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

October 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1394

LOCATION

شيخ سعيد, al Sheikh Said, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that alleged Russia or Assad regime air or artillery strikes in Sheik Said, Aleppo, killed up to three civilians. “So_ria98” attributed the strike to Russia, while the media Zaman al-Wasl pointed to both the Assad regime and Russia. There are no other details available at this time.

Summary

First published
October 3, 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

October 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1459

LOCATION

Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Three women died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime air or artillery strike Talbissa, according to sources on the ground. Homs Media Centre added that 16 civilians were wounded in the incident. There are no other details available at this time.

Summary

First published
October 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 women)
Civilians reported injured
16
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 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1523

LOCATION

قرية الموزرة, Al Mozra, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians were killed and several more were wounded from airstrikes launched against the village of Al Mozra – however local sources are conflicted as to who was responsible for the raids. The Local Coordination Committee Syria and @ShahbaPress identifying Russian planes as conducting airstrikes while Syrian Network for Human Rights and @abokantar

Summary

First published
November 3, 2016
Last updated
December 21, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Geolocation
Nearby landmark
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1550

LOCATION

الجانودية, Al Janoudia, Idlib, Syria

Between one to three civilians were killed and at least three others were injured in airstrikes launched against the town of Al Janoudia in western Jisr Al Shoughour. According to local sources, including Step News Agency and @SMARTNewsAgency, Russian warplanes were responsible for the series of airstrikes on the town. An image of the alleged

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS1952

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

As many as three civilians were killed – and others were wounded – in an airstrike on the residential neighbourhood in Anadan, Aleppo, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Almost all sources blamed Russian warplanes, however the White Helmets was one of a few who attributed blame to the Syrian

Summary

First published
March 9, 2017
Last updated
January 17, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 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
1 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2279

LOCATION

رويضة, Ruweida, Hama, Syria

Three civilians were killed – and others were wounded – following an aerial bombardment on Ruweida. Sources either attributed blame to Russian warplanes, or reported the sighting of unidentified warplanes. The Smart News Agency is the only source to specifically report that three “drivers” were killed in the raids. Others state that there were an

Summary

First published
June 10, 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

October 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2622

LOCATION

الحسينية, Al-Husayniya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to three civilians, including two female children, were killed and several were left wounded following airstrikes striking the village of Al-Husayniya, Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though it was unclear who carried out the strikes. Several sources reported the death of two children. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported “two female children were

Summary

First published
October 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS3725

LOCATION

سفوهن, Sufwhan, Idlib, Syria

A man and two women were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Sufwhen, Idlib governorate, on May 28th, 2019, according to local sources. Up to five civilians, including a Syrian Civil Defence volunteer, were reportedly injured. Shahba Press claimed that one woman had been killed and an unknown number of others were injured

Summary

First published
May 28, 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 women1 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3789

LOCATION

الزربة, Al Zirba, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians, a mother and her three children, were reported killed and other civilians injured as a result of heavy artillery in Al Zirba, Aleppo, June 10th. Local sources said the victims belong to the same family. Syria Civil Defense stated that “a woman and her two children were killed in Al Zirba”

Summary

First published
June 11, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 children1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS712

LOCATION

فيخة, Fikha village, Aleppo, Syria

Three non-combatants including a child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Fikha, according to local sources. Syriashuhada said three unidentified civilians died in a Russian strike. HNN also put the death toll at three, attributing the incident to Russia. According to Alamwai a child was among the three fatalities, though didn’t say who carried

Summary

First published
March 6, 2016
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS776

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

In a summary of Russian raids carried out on April 28th, LCCSY said three civilians had died in two strikes on Sakhour. RFS News also blamed Russia, reporting “a martyr and a number of wounded in Russian shelling by missiles on Al-Sakhur”. However, several other sources blamed the regime instead. According to the Syrian Network,

Summary

First published
April 28, 2016
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS3042

LOCATION

كفربطنا , Kafar Batna, Damascus, Syria

Up to three civilians, two men and one woman, were killed and several were left wounded as Kafar Batna, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was subject to air and artillery shelling as reported by local media. It was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. Damas Press, who did not identify a culprit, reported

Summary

First published
February 19, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 woman2 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS905 CS230

LOCATION

‏السموقة‬, Jisr Samouqa, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians died in an airstrike on the village of Samouqa, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the US-led Coalition. Aleppo24, @ALAMAWI, Al Mukhtassar and Nabd Syria blamed Russia. Aleppo 24 reported: “A family made up of 7 people killed and 3 other civilians killed

Summary

First published
June 14, 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
Unknown, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS782 RS2218

LOCATION

دبسي عفنان, Dibsi Afnan, Raqqa, Syria

Two adult male civilians died – as well as one additional child casualty – and up to a dozen or more were wounded in an airstrike on the village of Dibsi Afnan, according to local media. Most sources blame Russia, while some alleged that the regime was responsible – though more than three commentators also

Summary

First published
May 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Democratic Forces
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS3953

LOCATION

كفروما, Kafarouma, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians, including at least one child, were reported killed and 10 others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on civilian homes in the town of Kafarouma, Idlib governorate, on July 25th, 2019, according to local sources. Edlib Media Center reported that “three people were killed and several wounded when

Summary

First published
July 25, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
8–10
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1082

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

According to Syria News Desk, “three media opposition activists were killed yesterday while covering the fighting south of Aleppo, one of them a reporter for Step News agency. They were killed as a result of Russian warplanes targeting the building they were inside.” No further details are currently available.  

Summary

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

Incident date

August 8, 2019

Incident Code

RS3997

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Three civilian men were reported killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib governorate, on August 8th, 2019, according to local sources. An unknown number of others were injured. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a civilian was killed, and others were injured, due to aerial bombardment by Russian planes

Summary

First published
August 8, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2–3 men)
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1308

LOCATION

الحوطة, Al Houta, Aleppo, Syria

Two children and a woman died in strikes on the village of Al Houta, outside Aleppo, local sources reported – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. @thiqanewsagency identified the names of three victims, two children and one woman.  Other sources, including @SyriaPulse  @SyrianFNN and @DaretezzaMedia,

Summary

First published
September 22, 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1603

LOCATION

حي الانصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including women and children died in air or artillery strikes on Al Ansari, Aleppo, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Alsharq and the Smart News Agency put the death toll at one, but all other sources said three people died. Baladi and @heba_alhomsy222 both blamed Russia.  Sdusyria

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1721

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians from one family – a man, his wife and his son – died and two other children from the family were wounded in an airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, according to soirces on the ground. Egypt Today: “On Monday, at least eight raids were carried out on areas in the town of Khan Sheikhan

Summary

First published
November 29, 2016
Last updated
December 21, 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, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

March 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS1999

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafr Sajna, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians including one child were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Sajna, according to local media sources. All of the sources who attributed responsibility for the event stated that it was Russian warplanes that struck Kafr Sajna that day. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “suspected Russian

Summary

First published
March 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2043

LOCATION

جبل الشيخ, Jabal al Sheikh, Aleppo, Syria

At least three people were killed in airstrikes against Jabal al Sheikh in the Aleppo governorate, local media said, It was unclear whether those that were killed were militants or civilians. According to Halab Today TV, the airstrikes were carried out by Russia planes. However, only one source reported on the incident.

Summary

First published
March 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2682

LOCATION

صبيخان, Sebikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as three people were killed in shelling on a displaced persons camp and Mosque in Sebikhan in Sabikhan desert, according to local media. One source blamed the Syrian regime for the airstrikes, however the others blamed “renewed Russian shelling”. Step News Agency reported that there were unspecified numbers of dead and wounded. Syrian

Summary

First published
November 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(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
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2015

Incident Code

RS231

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Three adult male civilians were reported killed and 20 wounded in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Palmyra, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN reported that three Russian fighter jets launched multiple air raids, with half of them concentrated on the city of Palmyra and the other half on the outskirts. The raids reportedly caused

Summary

First published
December 6, 2015
Last updated
February 24, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
20
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

May 31, 2019

Incident Code

RS3741

LOCATION

الزيادية, Al Ziyadiya, Idlib, Syria

Three men were killed and up to six others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Al Ziyadiya, Idlib governorate, on May 31st, 2019, according to local sources. The village of Ziyadiya was struck by artillery shelling believed to have been carried out by the Syrian regime forces from

Summary

First published
May 31, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS520

LOCATION

الخريطة, Al Khareeta, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and three civilians including one to three children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Khareeta, according to local sources. Activists initially told Shaam News that three children were killed and more than five others were injured after Russian planes targeted Al Khareeta. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, at least two

Summary

First published
February 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–5
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
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS659

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 woman0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2018

Incident Code

RS3030

LOCATION

حزانو, Hazano, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

March 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS723

LOCATION

أبو دالية, Abu Dalia, Hama, Syria

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

Summary

First published
March 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1433

LOCATION

صغير شامية, Sagheer Shamiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

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

Summary

First published
August 31, 2017
Last updated
June 27, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of injury / death
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident