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

December 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1789

LOCATION

كفر يحمول, Kafr Yahmoul, Idlib, Syria

As many as two civilians were killed, and three others were wounded, in an airstrike which struck Kafr Yahmoul, Idlib, local media reported. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the alleged raid, with some others not attributing any blame for the airstrikes, and simply reporting on warplane bombing.  According to some sources, the victim was

Summary

First published
December 12, 2016
Last updated
January 10, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

December 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1791a

LOCATION

الزبدية, Al Zibdiya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were reported as killed and wounded following an alleged air and artillery strike in Al Zibdiya, Aleppo. Two sources blamed Russian warplanes, whereas all others remained impartial. Step News Agency reported “Russian warplanes targeted with cluster bombs and missiles the Aleppo neighbourhoods of Al Zabadia, al Mashad, Salahudin, al Sukkari,

Summary

First published
December 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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

March 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2017

LOCATION

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

Up to two civilians were killed and as many as seven more were wounded following airstrikes that struck the town of Ma’arat al-Nu’man, Idlib, local sources reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Sources said that between one and two civilians were killed in the strikes. Two civilian

Summary

First published
March 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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

June 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2298

LOCATION

داعل, Dael, Daraa, Syria

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

Summary

First published
June 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2391

LOCATION

حسيا, Hasya, Hama, Syria

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

Summary

First published
August 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2627

LOCATION

الطيبة, al-Taybah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

January 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS2866

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
January 7, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS2894

LOCATION

معصران, Ma'saran, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
January 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3761

LOCATION

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

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

Summary

First published
June 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS3792

LOCATION

حاس, Hass, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS576

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one child died and five others were injured, in an alleged Russian airstrike on Fardous in Aleppo according to local sources. The Violations Documentation Center named a seven-year-old child, Ahmad Mustafa Koja, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Fardous. The VDC also linked to an extremely graphic video posted by

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 20, 2018

Incident Code

RS3410

LOCATION

مخيم اليرموك, Al Yarmouk refugee camp, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed and several others wounded in alleged Syrian regime or Russian forces airstrikes on Al Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus, Syria on April 20th, 2018, according to local sources. Imad al-Rayyan and Safwan al-Sabbagh  were named as the victims on social media. Step Agency reported that “civilians were killed and others

Summary

First published
April 20, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS994

LOCATION

قبر الأنكليزي, Kabr al Inglizi, Aleppo, Syria

A man named was killed in an an alleged Russian airstrike on Qabr Inglisi, according to local media. LCCSY and Smart News blamed Russia. Smart News reported the death of two people in this raid, but the other has victim has not been identified. There is no other information on this raid.

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS468 RS1875

LOCATION

صبيخان, Sbeikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian guard was killed in an air raid on an asphalt plant or nearby oil facility by unidentified aircraft. The Coalition has confirmed striking oil installations in the area that day, although some sources blamed Russia. According to multiple reports at least two civilians were also injured in the incident. Asharqiya reported, Mr al

Summary

First published
January 31, 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2019

Incident Code

RS3977

LOCATION

لطمين, Latmeen, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were killed while working on farmland when helicopters dropped explosive barrels on the village of Latmeen, according to local sources. Other civilians were also reported injured in the incident. @abo_aljod84 said the two victims are originally from Al Latamneh, and they were named by Justice Organisation as Mohammed Naser Al Hasan Mohammed and

Summary

First published
July 29, 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)
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS1106

LOCATION

حي المشهد, Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and at least one more was injured, including a child, from bombing of the Al Mashhad neighborhood in Aleppo, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to multiple sources, warplanes dropped internationally-prohibited phosphorus bombs. Both LCCSY

Summary

First published
August 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 14, 2019

Incident Code

RS4024

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were reported killed and others injured in airstrikes on Kafar Nabil, Idlib, on August 14th. Shaam News reported that “two civilians were martyred” in the attack while Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, and other sources, documented “one civilian who was killed in aerial bombardment by the Russian warplanes on the outskirts

Summary

First published
August 14, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS4087

LOCATION

معصران, Ma’saran, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians – a man and a woman – died and up to five people were injured in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Ma’saran on August 28, 2019, according to local media. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported: “Ali Mustafa Sa’do and the girl Bayan Mohammad Matar were killed as Syrian regime

Summary

First published
August 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1203

LOCATION

الباب, Serbs, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Two children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Serbs, Al Bab, local sources reported. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “two children died when alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on Sarbas village related to Al Bab area in Aleppo governorate, August 31.” Halab Today and @ALAMAWI also pointed to Russia. The Violations

Summary

First published
August 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1397

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including a child died and 20 more were wounded in an alleged Russia or regime airstrike on Darat Izza, according to local media. According to All4Syria, “Russian warplanes carried out three raids, two with missiles and one with cluster bombs, targeting civilians’ houses. Two people were killed and more wounded. Shops and houses were

Summary

First published
October 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1430

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One or two civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on the Al Qaterji neighbourhood of Aleppo. HNN reported one woman was killed by a missile. Qasioun said that “Russian warplanes shelling Qaterji killed two civilians while the White Helmets are still searching for survivors in the rubble.” Other sources published

Summary

First published
October 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(0–1 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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

October 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1494

LOCATION

Al Nakir, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
October 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1609

LOCATION

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

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

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1702

LOCATION

الليرمون, Al Lleiramoun, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1660

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

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

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1989

LOCATION

النشمي, Al Namshi village, Hama, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

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

October 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2642

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

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

Summary

First published
October 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2015

Incident Code

RS009

LOCATION

تادف, Tadif, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

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