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

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

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

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3097

LOCATION

كفربطنا, Kafar Batna, Damascus, Syria

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

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1659 RS2670

LOCATION

السيال, Al Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Several civilians – including a woman and a child – reportedly died in an airstrike on al Sayyal, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or Russia. Al Hall pointed towards the Coalition, putting the death toll at two with nine more

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
9
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1352

LOCATION

حي خان العسل, Khan Al Assal (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and three civilians were reported killed as a result of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes in Khan Al Assal, a village west of Aleppo. LCCSY reported: “One dead and a number of wounded civilians due to Russian aircraft targeting Khan Al Assal in the western countryside with cluster bombs.” Later, it also

Summary

First published
September 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 woman)
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
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

December 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1739

LOCATION

قرية أورم الصغرى, Urma al Sughra village, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that three children died and an unspecified number of other civilians were injured in an airstrike on Urma al Sughra village. However, only one source – Halab News – explicitly blamed Russia, reporting the use of bunker-busting missiles. Other sources did not apportion blame.

Summary

First published
December 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 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 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2251

LOCATION

الطيبة, al Teeba, Homs, Syria

At least three civilians were killed and five others, including women and children, were injured in alleged Russian raids against the town of al Teeba near Palmyra according to a local source. Smart News Agency was the only source to report on this incident and at this time we have no other details.

Summary

First published
May 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2812

LOCATION

شنان, Shanan, Raqqa, Syria

Three children were killed by the remnants of an alleged Russian cluster bomb in the town of Shanan, eastern Raqqa, local media reported. Among the sources, Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that the three children were killed due a “cluster bomb explosion left behind by the Russian shelling of the town of Shanan.” It

Summary

First published
December 24, 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
View Incident

Incident date

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3676

LOCATION

مرج الزهور, Marj Al Zuhour, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians were reported killed and eight others including two children were reported injured as Russian forces or Syrian regime targeted with airstrikes or artillery Marj Al Zohur in Idlib on May 7th, 2019, according to local reports. Two of those killed were workers with a humanitarian organisation for food support. The Local

Summary

First published
May 7, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 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
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS255

LOCATION

بزاعة, Baza'a, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including one woman and her two children were killed in an airstrike on Baza’a – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Violations Documentation Centre listed three unidentified non-combatants as killed in Russian shelling. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, however, blamed the regime.  

Summary

First published
December 10, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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
View Incident