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS1871

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Three civilians were reportedly killed by Russian airstrikes carried out in Palmyra on the 29th of January 2017. Sources said several air raids struck its western and  northern neighbourhoods that resulted in the civilian casualties and damage to property Those wounded in the strikes were moved to a field hospital for treatment in rural Hama,

Summary

First published
January 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2049

LOCATION

الغسانية, Al Ghassaniya, Idlib, Syria

As many as three civilians were killed – including one woman – and several others were wounded, as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Ghassaniya, Idlib, local media reported. There were no specific figures regarding wounded civilians published. The strikes allegedly occurred at noon, and included surface to surface missiles, according to Al

Summary

First published
April 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 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
View Incident

Incident date

September 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2469

LOCATION

قرية التح, Al Tah, Idlib, Syria

Between one and three civilians including two women died while working at an obstetrics hospital in Al Tah as alleged Russian and Syrian warplanes bombarded the countryside of southern Idlib, local sources reported. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported one death; it stated: “Suspected Russian warplanes fired a missile on the al Rahman Charity

Summary

First published
September 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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

January 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS341

LOCATION

الشيخ مسكين‎, Sheikh Miskeen, Daraa, Syria

A woman and man were killed in Sheikh Miskeen according to local sources – though it is not clear whether regime air or ground forces, strikes by Russian warplanes, or both were responsible for the deaths. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights produced two reports on the incident. The first report said that Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
January 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 women1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS405

LOCATION

ام شقيف, Um Shkeef, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrikes on the the village of Um Shkeef, according to two local sources. Alaan TV reported that dozens died and were wounded by alleged Russian strikes in east Aleppo, including three civilians in Um Shkeef, located on the road from Al Bab to Manbij. Halab News also put

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 15, 2019

Incident Code

RS3807

LOCATION

الفطيرة, Al Fatira , Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Al Fatira, Idlib, on June 15th. Two sources claimed that three civilians had perished in the attack, with Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stating that two of these were women, and Smart News alleging the death of a child. Meanwhile, other sources referred to two civilians slain,

Summary

First published
June 15, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3861

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
July 1, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3097

LOCATION

كفربطنا, Kafar Batna, Damascus, Syria

According to local media, up to three civilians, hereof one woman and one child, were killed as several left wounded as Assad and/or Russian-waged warplanes struck Kafar Batna, eastern Ghouta, Damascus. Several reports told how Kafar Batna was subject to aerial shelling, especially striking residential areas. As the only one, Ghouta Media Center (GMC) reported about

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 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

July 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1015

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians died in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on the villages of Hatla and al Salhiya in Deir Ezzor, according to sources on the ground. Euphrates Post reported three were killed and five wounded – they blamed Russia, as did the Smart News Agency. Ara News, however, said that the regime carried

Summary

First published
July 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS3249

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

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

Summary

First published
March 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–10
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1127

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Airstrikes reportedly destroyed a Pediatrics and Gynecology hospital on 12th August 2016 in Kafr Hamra. At least three civilians were killed, and seven or more wounded, mostly members of a medical staff, women, or children. Some of the personnel working in the hospital were affected; both a nurse and an ambulance driver were killed in

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1419

LOCATION

الظاهرية, Al Zhahiria, Idlib, Syria

Three children died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on al-Zhahiria village, according to local media. According to LCCSY, “three children were martyred as Russian warplanes carried out thermobaric missile attacks on #Zhahiria village in the western suburb”. This claim was repeated by many other sources. There was no information available on the identity

Summary

First published
October 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2130

LOCATION

كفرزتيا , Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Two named children died and three male civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Kafr Zita, according to sources on the grounds. Several reports said that “rocket-propelled grenades with parachutes” were used in the attack. Smart News Agency reported that “two children were killed and three men were wounded on Sunday when

Summary

First published
April 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2–3 children3 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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2015

Incident Code

RS051

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

The White Helmets reported that three children were killed in the countryside near Damascus following a ‘Russian airstrike.’ Al Etihad said the aircraft was a Russian Air Force Su-24. VDC named the children without specifying which nation’s aircraft were responsible. . However Shaam News described the attack as having been the work of the Syrian

Summary

First published
October 16, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3688

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
May 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 3, 2015

Incident Code

RS223

LOCATION

هنيدة, Hanida, Raqqa, Syria

Three brothers were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike which targeted a car carrying them to work near the town of Haneeda, according to Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered and the Syrian Human Rights Campaign. The victims – all described as builders – have all been named.    

Summary

First published
December 3, 2015
Last updated
February 24, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS352

LOCATION

حزرما, Hazarma, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians including one child were killed in airstrikes on Hazarma, according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attacks were the work of the Russians or the Assad regime. The White Helmets reported on two raids by “warplanes before sunset” which targeted a civilian home, leading to the death of three non-combatants

Summary

First published
January 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
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

June 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS865

LOCATION

دوار جسر الحج, Jisr al Haj roundabout (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network, reported that 21 civilians died in Aleppo “in the first day of Ramadan in regime and Russian bombing“. It put the death toll in Jisr al Haj at three civilians – though it did not say whether the Syrian regime or Russia were responsible. Smart and Shahba Press also attributed the

Summary

First published
June 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
4–5
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS3193

LOCATION

العالية, Al Alia, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3112

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Two children and their mother were killed in air and artillery strikes on Douma, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russian warplanes and the Syrian regime for the raids. The vicinity was struck with land to land missiles and heavy artillery shelling. Images show the extent of destruction to property. There are no more details

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 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

August 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS4055

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh , Idlib, Syria

Two to three civilians, including a child, were reported killed in airstrikes on Heesh, Idlib, on August 20th, 2019. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that “a man and a child” were killed “as a result of Russian raids on the village of Heesh”. The same source elsewhere reported the death of three in the

Summary

First published
August 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1–2 men)
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

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1364

LOCATION

البويهج, Al Bohij, Aleppo, Syria

Two or three members of the White Helmets were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Bohij near Manbij, Aleppo. According to LCCSY, two civilians died in the attack.Qasioun, the Shaam News Network and Halab News said that three members of the Civil Defense were killed. Halab News identified the names of  all

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(3 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1761

LOCATION

حي المعادي , Al Ma’adi neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians were reportedly killed in an airstrike on the al Ma’adi neighbourhood of Aleppo – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Halab News reported that the three unidentified civilians were killed “following Russian enemy raids” on al Ma’adi. Whilst other sources confirmed that there were airstrikes

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2059

LOCATION

كفرنبودة, Kafr Nbouda, Hama, Syria

As many as three civilians from the same family – including a child and a woman – were killed, and up to four more were wounded, following a raid on Kafr Nbouda. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raid, except the Syrian Network for Human Righhst who pointed to both Russia and the Assad regime.

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2280

LOCATION

حطلة و الصالحية, Hatla and Salihiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as three civilians were killed – including one man – and some others were injured, following an airstrike on the towns of Hatla and Salihiya. Sources mostly all blamed Russia, however some remained impartial and did not attribute blame. According to the Smart News Agency, the strike hit “Al Salhiya roundabout at the

Summary

First published
June 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2526

LOCATION

منطقة الرهجان, al Rahjan, Hama, Syria

At least three civilians from one family were killed and six others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes against the al Rahjan area in northeastern Hama, according to local activists. Activists with Smart News reported that the villages of northeastern Hama were targeted by Russian planes. Smart News reported that Civil Defence

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident