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

RS557

LOCATION

تادف, Tadif, Aleppo, Syria

Two adult male civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tadeef, according to the Violations Documentation Center. These victims were also named by Halab News and the Syrian Human Rights Committee. Shahba Press also said two non-combatants died in a Russian raid.

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
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 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3128

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and injured due to airstrikes in Mesraba, 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 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS3970

LOCATION

مزرعة التنور, Mazra’et Al Tanour, Hama, Syria

Two women and a man were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Mazra’et Al Tanour near the cities of Al Latamina and Kafar Zeita in Hama governorate, on July 28th, 2019, according to local sources. An unknown number of other civilians was reported injured. The Syrian Human Rights Committee wrote that “two

Summary

First published
July 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women1 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
Suspected target
Other
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2019

Incident Code

RS3984

LOCATION

كفرزيبا, Kafar Zeiba, Idlib, Syria

Two children were killed and up to seven civilians, including at least one woman, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Kafar Zeiba, Idlib governorate, on July 31st, 2019, according to local sources. Al Araby wrote: “The bombing of the village of Kafar Zeiba, near the city of Ariha,

Summary

First published
July 31, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
1–7
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1087

LOCATION

تل سلطان, Tall Sultan, Idlib, Syria

Following on from the deadly chloride attack on Saraqeb on August 2nd, Tal al Sultan village was also reportedly hit on the same day by alleged Russian and Assad regime warplanes. According to Syria Direct, these raids were part of the same wave of attacks which blanketed Idlib as part of a revenge attack. Al

Summary

First published
August 2, 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1119

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

At least one male civilian was killed and between 3 and 10 were wounded by airstrikes on the town of Saraqib, according to local media. There are however multiple reports of the death of a female child too – she was not named. Multiple sources, including The Shaam News Network (SNN), identified both regime and

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
October 25, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
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
1 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

August 22, 2019

Incident Code

R3844

LOCATION

تل منس , Tal Mnes, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Tal Mnes, Idlib, on August 22nd. Shaam News cited the death of two civilians, including a child, in Tal Mnes as a result of Russian and Syrian regime military action in a number of locations, including Tal Mnes. Halab Today stated that “a child and a man

Summary

First published
August 22, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1700

LOCATION

كفر حمرة , Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

HNN listed two unidentified civilians as killed “following Russian enemy raids on Kafr Hamra”. @ShahbaPress also put the death toll at two and blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
November 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1655

LOCATION

كرم نزهة, Karam Nuzha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes on Karam Nuzha, Aleppo. Most sources attributed blame to both belligerents suggesting the aerial bombardment was possibly a joint effort. However, LCCSY blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Although no reports specifically named the number of wounded, according to

Summary

First published
November 21, 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 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2032

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that an air raid killed up to two civilians, including a child, and wounded several others, as it struck the city of Kafr Zita in Hama, though it was unclear if Russia or the Syrian regime were behind the attack. Two civilians were additionally wounded, and MonKiz Al Khabour reported that one

Summary

First published
March 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2609

LOCATION

معبر مائي, Water Crossing between Al Mawsa and Al-Mashrada, and Al A’rkoub, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians, possibly children, were killed by unidentified warplanes in the river-crossing between the town of Al-Sawsa and Al-Mashrada, and Al A’rkoub in Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Two sources reported the death of two civilian men, referring to both as “the son of” and  “the young son”, suggesting that they both were children, though

Summary

First published
October 7, 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 belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3827

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria

Two children from the same family were reported killed and others injured in airstrikes on Kafar Sijna, Idlib, on June 20th. Idlib Plus named those victim to the attack as Mustafa Al Ali and Abdo Al Ali. Smart news reported that “two children were killed and four civilians were wounded by an aerial bombardment of warplanes

Summary

First published
June 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS986

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Two children from the same family died in airstrike on Kafr Hamra, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Both the regime and Russian jets were reportedly seen in Kafr Hamra on July 10th. Al Jazeera and Halab News Network

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3099

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians were killed as al Shifonya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was struck by explosive barrels and missiles, local media reported – though it was unclear who was to blame. As the shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on its seventh day, Shifonya was again struck on February 24th, which according to HalabTodayTV and Step News Agency

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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

July 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3939

LOCATION

لطمين, Latmin, Idlib, Syria

Two children were reported killed, and up to three other children injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Latmin in Hama on July 22nd, 2019. Amani Badr An-Naasan and her sister Jumana died of their injuries after airstrikes on Latmin, according to @MahmodHamway, and according to @HalabTodayTV, three children were injured. Most of

Summary

First published
July 22, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3232

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ein Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians were killed, and up to 20 more were injured in reported air and artillery strikes on Ein Tarma, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. One source, Souriyati, reported that the “regime also targeted the popular market”, causing destruction to shops. According to @Doumarevolution, “there were

Summary

First published
March 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1130

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Two male children were killed and several more wounded, including women and children, from airstrikes targeting the town of Dara Azza. Local sources, including Halab Today and @AleppoNN, identified Russian planes as responsible for the airstrikes. However, DMC published footage showing “the moment explosive barrels” – a weapon known to be used by the Assad

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS4044

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, on August 17th. Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that “Mohammad Ma’arati and Abdul Latif Tallawi were killed as warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on Khan Sheikhoun city in the southern suburbs of Idlib governorate, on August 17th”. Syrian Observatory

Summary

First published
August 17, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1195

LOCATION

صلخ, Salakh, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians including a child died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Taftanaz, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed Russia, though the Syrian Network for Human Rights’ attributed the event to “government warplanes and its allies”. Alsharq also blamed the regime. @SyrianArwad , @SyrianFnn, @ShahbaPress, @EdlibEMC

Summary

First published
August 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10–24
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1227

LOCATION

غرناطة, Gharnata, Homs, Syria

Two civilians were killed and others wounded an alleged Russia airstrike on Ghirnata village, according to local media. Nabd Syria and LCCSY blamed Russian airstrikes for the death of two non-combatants. Other sources mentioned artillery and air strikes in the area but didn’t say who carried them out. However, Homs Media Center reported regime actions

Summary

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

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1587

LOCATION

كفرناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians, a husband and wife, died in suspected Russian airstrikes on a hospital in Kafra Hamra, according to local media. Alarabiye reported that medical staff and patients were wounded in addition to the “killing of at least one civilian”. A later report alleged two civilians were killed. A member of The White Helmets said

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1614

LOCATION

بيت سوا, Beit Sawa, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed in an airstrike on Beit Sawa, Eastern Ghouta, according to multiple sources. It remains unclear who was responsible for the raid, with conflicting reports. Some claimed the regime were responsible, others that Russian warplanes struck the area, and some could not positively attribute responsibility. One man killed was named

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS1892

LOCATION

رسم نياص , Rasim Nayyas village, south of Abu adh Dhuhur, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians including a child died and up to 15 more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on a petrol station/oil refinery in Rasim Nayyas village, local media reported. All4Syria reported: “two civilians were killed and 15 others injured Wednesday in a Russian air strike on the village of Rasim Nayas in the eastern suburb

Summary

First published
February 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
4–15
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 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS1907

LOCATION

رسم حميدة, Rasim Hamida, Homs, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed and three wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on the ISIS controlled village of Rasim Hamida, in the eastern Homs countryside – though only one source has reported on the incident. Smart News, who attributed likely responsibility to Russia, cited a civilian source, who stated: “the warplanes targeted civilian houses with

Summary

First published
February 18, 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

March 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS1958

LOCATION

اسطبلات, Istablat, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Civilians were killed and wounded following an alleged air and artillery strike on Istablat, Aleppo. The White Helmets reported that three injured civilians were rescued from the rubble, while no specific numbers of civilian deaths were reported. Despite this, all sources mention that civilians were killed in this raid. Additionally, sources were conflicted as to who

Summary

First published
March 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS1982

LOCATION

القسطل القسطل , Al Qastal town, Hama, Syria

Russian warplanes allegedly conducted a raid on the outskirts of Al Qastal town in Hama Governorate, Smart News Agency reported. Civilian casualties have been reported, but their number and identities are still unclear.

Summary

First published
March 18, 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

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2104

LOCATION

بلدة حور , Hour village, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported on the killing of a shepherd and his daughter due to multiple airstrikes in the village of Hour in western Aleppo. Sources reported that the strikes were likely Russian, although some sources alleged they were launched by the Syrian regime. Most sources reported the use of cluster bombs. “Multiple” civilians were wounded

Summary

First published
April 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2235

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in up to six alleged Russian airstrikes on Hatla, according to sources on the grounds. Sources mostly all blamed Russia, except a handful who didn’t identify the culprit. Women and children were reportedly killed and wounded in the raids. However, according to the Smart News Agency,

Summary

First published
May 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2100

LOCATION

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

Two civilians were killed and three others injured in an airstrike in Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, Idlib, according to local media sources – though it was not clear whether the Assad regime or Russia were responsible. All of the known sources that reported on this attack, aside from RFS Media Office, attributed responsibility to Russian forces. Halab

Summary

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

Incident date

June 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2274

LOCATION

عقيربات , Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

A woman and her child – both named – died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Akeirbat, according to local media. According to the Facebook group ‘Local council of Akeirbat and its countryside’, “\our air raids on the village of Akeirbat by Russian aircraft led to the martyrdom of a woman and her daughter as

Summary

First published
June 7, 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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident