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

November 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS207

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were killed including one child in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Atarib. There were two events several hours apart. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and others, one attack struck a school which suffered major damage and was no longer in use. Two victims were named SNHR.

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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

May 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3704

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

Two named civilians died and nine more – including a child and several members of the White Helmets – were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Jisr al Shoughour, local media reported. According to the White Helmets this was a “double tap” raid – and members of its team were injured while

Summary

First published
May 22, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
9
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
11 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3749

LOCATION

شيخ دامس, Sheikh Dames, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Sheikh Dames on June 1st, 2019, according to local sources. Up to four others, including a child, were reportedly injured. @ShahbaPress reported “a martyr and four wounded civilians, including a child, in airstrikes on Sheikh Damis village near the city of Khan

Summary

First published
June 1, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–4
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS400

LOCATION

تل رفعت, Tall Rif`at, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tel Rifa’at, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN reported that 10 civilians were killed in airstrikes on the cities and towns of the northern countryside of Aleppo since Saturday morning: four in Ma’arsta al-Khan, two in Hayyan, two in Tel Rifa’at and two in Tamoura, in addition to dozens wounded. According to a Tweet

Summary

First published
January 16, 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

January 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS464

LOCATION

معرسة الخان, Ma'arasta Al Khan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians – a man and a woman – were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the road to Ma’arasta Al Khan. Radio Al Kul reported “the martyrdom of Mariam Abdullah aged 30 year from Russian Aviation targeting with rockets on the road of Ma’arasta el Khan in the northern Aleppo countryside this afternoon.”  

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 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

June 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS3835

LOCATION

الزقوم, Al Zakkoum, Hama, Syria

According to local sources, a Russian airstrike killed two in the village of Al Zakkoum and injured eight others. The two killed are originally from Kansafra according to local sources. While Shaam News referred to martyrs, without making clear the status of those killed, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that  “two members of the

Summary

First published
June 21, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–6
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
8 named
Belligerents reported killed
0–2
Belligerents reported injured
8
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS3856

LOCATION

الحواش, Al Hawash, Hama, Syria

A single source reported that two civilians were killed in an airstrike on Al Hawash, Hama, on June 27th. Syria Civil Defense alleged that on June 27th there were “seven martyrs and 32 wounded, as a result of the continuous bombardment by the regime forces and its Russian ally” on June 27th, including “two civilians

Summary

First published
June 27, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Other
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS913

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Two named civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on al Bab, according to local media. Activists speaking to syrianpc news  said that Russian warplanes launched strikes on residential buildings in the city of Al Bab, killing two civilians and wounding five others. A number of sources which reported the incident did not identify the

Summary

First published
June 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3131

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported “heavy air raids by Russian warplanes on the cities of Harasta and Zamalka in the eastern Ghouta, resulting in the deaths and injuries of civilians”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1074

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

One named child died and a number of other non-combatants were injured in an airstrike on Ar Rastan, according to local media – though it was unclear whether planes belonging to the Syrian regime or Moscow caused the casualties. The victim was also named by some other sources, though they didn’t identify the warplane which

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
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

August 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS4040

LOCATION

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

One to two civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Ma`arat Al Nu`man, Idlib, on August 17th. Shaam News reported that “two martyrs fell in Ma`arat al-Nu’man” as a result of “Assad’s and Russia’s warplanes and helicopters launch[ing] dozens of airstrikes” on a number of locations. Meanwhile, Baladi News stated that “warplanes bombed the city

Summary

First published
August 17, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1154

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that two children died and several more civilians were wounded in airstrikes on the Al Ferdous neighbourhood of Aleppo. Most sources blamed Russia, though one said that the Assad regime had also carried out strikes on the area. Russia: LCCSY, @syriapost1, @ShahbaPress and @SRG_Syria all blamed Russia. LCCSY also initially pointed to

Summary

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

Incident date

August 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1186

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Two children died and up to nine other civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Kafr Naha, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Halab Today reported that “at least two children were wounded in cluster bomb raids”. However, Smo-sy, @HalabTodayTV and

Summary

First published
August 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–9
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 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1219

LOCATION

الليرامون, Leiramon, Aleppo, Syria

One or two civilians died and three were wounded in an airstrike on Lerimon in northern Aleppo, according to local media. The majority of sources including Shahba, Syriapost1, Alraya_n and Smart blamed Russia. However, the Shaam News Network pointed towards “Russian and Assad’s aircraft”.

Summary

First published
September 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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

October 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1478 CS343a

LOCATION

Al Basira town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that between one and two civilians died and up to five more were wounded in an airstrike on Al Basira bridge in Al Basira town. The majority of sources blamed the US-led Coalition for the strike, though there was also an allegation against Russia and Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the

Summary

First published
October 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1573

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed in al alleged Russian airstrike on Darat Izza. All sources blame Russian warplanes for the strikes. According to sources, cluster bombs, parachute missiles and rockets were launched on the town. Additionally, reports suggest there was much material damage. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 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

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1657

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib City, Idlib, Syria

Between one and two civilians, including one child and one woman, were killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against Idlib City, according to sources on the ground. Local sources, including the Syrian Network for Human Rights and Aljazeera, alleged that Russian planes were responsible for the airstrikes. According to Local Coordination Committee

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 woman)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2011

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ain Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed and several others wounded in airstrikes on Ain Tarma, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible for the attack. Smart News Agency who reported that the attack was likely to be a Russian air raid, stated that the two

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(0–2 children)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2058

LOCATION

حلفايا, Halfaya, Hama, Syria

A young man was killed, and several more were wounded, following an air or artillery strike on Halfaya. Sources were conflicted as to who whether this was the work of Russia or the regime, though most reports pointed to the regime. Most sources blamed Syrian regime rocket launches and barrel bombs. There were no specific reports

Summary

First published
April 3, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2188

LOCATION

التمانعة, al Taman’a, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed and one other was wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al-Tamana in Idlib Governorate on the 27th of April 2017, according to local media.  

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

July 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2355

LOCATION

غنيمان, Ghneiman, Homs, Syria

Local media reported an unspecified number of civilian casualties, including children, in an alleged Russian airstrike on Ghneiman. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2802

LOCATION

تل الطوقان, Tal Al-Toukan, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that two civilians were wounded in airstrikes which hit Tal Al-Toukan. All three sources blamed Moscow. Step News Agency reported an unspecific number of “civilian casualties” – which could be dead civilians – however they were the only source to report this. One local source reported rocket fire was used. There are

Summary

First published
December 17, 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

October 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS057

LOCATION

الزربة, Az Zarbah, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilian males were reported killed when their car was struck in an alleged Russian airstrike at Zerbeih. Three people were also reported injured in the attack. The men were named by VDC as Mohammad Subhi Basheir and Abdo Ali. Footage and interviews from the town showed extreme damage to at least one civilian neighbourhood.

Summary

First published
October 18, 2015
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
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS153

LOCATION

الميسر, Myassar, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were killed – an uncle and nephew – and two or more people injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the  Myassar neighbourhood of Aleppo. Local media activist Hassan al Ahmad posted an image of the dead boy with the comment: “This is how Syria’s children are being killed as if their blood is

Summary

First published
November 15, 2015
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2018

Incident Code

RS2891

LOCATION

التمانعة, Taman'a, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were reported killed and wounded by airstrikes in Taman’a. Sources mostly blamed Russian warplanes, however, Shaam reported that both Russia and the Syrian regime were to blame for the strikes. The aerial bombardment, which consisted of rockets and cluster bombs, also struck cities and towns of “Tumana, Khan Shaykhoun, Jirjnaz

Summary

First published
January 12, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2019

Incident Code

RS3737

LOCATION

مصيبين, Masibin, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Masabin, Idlib governorate, on May 29th, 2019, according to local sources. According to Shaam News, “the Russian Air Force and the Syrian Air Force carried out very heavy air raids and shelling” in a number of locations, leading to the deaths of

Summary

First published
May 29, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3787

LOCATION

كفربطيخ, Kafar Batikh, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Kafar Batik, Idlib, June 10th. While two sources cite the death of one woman, multiple sources document the death of both a woman and her young child. Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that an “infant, Malak Mohammad Hammadi, was killed along with her mother, Asmaa

Summary

First published
June 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–4
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS571

LOCATION

الدار الكبيره, Dayr al Kabira, Homs, Syria

Two non-combatants including a woman were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Dayr al Kabira, according to local media. In a news roundup, Shaam News Network reported two deaths in Dayr al Kabira as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes. Two victims were named by the Violations Documentation Center. The victims were also named

Summary

First published
February 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS3845

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Shabab Al Latamina reported that two civilians were wounded in shelling in rural Idlib, near Khan Sheikhoun on June 25th. According to the source, “two wounded from the town of Al Latamina in artillery artillery shelling from the Russian camp on the perimeter of the city of Khan Sheikhoun.” The source added that the following

Summary

First published
June 25, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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

March 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS699

LOCATION

المسطومة, Al Mastumah, Idlib, Syria

One man and his granddaughter died in strikes on the village of Al Mastumah according to local sources – though these were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime, with only one report attributing the incident to Moscow. Shaam News Network reported that “Activists in Idlib province documented

Summary

First published
March 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7–9
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