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 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1494

LOCATION

Al Nakir, Idlib, Syria

One or two children died and two other civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Al Nakir, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Step News Agency was among sources blaming Russia, reporting that one child died in the strike. But a

Summary

First published
October 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children0–1 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1609

LOCATION

الشيخ فارس, Al Sheikh Fares neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians have died in an airstrike on the Al Sheikh Fares neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local media – with all three sources blaming Russian warplanes. Photojournalist Zein Al Raifi said that two civilians died in Al Sheikh Fares, but did not apportion any blame. Both Halab News and Shahba Press corroborated this claim

Summary

First published
November 17, 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 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1702

LOCATION

الليرمون, Al Lleiramoun, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that a woman and her child died and another civilian was wounded in an airstrike on Al Lleiramoun. While most sources blamed Russia, there was also an allegation against the Assad regime. According to @SN4HR, “the girl Suhad Hasan Kurdiyeh, from Al Layramoun town in Aleppo governorate, died in government warplanes (allies) missiles fired

Summary

First published
November 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1
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 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1660

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Two girls were killed and dozens of other civilians were wounded in shelling and airstrikes which struck the residential neighbourhood of Douma, local media said. According to Smart News, some members of the regimes forces were also killed in the airstrikes.  Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the alleged raid, with

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1989

LOCATION

النشمي, Al Namshi village, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Namshia village, east of Hama, the Smart News Agency reported. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
March 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2298

LOCATION

داعل, Dael, Daraa, Syria

Two adult males were killed, and as many as 30 civilians were wounded, following air and artillery shelling on Dael, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some blaming Russia, others blaming the regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to the “Syrian-Russian alliance”. Images show wounded civilians being

Summary

First published
June 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–30
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 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2391

LOCATION

حسيا, Hasya, Hama, Syria

A single source reported that “Russian warplanes targeting several vehicles carrying displaced people in the area of #Hassia area #Aqirbat [with] news of martyrs and wounded among the displaced.” There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 16, 2017
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

October 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2627

LOCATION

الطيبة, al-Taybah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed in airstrikes in al-Taybah in Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though sources didn’t identify the culprit. One of the two sources reporting from the incident merely reported  airstrikes, not  civilian harm, while the other, Euphrates Post, reported the death of two named civilians. While no belligerent was associated with the incident

Summary

First published
October 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS2866

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed and four others were wounded in airstrikes which struck a camp for Internally Displaced Peoples in Saraqeb in the middle of the night. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some sources blaming Russia, while others blamed the Syrian regime. A number of sources also blamed that

Summary

First published
January 7, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS2894

LOCATION

معصران, Ma'saran, Idlib, Syria

A father and son were killed and an unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Ma’saran, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the strikes, making this a contested event. According to local media, missiles were used in the strike which “targeted” the residential buildings. As many

Summary

First published
January 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3761

LOCATION

معرة الصين, Ma’arat Al Sin, Idlib, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed and an unknown number of others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Ma’arat Al Sin, Idlib governorate, on June 4th, 2019, according to local sources. @HalabTodayTV tweeted that “one person was killed and others were wounded, as the regime’s warplanes targeted the

Summary

First published
June 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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

June 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS3792

LOCATION

حاس, Hass, Idlib, Syria

Two women were killed and an unknown number of other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Hass, Idlib governorate, on June 11th, 2019, according to local sources. Smart News reported that “two women were killed and others were wounded on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, by aerial bombardment

Summary

First published
June 11, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3870

LOCATION

حزارين, Hazarin, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes struck the town of Hazarin south of Idlib. @IdlibPlus reported on resulting in “civilian casualties”, but did not provide any further details. No further details are available.

Summary

First published
July 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3083

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed and several left wounded as airstrikes, carried out by either Russia and/or the Syrian regime, struck Beit Sawa, Damascus, local media reported. While not providing many details, local sources reported that airstrikes had struck Beit Sawa, and most reports put the death toll at one. Step News Agency, however,

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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

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

RS3126

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

A child and another civilian were killed and others were wounded in airstrikes on Harasta, local media reported. Sources blame Russian and Syrian regime raids for the strikes. There were as many as 32 raids, with heavy shelling on the residential vicinity. 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
(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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1181

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

One named child died and up many more civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Rastan, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. LCCSY reported one “child martyr and the critical wounding of other civilians in airstrikes on residential

Summary

First published
August 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1214

LOCATION

فيلون, Filon, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died and several others were wounded in an airstrike on Filon in Idlib governorate, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Both Halab Today and LCCSY attributed the event to Russia. However, Assabeel blamed the regime. Syrian News

Summary

First published
September 3, 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

November 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1667

LOCATION

الشيخ خضر, Sheikh Khudur, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that two civilians were killed and as many as 30 were injured following aerial shelling of the area of Sheikh Khudur, Aleppo. Syria News Desk’s correspondent in Aleppo reported that “two civilians killed and more than 30 injured in Russian warplane targeting with a vacuum missile the neighbourhood of Al-Sheikh Khudar which is

Summary

First published
November 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
30
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 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS1946

LOCATION

خضيرة, Khdeira, Hama, Syria

Two civilians, one child and one woman, were reportedly killed and another seriously wounded as alleged Russian warplanes struck the village of Khadira, Hama, two local sources reported. An activist on the ground told Micro News that “the aircraft carried out raids on the village of Khadira in the area of Aqirbat (77 km east

Summary

First published
March 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1
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

RS2192

LOCATION

كفرناها , Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were killed and at least nine other civilians wounded in alleged Russian air strikes on the town of Kafr Naha in the western Aleppo countryside, according to sources on the ground. The town was hit with “space rockets”, according to the Syrian Civil Defense, killing two children and wounding 10 other civilians, including

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
9–14
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 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2642

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two adult males were reportedly killed when a river crossing in Hajeen was struck by Russian warplanes. Only one source blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, the rest did not attribute blame to a belligerent. Reporting suggests that Farid Mohiy al-Jijan died a few days later from, wounds he had sustained in the attack. There

Summary

First published
October 15, 2017
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, Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2015

Incident Code

RS009

LOCATION

تادف, Tadif, Aleppo, Syria

Intense bombardment was reported on the 2nd of October 2016 in and around the province of Aleppo.  In the town of Tadef two people were reported to have been killed as a result raids that were widely blamed on Russia. Only one source, Sada Islamic, blamed the coalition for the strikes publishing photos of the

Summary

First published
October 2, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2019

Incident Code

RS3634

LOCATION

عابدين, Abdin, Idlib, Syria

One or two civilians, including a woman, died and up to three others were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air and/or artillery strikes on Abdin, Idlib governorate, on April 30th, 2019, local media reported. Local sources reported that a woman was killed and others were injured when Abdin, south of Idlib, was struck

Summary

First published
April 30, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3718

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh , Idlib, Syria

Two men were reported killed in an airstrike on Heesh, May 26th, according to local sources. They seem to be from the same family as they were identified as Abdullah Hani Hamoudeh and Hassan Hani Hamoudeh. They are originally from Soran town. Three sources attributed blame to the Syrian regime, while Syria Civil Defense made

Summary

First published
May 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS331

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed and “dozens” wounded in airstrikes on Douma, according to the Shaam News Network – though the Network did not state whether Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. The White Helmets told SNN that aircrafts bombed the city with about 12 rockets which led to the death of two civilians. It

Summary

First published
December 30, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
6–24
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

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS395

LOCATION

دير حافر‎, Dayr Hafir, Aleppo, Syria

Two to three civilians including one child were killed and seven others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Dayr Hafer, according to local sources. Other sources also said Russia was responsible for the death of two young men.

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7
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 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3019

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Two civilian men were killed and several wounded as Saqba in eastern Ghouta, Damascus was struck by aerial and artillery shelling, local media reported. According to Jsirtv, Saqba was subject to “heavy air bombardment hit residential neighbourhoods,” which the Syria Civil Defence reported took place during the night. While Zaman-al Wasl only mentioned one fatality, the

Summary

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

Incident date

February 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS598

LOCATION

el Na'aymeh, Daraa, Syria

At least two civilians died and three or more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on el Na’aymeh, according to two local sources. Alyakeen Media published a number of videos showing destruction of the town and the removal of dead and wounded bodies from the rubble. Voiceovers in videos said that the strikes were carried

Summary

First published
February 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman)
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

June 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS952

LOCATION

منطقة كباني "الكبينة", Al Kabina area, Latakia, Syria

Airstrikes in the al-Kabina area outside of Lattakia led to the death and injury of several civilians, local media reported. According to Syria News Network “intense airstrikes by the Russian Aviation occurred alongside clashes which targeted areas controlled by the rebel regions. A number of civilians were killed and wounded, and civilian homes were targeted

Summary

First published
June 28, 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