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

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2042

LOCATION

خضيرة, Khadira, Hama, Syria

At least two civilians, including a woman and child, were killed and another civilian was wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Khadira in the Akeirbat district of eastern Hama. The injured civilian was in serious condition at the time of reporting. According to Smart News Agency, the airstrikes were carried out by

Summary

First published
March 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2238

LOCATION

سوحا, Soha , Hama, Syria

Two brothers were killed and others civilians were wounded – according to one source – following an airstrike on Soha. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some reported that Russia was to blame, and others attributed blame to the Syrian regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to the “Russian-Syrian alliance”.

Summary

First published
May 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 children0–1 men)
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2246a

LOCATION

الكناماتا لحويقة, al Kanamat and al Huweika neighborhoods, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least two civilians were killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian and/or regime airstrikes against the al Kanamat and al Huweika neighborhoods of Deir Ezzor, local media reported. No specific numbers were given for casualties but both sources identified that more than one civilian was killed and injured. According to Shaam Network, Russian

Summary

First published
May 19, 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

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2839

LOCATION

اورم الكبرى, Urme Al-Kobra, Idlib, Syria

A single source reported that civilians were “killed and wounded by raids of warplanes are likely to be Russian on the town of Urme Al-Kubra south Idlib”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2557

LOCATION

الشحيل , Al Shuhail, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman and one child died and two more children were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on al Shuhail, according to local media. According to the Smart News Agency, “a woman and her child were killed and two other children were wounded by air strikes by warplanes believed to be  Russian on a town

Summary

First published
September 28, 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
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS230

LOCATION

الناجية, Najieh, Idlib, Syria

One adult male and one child died in an alleged Assad regime airstrike on Najeh, according to the Violations Documentation Center. Radio Al Kul said one person died and three were injured – but instead attributed responsibility to Russia.  

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2015

Incident Code

RS263

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Two male civilians were reported killed in either a Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Arbeen. The town’s local medical committee reported “Dozens of injured received by the hospital in Arbeen after the outskirts of the town of Arbeen, Zamalka and other eastern Ghouta towns were targeted by warplanes that are still targeting public places

Summary

First published
December 11, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3015

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Assad or Russian-waged shelling of Arbeen, eastern Ghouta Damascus, both from the ground and air, killed at least one child and one woman, and wounded several others, local media reported. Damascus Media Center reported that 15 airstrikes and five ground-to-ground missiles had struck Arbeen since the morning, targeting residential neighbourhoods. Orient News also reported the

Summary

First published
February 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS872

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians – a child and a woman – died in an airstrike on Maarat al Numan, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY said that one civilian died and several others were wounded in a suspected Russian strike.

Summary

First published
June 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

June 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS937

LOCATION

معارة الارتيق, Maarat al Arteek, Aleppo, Syria

An alleged Russia airstrike killed up to two civilians and left a number of others wounded in the city of Maarat al-Artiq, local media reported. Multiple sources blamed Russia for the event, though several referred only to “warplanes”. According to @HalabNewsN there were two Russian strikes.

Summary

First published
June 25, 2016
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

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3226

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on Hamouriya, local media reported. Shaam reported that “Russian aircraft, warplanes and helicopters continue to launch heavy air raids with rockets, explosive barrels, cluster bombs, napalm bombs and poisonous gases, in conjunction with the shelling by ‘elephant rockets’ and dozens of missiles on the

Summary

First published
March 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1382

LOCATION

Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including a child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Hraitan outside of Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. The illegal use of cluster bombs was mentioned by several media, while all sources identified Russia as the culprit.    

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1416

LOCATION

Rasim al Eis, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on  Rasum al Eis village in Aleppo, according local media. The strikes also reportedly wounded a number of people, including children. Most sources put the death toll at one. For example Halab Today said that “one person was martyred and three children were wounded

Summary

First published
October 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1512

LOCATION

Al Sheikh Ali, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and up to three more, including children, were wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on Al Sheikh Ali town, according to sources on the ground. The White Helmets reported: “Russian warplanes targeted the town of al Sheikh Ali in the western Aleppo countryside with vacuum missiles which led to the death of

Summary

First published
October 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1764

LOCATION

حَاسٌّ, Haas, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians – a woman and a child – died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Haas, according to local media. The Shaam News Network reported: “Today, [Dec 6th] violent Russian raids deliberately targeting civilians led to the fall of four martyrs and a number of wounded

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
December 27, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

April 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2084

LOCATION

ابو حنايا, Abo Hanaya, Hama, Syria

A single source reported there were “Dead and wounded by Russian air strikes on the village of Abu Hanaya east of Hama”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
April 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2634

LOCATION

البوليل, al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilian brothers were reportedly killed and several other civilians wounded as alleged Russian warplanes struck al-Bouleil village east of Deir Ezzor, local media reported. The two victims were identified by name and photos by multiple sources, who all agreed that Russia was responsible. Abu Ayman al-Ali, an activist from the eastern village of Deir

Summary

First published
October 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS080

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Media activist Jummah Al Ahmad was one of two civilians killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayyan, according to reports. According to the White Helmets “A mosque was totally destroyed and two civil defence team members injured in Hayyan centre, Ali Hayek and Ahmad Sarraj” in the attack. A second victim was later named

Summary

First published
October 27, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 6, 2019

Incident Code

RS3666

LOCATION

شنان, Shnan, Idlib, Syria

A child and a woman were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes near Al Tawhid mosque in the middle of Shnan village on May 6th, 2019, according to local sources. An unknown number of civilians was wounded. Warplanes fired missiles near Al Tawhid Mosque in the middle of Shnan village in Jabal al-Zawiyeh

Summary

First published
May 6, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 woman)
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

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS177

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Center one adult male civilian and one woman or girl were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Mayadeen. Local media activist Hussein al Ahmad reported that “One of them targeted Al Quds mosque in the town which led to its destruction.” Photos show a severely damaged building.  

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(0–1 children0–1 women1 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

January 16, 2018

Incident Code

RS2902

LOCATION

معرشمارين, Mar Shmareen, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed, including one adult male, and several others were wounded in airstrikes which hit the vicinity of Mar Shmareenin Maarat al Nuuman, according to local media. All sources reported that Russian warplanes were to blame for the raids. However VDC reported that “Syrian government and affiliated militias” were to blame. Sources were

Summary

First published
January 16, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2018

Incident Code

RS2924

LOCATION

بجخاص, Bejghas, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on Bejghas, according to local media. Both sources reported that Russia was to blame for the strikes. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 20, 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
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

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS402

LOCATION

تمورة, Tamoura, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tamoura, according to  the Shaam News Network. SNN reported that 10 civilians were killed in airstrikes on the cities and towns of the northern countryside of Aleppo since Saturday morning: four in Ma’arsta al-Khan, two in Hayyan, two in Tel Rifa’at and two in Tamoura, in addition to dozens wounded. Halab Today TV

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS2940

LOCATION

مصطفى الشيخ, Mustafa Sheikh, Idlib, Syria

As many as two civilians were killed and others were injured in airstrikes on Mustafa Sheikh, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. There is confusion over whether one adult male died or one child. No sources point to two civilian deaths, however some sources differed while

Summary

First published
January 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS498

LOCATION

حردتين, Hardatin, Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported on the alleged Russian airstrike in Mare’, and added that there had been “several similar raids on towns and Hardatin Bayanoun and Hayan and Tal Rifa’at leaving several killed and wounded, including children.” No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
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

February 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS530

LOCATION

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

Shaam News Network reported that several civilians were killed and several more injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on neighbourhoods in Deir ez-Zor: “Russian raids were carried out on the towns of Hatla, Tahtani, Ayyash, Al Husseiniya, Al Janina, Al Hessan, Al Mheimdieh, Al Khareeta, Al Baghiliya, Al mayadeen and also on neighbourhoods in Deir Ezzor

Summary

First published
February 2, 2016
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

April 10, 2018

Incident Code

RS3400

LOCATION

النقير, Al Naqir, Idlib, Syria

A man and a woman died as four air raids loaded with high-explosive missiles struck civilian houses in the town of Al Naqir, local media reported. The attack was widely attributed to Russian warplanes by local sources. Idlib 24 also reported the involvement of Assad’s forces. It came as Civil Defence teams continued to recover

Summary

First published
April 10, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

September 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2462

LOCATION

وادي العذيب, Wadi Al-Azeeb, Hama, Syria

A single source reported that there were victims, including children, due to an airstrike which was “likely to be Russian” in Wadi Al-Azeeb. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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

June 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS851

LOCATION

بابيص, Babis, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two non-combatants were killed in an airstrike on Babis, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. LCCSY reported that one civilian died and six others were wounded in a Russian strike on the town. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights,

Summary

First published
June 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
6
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

RS3935

LOCATION

كفروما, Kafarouma, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that alleged Syrian or Russian airstrikes struck Kafarouma, Idlib governorate, killing up to three civilians. An unknown number of others were injured. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that helicopters belonging to the Syrian regime forces “dropped several barrel bombs on al Farouq al Gharbiya School in Kafrooma village in Idlib

Summary

First published
July 22, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 woman1 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
View Incident