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

August 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2387

LOCATION

السخنة, Sokhna, Homs, Syria

A single source reported that “Russian warplanes launched several raids targeting the vicinity of the city of Sukhna and # Hamaima rural Homs east, resulting in casualties and material in the ranks of the # organisation of the state.” There were no specific numbers reported, or any other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

October 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2592

LOCATION

معبر مائي بين الميادين, Water Crossing linking al Mayadeen and Dhiban, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A man and a woman were killed, and as many as 15 more civilians were wounded, following airstrikes on the water-crossing linking al Mayadeen and Dhiban. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the alleged strikes, however Aawsat News blamed the Syrian regime.  According to a local source, @Zahra_Jaber, Russian ‘Caliber’ missiles struck the vicinity, with

Summary

First published
October 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2468

LOCATION

الطوب , Al Toub, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed in air raids on the village of Al Toub, local sources reported. Jisir TV attributed the deaths to Russian warplanes, however, Syrian air strikes and snipers were reported in the area by Smart News Agency. No other details are currently known.

Summary

First published
September 19, 2017
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

October 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2640

LOCATION

الطيبة, Al-Taybah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two sources reported that death of a man and his wife as a result of Russian airstrike. Both sources published exactly the same post: “The death of Khalifa Ali al-Azzawi / Abu Kawan and his wife as a result of the bombing of Russian airliners to their home and [they are] still under the rubble.”

Summary

First published
October 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3656

LOCATION

محمبل, Mhambel, Idlib, Syria

The girls Ghazal Hussein al Yahya and Mais Alaa al Aoura were alleged killed as “fixed- wing warplanes” believed to be Russian fired missiles on Mhambel village in Idlib. Ten other civilians including children were reported wounded. Orient TV said that Russian warplanes used highly explosive missiles in this incident in which a mosque was

Summary

First published
May 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
9–11
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

December 12, 2015

Incident Code

RS265

LOCATION

سبع و اربعين, Saba’a wa Arba’een, Al Hassakah, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed and several others injured in an alleged Russian attack by helicopters on southern rural villages of Hassaka, according to Siraj Al Hasskawi, an activist from the region. Hasskawi noted that if the helicopters proved to be Russian then this would be the first raid in the area since the announcement

Summary

First published
December 12, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

December 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS297

LOCATION

الشيخ مقصود, Sheikh Maqsod (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians were reported killed and nine injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Sheikh Maqsod, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN reported that Russian warplanes launched several raids which came after the signing of a ceasefire between  rebels and the Kurdish People’s Protection Units. However all other sources blamed the Assad regime.

Summary

First published
December 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
9–10
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 29, 2015

Incident Code

RS329

LOCATION

الشيخ مسكين‎, Sheikh Miskeen, Daraa, Syria

Two adult civilian men named as Abdullateef Abdul Ghani al-Omari (pictured) and Kamal Al Khaswan were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Sheikh Miskeen. Smart News said the air raids were linked to a major ground offensive: “Russian occupation planes carried out dozens of air strikes on Tuesday morning at Sheikh Miskeen in the

Summary

First published
December 29, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS681

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

“Several” civilians were killed when Russian warplanes allegedly “carried out raids on the towns of Hraytan, Anadan, Kafr Hamra, MA’arat al Arteek and the region of Assiya,” according to the Shaam News Network. The Violations Documentation Centre reported a man died from injuries sustained by Russian shelling on Hraytan. It did not mention a date but

Summary

First published
February 26, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS745

LOCATION

المرج, Marj, Damascus, Syria

Shaam News Network reported that two civilians died in alleged Russian raids on Marj, eastern Ghouta. Baladi and All4Syria also said there had been “warplane raids” on Marj, but that there had been no reports of deaths or injuries. Neither said who had carried out the raids.  

Summary

First published
March 30, 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

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS842

LOCATION

الشيخ خضر, Sheikh Khudar (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One or two civilians died in an air or artillery strike on Sheikh Khudar, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia was repsonsible or the Syrian regime. The Shaam News Network, reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. It said that this coincided

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3962

LOCATION

البوابية, Al Baouabiya, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources alleged that Russian or Syrian airstrikes or missile strikes targeted Al Baouabiya in Aleppo on July 26th, killing up to three civilians and wounding three others including a woman. Sources said that the attacks started in the morning and continued through the afternoon. One of the victims Sari Al-Taleb, aged 27, used to

Summary

First published
July 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 men)
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2019

Incident Code

RS4094

LOCATION

جبالا, Jbala, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were alleged killed and others injured by Syrian or Russian airstrikes or artillery on Jbala village in Idlib. The two victims were identified as Ismail Ahmed Qteish from the village of Maarzita, and Mahdi Salah Al-Naddaf from Jabala. According to Macro Media Center and the Syrian Network for Human Rights, Syrian regime forces shelled Jbala

Summary

First published
August 31, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1244

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Shamico, near Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on a mosque in Shamico near Kafr Naha, according to local media. Sources reported that cluster bombs were used in the attack and that civilian homes were destroyed. The majority of sources referred only to “warplanes”, though Smart and Syria

Summary

First published
September 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1439

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Qaterji neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground. More than one source suggested the use of “phosphorus missiles” which is intentionally banned.  Halab News listed two unidentified civilians as killed “following Russian enemy raids with bunker busting missiles”. According to the Shaam

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1528

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

One or two civilians were killed, including a female child, and more than 15 civilians were injured, from airstrike shelling on Al Atarib city. Local media reported that cluster bombs struck a popular local market, which resulted in many civilians being trapped under the rubble. The airstrikes came during a unilateral truce declared by Russia

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1637

LOCATION

الصاخور, al-Sakhour, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that several civilians were killed and injured following Russia or Assad regime airstrikes targeting the city of al-Sakhour, Aleppo. Sources did not provide detailed information about the victims, and most sources merely referred to ‘several’ or ‘numbers’ of killed and wounded. However, several reports mentioned that the city had been struck by

Summary

First published
November 19, 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

March 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2044

LOCATION

حقل شاعر النفطي, Sha'er oil field, Homs, Syria

At least two civilians were killed, including a child, and four others were injured in airstrikes against the Sha’er oil field in eastern Homs, local media reported. The civilians that were injured were transferred to a hospital in the nearby village of Hamadi Omar in eastern Hama. According to Smart News Agency, the airstrikes were

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2208

LOCATION

الطيبة, al-Tayba, Homs, Syria

In this single-source event, Smart News Agency reported that warplanes, likely to be Russian, carried out air raids “on the vicinity of the village of Taybeh (…), killing two civilians, wounding three others, in addition to the death of livestock.” Currently, no further information is available.

Summary

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

October 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2653

LOCATION

جب السكر, Jib Al-Sukkar, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were killed and as many as two others were injured – including a mother and sister – following airstrikes on Jib Al-Sukkar, lovcal media reported. All Sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Thamer died and his “mother Faheeda Al-Ali and his sister” were also injured following the “Russian bombardment of the village

Summary

First published
October 21, 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
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

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2692

LOCATION

تل الضمان, Tal Al-Daman, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

In a similar fashion, to the previous raid in Buweita (RS2691) “a civilian and a woman were killed by an air bombardment on the town of Tel Al-Daman”, however this time Tal Al-Daman School was damaged. Sources blamed bot the Syrian regime and Russia for these raids. Smart News Agency was the only source to

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 10, 2018

Incident Code

RS2884

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A mother and her son were killed and as many as four other civilians were wounded in airstrikes which hit oil stalls in Saraqeb, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing blame to the Syrian regime, while others blamed Russia. Sources said that two rocket strikes

Summary

First published
January 10, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS340

LOCATION

بيانون, Bayanoun, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed – one possibly a child – in an alleged Russian airstrike or artillery attack on the town of Bayanoun.  

Summary

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

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS468

LOCATION

الشحيل, Shaheil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman and her child were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of al Shaheil, according to reports. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that a child,  died with his mother when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on the town. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently also blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS3269

LOCATION

جسرين, Jisreen, Damascus, Syria

Two named civilian males died in an alleged regime or Russian air or artillery shelling of Jisreen, according to local media.

Summary

First published
March 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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

February 18, 2018

Incident Code

RS3031

LOCATION

لطمين, Latmeen, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians, a husband and wife, were killed and several others were left wounded in alleged Russia or regime air or artillery strikes on Latmeen, Idlib, according to local media. Smart News Agency, who cited a military spokesman of the Free Syrian Army, said that “warplanes likely to be Russian launched eight raids on agricultural

Summary

First published
February 18, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS724

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Several civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra, according to local sources. Al Jazeera reported that “a number of people were killed, including women and children, as a result of dozens of continuous Russian air raids days ago on residential neighborhoods and archaeological city. others were injured in the city of Palmyra in

Summary

First published
March 11, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS853

LOCATION

حي ‫‏بعيدين‬, Bei'deen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died in an airstrike on Bei’deen, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. LCCSY, reported that two civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike. Alamawi, Shahba Press also said that Russia was responsible But  Arabstoday and

Summary

First published
June 5, 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

July 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1014

LOCATION

الخالدية, Khalidiya, Aleppo, Syria

According to a single source, LCCSY, two civilians died in three alleged Russian strikes in Aleppo’s Al Khalidiya neighbourhood. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 17, 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 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3109

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed, and an unspecific number of others were wounded, in airstrikes on Saqba, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Ghouta Media Centre tweeted about the “mass destruction” caused by Russian warplanes to the residential neighbourhood. They also published images. There are

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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