Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

July 24, 2019

Incident Code

RS3949

LOCATION

محيط قؤسة معركبة, Surrounding Ko`usa Ma`arkba, Hama, Syria

Local sources claimed that two civilians were killed by alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces missile fire on agricultural lands near Ko`usa Ma`arkba, north of Hama from Camp Bardij, on July 24th, 2019. The Syrian Human Rights Committee named the victims as Jihad Ali Al-Naasan and  Aryam al-Melhem (other sources named him Oqba Aryan

Summary

First published
July 24, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1362

LOCATION

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources, two civilians, most likely children, were killed and up to another eight people injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Mansoura outside Aleppo. The vast majority of sources attributed the strike to Russia, though AleppoAMC and Syrianpc just mention “the air force”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
5–8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1551

LOCATION

الزربة, Az Zarbah, Aleppo, Syria

At least two civilians, including one child and one woman, died in airstrikes on Az Zarbah town in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. There were no reports of injured civilians. According to Syrian Network for Human Rights, the airstrikes were launched from Russian warplanes. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 9, 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
View Incident

Incident date

April 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2168

LOCATION

أبو حواديد, Abu Hawadid, Hama, Syria

Up to seven civilians were killed or injured in an airstrike in Abu Hawaid, Hama, according to Smart News Agency. Their source stated that two civilians were killed and five others injured, when the unidentified aircraft struck the village that was under the control of ISIS. Smart added that two members of ISIS were also

Summary

First published
April 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2307

LOCATION

السخنة, Al-Sokhna , Homs, Syria

An unspecific number of civilian casualties were reported in airstrikes on Al-Sokhna,  according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Syrian News reported that “Russian aircraft launched air raids Tuesday [Tuesday 27th]  on the city of Al-Sokhna and the outskirts of Homs in eastern Homs”. But the Syrian Observatory for Human

Summary

First published
June 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2410

LOCATION

المشتل, al-Mashtal, Hama, Syria

Local media reported that “a number of civilians were killed and injured” following an alleged Russian airstrike in al-Masthal, Hama, that at the time was controlled by ISIS. According to 7al, the warplane hit a group of displaced people. Two sources attributed blame to Russia while one, 7al, did not identify the culprit.

Summary

First published
August 28, 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

October 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2595

LOCATION

الميادين, al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Alleged Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes killed two brothers in al-Mayadeen, local media reported. DeirEzzor24 reported  “an aerial bombardment of the city of Al-Mayadim in the eastern suburb of Deir Al-Azur with an explosive barrel and guided missiles on 4 October 2017,” without appointing blame. Most sources agreed that the strike had killed two brothers. However,

Summary

First published
October 4, 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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS3603

LOCATION

كفر عميم , Kafr A’mem, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians – both reportedly women – died and up to 20 more were wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on a camp for displaced persons in Kafr A’mem, according to multiple local sources. Edlib Media Center reported: “Two women were killed and about 20 others were injured, mostly children, when the Russian occupation aircraft

Summary

First published
March 13, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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

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

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

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