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

December 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1800

LOCATION

عين الفيجة, Ain Fijeh, Damascus, Syria

One or two civilians were killed, and a minimum of 10 were wounded, in raids on Ain Fijeh. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame the raids, with most blaming the Syrian regime, and some attributing blame to Russia. Only two sources mentioned the death of a civilian in Ain Fijeh. One source –

Summary

First published
December 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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

January 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3577

LOCATION

بكسريا, Baksriya, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes struck the villages of Khan al Sabil and Baksriya in the countryside of Jisr al Shughour on January 20th, 2018, according to local media. Around 3 AM, an alleged strike hit Baksriya and killed two civilians; one man and a woman. Between two and nine civilians were reported wounded and were evacuated by the Syrian

Summary

First published
January 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–9
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

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2067

LOCATION

حي جوبر, Jobar neighbourhood, Damascus, Damascus, Syria

Local media reported an unspecified number of dead and wounded civilians in heavy strikes by alleged Russian and Assad regime warplanes on Damascus’s Jobar neighbourhood. Reports said that there had been as many as 40 airstrikes within just a few hours Aljazeera: “Russian and Syrian planes have carried out dozens of raids on the Jubar

Summary

First published
April 3, 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2247

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Homs, Syria

More than one civilian was injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Akeirbat in eastern Hama, local media reported. All sources that reported on the incident, including Aljazeera and Step News, identified Russian planes as responsible for the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
May 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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

May 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2249

LOCATION

الحريشة, Al Harisha, Hama, Syria

At least two civilians, including two children, were killed and at least three others were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Al Harisha in the Eastern Hama countryside, according to local sources. Smart News Agency named Russian planes as those believed to be responsible while other sources did not name a party

Summary

First published
May 22, 2017
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2704

LOCATION

القورية, Al-Qourya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A father and son were killed following an airstrike on the river crossing at Al-Qourya. Members of their family were also allegedly injured in the strike. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible. Euphrates Post blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes, however Smart News Agency reported that the Syrian regime was culpable for the

Summary

First published
November 8, 2017
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2558

LOCATION

كفرجالس , Kafr Jalis, Idlib, Syria

A five-month-pregnant woman and her unborn child were killed in airstrikes, likely by Russian warplanes, on Kafr Jaless on the morning of September 29th, a local source, the Smart News Agency, reported. Smart also reported the wounding of other civilians as a result of the airstrike. According to one of the villagers, the targeted house

Summary

First published
September 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(0–1 children1 woman)
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

May 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3655

LOCATION

أرنبة, Arnaba, Idlib, Syria

A woman and two children of the same family were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Arnaba, Idlib governorate, on May 4th, 2019, according to local sources. According to the White Helmets, “two children were killed and a child was seriously injured as a result of a military airstrike near a school

Summary

First published
May 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS392

LOCATION

ماير, Mayer, Aleppo, Syria

One to two civilians were allegedly killed and several others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Mayer, according to local sources. In a news roundup, Shaam News said two non-combatants died in a raid by Russian warplanes, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a person was killed when warplanes believed to be Russian bombed areas in

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS552

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that a woman and her child were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Takaya street. In a second report, it added: “The fires are still raging since this morning until now [9:25pm] in Al Takaya street after Russian planes targeted Al Khair Mall and Takiyat al

Summary

First published
February 5, 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

March 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS744

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named two civilians, Zahra Fihan, and her son Mohammad Abdullah al-Rashed, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Raqqa. The victims were also named by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, which blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
March 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 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

July 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3867

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians were killed in an airstrike on Kafar Nabil as more than 10 aircrafts of the Syrian and Russian forces alternated bombing with explosive barrels and cluster missiles. According to Edlib Media Center, the child was killed and others injured as cluster rockets struck a residential neighborhood. Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
July 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 12
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4–12
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
Other
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS3179

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on civilian homes in Douma, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. @EuphratesPost reported on the “effects of the great destruction that hit the residential areas in the city of Douma as a result

Summary

First published
March 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1305 RS2375

LOCATION

العشارة, Al A'shara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Al A’shara, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or Russia. According to sources, the residential neighbourhood was struck with cluster bombs – believed to be Russian. Fresh Syria pointed at the Coalition, while

Summary

First published
July 31, 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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1146

LOCATION

معراته, Maratah, Idlib, Syria

A child and a woman were reportedly killed and up to 10 more civilians injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maratah, local media said. According to LCCSY, “Russian warplanes raided the El Shaheed Farooq school for basic education in the town of Maratah in the south-west countryside of Gabal al-Zawiah. Idlib. The raid led

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS4063

LOCATION

معرشورين, Ma’ar Shourin, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were reported killed and several others were wounded in airstrikes on Ma’ar Shourin, Idlib, on August 21st, 2019. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a citizen was killed due to raids by the regime’s warplanes on Ma’ar Shourin in Maarrat Al-Nu’man countryside.” Liveuamap also reported that a civilian was killed

Summary

First published
August 21, 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1178

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians – reportedly children – died and up to nine other non-combatants were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Naha, local media said. According to LCCSY, “two children died and others were wounded when Russian warplanes carried out a cluster bomb attack on Kafr Naha”. @syriapost1 and @ShahbaPress tweeted that “nine people were

Summary

First published
August 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–9
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

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1372

LOCATION

كفر زيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on Kafr Zita in Hama – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Syria News Desk reported: “Two civilians were killed yesterday evening [Sept 30th] due to the Russian warplanes targeting the city of Kafr Zita which

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1438

LOCATION

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Aleppo’s al Mayssar neighbourhood, local media reported. According to the Shaam News Network on October 12th, “Russian and Assad aircraft did not stop from flying in the skies of Aleppo and its countryside and launched dozens of air

Summary

First published
October 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2065

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

One or two civilians was killed, and others were wounded, in an alleged rocket attack in Hamouriya in Damascus, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. All sources blamed the Syrian regime, except the Step News Agency, who blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia.  According to sources, one

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
View Incident

Incident date

May 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2263

LOCATION

عقيربات , Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Civilians were reportedly killed and others wounded in ‘intensive’ airstrikes on Akeirbat allegedly conducted by Russian and Syrian warplanes on the 31st of May, a local source reported to Smart News. Rozana Radio, however, reported that there were no civilian casualties in the strikes that landed on the villages of Abu Habilat, Al Harrdana, Abu

Summary

First published
May 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2388

LOCATION

حسيا, Hasya, Hama, Syria

A single source reported that “in the countryside of Hama, the Russian warplanes targeted several cars carrying displaced people is Hasya. There were reports of dead and wounded civilians amongst those struck.” There are no specific numbers. No 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, 2015

Incident Code

RS017

LOCATION

غرناطة, Gharnata, Homs, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed following an airstrike on Gharnata near Talbiseh city, in Homs governorate. While some sources attributed the attack to Russian aircraft, the Assad regime also reported carrying out strikes in the vicinity, with state news agency SANA reporting that “the Air Force destroyed nests and mechanisms for terrorist organizations… in the

Summary

First published
October 4, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2479

LOCATION

الصهرية, al Sahariya, Hama, Syria

Between one and two civilians, including a woman and her daughter, were killed and at least two others, children, were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes against the village of al Sahariya in the northern Hama countryside, according to local sources. Reporters Without Borders said that the airstrikes caused the destruction of a

Summary

First published
September 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 woman)
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

May 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS3730

LOCATION

خان العسل, Khan Al Assal, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were killed and others injured in a Russian airstrike on the town of Khan Al Assal countryside, West Aleppo on May 28th, 2019. Some of the local sources said that airstrike targeted a mosque there. @NagiNajjar tweeted “two martyrs, after an airstrike that targeted a mosque in the town of Khan Al-Asal in

Summary

First published
May 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS339

LOCATION

معارة الارتيق, Maarat al Arteek, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one unnamed woman and a member of the White Helmets were killed – and 10 others injured – in alleged Russian airstrikes on Maarat al Arteek, according to multiple sources. The Shaam News Network reported that a woman died when Russian warplanes targeted the town in several spatial missile strikes. They said

Summary

First published
January 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
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 2, 2019

Incident Code

RS3752

LOCATION

الزكاة, Al Zakat, Hama, Syria

Two civilians including a woman were reported killed and another woman injured in artillery shelling or airstrikes on Al-Zakat in Hama on June 2nd, 2019. Shaam News reported the death of two civilians in airstrikes on Al Zakat, Hama, June 2nd. The two victims were identified as Dia’a Muhammad Al-Essi and Asia Al-Saleh. The injured woman

Summary

First published
June 2, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS3268

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Local media reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in Douma. No civilian victims were named, though a non-civilian, Hothaifa al-Tout, was reported killed in “clashes with Assad”. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
March 14, 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

February 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS531

LOCATION

العلقمية, Al A'alkamiyah, Aleppo, Syria

Two adult male civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al A’alkamiyah, according to multiple local sources. The two victims were named as Riad Jamil Ismail Deebo and Khaled Eido by the VDC, Damascus Center for Human Rights, Halab News and Elsouriya Lil E’elam,  

Summary

First published
February 2, 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

June 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS884

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and eight more were injured airstrikes on Anadan, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Shaam News Network reported that “Russian warplanes carried out several air strikes with cluster bombs” on Anadan, killing two civilians and wounding another eight

Summary

First published
June 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident