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 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS559

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Two children, displaced from Anadan, were killed in an airstrike on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources. All reports but one blamed Russia. However the Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to the regime (see also event below.) An eyewitness told Shahed Ayyan Halab: “A family from Anadan decided to flee to the town of

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3416

LOCATION

الهبيط , كفرسجنة, كفرنبل ,أرينبة, Al Habit , Kafar Sijna , Arinba and Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died as an aerial bombardment on villages across southern Idlib decimated schools and hospitals, local sources reported. Al Habit was one of the hardest hit by sustained heavy artillery fire, killing a man and woman. Two children were injured in Kafr Nabil, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, as warplanes struck

Summary

First published
April 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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

March 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS719

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One woman and her child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra, according to multiple sources. Shaam News Network reported that a girl was killed and several others injured in dozens of alleged Russian airstrikes on Palmyra. It published a video showing bombing on neighbourhoods – though it is not clear whether this is

Summary

First published
March 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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

June 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS945

LOCATION

المهندسين, Al Muhandissin, Aleppo, Syria

One child died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on al-Muhandissin, according to local media. Halab Today said that  “a child was martyred and another injured following the targeting of Russian planes of al Muhandissin countryside in the western Aleppo countryside”. Two independent sources attributed the strike to Russia while

Summary

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

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3085

LOCATION

المرج, al-Marj, Damascus, Syria

Civilians were possibly killed and wounded as al-Marj, Damascus, was subject to aerial shelling, as reported by local media, who blamed both Syrian and/or Russian forces. While several sources reported that al-Marj had been struck by air raids, no sources reported the scope of the civilian harm the strikes inflicted. Only Step News Agency al-Jazeera, indicated

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1009

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

According to LCCSY, “two martyrs, including a child, and several wounded were reported due to Russian airstrikes on Anadan city”. The Shaam News Network reported that Russia carried out raids on ” Anadan, Hraytan, Kafr Hamra, Mallah, Hayyan and Baleirmoon” but made no mention of civilian casualties.

Summary

First published
July 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3130

LOCATION

كفربطنا, Kafar Batna, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and injured due to airstrikes in Kafar Batna, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Mass destruction was caused by heavy shelling. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1073

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One child died and 15 other civilians – many reportedly also children – were wounded in a civilian casualty incident in Talbisah, according to local media – though it was unclear whether the casualties were caused by Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes or Syrian regime artillery. Al Jazeera and Gulfeyes blamed Russia. According to Syria

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1621

LOCATION

بلدة حيان, Hayyan town, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed in an airstrike on Hayyan Town, Aleppo – though it is unclear whether the Assad regime or Russia were responsible, with conflicting reports. Civil Defense Personnel named one of the civilians who was killed as Fuad Mohammed Hayek. Some sources, such as Emaratalyoum News reported that it was Assad’s regime

Summary

First published
November 18, 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

December 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1747

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and two men were killed – and several injured – in an alleged Russian aerial bombardment on Kafr Naha, Aleppo, local media reported. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the alleged attack. According to Syria News Desk, the two men were police officers. Halab News, on the other hand, reported that the victim was

Summary

First published
December 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 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

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2005

LOCATION

الطيبات, Al Taibat, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed and others wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Taibat, Idlib – according to local media sources. Smart News reported that two “unknown people” were killed in the attack. This was corroborated by both LCCSY and Syrian Network for Human Rights, both of whom reported that Russian warplanes were

Summary

First published
March 22, 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 belligerents
Unknown, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2319

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

One woman and a child were killed and up to five were left wounded, local media reported, in alleged Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes in Douma, Damascus. Without identifying a culprit, Enab Baladi reported that four air raids had struck residential areas in Douma, leading to the death one one adult woman and one male child,

Summary

First published
July 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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

August 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2405

LOCATION

ابو الفشافيش, Abo Al-Fashafeesh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed and several wounded as alleged Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes in the village of Abu al-Fashafish, Hama, local media reported. Baladi News reported “two civilians were killed and others wounded when a Russian air strike hit eastern Hama countryside on Thursday morning [Aug 24th].” Baladi News’ correspondent added that the warplanes

Summary

First published
August 24, 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

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2687

LOCATION

ابو الظهور, Abu Alduhur, Idlib, Syria

A family of three were buried by rubble resulting in the death of both mother and father, when an airstrike hit their home in Abu Alduhur, according to local media. Sources all attributed blame to Russian warplanes. As many as five civilians were reportedly injured, according to @SyriaCivilDefe. As many as eight raids struck civilian

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS141

LOCATION

حي الحلوانية, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that one 13-year-old child was killed – and five other non-combatants injured – when Russian warplanes allegedly launched rockets on the Tareeq Al Bab neighbourhood in Aleppo. According to the Network, relief warehouses for the Muslim Youth Commission were destroyed in the raid. The Aleppo Media Centre reported

Summary

First published
November 10, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4–5
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 8, 2019

Incident Code

RS3516

LOCATION

قرب حي طريق السد, Tareeq Al Sad, Daraa, Syria

One or two civilians were reportedly killed in the plains surrounding Dara’a Al Balad when the region was hit by seven strikes, allegedly launched from Russian warplanes, on July 8th, 2018, according to local sources. Two others were injured. Shaam News Agency wrote that “in violation of the cease-fire agreement, a Russian warplane launched seven

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
1 – 2
(1 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
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 15, 2018

Incident Code

RS2898

LOCATION

جوباس, Jubas, south of Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were killed – one was named – and as many as eight others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Jubas, according to local media. All sources reported that Russia was to blame except one source which attributed blame to the Syrian regime. The strikes, which reportedly occurred in the night,

Summary

First published
January 15, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS399

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayyan, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN said that 10 civilians were killed in airstrikes on the cities and towns of the northern countryside of Aleppo since Saturday morning: four in Ma’arsta al-Khan, two in Hayyan, two in Tal Rifaat and two in Tamoura, in addition to dozens wounded.

Summary

First published
January 16, 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

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

March 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3159

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zita, Hama, Syria

A woman and a child were killed and others were wounded in airstrikes on Kafar Zita, according to local media. According to sources, “Amira Ahmed Hilal, the wife of Hussein Faraj al-Hussein (Khawada), who was injured by the bombing of the Russian warplane to join her child Maria”. The source reported that “the martyrdom of

Summary

First published
March 4, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
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 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, 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