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 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1461

LOCATION

Karam al Tarab, Aleppo, Syria

Two or more civilians died and an unspecified number more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Karam al Tarab neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground, Only @Free_TV_SYRIA gave specific casualty figures of two killed – and blamed Russia. Other sources reported an unspecified number of deaths an injuries, mainly referring only

Summary

First published
October 15, 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

October 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1493

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died in a strike on farmland near Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Step News Agency, LCCSY, @Sy_Reporter and Shahba Press all blamed Russia – and put the number of civilians killed at

Summary

First published
October 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1595

LOCATION

حي الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One to two civilians died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime air or artillery strike on the Al Ansari neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to multiple local media outlets. Horrya News reported one civilian killed, as did the sources, Syrian News Desk and @ahdath. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll

Summary

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

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2103

LOCATION

قرية اللج , Al Laj village, Homs, Syria

Activists of Smart News Agency reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in an air bombardment on the village of Al Laj. The source added that it was “thought to be Russian”. Al Laj is a village in the eastern Homs countryside, and was controlled by Islamic State. There are no

Summary

First published
April 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2182

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died and up to seven more were wounded in ‘several air raids’ alleged Russian airstrikes on Jisr Al-Shoghour in Idlib Governorate, according to sources on the ground. The Step News Agency reported “two civilians were killed in a bomb attack on Jisr al-Shughour and the surrounding area of al-Janoudiya village in the western

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5–7
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2215

LOCATION

الطيبة, al-Tayba, Homs, Syria

In this single source event, an aircraft “likely to be Russian”, carried out airstrikes in the vicinity of al-Taybeh village, Homs, killing two civilians and wounded another three, Smart News Agency reported. There are currently no further details available.  

Summary

First published
May 5, 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

April 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2168

LOCATION

أبو حواديد, Abu Hawadid, Hama, Syria

Up to seven civilians were killed or injured in an airstrike in Abu Hawaid, Hama, according to Smart News Agency. Their source stated that two civilians were killed and five others injured, when the unidentified aircraft struck the village that was under the control of ISIS. Smart added that two members of ISIS were also

Summary

First published
April 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2309

LOCATION

السخنة, Al-Sokhna , Homs, Syria

An unspecific number of civilians were killed and wounded in an airstrike on Al-Sokhna – according to local media. Only one source blamed Russia, and the others blamed unidentified warplanes for the raids. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “the warplanes bombarded areas in the northern outskirts of the city of Sokhna in the

Summary

First published
June 28, 2017
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

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2509

LOCATION

نبع عين الزرقا, Ain al Zarqa, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed, including a woman, and five others, including two women, were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the Ain al Zarqa area of Jisr al Shougohur, according to local sources. Two of the women that were injured in the airstrikes were from the same family. Local sources were conflicted as to when

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Russian Military
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 8, 2017

Incident Code

R2459

LOCATION

العشارة, Al-Ashara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russia or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Al-Ashara, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Only one source, Sharqiya Voice, reported the death of two civilians, while the remaining sources merely reported about aerial bombardment, which @Deirfree called “hysterical” . One source, @obaidahalabdull, attributed blame to the Assad regime while @Deirfree

Summary

First published
October 8, 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2707

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A man and his daughter were killed in airstrikes which “targeted residential areas” in Hajeen. Two out of three sources blamed Russian airstrikes, and the third source reported that “warplanes” were to blame. Some civilians were also reportedly wounded. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3377

LOCATION

التلاتا, Al Talata, Idlib, Syria

Russian aircraft allegedly launched several air raids on the village of Al Talata, local media reported. According to Step,” Russian aircraft launched several air raids targeting the city of Jericho and the towns of Talat and Urm al-Joz in the countryside # Idlib, resulting in the  a number of dead and wounded.” The source didn’t

Summary

First published
April 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS3428

LOCATION

بلدة حيان, Hayan, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were locally reported killed when a bomb exploded in the town of Hayan, Aleppo Governorate. According to the Syrian Civil Defence, the cluster bomb that exploded was allegedly a remnant of earlier airstrikes, for which multiple sources blame Russian warplanes. The victims, two young brothers, were named as Firas Amor Orso and Amor

Summary

First published
May 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Cause of injury / death
Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS394

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

One to two civilians including one child were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Manbij, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that one person died and others were injured in an attack by warplanes believed to be Russian. Two victims were named by the Violations Documentation Center as having died “due to Russian

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS940

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Airstrikes killed up to two civilians including at least one child and wounded up to ten others in the city of Binish, local media said. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Most local sources reported the death of up to two children. According to The

Summary

First published
June 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3116

LOCATION

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Madera, 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
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 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1313

LOCATION

مقلة, Muqla, banks of Euphrates, Raqqa, Syria

Several civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on boats on the Euphrates river near the village of Makla, according to local media – though it was unclear whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame for the casualties. According to Sound and Picture, “Coalition aircraft targeted civilian boats along the banks of the

Summary

First published
August 1, 2017
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3962

LOCATION

البوابية, Al Baouabiya, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources alleged that Russian or Syrian airstrikes or missile strikes targeted Al Baouabiya in Aleppo on July 26th, killing up to three civilians and wounding three others including a woman. Sources said that the attacks started in the morning and continued through the afternoon. One of the victims Sari Al-Taleb, aged 27, used to

Summary

First published
July 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 30, 2019

Incident Code

R3869b

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died and others were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime shelling of Kafar Nabil, according to local media. Macro Media Center (MMC) blamed Russian and Syrian regime forces for the shelling, while the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR) attributed blame to the Syrian regime forces alone. SN4HR identified one civilian, while

Summary

First published
August 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 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2127

LOCATION

various locations, Idlib, Syria

According to the Step News Agency, “Russian air raids, some of them with phosphorous bombs targeted the towns of Khan_shikhun, #Tremala, #Kafarsgana, and #Serja, south of Idlib, with reports of casualties.” No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
April 14, 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

March 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2045

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians were killed and between five and six others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the city of Maarat al Numan in the Idlib countryside. The majority of local sources only reported injuries while Syrian Mirror reported that there were also deaths of civilians from the airstrikes. The injured civilians were rescued

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5–6
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2386

LOCATION

ابو شهري, Abo Shahri, Raqqa, Syria

A father and son were killed in airstrikes on Abo Shahri and the countryside in the surrounding vicinity. There were no reports of wounded civilians.  All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. According to Baladi “Russian aircraft and aircraft launched intensive raids, targeting the town (Ma’adan) with rockets and explosive bombs, as well as

Summary

First published
August 14, 2017
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

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2962

LOCATION

الخواري, Al-Khawari, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

In this single-source event, Al Latamna Youth Group reported that alleged Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes in Al-Khawari, Aleppo, resulting in “martyrs and wounded civilians”. Currently, no further information is available.

Summary

First published
February 1, 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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 14, 2015

Incident Code

RS040

LOCATION

تحتايا, Tahtaya, Idlib, Syria

Two non-combatant males were killed in an alleged Russian strike on Tahtaya and were later named by the Violations and Documentation Centre. Syrian regime aircraft also reportedly bombed the town the day before, killing a woman and her daughter. However according to Qasioun – which posted a video of the attack – the event was

Summary

First published
October 14, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2492

LOCATION

بنين الدير الشرقي, Banin and al Deir al Sharqi, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that civilians were killed and wounded in alleged Russian strikes on Banin and al Deir al Sharqi. Most sources said that missiles had been fired on Banin from Russian battleships. Khaled al Waleed and Adam.sy said that three civilians had been wounded. According to HNN, there were “martyrs and wounded in shelling

Summary

First published
September 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3717

LOCATION

سفوهن, Sfwhen, Idlib, Syria

Up to two civilians were reportedly killed in an airstrike on Sfwhen, Idlib, on May 26th. Syrian Network for Human Rights claimed that “two civilians from the same family” were killed in the strikes, while Halab Today TV stated that “a young man was killed” in the attack. Local Coordination Committees of Syria identified one

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
(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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS533

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one child, Isra Rabei Yehya, age 16, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Talbiseh. Talbisa posted a video depicting her funeral, but did not say who was responsible, with the speaker in the video referring only to “manic bombing by warplanes“. The Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies

Summary

First published
February 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS597

LOCATION

داعل, Da'el, Daraa, Syria

Two civilians died and several more were injured in an airstrike on Da’el, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. According to Step News Agency, Russian warplanes carried out a raid on Da’el, killing one civilian and injuring a number

Summary

First published
February 12, 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS789

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and between eight and ten were injured in airstrikes on Hraytan, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Activists told Shaam News Network that Russian warplanes targeted the city centre with vacuum missiles, killing two civilians and

Summary

First published
May 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
8–15
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

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS886

LOCATION

‏عينجارة‬, Anjara, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were killed in airstrikes on Anjara, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted and confused as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian Regime. LCCSY initially reported that the strikes were Russian, killing two children and wounding other civilians when homes were targeted with cluster bombs. However,

Summary

First published
June 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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