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

January 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS2920

LOCATION

معرةالنعمان, Ma'arat Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed, including a woman and a child, in airstrikes on Ma’arat Nu’man, according to local media. Both sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. Both civilians were unidentified. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 19, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3744

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

An unknown number of civilians was reportedly killed or injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air and/or artillery strikes on the town of Kfar Zeita, Hama governorate, on June 1st, 2019, according to local sources. @ShahbaPress reported “civilian casualties following intensive Russian and Syrian regime raids on the town of Kfar Zeita in rural

Summary

First published
June 1, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested 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
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

February 12, 2018

Incident Code

RS3021

LOCATION

قرية قرب اريحة, Village near Ariha, Idlib, Syria

In this single-source event, Smart News Agency reported that alleged Russian warplanes had carried out aerial shelling in a village near Jericho, 15 km south of Idlib, killing one child and one woman, as well as wounding six others. Smart News Agency cited activists on the ground who believed that the warplanes had launched four

Summary

First published
February 12, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3827

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria

Two children from the same family were reported killed and others injured in airstrikes on Kafar Sijna, Idlib, on June 20th. Idlib Plus named those victim to the attack as Mustafa Al Ali and Abdo Al Ali. Smart news reported that “two children were killed and four civilians were wounded by an aerial bombardment of warplanes

Summary

First published
June 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS986

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Two children from the same family died in airstrike on Kafr Hamra, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Both the regime and Russian jets were reportedly seen in Kafr Hamra on July 10th. Al Jazeera and Halab News Network

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
9–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3099

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians were killed as al Shifonya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was struck by explosive barrels and missiles, local media reported – though it was unclear who was to blame. As the shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on its seventh day, Shifonya was again struck on February 24th, which according to HalabTodayTV and Step News Agency

Summary

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

July 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3939

LOCATION

لطمين, Latmin, Idlib, Syria

Two children were reported killed, and up to three other children injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Latmin in Hama on July 22nd, 2019. Amani Badr An-Naasan and her sister Jumana died of their injuries after airstrikes on Latmin, according to @MahmodHamway, and according to @HalabTodayTV, three children were injured. Most of

Summary

First published
July 22, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3232

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ein Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians were killed, and up to 20 more were injured in reported air and artillery strikes on Ein Tarma, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. One source, Souriyati, reported that the “regime also targeted the popular market”, causing destruction to shops. According to @Doumarevolution, “there were

Summary

First published
March 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1130

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Two male children were killed and several more wounded, including women and children, from airstrikes targeting the town of Dara Azza. Local sources, including Halab Today and @AleppoNN, identified Russian planes as responsible for the airstrikes. However, DMC published footage showing “the moment explosive barrels” – a weapon known to be used by the Assad

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS4044

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
August 17, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1195

LOCATION

صلخ, Salakh, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians including a child died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Taftanaz, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed Russia, though the Syrian Network for Human Rights’ attributed the event to “government warplanes and its allies”. Alsharq also blamed the regime. @SyrianArwad , @SyrianFnn, @ShahbaPress, @EdlibEMC

Summary

First published
August 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1227

LOCATION

غرناطة, Gharnata, Homs, Syria

Two civilians were killed and others wounded an alleged Russia airstrike on Ghirnata village, according to local media. Nabd Syria and LCCSY blamed Russian airstrikes for the death of two non-combatants. Other sources mentioned artillery and air strikes in the area but didn’t say who carried them out. However, Homs Media Center reported regime actions

Summary

First published
September 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1587

LOCATION

كفرناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians, a husband and wife, died in suspected Russian airstrikes on a hospital in Kafra Hamra, according to local media. Alarabiye reported that medical staff and patients were wounded in addition to the “killing of at least one civilian”. A later report alleged two civilians were killed. A member of The White Helmets said

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1700

LOCATION

كفر حمرة , Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

HNN listed two unidentified civilians as killed “following Russian enemy raids on Kafr Hamra”. @ShahbaPress also put the death toll at two and blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
November 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1655

LOCATION

كرم نزهة, Karam Nuzha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2032

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

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

Summary

First published
March 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2609

LOCATION

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

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

Summary

First published
October 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS547

LOCATION

تل رفعت, Tall Rif`at, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
February 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS643

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
February 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS707

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifoniyah, Damascus, Syria

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

Summary

First published
March 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS739

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
March 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2019

Incident Code

RS3915

LOCATION

لطمين, Latmeen, Hama, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS997

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3113

LOCATION

حوش الصالحية, Hawsh Al Salihya, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that an unspecific number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Hawsh Al Salihya, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the “raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS4057

LOCATION

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

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

Summary

First published
August 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1173

LOCATION

Adwan, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
August 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1303

LOCATION

جزمتي, Jazmati neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
September 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1465

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
October 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1614

LOCATION

بيت سوا, Beit Sawa, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed in an airstrike on Beit Sawa, Eastern Ghouta, according to multiple sources. It remains unclear who was responsible for the raid, with conflicting reports. Some claimed the regime were responsible, others that Russian warplanes struck the area, and some could not positively attribute responsibility. One man killed was named

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS1892

LOCATION

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

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

Summary

First published
February 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
4–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident