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

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2378

LOCATION

رسم العوايد, Rasim Awaed, Hama, Syria

On July 31, 2017, three civilians were reportedly killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian and or Syrian regime raids in Rasim Awaed, near Akirbat town in Hama, according to local media.  Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Baladi News blamed the Syrian regime, while all others attributed blame to Russia.

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Contested 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
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 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2824

LOCATION

تحتايا, Tahtaya, Idlib, Syria

Two airstrikes which hit Tahtaya killed three civilians and wounded another three, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. Despite @AjamiNetwork reporting there were no civilian casualties, all other sources reported on civilian harm. According to Baladi News, the victims were pulled out of the rubble

Summary

First published
December 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

July 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3518

LOCATION

أم المياذن, Um Al Mayadhen, Daraa, Syria

Up to three civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Um Al Mayadhen, Dara’a governorate, on July 8th, 2018, according to local sources. An unknown number of people was injured. @omar_hariri_dr wrote: “Two martyrs up to this moment and a large number of wounded by the Russian airstrikes on the town of Um Al

Summary

First published
July 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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

February 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS636

LOCATION

تل الضمان‬, Tal al Daman, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including two children died in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Tal al Dhaman, according to local sources. However Mr Ramadan’s death was also reported for Fbruary 16th, likely making this a double reporting. DCHRS reported the death of Hameed Radaman from a Russian strike. It also said that his son was killed, but

Summary

First published
February 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4
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

July 12, 2019

Incident Code

RS3895

LOCATION

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

Three civilians including two children were reported killed and up to eight others injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime forces on Ma’aret Al-Nu’man on July 12th, 2019 according to local sources. One of the victims, a child, was identified as Ammar Muhammad Al-Hassoun, aged 12. Another source named him Ammar Mohammed Hassan Almshish. Alleged

Summary

First published
July 12, 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
(1–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
7–8
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

June 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS925

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Two to three civilians died and dozens of others were reported wounded following alleged Russian strikes on the town Kafra Hamra, local media reported. A youtube video by Aldorar al-shyma reported the use of phosphorus bombs, a chemical weapon illegal under International Law, though the source did not apportion blame. [Video no longer available] HalabTodayTv

Summary

First published
June 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1054

LOCATION

Jel al Omar, Homs, Syria

Local media reported that a woman and her two daughters died and the father was badly injured in an airstrike on Jel al Omar. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Arabstoday pointed towards Russia, though the Syrian Press Center didn’t identify the warplane responsible. There are no other details available at this time.

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3235

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

A family were – a man, his wife, and their baby girl – died and others wounded in airstrikes on Saqba, local media reported. Sources mostly attributed the blame to Russia, however VDC blamed the Syrian/Russian alliance. Members of the Syrian Civil Defence pulled the bodies of the family form the rubble of their home.

Summary

First published
March 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2751

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al-Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were killed by airstrikes, possibly supplemented by artillery shelling, in Al-Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though the apportion of blame was unclear. While all reports agreed that three civilians were killed in this event, they disagreed in terms of cause and responsibility. While Step News Agency, Violations Documentation Center Syria and Masar Press

Summary

First published
November 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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, Iraq Government Forces, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS2769

LOCATION

العباس و هجين, al-Abbas and Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one and as many as three civilians were killed in an airstrike in the al-Abbas/ Hajeen crossing in al Bukamal, local sources reported, though it was unclear who was to blame. Step News Agency put the death toll at three while the others reported one male fatality, identified by name in multiple reports.

Summary

First published
November 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS4016

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salehiya, Idlib, Syria

Up to three children were reported killed and their father injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime night airstrikes on Al Salehiya, Idlib, on August 13th. A woman was also reported killed in the attack, and it is unclear whether she is related to the victims’ family. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Step Agency

Summary

First published
August 13, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2–3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1296

LOCATION

حي المشهد, Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that one to three civilians died and as many as ten more were wounded in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Mashad neighbourhood. This event looks to have been carried out by helicopters belong to the Assad regime. There were no allegations against Russia, though some sources referred to unidentified “warplanes”. Photographs from

Summary

First published
September 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1393

LOCATION

بعيدين‬, Baeedin, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including a woman died and up to 11 more people were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Baeedin, according to local media. A number of sources said that the three victims were elderly people. The media opposition activist Abu Mohammad al-Halab told Syria News Desk that “the Russian air force struck houses in

Summary

First published
October 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4–11
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, 2016

Incident Code

RS1426

LOCATION

حي كرم الجبل, Karam al Jabal, Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources, the city of Karam al-Jabal in Aleppo was struck by artillery strikes that led to the deaths of three civilians. All sources but one – Shaam News Network (who blamed both Russia and the regime) pointed to the regime as the culprit. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights “three

Summary

First published
October 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1737

LOCATION

حي المغاير , Al Maghayer neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians died and several more were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime strikes on Aleppo’s Al Maghayer neighbourhood, according to local media. The Syrian Network for Human Rights was among sources blaming Russia. However, the BBC pointed to the regime, reporting: “The armed opposition said government aviation continued its raids on the eastern

Summary

First published
December 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3573

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Around 11 pm in the night of January 4th, 2018, alleged Russian airstrikes targeted the villages of Dera Azza, Urm Al Kubra, Al Rashidin and Rehab Al Mohandeseen. In the village Darat Izza, up to three civilians of the Qadili family were killed, including a father and son, while several more civilians were reportedly wounded. The Syrian Network

Summary

First published
January 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 man)
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
Unknown
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2158

LOCATION

أم توينة, Um Tuweyna, Hama, Syria

A single source reported that Russian warplanes bombed Um Tuweyna, killing three civilians – including a child – and seriously wounding two others. Smart reported that the village was controlled by the Islamic State. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
April 23, 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

June 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2272

LOCATION

عقيربات , Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that air raids, likely to be Russian, stuck the town and surrounding farms of Akeirbat in eastern Hama. @HalabTodayTV reported the use of phosphorus munitions. Three civilians, including one woman, were reported killed and four others were reportedly taken to hospital for treatment of their wounds.

Summary

First published
June 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4
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 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS058

LOCATION

الوضيحي, Al Widehi, Aleppo, Syria

Summary

First published
October 18, 2015
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.
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3691

LOCATION

معرة الصين, Ma’aret Al Seen, Hama, Syria

Two brothers and their mother died in an airstrike on Ma’aret Al Seen, according to local media. Local Coordination Committees of Syria attributed the three deaths to Russia. However, a report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed regime warplanes. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported “The children brothers Mohammad and Nasr al

Summary

First published
May 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS2999

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Three volunteers from the Civil Defence were reportedly killed and another four wounded as alleged Russian warplanes, possibly in coordination with the Assad regime, carried out aerial shelling of Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, local media said. The strike reportedly both hit the al-Rahma Hospital and a Civil Defence centre, rendering both inoperable. Edlib Media Center, for

Summary

First published
February 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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

May 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS3436

LOCATION

مخيم اليرموك, Al Yarmouk Refugee camp, Damascus, Syria

Smart News Agency reported that three civilians, among them one child and a woman, were killed after alleged Russian airstrikes on Yarmouk refugee camp, Damascus governorate, on May 19th 2018. Smart wrote that “two women, one old, and one child were killed by the shelling that targeted a residential basement in the camp. [Local activists]

Summary

First published
May 19, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 women)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2433

LOCATION

موحسن, Mohassein, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between one and three men were killed in airstrikes on Mohassein, local media reported. Sources all attributed the blame to Russia or “military aircraft”. Airwars researchers believe that Hamza Mahmoud al-Fathi al-Nasser was possibly a militant, however we are unclear so have left him in the death count. In addition to this, sources claim that

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–3 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
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1001

LOCATION

الليرامون, Bleilramoun, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including two children died in either an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Baleirmoon neighbourhood, local media reported. According to Syrian Newsdesk, “Assad regime and Russian warplanes targeted Bleilramoun neighbourhood which is under opposition control north west of the city of Aleppo with several raids.” The Syrian Network For Human Rights blamed

Summary

First published
July 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1081

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on Bab al Nairab on August 1st, 2016, according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. LCCSY reported that three civilians were killed and several others wounded “due to the targeting of Bab Nairab neighbourhood

Summary

First published
August 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1405

LOCATION

الموحسن, Mohassein, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to three civilians including a mother and her child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mohassein in Deir Ezzor, according to sources on the ground. According to Deir Ezzor 24, “Russian warplanes targeted civilian homes with cluster bombs of Al Abad which led to the martyrdom of two people, and wounding a large number

Summary

First published
October 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1437

LOCATION

جرجناز, Jarjanaz, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians, a mother and her two children, were reported killed in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Jarjanaz. Shahba reported: “Two children were killed with their mom in a Russian warplanes shelling in Jarjanaz and others wounded.” Halab Today TV published a similar report. All of the other sources reported that a

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
8–24
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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

December 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1810

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed – including a man and a woman and a child – and many more were wounded, in alleged air and artillery strikes on Harasta. All sources blamed the Syrian regime for the raids, except LCCSY who blamed Russian warplanes.  According to sources, the artillery and air bombardment targeted a school and residential

Summary

First published
December 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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

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

May 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2256

LOCATION

دبسي عفنان, Debsi Afnan, Raqqa, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed and a woman was wounded in two alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the town of Debsi Afnan in the western Raqqa countryside, according to local activists and sources. In reporting the estimate of two killed, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently acknowledged that it was the initial

Summary

First published
May 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident