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 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1484

LOCATION

‏التمانعه‬, al Tama, Idlib, Syria

Two children died when a cluster bomb exploded in Al Tama village, Idlib, local sources reported – though it was unclear which belligerent had dropped the bomb. According to LCCSY, two children, both aged 13, “were martyred and three other civilians wounded were reported when remnants of a cluster bomb dropped by Russian warplanes exploded

Summary

First published
October 20, 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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1542

LOCATION

حزرما, Hazrama, Damascus, Syria

At least two children were killed and others were wounded in multiple airstrikes launched against the town of Hazrama in Eastern Ghouta, according to local media. A graphic image of two dead children in body bags was published by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Reports were conflicted over who was responsible for the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
November 8, 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

January 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS1868

LOCATION

حماده عمر, Hamada Omar, Hama, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and up to seven more were wounded by alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Hamada Omar, Hama, local media reported. Smart News reported that: “a number of civilians were killed and wounded, earlier in the day [Jan 28th], in raids by aircrafts likely to be Russian (…)”. 7al News,

Summary

First published
January 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3577

LOCATION

بكسريا, Baksriya, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes struck the villages of Khan al Sabil and Baksriya in the countryside of Jisr al Shughour on January 20th, 2018, according to local media. Around 3 AM, an alleged strike hit Baksriya and killed two civilians; one man and a woman. Between two and nine civilians were reported wounded and were evacuated by the Syrian

Summary

First published
January 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–9
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS1936

LOCATION

السخنة, Sokhna, Homs, Syria

One source, the Smart News Agency, reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in an airstrike on Sokhna. Smart said that a convoy was struck. @youthvoiceSSS reported that “a convoy belonging to Daesh” was struck by the regime – but made no mention of civilian harm.  

Summary

First published
March 2, 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2008

LOCATION

كفرحوت, Kafr Hout, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians were reported killed and others injured in an airstrike on Kafr Hout, Southern Aleppo, according to local sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or Assad’s regime were responsible for the attack. According to Step News Agency, “the Russian warplanes targeted the village of Kfar Hout with three air strikes,

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2018

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib City, Idlib, Syria

Several civilians were killed and several more were wounded as airstrikes, allegedly carried out by Russia or the Syrian regime, struck Idlib Electricity Company in the centre of Idlib city, local sources reported. What was described as “heavy air raids” by @shahed_alep reportedly killed up to two civilians and wounded as many as four. @News_truth_ reported that the

Summary

First published
March 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2040

LOCATION

الحمبوشية بداما, Al Hamboushiya/Badama, Idlib, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed and at least 14 others were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Al Hamboushiya and the town of Badama in the western part of Jisr al Shoughour, local media reported. Most sources reported the death toll as two civilians while only the Syrian Observatory for

Summary

First published
March 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
14
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

April 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2139

LOCATION

Khan Al Assal, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in alleged Russian or regim strikes on Khan Al Assal, local media said. The Smart News Agency reported: “A squadron of Russian planes rotated to bombard the towns and villages of rural areas of Aleppo (the western, southern and northern regions) causing injuries to a number of

Summary

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

July 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2367 CS1268a

LOCATION

الخميسية, Al-Khamesiya, Raqqa, Syria

A mother and child were killed in an airstrike on the neighbourhood of Al-Khamesiya. Although sources explain it was a mother and child, the mother was 17 years old, so Airwars have classified her as a child.  Most sources blamed Russian aircraft for this event, however, the wording of a Baladi report suggested that the

Summary

First published
July 25, 2017
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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 18, 2016

Incident Code

R1346b

LOCATION

قرية جديد عكيدات , Jadid Akeidat village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to Syria News Desk, “two civilians were killed and 12 others wounded, including three paramedics when Russian warplanes struck  residential sites and the only field hospital in the village of Jadid Ekadat”. At least two other sources also blamed Russia for the event.

Summary

First published
October 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
12
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 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS127

LOCATION

كفر جوم, Kafr Joum, Aleppo, Syria

Several civilians were reported killed and a number injured in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on the Al Dairi fabrics factory in Kafr Joum, Aleppo, according to the White Helmets and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The White Helmets reported that Russian warplanes had carried out several raids targeting the factory, leading to widespread destruction and a

Summary

First published
November 7, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
13
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, 2015

Incident Code

RS159

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

A seven-year-old boy was reported killed and five of his family members injured, following an alleged Russian airstrike at Kafr Halab or nearby. A second child may also have died. Location reporting for this event remains confused. Chicken sheds were reported destroyed and civilian deaths alleged at Kafr Halab; near Kafr Daryan; and in the

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS3727

LOCATION

معرة ماتر أو معرتماتر, Ma’ar Tamater, Idlib, Syria

A mother and child were reported killed in alleged Russian or Syrian Regime airstrikes on Ma’ar Tamater, Idlib, on May 28th, 2019, according to local sources. An unknown number of others was injured. A number of sources stated that two civilians had been killed in the strike, whereas Step News Agency reported only one fatality. A

Summary

First published
May 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS321

LOCATION

الحيدرية, Haidariya, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians, a woman and child, were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the northern roundabout area in Al Haidariya . The Syrian Observatory reported a number of unspecified casualties, while Halab News named the same woman and child killed as VDC, attributing their deaths to “a Russian Air Force bombing attack on

Summary

First published
December 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3389

LOCATION

السكرية, Al Sukariya, Idlib, Syria

A woman and her son were killed in the village of Al Sukariya in Idlib province during alleged Russian and Syrian airstrikes, local media reported. The strikes included cluster bombs according to Step News. Several civilians were reported wounded.

Summary

First published
April 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2018

Incident Code

RS3009

LOCATION

كفرحلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded, some possibly killed, as an alleged Russian airstrike hit the Aleppo town of Kafr Halab, local media reported. According to all of the available reports, a number of civilians were left wounded as the town of Kafr Halab was struck. However, Aleppo24 reported that civilians were both “killed and

Summary

First published
February 9, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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

January 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS449

LOCATION

أم حوش, Umm Hawsh, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, Thefreesyria.org, named two civilians killed when Russian warplanes allegedly bombed a road near the village of Umm elhosh in the Aleppo countryside. The Syrian Network for Human Rights Tweeted an image of the child Sarah and said she died when warplanes launched several missiles near the village, though they did not identify

Summary

First published
January 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS513

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to Radio Al Kul “Two [civilians] killed, including a child and several wounded with burning shops, as a result of Russian aviation targeting with rockets the shoe market in the neighborhood of # AL SALHEEN south of Aleppo.” No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
January 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
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 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS641

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

One to two civilians including a child were killed in alleged Russian strikes with cluster bombs, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights and Violations Documentation Center named a three year old child as a victim. However, the White Helmets said that one man was killed and six other non-combatants injured when Russian

Summary

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

Incident date

September 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2524

LOCATION

قريه الشميطية , Shumita village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On Sept 25th Euphrates Post reported: “The martyrdom of Haj Mukhlaf Khalaf Al-Ahmad from the village of Al-Shmitiya, from the wounds he sustained as a result of an air strike that targeted the village a few days ago”. This victim was also named by the Violations Documentation Centre, along with a second victim Mekhlef al

Summary

First published
July 10, 2019
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS3187

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ain Tarma, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Ain Tarma, local media reported. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes. Alaraby reported: “According to media loyal to the regime, the warplanes bombed several times, targeting in the towns of Haza and Ein Tarma, in Kafarbatna, Harasta and Arbine in the

Summary

First published
March 7, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely 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
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

July 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS963

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Heavy air raids on Al Bab – which local sources blamed either on Russia or unidentified aircraft – reportedly killed up to two civilians in Al Bab. According to Syrian PC, “Russian warplanes raids in Al bab city killed a number of people and wounded others.” Syria Feed cited one death, while according to the

Summary

First published
July 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 woman)
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

August 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS4056

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil , Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were reported killed and one civilian injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafar Nabil, Idlib, on August 20th, 2019. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that “two men” were killed “in Russian airstrikes on the town of Kafar Nabil”. Meanwhile, Syria.liveuamap reported that “one civilian” perished “in Kafar Nabil, due to

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
1 – 2
(1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1204

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Two possible civilians died in airstrikes on Hraytan, according to local media, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible for the deaths. Halabtoday, Syr_Rev_News and Alamawi, the Violations Documentation Center and HNN blamed Russia. Smart added that eight non-combatants were also wounded. However, according to Alaraby the regime was to

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
8
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

October 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1398

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources air and artillery strikes hit the city Anadan north of Aleppo, killing one or two civilians. According to Nabd Syria, “two people were killed and others wounded in Anadan due to regime warplanes and artillery shelling”. One source, Muslm, attributed the strikes to both the Assad regime and Russia, while Jsirtv

Summary

First published
October 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1495

LOCATION

Tarei, Idlib, Syria

In what looks to have been a Syrian regime action, an elderly man and his son were reported killed by an airstrike in Tarei village, Idlib. LCCSY initially appeared to blame Russia, but in a later post attributed the deaths to the Syrian regime. Most other sources also pointed to the regime. According to the

Summary

First published
October 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(0–1 children1–2 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1597

LOCATION

السميرية, Al Samiriya, Aleppo, Syria

Two children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village Al Samiriya, Aleppo, according to local sources. @Syriamubasher1 reported one child died, whilst @ShahbaPress reported the death of one child and the injury of two other children from one family. Both sources blamed Russia.  @RasdAgency reported two children killed and two more injured. SCDAleppo

Summary

First published
November 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1610

LOCATION

ضهرة عواد, Dahat Awad, Aleppo, Syria

Two unidentified civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Dahat Awad, Aleppo, according to Halab News’ list of martyrs in Aleppo. The entry stated: “unidentified [killed], following Russian enemy raids on Dahra Awad neighbourhood, civilians” An RFS North tweet reported that there were “intensive airstrikes targeting Dhahra Awad”, however it does not mention civilian casualties.

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
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

November 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1703

LOCATION

نبل , Nabil, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

In what may have been a friendly fire incident, committed by the regime, or by Russia, an unspecified number of people were killed and wounded in Nabil, according to sources on the ground. HNN reported “four air raids [three using vacuum missiles and one cluster bombs] by Russian planes on the pro regime villages of

Summary

First published
November 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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