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

November 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1710

LOCATION

طريق الباب, Tareeq al Bab neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians including a girl died in an alleged Russia or Assad regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Tareeq Al Bab neighbourhood, local sources reported. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “three civilians including a girl died due to suspected Russian warplanes missiles firing on Tareeq Al Bab neighborhood in Aleppo city, November 27.”

Summary

First published
November 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS204

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed, and five to six injured, in an alleged Russian airstrike on the town of Maarat al Numan, according to multiple sources. Shaam News Network said the raid targeted the only water well in the town – at a time when a number of citizens were using the facility. It posted

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 9, 2018

Incident Code

RS2872

LOCATION

جزرايا, Jazraya, Aleppo , Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reportedly killed and five were injured in airstrikes which struck Jazraya, Aleppo. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to Russia while others blamed the Syrian regime. One source blamed “warplanes” but didn’t identify them. Images published by various local media show civilians being dragged from the

Summary

First published
January 9, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3133

LOCATION

بيت سوى , Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were reportedly killed along with two wounded as Russian and/or Assad launched airstrikes and artillery shelling in the town of Beit Sawa, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. All sources reported the death of three civilians. The Violations Documentation Centre (VDC) reported that the three victims were all adult men. Additionally, sources reported

Summary

First published
March 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
School
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2015

Incident Code

RS269

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed and 20 injured in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Al Bab. Up to 10 ISIL militants were also reported killed. Media activist Nassim Al Shamali said Russian warplanes launched several raid with cluster bombs on Daesh-occupied Al Bab, targeting al Noveaute street, Dowar al Manshie and several other

Summary

First published
December 12, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 man)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2019

Incident Code

RS3765

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

Four civilians including a woman and two children from the same family were reported killed and others injured in airstrikes on Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, on June 5th. Local sources stated that of those killed, two were children, and one was a woman, and a later source reports the death of a man, in addition

Summary

First published
June 5, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–8
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS621

LOCATION

غرناطة, Garnata, Homs, Syria

Up to three civilians including one girl and two women were killed in an airstrike on Garnata according to two local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime carried out the attack. In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported that “Russian enemy planes carried out air raids

Summary

First published
February 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child2 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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2495

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians from one family were killed in air and artillery strikes on Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources all attribute the blame to Russia. Two of the victims were women and one was a child. According to one source, this was followed by artillery shelling on the city during the funeral of the

Summary

First published
September 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 women)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1411

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

According to local media, the Khan al-Sheikh camp was subject to intense aerial or artillery shelling, leading to the death of up to three civilians including a child. Two other people were reportedly wounded in the attack, which reports blamed on either Russia or the Assad regime. There were claims that a field hospital and

Summary

First published
October 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 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 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS1815

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

As many as three civilians were killed, inducing a pregnant woman and her unborn child, and up to three civilians were wounded, following an alleged Russian and or Syrian regime airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, local media reported.  Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame with some attributing blame to Russian warplanes, while others blamed

Summary

First published
January 3, 2017
Last updated
January 10, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS1933

LOCATION

ترملا, Tramla, Idlib, Syria

Three members of one family were killed – including a father, daughter and granddaughter – and others were wounded, following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Tramla, local media reported. All sources except Idlib Media Centre – who said the regime was responsible – attributed blame to Russia.  According to sources, a vacuum

Summary

First published
February 28, 2017
Last updated
January 10, 2023
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
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2132

LOCATION

سوحا , Suha, Hama, Syria

A single source, the Smart News agency, reported: “A number of civilians were killed and wounded by a Russian air strike on the village of Suha, 30 kilometers east of Hama city, in the center of Syria, a local source told the Smart newspaper on Sunday. “The source added that the raids targeted the homes

Summary

First published
April 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2325

LOCATION

السخنة/ كدير, al-Sokhna/Kadir, Homs, Syria

According to local media, a family of three – a married couple and their child – was killed by Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes in Homs, though the exact location is unclear among the sources. Several sources reported the death of the three civilians, a man, a woman and their child, and many identified them by name.

Summary

First published
July 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2396

LOCATION

مخيم الخريطة, Al-Kharita camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source reported that “three citizens were killed in Deir Ezzor Province, by bombing [may or may not be Russian] which, targeted a camp for displaced people from Al-Sukhnah, in Al-Kharita Desert in the western countryside of Deir Ezzor”. The source was unclear as to whether the warplanes were Russian or not, but did

Summary

First published
August 20, 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 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2696

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three children were killed due to air and artillery strikes in Abu Kamal. Sources reported that both Russia and the Syrian regime were to blame. It is clear that the raids were either Russian or Syrian regime and artillery shelling was also used in the raid. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 8, 2019

Incident Code

RS3685

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh, Hama, Syria

Up to three civilians, including a child, were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Heesh on May 8th, 2019, according to local sources. Four others were reportedly injured. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that three civilians, including a woman, man and the girl Hanaa Jawhar al Saeed,

Summary

First published
May 8, 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 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3772

LOCATION

بابولين, Babulin, Idlib, Syria

Two to three civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Babulin, Idlib, June 7th. While Idlib Plus alleges the death of one civilian, multiple other sources refer to the death of two to three civilians, as well as the injuring of a “number” of others. Syria Civil Defense stated that of those killed, two were

Summary

First published
June 7, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
9–15
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
11 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS3139

LOCATION

الحويجة, Al Hwaija, Hama, Syria

As many as three civilians were killed – including a pregnant woman – and three others were wounded, in airstrikes on Al Hwaija, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the strikes. A man and a pregnant woman were included in the death toll. However, the man named by

Summary

First published
March 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 woman0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
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

February 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3059

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

According to local media, between two and three civilians, including one child, were killed along with a number of wounded as Mesraba, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was struck by Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes. For the third day in a row, eastern Ghouta, including Mesraba, was subject to heavy shelling, as reported by numerous media. Baladi News

Summary

First published
February 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS954

LOCATION

الكسيح‬, Al Kassih (Idlib), Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians, including one child, died and several more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Kassih, local media reported. According to Step News Agency, “warplanes launched air strikes on the Kasih neighborhood within the city of Idlib, killing at least two people and injuring many more.” LCCSY put the death toll

Summary

First published
June 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
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

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3119

LOCATION

حزة, Hazza, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed, including a woman, and others were injured in air and artillery strikes on Hazza, local media reported. Sources blamed the Syrian and Russian alliance for the raids. Syrian Coalition reported that members of the “Syrian defence forces [were] working to rescue civilians in the city [due to] missiles, as part of

Summary

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

August 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS4079

LOCATION

Abdita, Idlib, Syria

Two children and their mother were reported killed, and others injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Abdita in Idlib on August 26th, 2019. Local sources identified the three victims as Jad Mahmoud Al-Ismail (child), Ahmed Mahmoud Al-Ismail (child) and Dalia Ahmed Fadl (most likely their mother). The Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
August 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2023

LOCATION

رسم حميدة, Rasim Hamida, Homs, Syria

Two or three civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Rasim Hamida in Jabr al-Jarrah, Homs, local media reported. An activist who spoke to Smart News said that the airstrikes killed two men and seriously wounded a woman. But according to al-Araby, three civilians died. Both sources pointed to Russia as the

Summary

First published
March 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
1
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

May 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2258

LOCATION

العقيربات حمادة عمر , Hamada Omar near Al Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Three civilian deaths and several injuries were reported as a result of airstrikes on the village of Hama Omar in Hama Governorate on the 26th of May 2017, an area under the control of the Islamic State (Daesh). It is unclear who was to blame for these airstrikes; sources pointed at the Russians and the

Summary

First published
May 26, 2017
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

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2555

LOCATION

المعزولة, Al-Ma'zola village, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians including a woman and her husband died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Al-Ma’zola, loval media reported. The Step News Agency reported the death of a woman – and blamed Russia. However, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “a woman and her husband killed in Syrian

Summary

First published
September 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS065

LOCATION

رسم حمام, Rasim al Hammam, Hama, Syria

Three civilians – a woman and two girls – were reported killed and ‘many wounded’ after an alleged Russian airstrike on a former school in which internally displaced civilians were said to be sheltering.  

Summary

First published
October 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS226

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike with more than 15 missiles on the road between Maskan and Kafrnasseh, Aleppo, according to the Shaam News Network. Shaam also asserted that once ambulance rescue services arrived the planes struck again, injuring members of the White Helmets who attended the scene. All4Syria said 20

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS323

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Two or three civilians were killed and dozens injured in alleged Russian airstrikes with cluster bombs on Palmyra, according to the Shaam News Network and the Violations Documentation Center. The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes launched 10 raids targeting the city hospital, resulting in significant damage to buildings and equipment. They added that

Summary

First published
December 27, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS387

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A woman and her two daughters died when “suspected Russian warplanes” launched missiles in Al Mayadeen, according to multiple sources.

Summary

First published
January 13, 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
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

July 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS3902

LOCATION

الجيسات, Al Jesat, Hama, Syria

Up to three civilians were killed and four others injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike. According to Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, they were killed in their place of work on agricultural land in the vicinity of Al Jesat. Syrian Network for Human Rights added that “Syrian regime forces fired Kornet missile

Summary

First published
July 13, 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
(2 men)
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident