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 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1628

LOCATION

حي جسر الحج , Jisr al Haj neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Halab News listed two unidentified civilians as killed in a Russian strike in Jisr al Haj neighbourhood, Aleppo. @ShahbaPress and @Syrianewstime also tweeted that two civilians were killed by Russian warplanes. However, @rola1katib, @RfsNorth, @alepponow1 all reported that helicopters had dropped barrel bombs on the neighbourhood, meaning that regime involvement can’t be ruled out.  

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

February 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS1934

LOCATION

تدمر‎, Palmyra , Homs, Syria

A child was killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian raids and/or Syrian regime artillery strikes on Palmyra. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame with some attributing blame to the Regime and others to Russia. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2142

LOCATION

المخرمرسم الحميدة , Rasim al Hamida village, al Makhram district, Homs, Syria

A single source, the Smart News Agency, reported that an alleged Russian airstrike on Rasim al Hamida village killed two children and wounded three further civilians including a woman. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

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

Incident date

June 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2290

LOCATION

حمادي عمر, Hamadi Omar, Hama, Syria

Two children were killed and three other civilians were wounded – including a woman – following an airstrike on Hamadi Omar, local media reported. Both sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strike. According to both the Smart News Agency and the local source, Adyb.alhwrany, the town was under ISIS control when the strikes took place. 

Summary

First published
June 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
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

April 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS3618

LOCATION

أبو حبّة, Abu Habba, Idlib, Syria

A number of civilians were killed and wounded when artillery and rockets struck the Al Zohour Primary School and civilian homes in Abu Habba village in Deir Ezzor, partially destroying the school building and fence, according to sources on the ground. The Macro Media Center reported that one civilian was killed and several children injured.

Summary

First published
April 17, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–6
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2015

Incident Code

RS119

LOCATION

القريتين, Al Qaryatayn, Homs, Syria

An adult male civilian Abd al-Kareem al-Alawi (also known as Abo Moseab) was named as killed after an alleged strike on Qaryatain by Russian warplanes. According to Radio Al Kul, Mr al-Alawi was one of two civilians who died: “The two martyrs are displaced from the neighbouring town of Maheen.“  

Summary

First published
November 5, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 9, 2019

Incident Code

RS3686

LOCATION

جوزف, Jozef, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Jozef, Hama governorate, on May 9th, 2019, according to local sources. According to Al Araby, “The Edlib Media Center said that two civilians were killed at dawn today [May 9th], and others were injured, as a result of the targeting by Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
May 9, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2018

Incident Code

RS2889

LOCATION

الهبيط, Al-Habeet, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed and four others were injured in airstrikes which struck a Aisha Um al Mouminin Mosque and educational building in Al-Habeet just before Friday prayers, according to sources on the ground. Local media lamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. According to Revolutionary Forces of Syria Media Office, “The

Summary

First published
January 12, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS3733

LOCATION

حزارين, Hezarin, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that Russian and Syrian warplanes launched raids striking several towns, including Hazarin where two children were allegedly killed. No other details are known at this time.

Summary

First published
May 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS345

LOCATION

تل فضة, Tal Fedda, Aleppo, Syria

One teenage boy, Ali Mosa Shawakh, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike at Tal Fedda village near Maskanah, according to the Violations Documentation Center. According to Al Buraq, the attack targeted “the Alamabagher sugar plant compound near Maskanah which led to the death of several people and the wounding of others, including a martyr,

Summary

First published
January 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS537

LOCATION

ام صهريج, Um Sahreej, Hama, Syria

In a news roundup for February 3rd, Shaam News Network reported that “Russian craft carried out raids on the towns of Umm Sahreej, Totah, Hajila, Al Rahjan and Sarha which led to the fall of two martyrs and several wounded.” It did not indicate in which location the two victims died, and there is currently no

Summary

First published
February 3, 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

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS580

LOCATION

تل رفعت, Tall Rif`at, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and dozens more were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Tel Rifa’at, according to local media. The Violations Documentation Center named one adult male civilian, 62-year-old Abdul Jabbar Mohammad Mraimini, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on tel Rifa’at. Shaam News Network also reported one death, however it did not specifically

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 men)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS676

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

Several civilians died and up to 20 were injured in Khan al Sheikh according to local sources – though only one explicitly blamed Russia, with the majority of others pointing to regime shelling. According to Qasioun, one civilian died in regime shelling. Smart, Orient and Khan Al Sheikh Media Centre blamed the regime, with Smart

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS869

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

Several civilians died in alleged Russian strikes on various locations across Aleppo during the second day of Ramadan, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes and regime helicopters “launched air raids using phosphorous and cluster bombs and explosive barrels on the cities of Huraytan and anadan and towns of Hayan

Summary

First published
June 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

July 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3960

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that alleged Syrian or Russian airstrikes struck the Al Hal Market in Saraqib, Idlib governorate in the morning of July 26th, 2019, killing up to two civilians and wounding up to 10. According to Step News Agency, one civilian was killed while Shaam News Network reported two killed civilians. Smart News Agency

Summary

First published
July 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 14, 2019

Incident Code

RS4022

LOCATION

بسقيا قرب معرة حرمة, Bsqia near Ma’ret Harma, Idlib, Syria

In the first of two consecutive airstrikes near Ma’ret Harma, Idlib, two medical workers for Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) were reported killed on August 14th. SMAS USA reported “a SAMS-supported ambulance center in Ma’aret Hurmeh in southern Idlib province was targeted by six airstrikes, resulting in the death of two employees: Mohamad Hussni Mishnen,

Summary

First published
August 14, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1304

LOCATION

مارجا, Marja neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
September 22, 2016
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1466

LOCATION

النزهة, Karam al Nuzha, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and several more were wounded in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Karam al Nuzha neighbourhood, local media reported. While most sources blamed Russia, several others noted that the regime was also conducting strikes in Aleppo during this period of time, meaning that it’s involvement can’t be ruled out. According to @dodoo559, “two raids

Summary

First published
October 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

December 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1729

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Several civilians died and were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Anadan, local media reported. According to Halab News, “Russian enemy planes targeted the city of Anadan in the northern Aleppo countryside this morning [Dec 1st] with several raids, leading the martyrdom of several people and the injury of others – along with material damage”.

Summary

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

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 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2120

LOCATION

جسر الشغور , Jisr al shoughour, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and two more wounded in up to 10 Russian strikes on Jisr al shoughour, according to local media. Sources reported the use of phosphorous, napalm, cluster bombs, and rocket-propelled grenades in the attacks. According to Aljazeera, “civilians were killed and others were injured in heavy night raids by

Summary

First published
April 12, 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

May 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2237

LOCATION

سوحا, Soha, al Silmiya district, Hama, Syria

A man and his three year old child were killed and others were wounded  following an airstrike on Soha. Both sources blamed Russia for the airstrike. According to the Smart News Agency, the vicinity was under the control of ISIS. Additionally, those injured were in a serious condition and were transferred to hospitals. There are

Summary

First published
May 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2283

LOCATION

اللج, Al-Laj, Hama, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded and killed when warplanes struck a camp for displaced peoples in the village of Al-Laj, local media reported. All three sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. Women and children were reportedly included in the numbers of wounded and killed. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

RS2101

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed and four injured in an alleged Russian airstrike in Sarmin, Idlib, according to local media sources. The head of the Centre for Civil Defense reportedly told Smart News that the Russians bombed the city with rockets using the “Sukhoi 35” aircraft, killing a woman and wounding four civilians, including

Summary

First published
April 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2259

LOCATION

الخضيرة , Al-Khdeira, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed in the village of Al-Khdeira in an ‘aerial bombardment’. It is unclear which belligerent was responsible for the airstrikes; the Syrian Press Monitor blamed the Russians, while the others accused the Syrian regime. The identity of the victims remains unknown.

Summary

First published
May 26, 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
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2474

LOCATION

كفرنبودة, Kafr Nbooda, Hama, Syria

An elderly man was killed in Kfar Nbouda as more than seven rocket attacks bombarded the town, local sources reported. A house collapsed killing the 75-year-old while his wife’s leg later required amputation. The Syrian Network for Human Rights also reported a second death in the town. They were the only media outlet to cite

Summary

First published
September 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

April 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3385

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’ret Harma, Idlib, Syria

According to Shaam, “Russian aircraft launched heavy air strikes caused the fall of martyrs and wounded in the cities and towns of Ariha and Khan Sheikoun and Urma Al Jouz and Al  Qanba and Kafr Lata and Hazarin and Hamdiyah and Ma’aret Horma in the southern countryside and the city of Jisr al-Shughour in the

Summary

First published
April 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 31, 2018

Incident Code

RS2953

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A mother and her daughter were burned to death in an airstrike which hit Saraqeb, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes for the raids. Smart News reported that “More than 18 Russian warplanes and helicopters launched heavy raids on areas east of the town of Sarakib (16 km

Summary

First published
January 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS484

LOCATION

جرابلس, Jarablus, Aleppo, Syria

In a news roundup, Shaam News reported that several civilians were killed and wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jarablus. The Network said this was part of raids on neighbourhoods in the city of Al Bab, including the villages of Berlhan, Trahil and the city of Manbij. It added that civilians were directly targeted. VDC lists

Summary

First published
January 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
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident