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

May 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3717

LOCATION

سفوهن, Sfwhen, Idlib, Syria

Up to two civilians were reportedly killed in an airstrike on Sfwhen, Idlib, on May 26th. Syrian Network for Human Rights claimed that “two civilians from the same family” were killed in the strikes, while Halab Today TV stated that “a young man was killed” in the attack. Local Coordination Committees of Syria identified one

Summary

First published
May 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS394

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

One to two civilians including one child were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Manbij, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that one person died and others were injured in an attack by warplanes believed to be Russian. Two victims were named by the Violations Documentation Center as having died “due to Russian

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 man)
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

June 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS940

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Airstrikes killed up to two civilians including at least one child and wounded up to ten others in the city of Binish, local media said. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Most local sources reported the death of up to two children. According to The

Summary

First published
June 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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

August 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1313

LOCATION

مقلة, Muqla, banks of Euphrates, Raqqa, Syria

Several civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on boats on the Euphrates river near the village of Makla, according to local media – though it was unclear whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame for the casualties. According to Sound and Picture, “Coalition aircraft targeted civilian boats along the banks of the

Summary

First published
August 1, 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 30, 2019

Incident Code

R3869b

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died and others were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime shelling of Kafar Nabil, according to local media. Macro Media Center (MMC) blamed Russian and Syrian regime forces for the shelling, while the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR) attributed blame to the Syrian regime forces alone. SN4HR identified one civilian, while

Summary

First published
August 30, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS1964

LOCATION

درعا, Dara'a, Daraa, Syria

Two adult males were killed in an alleged airstrike on Dara’a, local media reported. Only one source, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, blamed the Syrian regime for the raid whilst the others all blamed Russian warplanes. One of the men killed was a doctor. He was known as the “father of the martyrs” as in August

Summary

First published
March 12, 2017
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

April 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2127

LOCATION

various locations, Idlib, Syria

According to the Step News Agency, “Russian air raids, some of them with phosphorous bombs targeted the towns of Khan_shikhun, #Tremala, #Kafarsgana, and #Serja, south of Idlib, with reports of casualties.” No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
April 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

March 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2045

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians were killed and between five and six others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the city of Maarat al Numan in the Idlib countryside. The majority of local sources only reported injuries while Syrian Mirror reported that there were also deaths of civilians from the airstrikes. The injured civilians were rescued

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5–6
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2693

LOCATION

رسم الحمام, Rasim Al-Hamam, Hama, Syria

A girl was killed and others were injured in airstrikes on Rasim Al-Hamam. Sources all blamed Russia. RFS Media Office reported that “Russian warplanes and the air force launched a series of intensive air raids on the eastern villages of Hama, targeting the villages of “Al-Balil, Um Treika, Al-Harjan, Jab Al-Safa, Tal Al-Halawa, Qasr bin

Summary

First published
November 6, 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
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS533

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one child, Isra Rabei Yehya, age 16, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Talbiseh. Talbisa posted a video depicting her funeral, but did not say who was responsible, with the speaker in the video referring only to “manic bombing by warplanes“. The Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies

Summary

First published
February 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
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 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS597

LOCATION

داعل, Da'el, Daraa, Syria

Two civilians died and several more were injured in an airstrike on Da’el, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. According to Step News Agency, Russian warplanes carried out a raid on Da’el, killing one civilian and injuring a number

Summary

First published
February 12, 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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS789

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and between eight and ten were injured in airstrikes on Hraytan, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Activists told Shaam News Network that Russian warplanes targeted the city centre with vacuum missiles, killing two civilians and

Summary

First published
May 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
8–15
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS886

LOCATION

‏عينجارة‬, Anjara, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were killed in airstrikes on Anjara, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted and confused as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian Regime. LCCSY initially reported that the strikes were Russian, killing two children and wounding other civilians when homes were targeted with cluster bombs. However,

Summary

First published
June 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 12, 2018

Incident Code

RS3244

LOCATION

طعوم, Ta'um, Damascus, Syria

Several alleged Russian or regime airstrike wounded an unspecified number of civilians in Ta’um, sources on the ground reported. The Shaam News Network reported: “Russian and Assad warplanes targeted the city of Idlib several raids focused on Al Muthaf area and Souq of Hal, wounding civilians. The city of Taftanaz was also hit by a

Summary

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

Incident date

January 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS2850

LOCATION

الغدقة , al Ghadka, Idlib, Syria

One or two civilians including a child died in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on al Ghadka, local media reported. According to @shahed-alep, “two were killed and wounded as a result of helicopters targeting the town of al Ghardka in the countryside of Idlib”. Sources named Taj al- Din al- Othman Madani, an adult male,

Summary

First published
January 5, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS4076

LOCATION

كفرسجنة , Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria

Two civilian males died and others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafar Sijna on August 26, 2019, according to local media. The Step News Agency reported: “Russian warplanes targeted the town of Kafar Sijnain in the southern countryside of Idlib with missiles, killing two people as a toll and injuring a number

Summary

First published
August 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1191

LOCATION

النيرب, Neirab, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died and several more were wounded in airstrikes on Neirab in Idlib, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed Russia for the casualties, though one pointed to the Syrian regime. LCCSY,@SyrianArwad and @Syriamubasher were among reports that attributed the event to Russia. The use of cluster bombs was also noted. However,

Summary

First published
August 26, 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 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1483

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Two children, a brother and a sister, died and up to dozens more civilians were injured in airstrikes on Douma, according to sources on the ground. The majority of sources reported that this was the work of the Syrian regime. One source, LCCSY, blamed Russian, reporting that the children died when cluster bombs were dropped

Summary

First published
October 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
7–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1535

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Between one and two children died and up to 14 more civilians were wounded in airstrikes launched against Binnish town in Idlib, according to multiple sources on the ground. However, one source, Step News, reported that there were no civilian casualties in this incident. The airstrikes reportedly struck a neighborhood of civilian homes. Both cluster

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
10–14
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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1695

LOCATION

باب النيرب , Bab al Nairab, Aleppo, Syria

At least two civilians were killed in alleged Russia or Assad regime air or artillery strikes on the Bab al Nairab neighborhood in Aleppo, sources on the ground reported. According to Smart News, both regime and Russian airplanes carried out airstrikes in the area. The source didn’t identify who was responsible for the strikes against

Summary

First published
November 26, 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

December 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1789

LOCATION

كفر يحمول, Kafr Yahmoul, Idlib, Syria

As many as two civilians were killed, and three others were wounded, in an airstrike which struck Kafr Yahmoul, Idlib, local media reported. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the alleged raid, with some others not attributing any blame for the airstrikes, and simply reporting on warplane bombing.  According to some sources, the victim was

Summary

First published
December 12, 2016
Last updated
January 10, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 woman)
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
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

December 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1791a

LOCATION

الزبدية, Al Zibdiya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were reported as killed and wounded following an alleged air and artillery strike in Al Zibdiya, Aleppo. Two sources blamed Russian warplanes, whereas all others remained impartial. Step News Agency reported “Russian warplanes targeted with cluster bombs and missiles the Aleppo neighbourhoods of Al Zabadia, al Mashad, Salahudin, al Sukkari,

Summary

First published
December 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2017

LOCATION

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

Up to two civilians were killed and as many as seven more were wounded following airstrikes that struck the town of Ma’arat al-Nu’man, Idlib, local sources reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Sources said that between one and two civilians were killed in the strikes. Two civilian

Summary

First published
March 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2344

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians died and were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hajin, according to sources on the ground. The Euphrates Post reported: “”A launched air raids targeting Hajin village this morning [July 16th] with rockets targeting a house near the house of Hamadi al-Shawish. Another missile landed in front of the

Summary

First published
July 16, 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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2627

LOCATION

الطيبة, al-Taybah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed in airstrikes in al-Taybah in Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though sources didn’t identify the culprit. One of the two sources reporting from the incident merely reported  airstrikes, not  civilian harm, while the other, Euphrates Post, reported the death of two named civilians. While no belligerent was associated with the incident

Summary

First published
October 11, 2017
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
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS2866

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed and four others were wounded in airstrikes which struck a camp for Internally Displaced Peoples in Saraqeb in the middle of the night. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some sources blaming Russia, while others blamed the Syrian regime. A number of sources also blamed that

Summary

First published
January 7, 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

January 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS2894

LOCATION

معصران, Ma'saran, Idlib, Syria

A father and son were killed and an unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Ma’saran, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the strikes, making this a contested event. According to local media, missiles were used in the strike which “targeted” the residential buildings. As many

Summary

First published
January 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3761

LOCATION

معرة الصين, Ma’arat Al Sin, Idlib, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed and an unknown number of others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Ma’arat Al Sin, Idlib governorate, on June 4th, 2019, according to local sources. @HalabTodayTV tweeted that “one person was killed and others were wounded, as the regime’s warplanes targeted the

Summary

First published
June 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS3792

LOCATION

حاس, Hass, Idlib, Syria

Two women were killed and an unknown number of other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Hass, Idlib governorate, on June 11th, 2019, according to local sources. Smart News reported that “two women were killed and others were wounded on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, by aerial bombardment

Summary

First published
June 11, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS576

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one child died and five others were injured, in an alleged Russian airstrike on Fardous in Aleppo according to local sources. The Violations Documentation Center named a seven-year-old child, Ahmad Mustafa Koja, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Fardous. The VDC also linked to an extremely graphic video posted by

Summary

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