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

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1360

LOCATION

المعادي, Al Ma'adi, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and 17 civilians were reportedly killed in the Al Ma’adi neighbourhood in Aleppo – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the result of Russian airstrikes or shelling by the Syrian regime. Syriansnews reported the attack as a joint action: “Seventeen civilians were killed on Wednesday [Sept 28th] and dozens were

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 17
(3 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3082

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Up to 17 civilians, including four children and six women, were killed along with dozens of wounded, local media reported after Douma, Damascus, was subject to “intensive shelling” from both the air and the ground, though apportion of blame was unclear. The Syrian Civil Defence, who put the death toll at 17, reported how it

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(4 children6 women)
Civilians reported injured
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2407

LOCATION

ابو الفشافيش, Abo Al-Fashafeesh, Hama, Syria

In what was described as a “massacre”, alleged Russian airstrikes killed up to 17civilians and wounded several more in the village of Abo al-Fashafeesh, eastern Hama, local media reported. Sources reported between seven and eight victims, however, none of these was identified by gender, age or name. Enab Baladi cited the local council of the district

Summary

First published
August 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 17
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 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS1842

LOCATION

بحي العمال, al Oummal neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 17 civilians including six children died in an airstrike on the al Oummal neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Deir Ezzor 24 was among a number of sources blaming the regime, reporting that “five civilians

Summary

First published
January 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(6 children1–4 women3–7 men)
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
12 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3206

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

Between nine and 17 civilians were killed, and an unspecified number of others were wounded in airstrikes on Zamalka, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. The lowest death toll was given as nine by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. But other sources put it higher. According

Summary

First published
March 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 17
(17 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2018

Incident Code

RS3210

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Between 12 and 17 civilians including six children and five women from several families were killed and dozens more wounded in multiple air and artillery strikes on Douma, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Arab 24 reported that “the airstrikes targeted Douma and Jisreen ahead of the convoy

Summary

First published
March 9, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 17
(6 children5 women6 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
17 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1341

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and 17 civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al Ansari neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Most sources said around 17 people were killed, while Araby reported that only one civilian died. Several sources, such as Step News and Smart News, claimed cluster bombs were used in two

Summary

First published
September 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 17
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

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1373

LOCATION

الزيتونات, al Zaitouniat, Aleppo, Syria

Sixteen or 17 civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al Zaitouniat neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to local media. Smo-sy reported: “five civilians were killed and others were wounded in the Al Zaitouniat area in the Halak district today [Sept 30th], following Russian bombardment raids.” Several sources mentioned the use of bunker busters

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 17
(2–4 children1 woman7 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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS436

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Saif al Dawla, Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria

Seventeen civilians including eight children and five women died in airstrikes on the Saif al Dawla area of Raqqa, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. RBSS initially referred to raids by “warplanes” and did not identify them, however, in a later

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17
(8 children5 women5 men)
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
17 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS756

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between nine and 17 civilians including one woman and two children died in airstrikes on neighborhoods of Deir Ezzor, according to local sources. While some reports allege that this was the work of Russia, one other blames the Assad regime with yet others not attributing responsibility. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that Russian

Summary

First published
April 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 17
(2 children1 woman9 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
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS3056

LOCATION

حزة, Hazza, Damascus, Syria

As the aerial and artillery shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on its third day, up to 17 people, including at least four children and two women, were killed and several were wounded as the town of Hazza was struck by Russian and/or Syrian regime forces, local media reported. What Zaman al-Wasl, described as “a fierce military

Summary

First published
February 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 17
(4 children2 women)
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 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS3604

LOCATION

الكسيح, Al-Kaseeh, Idlib, Syria

In a major civilian casualty incident, up to 17 civilians including as many as eight children and four women across multiple families died in alleged Russia airstrike on residential areas in Al Kaseeh area in Idlib, local media reported. Up to another 50 civilians including many women and children were also injured. Sources said that

Summary

First published
March 13, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 17
(5–8 children1–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
30–50
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
16 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS061

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

Russian airstrikes killed at least 14 non-combatants according to multiple accounts. The first strike at 1pm hit near a school and a field hospital in the town of Sarmin run by the Syrian-American Medical Society (SAMS.) A secondary strike or ‘double tap – captured on camera – shows an apparently deliberate attack on rescue workers

Summary

First published
October 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 17
(13 men)
Civilians reported injured
28–30
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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1036

LOCATION

ضهرة عواد, Dahrat Awwad, Aleppo, Syria

Alleged Russian warplanes and/or Assad regime helicopters were both reported to have dropped missiles on the neighbourhood of Dahrat Awwad, killing between 10 and 17 civilians and wounding at least 15 more. According to Ara News, 13 civilians were killed and “10s were injured”. A local news source put the number of killed civilians as

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(1–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 5, 2015

Incident Code

RS019

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

At least six and as many as 17 civilians were reported killed in afternoon airstrikes – reportedly by Russian jets – on the ISIL-occupied city of Al Bab near Aleppo. According to Qasioun the strikes hit “a popular food market in the city, resulting in mass civilian casualties, and the burning of several cars and

Summary

First published
October 5, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 17
Civilians reported injured
20–30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS3250

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ain Tarma, Damascus, Syria

At least 17 civilians including a child were killed and an “many” others were injured, in air and artillery strikes on Ain Tarma, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. There were also reports of rocket attacks. HomsNetworkLive reported that the “Syrian Arab Army [began] a military operation

Summary

First published
March 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 18
(1 child17 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2803

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

As many as 17 civilians were killed – including ten who were named – as well as 6 or more wounded, in internationally banned Napalm and Phosphorous airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the “air and artillery strikes” which were conducted in the vicinity.

Summary

First published
December 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(2–4 children6–7 women)
Civilians reported injured
6
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
10 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS289

LOCATION

الناجية, Najieh, Idlib, Syria

Seventeen non-combatants including eight women and nine children were killed in airstrikes on Najieh near Jisr al Shughour according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Thirteen of those killed as well as an unborn child came from one family, the

Summary

First published
December 18, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17
(9 children8 women)
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
18 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS801

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Fifteen people or more, including up to ten children and seven women, were killed in airstrikes on Ar-Rastan during a second day of bombings on the town. Some sources blamed the Assad regime, with others only aying ‘warp[lanes’ were responsible. Multiple sources said that 13 people from the Turkmani family had died in the raids.

Summary

First published
May 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 17
(8–10 children7 women)
Civilians reported injured
27
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
15 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2521

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shoughour , Idlib, Syria

Between three and 17 civilians, including two to four children and one to three women, were killed and between 26 and 30 others were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the al Gharbi neighbourhood and Karaj Halab area in the city of Jisr al Shoughour in the western countryside of Idlib, according to local sources.

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 17
(2–4 children1–3 women9 men)
Civilians reported injured
26–50
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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS301

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

17 civilians including seven women and three children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Hamidiya neighbourhood, according to multiple sources. The Shaam News Network, the Syrian Network for Human Rights and Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently all named child victims (also named in the VDC list below). Violations Documentation Center named 15

Summary

First published
December 22, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17
(3 children7 women7 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
15 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS760

LOCATION

حي طريق الباب, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Airstrikes on the Tareeq al-Bab neighborhood of Aleppo killed between 10 and 17 civilians and injured at least 20 more, according to local sources. Reports did not definitively identify the warplanes responsible, with some referring to Russia and the regime, while others attributed the incident solely to the regime. The White Helmets said two raids

Summary

First published
April 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(2 children6 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–24
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2018

Incident Code

RS3008

LOCATION

قرية حاس, Haas, Idlib, Syria

In this major event, described by many as “massacre”, alleged Russian airstrikes in Haas, Idlib, killed between five and 17 civilians, including children and women as well wounding up to dozens, local media reported. Enab Baladi reported that the shelling in Haas was a part of a larger Russian offensive in the Idlib province, and

Summary

First published
February 9, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 17
(2–3 children5–7 women)
Civilians reported injured
15–25
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 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS709

LOCATION

فيحان, Faihan, Aleppo, Syria

Between eight and 17 civilians died in a strike on Faihan according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that four non-combatants including two children from the same family died when suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on

Summary

First published
March 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 17
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2750

LOCATION

حسرات, Hasrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In what was described as a “massacre”, alleged Russian airstrikes killed least eight but as many as 17 civilians, including at least two girls, many from the same families, and wounded dozens as the town of Hasrat, Deir Ezzor, was struck, local media reported. Euphrates Post reported that “a massacre committed by warplanes killed a

Summary

First published
November 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 17
(2 children4 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–24
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
18 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS759 RS2209

LOCATION

عويجل, Oweijal, Aleppo, Syria

Between 13 and 16 civilians died and four were injured in an “unexplained” explosion in the village of Oweijal, local media said – though it was unclear whether the Coalition, the Syrian regime or Russia were to blame. Most sources blamed the Syrian regime for the strikes. An unspecific numbers of civilians were wounded, however

Summary

First published
April 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 16
(4–9 children4–5 women)
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
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1211

LOCATION

Al Ghia, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and 16 civilians died and up to 20 were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al-Giah, according to local media. Halabnews, Islammemo_cc, Wesal_TV, Alnateq1, Zaman Masdar, Alnaba, Eldorar and HNN all attributed the event to Russia, putting the death toll at either 15 or 16 civilians. Euphrates Post, also blaming Russia, said that

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 16
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
20
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 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1077

LOCATION

Jeb al Qebr, Aleppo, Syria

According to LCCSY, “Russian warplanes, along with Assad’s warplanes and helicopters, committed a massacre that claimed the lives of 16 people when they targeted the Medical Center the  Job_Qebba‬ neighborhood and houses in the ‪‎Ansari‬ and ‪Sukkari‬ neighborhoods with dozens airstrikes and barrel bombs”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
July 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1428

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

In what local media described as “a massacre”, between six and 16 civilians died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air and artillery strikes on Aleppo’s al-Ferdos neighbourhood. Up to 50 more people were reportedly wounded in the attack. In a video taken by SafwanAhmad1, of a civilian casualty being dug from the rubble another airstrike

Summary

First published
October 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 16
Civilians reported injured
12–51
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

February 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS596

LOCATION

الغنطو, Al Ghantu, Homs, Syria

Between 14 and 16 civilians died including one woman and up to four children in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Ghantu, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network reported “an appalling massacre” in Al Ghantu, which killed 16 non-combatants including members of the civil defence who rushed to the location of the first raid

Summary

First published
February 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 16
(4 children1 woman13 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
13 named
View Incident