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

June 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3787

LOCATION

كفربطيخ, Kafar Batikh, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Kafar Batik, Idlib, June 10th. While two sources cite the death of one woman, multiple sources document the death of both a woman and her young child. Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that an “infant, Malak Mohammad Hammadi, was killed along with her mother, Asmaa

Summary

First published
June 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–4
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS742

LOCATION

جسرين, Jisreen, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians died in an airstrike on Hasreen, eastern Ghouta, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. According to the Shaam News Network, the raids were “launched by a Russian Sikhoi 24“. The network reported: “Activists said the shelling today focused on the

Summary

First published
March 23, 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

May 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS806

LOCATION

Afrin-Darat Azza road, Aleppo, Syria

According to reports by the Shaam News Network and multiple other sources, Russian airstrikes targeted the road between Afrin and Darat Azza destroying fuel transport trucks, and killing two drivers and injuring several other civilians in the vicinity. The reports noted that this road was considered to be a “humanitarian corridor” and “one of the

Summary

First published
May 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2569

LOCATION

ريف المهندسين, Reef Al-Muhandseen, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Two staffers were killed and five others injured as a result of air raids, likely to be Russian, on a field hospital in rural Al Muhandeseen, according to Smart News Agency. The field hospital itself was heavily damaged and the staff lost medical equipment. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3114

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Mesraba, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Sources reported that the strikes caused mass destruction on civilian property. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 25, 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

August 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS4061

LOCATION

البشيرية, Al Bashiriya, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians, including a child, were reported killed and between three and five civilians were injured in airstrikes on Al Bashiriya, Idlib, on August 21st, 2019. One child was initially reported killed, yet as understanding of events unfolded, Jisr Media Center reported that “the death toll of the martyrs in the town of

Summary

First published
August 21, 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
1 – 3
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–5
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1306

LOCATION

المشهد, Al Mashad neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Al Jazeera reported that seven civilians died in alleged Assad regime airstrikes on the Aleppo neighbourhoods of “Sukkari, ِMashhad, Marjeh, and Salhin”. @alhammamnetwork made no mention of civilian harm but said that “Omar Orabi, from the Istaqim Kma Umirt terrorist organisation, died when Syrian helicopters targeted a gathering in the Al Mashad neighbourhood”. No further details

Summary

First published
September 22, 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
Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1719

LOCATION

قرية العنكاوي, Al A’nkawi village, in Sahil al Ghab, Hama, Syria

Syria News Desk reported: “In Sahil al Ghab, western Hama countryside, two civilians were killed and five others wounded by a raid by Russian warplanes on the village of Al Ankawi under the control of the opposition, which also resulted in the destruction of two houses”. Egypt Today also put the death toll at two

Summary

First published
November 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS1847

LOCATION

إدلب., Idlib city, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were injured – and several others possibly killed – in an alleged Russian airstrike on a bus garage in Idlib, according to sources on the ground. @nabdsyria1 reported that “Russian raids targeted the Bulman Garage and the Central Bank in Idlib”. According to Idlib Media Centre, “three [civilians] were wounded when Russian occupation planes

Summary

First published
January 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

March 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS1978

LOCATION

معراته, Ma’arata town, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that Russia carried out an airstrike on Ma’arata town, leding to an unspecified number of civilian casualties. According to the Step News Agency, “Russian warplanes launched vacuum missiles targeting Ma’arata in western Aleppo causing casualties among civilians.”

Summary

First published
March 16, 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

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2041

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

Several civilians were killed and several others were injured in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the town of Jisr al Shoughour in the Idlib countryside, according to sources on the ground. While local sources gave conflicting reports of who was responsible for the airstrikes, the majority of sources did not identify who was

Summary

First published
March 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2665

LOCATION

الغبرة, Al-Ghabra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two men were killed and “dozens” more civilians were killed in an airstrike on Al-Ghabra, according to local media. Sources mostly blamed Russia, however a few blamed “warplanes” – not identifying a culprit. Al Araby reported that ” al-Ghubra [is] in the vicinity of the city of Albuqmal at the Syrian-Iraqi border in the far

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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

April 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3387

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

A child was among two civilians killed in airstrikes on a vegetable market in the city of Ariha, local sources reported. Majd Mohi al-Din, the son of the Hassan Mohiuddin, died several days after sustaining serious injuries in the attack. At least seven other civilians were wounded including four in a serious condition, according to

Summary

First published
April 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
7–8
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

April 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS3394

LOCATION

مغر الحنطة, Mughr Al-Hunta, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on the village of Mughr Al-Hunta that were widely attributed to Russian forces.  

Summary

First published
April 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS358

LOCATION

دير جمال, Dayr al Jamil, Aleppo, Syria

Two adult male civilians, named by the Violations Documentation Center as Abdulkareem al-Halabi and Abd al Salam Saeid, were killed in an alleged Russian dawn airstrike on Dayr Jamal, according to reports. SNN reported that Russian planes carried out “a massacre” launching air raids “on the towns of Tel Huraytan, Tal Rifa’at, Deir Jamal and the regions of

Summary

First published
January 9, 2016
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2930

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Two men were killed in airstrikes which hit Arbeen, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the strikes. According to SCDrifdimashq, the raids struck a residential neighbourhood with “intensive shelling”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS2939

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Two raids killed as many as two civilians in Kafr Nabil, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to Russia, while Violations Documentation Centre amongst others blame the Syrian regime. According to media, as many as ten civilians were also injured in the raids, including three

Summary

First published
January 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS625

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Two civilians were killed and between 12 and 20 injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Palmyra, according to local sources. VDC named the victims, as did Syria Martrys who blamed a Russian strike. According to M_alhameeed one non-combatant died and 20 more were injured in Russian raids on the city.  

Summary

First published
February 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–20
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 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3838

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma’ret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

Two children, twin brothers, were killed in an airstrike conducted by either the Russian or Syrian regime forces in Ma’arat al-Nu’man, according to local sources. Up to six other civilians were reported wounded. Orient News said: “Two dead as a result of an air strike by the Russian occupation on Maarat al-Numan, south of Idlib.”

Summary

First published
June 22, 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
2–6
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS657

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Two adult male civilians died in a raid on Palymra according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. Syria Mirror mentioned Russian shelling on the city, but didn’t provide any further details. The Syrian Human Rights Center named two victims. According to

Summary

First published
February 22, 2016
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

March 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS721

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

A woman and her teenage son died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Naha, according to local sources. The victims were named by Halab News – who blamed Russia – as Anas Ahmad Khatib and Fatima Khatib. Two additional sources, Allairamon Today and Anas Naif, also named them and said that Russia was responsible

Summary

First published
March 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3106

LOCATION

حوش الصالحية, Hawsh Al Salihya, Damascus, Syria

Local media reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on Hawsh Al Salihya. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. There is one report of the use of an explosive barrel. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
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

July 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1137 RS2313a

LOCATION

المجاوده, Majawdeh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and a number of others were injured following airstrikes on Majawdeh, roughly 85km southeast of Deir Ezzor. However responsibility was contested. The victim was identified by a number of sources, which also reported that his wife and daughter were injured. The Syrian Human Rights Committee reported that the wife

Summary

First published
July 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5
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, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 28, 2019

Incident Code

R3753

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Latamina, Hama, Syria

Up to three civilians, including a child, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Al Latamina, Hama governorate, on July 28th, 2019, according to local sources. Smart News Agency reported “three wounded in bombing of Russian warplanes on the vicinity of the city of Al Latamina north of Hama”.

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
Unknown
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS4005

LOCATION

حزارين, Hazzareen/Hazarin, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed, and five to11 including an elderly woman injured, in airstrikes on Hazzareen, Idlib, on August 11th. Smart News documented “destroyed houses on August 11th, 2019, in the village of Hazareen in southern Idlib governorate in the north of the country as a result of a Russian airstrike that targeted civilian

Summary

First published
August 11, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–11
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1317

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Air raids on the al Sakhour neighbourhood of Aleppo killed up to two civilians, local media reported. It was unclear whether the attacks were carried out by the regime or by Russia. Islammemo reported, “two martyrs in al Sakhour.” So did @Sy_Reporter and HNN. Alaraby News stated that Russian fighters carried out the strike, along

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

October 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1479

LOCATION

جديد عكيدات, Jadid Akeidat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Syria News Desk reported “two civilians were killed and 12 others wounded, including three paramedics, this afternoon [Oct 18th], when Russian warplanes fired four missiles on residential sites and the only field hospital in the village of Jadid Ekadat”. @snewscenter also said that Russia struck the hospital.They also reported the use of cluster bombs. Many

Summary

First published
October 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
12
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 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1678

LOCATION

الشعار, Al Shia'ar , Aleppo, Syria

At least two civilians were killed, including one woman, and several more were wounded, including children, following alleged Russian airstrikes targeting Aleppo’s Al-Sha’ar neighbourhood, local sources reported. AleppoAMC reported that “martyrs and wounded and burned people were under  the rubble as a result  helicopter gunships targeting the Al-Sha’ar neighborhood east of Aleppo”. Several sources reported

Summary

First published
November 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1645

LOCATION

كرم الجبل, Karm al-Jabal, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that between one and two civilians were killed and that several more were left injured following alleged Russian airstrikes targeting the neighbourhood of Karm al-Jabal in Aleppo. All of the sources, who identified a culprit, pointed to Russian warplanes. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
November 20, 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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS1884

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

At least two civilians, one man and one woman, were killed and others were wounded in airstrikes on the town of Palmyra in the eastern Homs countryside. According to @journalhader and the Local Coordination Committee of Syria, the airstrikes were carried out by Russian warplanes. The two air raids reportedly struck the main square and

Summary

First published
February 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident