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

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

October 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2601

LOCATION

الحميدية, Al-Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were killed and others were wounded in airstrikes on Al-Hamidiya, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. A man and his son were killed. One source suggests that the victims were killed in a strike on Al Ashara water crossing, about 60KM away from Al Hamidiya

Summary

First published
October 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1553

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kaf Naha, Aleppo, Syria

At least three civilians, including a woman and child, were killed and others were injured in airstrikes launched against the town of Kafr Naha, Aleppo. According to the majority of local sources, Russia was to blame. However, a single source, the Smart News Agency, attributed blame to Syrian regime planes. According to @HalabNewsN, the missiles launched

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
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 9, 2019

Incident Code

RS3595

LOCATION

قرية المنطار في جسر الشغور, Al Mentar village, Jisr Al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that up to two women and a child died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Mentar village. All sources pointed to Russia. Shaam News Network said that one woman died, though according to Step News Agency two women and a girl were killed. JisrTV also noted

Summary

First published
March 9, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1–2 women)
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

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2720

LOCATION

ابو حمام, Abo Hamam, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to sources, “at least 3 civilians, including a woman, killed as suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on Abo Hamam city in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern suburbs, on November 11”. Smart reported on the “killing one man and injuring others, in addition to a large destruction of private property .” The alleged Russian missile struck

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS651

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

One to three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Saraqib in Idlib, according to local sources. Siryahora reported that “three warplanes fired thermobaric missiles resulting death of three people and several injuries, most serious“, though didn’t identify the warplanes. Step also said three died and that one was “burned” while many were injured

Summary

First published
February 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS747

LOCATION

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

Three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike in Deir ez-Zor, according to local sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that three civilians died when “Russian planes targeted al Sina’a, Huwaija Sakr and the area around the military airport with more than 15 raids since the morning after an attack was carried out

Summary

First published
April 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS3853

LOCATION

البارة, Al Bara, Idlib, Syria

One to three civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Al Bara, Idlib, on June 27th. According to Syria Civil Defense, “three civilians, including a woman, were killed and eight others were wounded in the town of Al Bara in the village of Idlib.” @SyrianCoalition also reported “three martyrs – two men and a woman –

Summary

First published
June 27, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 woman1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS811

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Ltamenah, Hama, Syria

According to LCCSY, “Russian warplanes launched two air rocket cluster bombs on agricultural land in Ltamenah in the northern countryside of Hama.” They said that some farmers had been injured, but provided no further details. Qasioun also blamed Russia. Syrian PC News and All4Syria News (which blamed ‘regime artillery shelling’) reported that there were two civilians

Summary

First published
May 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS876

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including one woman died and six others were injured in an airstrike on Salheen, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was an attack by Russia or the Syrian regime. According to an initial report by LCCSY, three civilians including a woman were killed and several others injured in Russian

Summary

First published
June 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS908

LOCATION

Castello Road, Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian news desk reported that three civilians were killed in an overnight offensive on Castello Road. The people killed were travelling down this road in a car, according to this source and others. The Syrian news desk reported that  victims had been unable to evacuate the area during the daytime ‘due to regime troops

Summary

First published
June 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS973

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al-Shughur, Idlib, Syria

Three children died and seven more civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Jisr al Shoughour, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Reports said ‘the national hospital in Jisr al Shoughour’ or ‘a field hospital’ was struck, along with the Sakan Al-Shababi

Summary

First published
July 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2746

LOCATION

القورية, Qouriya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians, a father and son, were killed and at least another two were wounded as an unidentified drone struck in Qouriya, Deir Ezzor, local sources reported. In the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights general reporting from the Euphrates River, the media reported that “two men were killed and another were wounded after being targeted

Summary

First published
November 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 man)
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
3 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

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1387

LOCATION

الزبدية, al Zarbadia, Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources, air and artillery strikes hit the neighbourhood of al-Zarbadia in Aleppo, killing up to three civilians and wounding as many as six more. According to the Smart News Agency, “regime artillery shelling by Assad forces stationed in Hamdaneya stadium targeted the Al-Zebdiya neighbourhood and killed three children and wounded six others

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(0–3 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1516

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed and dozens injured by airstrikes with thermobaric missiles in Douma city, local sources reported – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. According to LCCSY, Russia was allegedly responsible for the airstrikes. However, The Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

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

Incident date

February 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS1931

LOCATION

الهزاني, Al-Hazani, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in an alleged air and artillery strike on Al-Hazani, Aleppo. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Two sources reported that Russia was responsible for the raid, whilst others attributed blame to the Syrian regime. SyriaMubasher reported that military aircraft were to blame – therefore not attributing

Summary

First published
February 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
(0–2 children0–1 women0–1 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

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2515

LOCATION

البشيرية, al Bashiriya, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were killed in an airstrike on al Bashiriya, according to local media. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, “three sibling children killed in suspected Russian warplanes missiles fired on al Bashiriya village in Idlib governorate western suburbs on September 25, 2017.” No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
September 25, 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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2780

LOCATION

السماقة, Samaqa, Hama, Syria

Three civilians were killed – including one woman – and seven others were wounded in air and artillery strikes which struck Samaqa, sources on the ground reported. Local media blamed both Russian warplanes and Syrian regime planes for the strikes. According to ‘Al Latamna Youth gathering’, farm shops or an agricultural factory was hit in

Summary

First published
December 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2015

Incident Code

RS020 CS133

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Two children and a 46 year old male were reported killed during four alleged Russian strikes in the evening on Anadan. Another man was also named as a victim by VDC. Eyewitnesses described at least one secondary, or ‘double tap’ strike. A local medic told Qassioun: “Between the afternoon and evening Russian planes carried out intensive

Summary

First published
October 6, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children2 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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
4 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

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

June 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS855

LOCATION

هورة الجريات, Horat al Jariyat, Raqqa, Syria

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, two civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Horat al Jariya. The Shaam News Network also blamed Russia, but did not provide casualty numbers. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at three but didn’t identify the warplanes responsible.

Summary

First published
June 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3208

LOCATION

منطقة الفروع, Al Foru’ area, Homs, Syria

Three civilians were killed and members of the Bani Khaled tribe were injured in airstrikes on the Al Foru’ area. Sources blamed Russian raids for the civilian casualties. 7al reported that “the area of ​​the Al Foru’ Badia Al Alyania has been subjected to more than five Russian raids. All the residents of the region

Summary

First published
March 8, 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
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1171

LOCATION

قبطان الجبل, Qubtan al Jabal, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including one child and one woman died and several more civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qubtan Al-Jabal, according to sources on the ground. Reports cited the use of cluster bombs in the attack. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1431

LOCATION

صوران, Souran, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in either Russian, Turkish or ISIS artillery shelling on Souran near Aleppo. Baladi wrote that “three civilians were killed due to artillery shelling by ISIS in Souran.” However, according to Syrian Mirror, “three women were killed in Turkish artillery shelling in Souran north of Aleppo.” The Syrian Observatory for Human

Summary

First published
October 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(0–3 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, ISIS, Turkish Military, ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS1905

LOCATION

ابو جبار, Abo Jabbar, Aleppo, Syria

Three children were reportedly killed in an airstrike on Abo Jabbar town, Aleppo – though only one source has reported the event. The Violations Documentation Centre in Syria listed three unidentified children as victims of “warplane shelling” by “Russian troops”.  

Summary

First published
February 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2097

LOCATION

طيبة, Tayba, Daraa, Syria

Three children were killed in an airstrike in Tayba, Dara’a, according to local media sources – though it was not clear whether Russia or Assad’s regime were responsible. Local media Facebook page, Mohammed Al-Rifaei, named the three children who died in the attack and attributed responsibility to Russian forces.  Whilst most sources suggested that Russia

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
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