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

June 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS880

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians including one child were killed in an airstrike on Hraytan, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that “suspected Russian warplanes” had fired missiles on the city, leading to

Summary

First published
June 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3160

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed, including one adult male, by air and artillery shelling in Beit Sawa, local media reported. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the strikes. Marsad Al Hasaka, who reported that the victim was the father of three children, added that an unspecified number of civilians were also wounded in

Summary

First published
March 4, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS988

LOCATION

Displaced persons camp near al Qali', al Sokhna, Homs, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on a camp for displaced persons near al Qali’, al Sokhna, according to sources on the ground. Sinn News, Shahba Press and Step News Agency all blamed Russia for the attack. There are no reported numbers of those killed or wounded,

Summary

First published
July 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1052

LOCATION

‏كفر بسين‬, Kafr Bssein, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one child died in Kafr Bssein, local media reported – though it was unclear who was responsible for the deaths. According to Halab News, Halab Today and Syrian Press Center, an unidentified “man and a child” died in an attack using cluster bombs. The sources didn’t identify the culprit. Some other sources

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS1237 RS2353

LOCATION

قرية الجبلي, Al Jabli, Raqqa, Syria

A civilian male and a female were killed following airstrikes in the Al Jabli village in Raqqa governorate. However, it was contested as to who was responsible, with some sources blaming Russia, while others blamed the US-led Coalition. Al Sabkha reported on the “martyrdom of the sister Khadija Yousef Al-Hamoud Al-Akla was resident in her

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 12, 2018

Incident Code

RS3245

LOCATION

كفر زيتا, Kafar Zeita, Damascus, Syria

According to local media, an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Zeita Specialist Hospital for women and children, Kafar Zeita. @SHHAMA2012 tweeted: “The Russian air force bombed the Kafr Zeita Specialist Hospital directly with incendiary, concussion and explosive rockets, destroying the women’s and children’s section, ruining the

Summary

First published
March 12, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS3253

LOCATION

حزة, Hazza, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians – a man and a woman, both named – were killed in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes, and an unspecified number more were injured, local media reported. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “The areas of the town of Haza have been hit by a renewed bombardment of the regime forces by

Summary

First published
March 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2019

Incident Code

RS4045

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma`arat Al Nu`man, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were reported killed, and others injured, in airstrikes on Al Hamidiah in Ma`arat Al Nu`man, Idlib, on August 18th. Shaam News documented “two martyrs killed in Maarat al-Nu’man”, while other sources cited one civilian killed in the incident. @IdlibPlus tweeted “a civilian martyr and a number of injuries were reported as

Summary

First published
August 18, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1164

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidia, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported an unspecified number of civilian deaths in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hamida, Sinaa and Kanamat in Deir Ezzor. According to LCCSY, “The Russian aviation raided a gas station near Dawar Al-Halabiah and Al-Orwa gas station in the town of Al-Ginenah, while another raid struck the town of Ayyash in the western countryside.

Summary

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

Incident date

September 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1229

LOCATION

الصالحين, Al Salheen neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Two members of the civil defense were killed and up to five other civilians were wounded in a raid on Al Salheen, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. According to the Smart News Network, “regime Helicopters targeted Al-Salheen with

Summary

First published
September 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–5
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1391

LOCATION

الحيدرية, Al Haidariya, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians including a child died and four more were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo’s al-Haidariya neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground. Most sources reported the death of one civilian, who according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights was an unidentified child. The twitter account SheroAlo1 said

Summary

First published
October 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1590

LOCATION

قرية المكرمية, Al Makramia , Homs, Syria

Multiple sources reported warplanes struck in the villages of Mukramiya and Talbisa in northern Homs, resulting in the death of two children. All sources attributed the attack to Russia or “warplanes”. Alaraby blamed Russia for the attack and put the death toll at two – both children. The source also alleged a number of wounded. Syria

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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

December 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1798

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

One or two civilians, including a man, were killed, and others were injured, including children, in alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Douma. Sources are conflicted as to who was responsible, with some blaming Syrian regime and others Russia.  According to one source, three missiles were launched on Douma. A different source claims there were

Summary

First published
December 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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

January 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS1837

LOCATION

دكيلة, Dakila, Hama, Syria

A woman and a girl were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Dakila. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raid. There are no reports of wounded civilians. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2033

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Latamneh, Hama, Syria

The town of al-Latamneh, Hama, was reportedly exposed to chlorine gas attacks which killed two civilians. There were also claims that dozens more civilian were wounded through suffocation. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Orient News reported that helicopters belonging to the Syrian regime had carried out chlorine

Summary

First published
March 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
4–24
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

April 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2143

LOCATION

دارة عزة , Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Up to seven civilian including women and children were wounded in as many as ten alleged Russian airstrikes on Darat Izza, according to sources on the ground. EduRights Foundation said that a school was struck. It reported: “This morning [April 18th], a school in the city of Dara Azza in the countryside of western Aleppo was

Summary

First published
April 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2291

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed, and several others were wounded, following an airstrike on Akeirbat, local media reported. Both sources blamed Russian military aircraft for the strikes. @radioalsham reported that a woman was killed and several others were wounded, while the Step News Agency reported that two civilians were killed as well as

Summary

First published
June 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 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
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2400

LOCATION

الشميطة و المسرب, Shumita and Masrab, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Civilians were killed and wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Shumita and Masrab, according to local media. The number of dead and wounded was unspecific. However, Deirezzor24 reported that there were ten killed and others wounded, “as a result of the bombing of the air force to the city of the

Summary

First published
August 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

December 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2809

LOCATION

خان العسل, Khan al-Assal, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were reportedly killed and another two were left wounded as the remnants of previous shelling exploded in the town of Khan al-Asal, Aleppo, local media said. HalabTodayTV’s correspondent said that it was the remnants of a cluster bomb dropped on a previous day that caused the incident. The Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
December 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS152

LOCATION

التمانعة, At Tamani'ah, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed, and two men travelling with her badly injured when alleged Russian warplanes struck a car carrying displaced people on the road leading to Al Tamaanah in Idlib governorate. One of the men may later have died. Smart News has published an interview with an eyewitness: “At 09:30 this morning exactly an

Summary

First published
November 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS185

LOCATION

نوى, Nawa, Daraa, Syria

Two named civilians were killed in an alleged Russian and also claimed that the Assad regime was responsible for the attack on Da’ara Street in Nawa, Da’ara governorate. The Violation Documentation Center in Syria named the two victims, and they were both from Kafr Shams.

Summary

First published
November 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 8, 2019

Incident Code

RS3774

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Kafar Nabil, Idlib, June 8th. Syrian Network for Human Rights reported one civilian killed in the attack, and named him as Khaled Ahmad al Hmaido. Later it was reported that a woman named Khaldiya Al-Battal died of her wounds as results of the same airstrike. Listing a

Summary

First published
June 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
(1 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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3787

LOCATION

كفربطيخ, Kafar Batikh, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Kafar Batik, Idlib, June 10th. While two sources cite the death of one woman, multiple sources document the death of both a woman and her young child. Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that an “infant, Malak Mohammad Hammadi, was killed along with her mother, Asmaa

Summary

First published
June 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–4
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS730

LOCATION

ماضي, Maadi, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one woman died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maadi, Aleppo, according to local sources. Ana Press reported that a Russian strike “resulted in casualties and injuries among civilians and massive destruction of the residential buildings”. The victims were also named by Syrian Human Rights Committee and other sources.  

Summary

First published
March 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman)
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1305

LOCATION

الصالحين, Al Salhin neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians died and seven were wounded in an alleged Russia or Assad regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Salhin neighbourhood, according to local media. LCCSY said Russia carried out strikes, though Aljazeera reported that seven civilians were killed in regime strikes “in the neighborhoods of Sukkari Mashhad Marjeh and Salhin.” But Free

Summary

First published
September 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1686

LOCATION

التليلات , Tlailat area, Aleppo southern countryside, Aleppo, Syria

Two adult male civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the Tlailat area in Aleppo’s southern countryside, according to the Violations Documentation Center. No further details are currently known.

Summary

First published
November 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1743

LOCATION

ام شرشوح , Umm Sharshouh, Homs, Syria

Two adult male civilians (named below) died in an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on Umm Sharshouh, according to source son the ground. Most reports blamed the regime – though multiple sources also noted that Russia had carried out strikes on both Umm Sharshouh and Al Ghantu (see event Rs1742). According to the Syrian Network

Summary

First published
December 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1846

LOCATION

تدمر , Palmyra, Homs, Syria

A single source, Palmyra Media Centre, reported; “Russian planes bombed the outskirts of Palmyra in the al Dawa and Sha’er and Huweissass areas. Planes also bombed an area of a Bedouins’ gathering near Palmyra which led to the deaths of two people.” No further details are currently available.

Summary

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

Incident date

April 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2121

LOCATION

معرة التعمان , Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

One or two civilians died and several others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, according to sources on the ground. Step News Agency reported that “two civilians were killed and several wounded as a result of two Russian air raids on residential areas in the town of Ma’ra al-Nu’man in rural Idlib.” Other

Summary

First published
April 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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

April 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2102

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an airstrike in Saraqeb, Idlib, according to local media sources – though it was not clear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Almost all of the known sources that reported on this event, regardless of belligerent, noted that internationally banned phosphorous bombs were used. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in

Summary

First published
April 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
View Incident