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

October 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS032

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al Tamana’h, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in Al-Tamana’h. While the Violations Documentation Center attributed the deaths to Russian aircraft, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said they were killed as a result of actions by Syrian regime helicopters.  

Summary

First published
October 9, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2472

LOCATION

عطشان, A'tshan, Hama, Syria

Two nurses died following intensive strikes on the Shamna medical organisation in the village of A’tshan, according to local sources. The attacks were attributed to both Russian and Syrian forces by different media outlets. Both nurses were killed when bombs struck an ambulance near the village, activists told Smart News.

Summary

First published
September 19, 2017
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

January 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2854

LOCATION

مديرا , Madyra, Damascus, Syria

One or two civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Madyra in Damascus, according to local media. Syrian Reporter and Alghad-alsoury put the death toll at two. According to Shaam, “Al-Assad and Russian planes targeted civilian houses deliberately and directly in the eastern towns and villages of Al-Ghouta

Summary

First published
January 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS160

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

The VDC and Aleppo Eyewitness reported that two named non-combatant men were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Al Bab. However, Syrian Martyrs and the Damascus Centre for Human Rights blamed the Assad regime. Other sources simply blamed ‘warplanes.’  

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3382

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Warplanes launched an attack on agricultural areas near the city of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province, local sources reported. Most reports cited the sole involvement of Russian forces, however, Idlib24 said both Russian and Syrian planes were in the area. No specific casualty figures were given for Khan Sheikhoun, though according to the Smart News

Summary

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

Incident date

December 11, 2015

Incident Code

RS258

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two adult male civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Fardous, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No additional details are presently known.    

Summary

First published
December 11, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 15, 2018

Incident Code

RS2897

LOCATION

معصران, Ma'saran, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of “civilian causalities” were reported by local media, following what was believed to be an alleged Russian raid on a camp for Internally Displaced Peoples in Ma’saran. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes, however one source did blame the Syrian regime. They are an unreliable source as they are “pro-regime” according to Airwars

Summary

First published
January 15, 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

February 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS2994

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

According to local sources, two civilians were killed and several were wounded, as alleged Russian or other, unknown warplanes struck Saraqeb, Idlib. All sources reported that aerial shelling has caused civilian harm, at least two killed and several wounded. For example, Edlib Media Center (EMC) reported: “two civilians were killed by the Russian occupation aircraft

Summary

First published
February 7, 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 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS450

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians including one child were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Buliyal, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No reports on strikes on Al Buliyal have yet been found.  

Summary

First published
January 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS674

LOCATION

جوبر‎, Jobar neighborhood, Damascus, Damascus, Syria

Two adult male civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Jobar neighborhood of Damascus, according to local sources. Smart reported nine Russian raids on the neighbourhood, while a tweet from FS_Muslim put the number of raids as high as 12. Baladi said two civilians died at the hands of Russia. Some other sources did not

Summary

First published
February 26, 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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS835

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

One or two civilians died in an airstrike on Saraqib, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. LCCSY put the death toll at two, blaming Russian vacuum missiles. Activists told the Shaam News Network that two warplanes hit Saraqib with six strikes using

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2–12
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

July 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS964

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Heavy airstrikes on Hraytan – which local sources blamed on either Russian planes or Syrian regime helicopters – killed two named children. According to the Syrian Observatory the town was also attacked with artillery. One local source, Syrian Press Center, said that “Russia and the regime carried out 40 raids, and threw 30 explosive barrels,

Summary

First published
July 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS996

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

In an airstrike which was reported to be both Russia and the Syrian regime, one child was alleged killed. The incident took place in Kafra Hamra. The Syrian Newsdesk blamed Russia for “five raids” which not only killed a child, but also left 12 “seriously wounded”. Syrian Pulse, however, reported that there were more than 15

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
10–12
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

July 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3960

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that alleged Syrian or Russian airstrikes struck the Al Hal Market in Saraqib, Idlib governorate in the morning of July 26th, 2019, killing up to two civilians and wounding up to 10. According to Step News Agency, one civilian was killed while Shaam News Network reported two killed civilians. Smart News Agency

Summary

First published
July 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1108

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Russian warplanes bombed the city of Al Bab in eastern Aleppo and while casualties were reported, according to local media. However, reports didn’t provide specific casualty figures. There were no estimates of the number. Both @SRG_Syria and LCCSY blamed Russia – though the majority of sources referred only to “warplanes”.  

Summary

First published
August 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS4054

LOCATION

بنين, Binin, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians were reported killed and between four and six civilians were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Binin, Idlib, on August 20th. @ShahbaPress tweeted that “two civilians [were] martyred and wounded due to an airstrike by Russian occupation aircraft on the village of Binin south of Idlib.” Syria Civil Defense stated that

Summary

First published
August 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4–6
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1302

LOCATION

الميسر, Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Aleppo’s Al Maysar neighbourhood, according to local media. Al Jazeera reported that seven civilians were killed in regime strikes “in the neighborhoods of Sukkari Mashhad Marjeh and Salhin.” But LCCSY said that Russia also carried out strikes resulting

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
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 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1432

LOCATION

حي خان العسل, Khan Al Assal (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed and “many” more wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan Al Assal near Aleppo. Shahba wrote that “two were killed and many civilians wounded due to Russian warplanes shelling in Khan Al-Assal in the western countryside of Aleppo.” The Syrian Network for Human Rights and Halab News also reported two

Summary

First published
October 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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

October 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1464

LOCATION

قطنا, al Qatana, Rif Dimashq, Syria

One or two civilians died and several more were wounded in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Qatana neighbourhood, according to local media. Most sources blamed Russia, though some reports said that the regime also carried out strikes in Aleppo during this period, meaning that its involvement can’t be definitively ruled out. Moreover, a number of

Summary

First published
October 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1704

LOCATION

الزهراء , Al Zahra village, Aleppo, Syria

On November 27, 2016, according to the Shaam News Network amongst other local sources, two people were reportedly killed and dozens wounded when an aerial bombing resulted in “several successive explosions” hitting a residential area the town of Zahra, located in the northern countryside of Aleppo, in northwestern Syria. Where sources identified a belligerent, most

Summary

First published
November 27, 2016
Last updated
June 27, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–12
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
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

November 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1662

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Two adult males were killed, and several others were wounded – including one woman – in an aerial bombardment on Binnish. According to Arabic.rt, the shelling struck two groups of armed men in the morning of the 22nd. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible for the raids and

Summary

First published
November 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1806

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalaka, Damascus, Syria

As many as two civilians were killed – including an unidentified adult male – and more than 20 were injured in airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Zamalaka, according to local media. Sources remain unclear as to who was to blame for the airstrikes. Some sources, including LCCSY, have reported Russian warplanes were to blame for

Summary

First published
December 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1741

LOCATION

تفتناز , Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that one or two civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike with phosphorus and cluster bombs on Taftanaz. The Shaam News Network said that one civilian died, however, Shade2taftanaz reported the death of two women.

Summary

First published
December 5, 2016
Last updated
December 21, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(2 women)
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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

March 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2022

LOCATION

اورم الجوز, Urme Al joz, Idlib, Syria

At least one, but more likely two civilians – a woman and her child – were killed and several more wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Urme al-Joz in Idlib, according to sources on the ground. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “one child and his mother died when suspected Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
March 24, 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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2184

LOCATION

سرجة,, Sarja village, Idlib, Syria

‘Intensive air raids’ allegedly conducted by Russian warplanes resulted in the deaths of two sisters and wounded three other civilians in Sarja on the 27th April 2017, according to sources on the ground. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “The girls Aisha and Maryam Idris al Ashqar, from Sarja village in Idlib governorate

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2723

LOCATION

السوسة, Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two sources reported that an airstrike struck the town of Sousse, Deir Ezzor, though there were only weak reports of civilian harm. Deir Ezzor is being exterminated tweeted that a “Massacre [was] committed by the Russian occupation aircraft against civilians in the town of Sousse, where the aircraft targeted Al-Sayer residential complex.” Meanwhile, Justice for

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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 23, 2015

Incident Code

RS075

LOCATION

جبل الزاوية, Jabal Al Zawiya, Idlib, Syria

Media activist Wassim Al A’dil was one of two civilians reported killed in an airstrike at Jabal al Zawiya. The other has been named by Violations Documentation Center as Mohammad Abd al-Razzaq al-Harami. The pair were reportedly on their way to cover nearby Russian airstrikes when they were caught up in an attack. Shaam News

Summary

First published
October 23, 2015
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
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3660

LOCATION

ركايا سجنة, Rakaya Sijna, Idlib, Syria

An alleged Russian or regime double airstrike near Al Rakaya village in the southern countryside of Idlib reportedly killed two civilians. The Syrian Civil Defense forces reported that one of their volunteers was driving their ambulance to the site where a Russian airstrike had killed a woman, when he himself was struck by a second

Summary

First published
May 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS171

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian bombing of the town of Kafr Zita, according to multiple sources. Syria News Desk cited local media activist Abdel-Rahman al-Ali was saying that “Russian jets targeted three raids north side of Kafr Zita, killing two people and destroyed four houses.”  

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
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