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 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

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

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

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

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

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

January 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1848

LOCATION

رسم العيس , Rasm al ais, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Rasm al ais, according to local media. Halab News listed three unidentified civilian fatalties – and blamed Russia for their deaths. @RFS_NORTH, @Syrianaffairs1 and LCCSY also pointed to Russia.

Summary

First published
January 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS1944

LOCATION

قبتان الجبل, Qubtan Al-Jabal, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians, including one male child and one woman, were killed along with up to ten wounded, local media reported following alleged Russain shelling of Qubtan Al-Jabal, Aleppo. At least one child was killed by the airstrikes. Additionally, many  sources also reported the death of one man and woman. @kobtan_aljabal added that the child

Summary

First published
March 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2070

LOCATION

كفرنبودة, Kafr Nbouda, Hama, Syria

Three civilians from one family were killed in an alleged Russian raid on Kfar Nbouda, according to reports from the ground. Both sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raid. The Smart News Agency reported: “Three civilians from a family were killed on Monday night [April 3rd] by a bombardment of warplanes likely to be Russian on

Summary

First published
April 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 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
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

Incident date

August 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1147

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Three named civilians including a baby girl died and several more were wounded in a strike on Talbissa, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. The Shaam News Network reported that “a baby girl died as a result of warplanes carrying out

Summary

First published
August 14, 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
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1651

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

In a single source claim, three named adult males were killed due to Russian shelling on Saqba. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2156

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

A man, a woman and a girl were killed, and dozens more were wounded, in a airstrike on Akeirbat, according to sources on the ground. Both sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. According to the Smart News Agency,  a Russian warplane struck the vicinity, “killing a woman, and wounding two others, including a child, their

Summary

First published
April 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2178

LOCATION

دير شرقي, Deir Sharqi, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were killed and “dozens” wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike in Deir Sharqi, according to local media sources.  The University Hospital in Deir Sharqi, which reportedly was used to primarily treat women and children, was struck. The hospital was destroyed by the strike and taken out of service, according to Smart News, who

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
4–12
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2464

LOCATION

الطيبة , Tayba town,, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A man and his son died as Russian planes allegedly dropped cluster bombs on the town of Tayba, the Euphrates Post reported. Another source, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that a “female child” also died at Tayba. Mahmoud Hussein Al-Turki and his son were reportedly killed as several air raids attacked the area at

Summary

First published
September 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children1 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, Unknown
Named victims
4 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS018

LOCATION

أم شرشوح, Umm Sharshuh, Homs, Syria

An alleged Russian raid killed up to three civilians at Umm Sharshuh, a town near Al Rastan. The Syrian Network cited local activist Abu Baraa Al Homsi: “Russian warplanes launched a number of air-strikes on Garnata and Umm Sharshuh. The strikes targeted civilian targets as usual. A number of individuals were killed and injured.” The

Summary

First published
October 4, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2018

Incident Code

RS3519

LOCATION

عقربا , A’kraba, Daraa, Syria

Three civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on A’kraba, Dara’a governorate on July 16th, 2018, according to local sources. An unknown number of civilians was injured. According to the Smart News Agency, “activists said three civilians were killed and others injured in an airstrike with rockets likely to be on the town of

Summary

First published
July 16, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS2860

LOCATION

Kafar Nubul, Raqqa, Syria

Between one and three civilians including a child and a woman died and up to six others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafar Nubul, according to local media. Ashark alarabi said that one child died and blamed Russia. According to the Smart News Agency, “a child was killed and six civilians were

Summary

First published
January 7, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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