Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

February 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 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS3970

LOCATION

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

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

Summary

First published
July 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Other
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1087

LOCATION

تل سلطان, Tall Sultan, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1119

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
October 25, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

August 22, 2019

Incident Code

R3844

LOCATION

تل منس , Tal Mnes, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
August 22, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1674

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

Several civilians were reportedly killed and injured when up to four airstrikes struck  the town of Harasta, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. LCCSY reported that “Russian warplanes launched four airstrikes with thermobaric missiles on the neighborhoods in #Harasta city in the Eastern Ghouta, which led to casualties among civilians and destruction of buildings.”  LCCSY

Summary

First published
November 24, 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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS1831

LOCATION

دار الكبيرة, Dar Al-Kabira, Idlib, Syria

One or two civilians were killed and as many as 18 were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Dar Al-Kabira, local media reported. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids.  Some sources reported that there was partial damage to Al Dal Al Kabera Primary School. ZaitonMagazine said there were altogether three raids on

Summary

First published
January 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
5–18
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 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2053

LOCATION

أم توينة, Umm Tuina, Hama, Syria

A single source reported the bombing of a civilian house in the village of Umm Tuina, according to local media. The source reported it was “likely to be Russian warplanes”.  Umm Tuina is 32 km east of the city of Hama in central Syria and was under IS control at the time of the incident.

Summary

First published
April 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2078

LOCATION

عين السودة, Ain Al-Sawda, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed – including an adult male and a male child – and between four and five others were injured – including a woman – following airstrikes in Ain Al-Sawda. All sources blamed Russian raids for the strikes, except a local tweet, Abdlrazak-sbeh, who simply alleged that “air raids that struck the village” causing the

Summary

First published
April 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2239

LOCATION

رسم الطويل, Rasim Al-taweel, Homs, Syria

An unspecific number of civilians were killed and wounded in an aerial bombardment on Rasim Al-taweel, according to local sources. All sourced either blamed Russia for the strikes, or did not attribute blame. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
May 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 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

Incident date

June 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3744

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

An unknown number of civilians was reportedly killed or injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air and/or artillery strikes on the town of Kfar Zeita, Hama governorate, on June 1st, 2019, according to local sources. @ShahbaPress reported “civilian casualties following intensive Russian and Syrian regime raids on the town of Kfar Zeita in rural

Summary

First published
June 1, 2019
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
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 12, 2018

Incident Code

RS3021

LOCATION

قرية قرب اريحة, Village near Ariha, Idlib, Syria

In this single-source event, Smart News Agency reported that alleged Russian warplanes had carried out aerial shelling in a village near Jericho, 15 km south of Idlib, killing one child and one woman, as well as wounding six others. Smart News Agency cited activists on the ground who believed that the warplanes had launched four

Summary

First published
February 12, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS461

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the town of Hayyan, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. The children were listed as having died on January 25th. In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported that “Russian enemy planes carried out air raids on the city of Mare` and Tal Rifa’at and

Summary

First published
January 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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

January 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS493

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

There were reports of “many victims” following alleged Russian raids on Hamidiya. No further details are available at the present time.   

Summary

First published
January 28, 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 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS557

LOCATION

تادف, Tadif, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3117

LOCATION

اوتيا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Otaya, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the “raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the regime’s forces.”

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3128

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and injured due to airstrikes in Mesraba, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Mass destruction was caused by heavy shelling. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

Incident date

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3232

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ein Tarma, Damascus, Syria

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

Summary

First published
March 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1130

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1195

LOCATION

صلخ, Salakh, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
August 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1227

LOCATION

غرناطة, Gharnata, Homs, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1587

LOCATION

كفرناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1700

LOCATION

كفر حمرة , Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
November 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident