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

August 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS4044

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, on August 17th. Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that “Mohammad Ma’arati and Abdul Latif Tallawi were killed as warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on Khan Sheikhoun city in the southern suburbs of Idlib governorate, on August 17th”. Syrian Observatory

Summary

First published
August 17, 2019
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)
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
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

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1655

LOCATION

كرم نزهة, Karam Nuzha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes on Karam Nuzha, Aleppo. Most sources attributed blame to both belligerents suggesting the aerial bombardment was possibly a joint effort. However, LCCSY blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Although no reports specifically named the number of wounded, according to

Summary

First published
November 21, 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

March 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2032

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that an air raid killed up to two civilians, including a child, and wounded several others, as it struck the city of Kafr Zita in Hama, though it was unclear if Russia or the Syrian regime were behind the attack. Two civilians were additionally wounded, and MonKiz Al Khabour reported that one

Summary

First published
March 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
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

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2609

LOCATION

معبر مائي, Water Crossing between Al Mawsa and Al-Mashrada, and Al A’rkoub, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians, possibly children, were killed by unidentified warplanes in the river-crossing between the town of Al-Sawsa and Al-Mashrada, and Al A’rkoub in Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Two sources reported the death of two civilian men, referring to both as “the son of” and  “the young son”, suggesting that they both were children, though

Summary

First published
October 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 24, 2019

Incident Code

RS3711

LOCATION

مصيبين , Msibein, Idlib, Syria

Multiples sources reported that a man and his child were killed in airstrikes on Msibein, Idlib, on May 24th. The Syrian Network for Human Rights named those killed as Ahmad Abdul Wahed Takko, and his daughter Aseel. Step News Agency and Mohamed al Hmady reported that Russia was responsible for the airstrikes, while many other sources

Summary

First published
May 24, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3391

LOCATION

مناطق متعددة في أدلب, Various locations Idlib: Ariha, Khan Sheikhoun, Jisr al-Shughour, Hazarin, Al Rakaya, Abidin, Al-Zayara, Kars’a, Kansfara, Al Bara,Al Hbit,Al Naqir, Al Qastan, Halwaz, Al Ghassaniya, Al Alya,Al Drebat , Ashtabrak , Al Taybat and Al Bashiyriya, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died in Idlib province as airstrikes bombarded towns across the region, local media reported. Smart News said Syrian forces shelled a market in the town of Bara, injuring four civilians, including a child, who were taken by civil defense teams to local medical points. Helicopters threw several barrels of explosives on areas around

Summary

First published
April 4, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4
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

February 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS547

LOCATION

تل رفعت, Tall Rif`at, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Tel Rifa’at, according to local sources. According to Step, Russia launched three strikes on the area, while Shahba Press said one civilian died in four Russian raids. Two victims of Russian warplanes were later named by Halab News.  

Summary

First published
February 4, 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

February 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS643

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

Two children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maskanah, according to local sources. The Violations Documentation Center listed two unidentified male children as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maskanah. Syria News Desk reported that “two children from the same family died and four wounded in a Russian airstrikes which also caused the

Summary

First published
February 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
4
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 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS707

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifoniyah, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians died and several others were wounded in raids on Al Shifoniyah, according to local reports – though it is currently unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. Shaam News Network reported that “After six days of calm the regime and Russia have returned to Douma to disturb the lives of civilians,

Summary

First published
March 4, 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

March 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS739

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

According to two sources – Syria_Omar and Syrian Press Center – two power station workers died in a strike on plant in Maskanah. Syria_Omar reported: “Warplanes launched 12 air strikes on the city of Maskaneh on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of workers of the power plant in the city after the station targeted by

Summary

First published
March 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2019

Incident Code

RS3915

LOCATION

لطمين, Latmeen, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in Latmeen in Hama on July 16th, 2019 as a result of Russian and Syrian regime attacks. Step News said that two people were reported killed and others injured by Russian airstrikes on the city of Al Latamna and the village of Latmeen in northern Hama. No other details are

Summary

First published
July 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS997

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One civilian male died and 10 or more others were wounded in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Sukkari neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Orient blamed Russian warplanes for using both missiles and cluster bombs, while both Smart

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3113

LOCATION

حوش الصالحية, Hawsh Al Salihya, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that an unspecific number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Hawsh Al Salihya, 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

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS4057

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma`arat Al Nu`man, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians, including a child, were reported killed in airstrikes on Ma`arat Al Nu`man, Idlib, on August 20th. The Syrian Human Rights Committee documented the death of Rami al-Jarak as a result of Russian bombing of the city of Ma’arat al-Numan. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that “two men” were killed “in a Russian

Summary

First published
August 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1173

LOCATION

Adwan, Idlib, Syria

Two or more civilians including two women died and up to 50 more were wounded when cluster bombs were dropped on Adwan, local media reported. The majority of the sources – LCCSY, the Syrian Network for Human Rights and ENN – blamed the regime. Idlib City News put the death toll at one, but most

Summary

First published
August 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
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

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1303

LOCATION

جزمتي, Jazmati neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, LCCSY, reported an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Aleppo’s Jazmati neighbourhood. @naifaleidi and @HalabTodayTV also reported Russian strike on Jazmati but made no mention of civilian harm. No further details are currently available.

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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1465

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One or two civilians died and five more were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Sukkari neighbourhood, according local media.Halab News put the death toll at one and blamed Russia. Smo-sy and @ALAMAWI were among other sources that attributed the event to Moscow. The Smart News Agency reported that “two civilians died

Summary

First published
October 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
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 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

February 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS1892

LOCATION

رسم نياص , Rasim Nayyas village, south of Abu adh Dhuhur, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians including a child died and up to 15 more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on a petrol station/oil refinery in Rasim Nayyas village, local media reported. All4Syria reported: “two civilians were killed and 15 others injured Wednesday in a Russian air strike on the village of Rasim Nayas in the eastern suburb

Summary

First published
February 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
4–15
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 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS1907

LOCATION

رسم حميدة, Rasim Hamida, Homs, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed and three wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on the ISIS controlled village of Rasim Hamida, in the eastern Homs countryside – though only one source has reported on the incident. Smart News, who attributed likely responsibility to Russia, cited a civilian source, who stated: “the warplanes targeted civilian houses with

Summary

First published
February 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

March 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS1958

LOCATION

اسطبلات, Istablat, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Civilians were killed and wounded following an alleged air and artillery strike on Istablat, Aleppo. The White Helmets reported that three injured civilians were rescued from the rubble, while no specific numbers of civilian deaths were reported. Despite this, all sources mention that civilians were killed in this raid. Additionally, sources were conflicted as to who

Summary

First published
March 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS1982

LOCATION

القسطل القسطل , Al Qastal town, Hama, Syria

Russian warplanes allegedly conducted a raid on the outskirts of Al Qastal town in Hama Governorate, Smart News Agency reported. Civilian casualties have been reported, but their number and identities are still unclear.

Summary

First published
March 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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, 2017

Incident Code

RS2104

LOCATION

بلدة حور , Hour village, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported on the killing of a shepherd and his daughter due to multiple airstrikes in the village of Hour in western Aleppo. Sources reported that the strikes were likely Russian, although some sources alleged they were launched by the Syrian regime. Most sources reported the use of cluster bombs. “Multiple” civilians were wounded

Summary

First published
April 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2235

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in up to six alleged Russian airstrikes on Hatla, according to sources on the grounds. Sources mostly all blamed Russia, except a handful who didn’t identify the culprit. Women and children were reportedly killed and wounded in the raids. However, according to the Smart News Agency,

Summary

First published
May 13, 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

April 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2100

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma'arat Al-Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed and three others injured in an airstrike in Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, Idlib, according to local media sources – though it was not clear whether the Assad regime or Russia were responsible. All of the known sources that reported on this attack, aside from RFS Media Office, attributed responsibility to Russian forces. Halab

Summary

First published
April 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2274

LOCATION

عقيربات , Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

A woman and her child – both named – died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Akeirbat, according to local media. According to the Facebook group ‘Local council of Akeirbat and its countryside’, “\our air raids on the village of Akeirbat by Russian aircraft led to the martyrdom of a woman and her daughter as

Summary

First published
June 7, 2017
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