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

June 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS847

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 30 civilians died in multiple airstrikes on Al Qaterji, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responisble. Multiple reports by LCCSY attributed the incident to Russia, while the Syrian Network for Human Rights also blamed Moscow for firing missiles on “residential homes near

Summary

First published
June 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 30
Civilians reported injured
15–30
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS890

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one child were killed and other civilians were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Kalassa, according to local sources. LCCSY and Qasioun were among sources blaming Russia for the death of a child. According to Baladi, two civilians died and four were wounded – it also attributed the incident to Moscow. Other

Summary

First published
June 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS922

LOCATION

Castello Road, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on the Al Castello Road north of Aleppo city, according to local media – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that a media activist and IT Engineering student at the Free Aleppo University died

Summary

First published
June 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS956

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians died and several more were wounded in airstrikes on Hayan in Aleppo, local media said – though most sources blamed Russia, there was also an allegation against the Syrian regime. Most sources reported the death of one civilian, while one source, LCCSY alleged the strikes led to four civilian deaths. Halab

Summary

First published
June 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
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

July 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS988

LOCATION

Displaced persons camp near al Qali', al Sokhna, Homs, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on a camp for displaced persons near al Qali’, al Sokhna, according to sources on the ground. Sinn News, Shahba Press and Step News Agency all blamed Russia for the attack. There are no reported numbers of those killed or wounded,

Summary

First published
July 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

July 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1020

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

What has been described as a ‘bombardment’ on Bab al Nairab reportedly killed six civilians, including an unborn child. – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Qasioun filmed as an explosive barrel was thrown on the neighbourhood, which is also located very close to an airport.

Summary

First published
July 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children2 men)
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, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1052

LOCATION

‏كفر بسين‬, Kafr Bssein, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one child died in Kafr Bssein, local media reported – though it was unclear who was responsible for the deaths. According to Halab News, Halab Today and Syrian Press Center, an unidentified “man and a child” died in an attack using cluster bombs. The sources didn’t identify the culprit. Some other sources

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2016

Incident Code

CS329

LOCATION

جسر السياسية, Al Siassah Bridge [exact location], Deir Ezzor, Syria

On Thursday, October 6, 2016, one civilian was killed and several others were injured when warplanes bombed Al-Siassah bridge over the Euphrates river in Deir Ez-Zawr, in eastern Syria. Reports cited both Coalition and Russian forces, although CENTCOM reported the destruction of two supply routes in Deir Ezzor for October 5th-6th. Sham News Network reported

Summary

First published
October 6, 2016
Last updated
June 27, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1243

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

At least 11 people, including children, were killed and a number of others were wounded in airstrikes on Ma’dan in eastern Raqqa governorate. However it was contested as to who was responsible. Step News Agency alleged that the Coalition had caused the deaths, while an ISIL propaganda video alleged that Russia was to blame. The

Summary

First published
July 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 24
(6 children1 man)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1485 RS2443

LOCATION

بقرص تحتاني, Bokros Tahtani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between seven and nine civilians died including three children and one woman and up to 17 others were wounded in airstrikes on the al Qasr area of Bokros Tahtani, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Step News Agency and

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(3 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
17
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1669 RS2705

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians including one woman died in an airstrike on Abu Kamal, according to local media. Sources mostly attributed the blame to the Coalition, however most reports published during from this period reported Russian and Syrian regime raids. The Centcom Daily Summary reported there were no Coalition strikes in Syrian or Iraq on November 8th

Summary

First published
November 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1101

LOCATION

مديرة, Madira, Damascus, Syria

An entire family was killed in an alleged “rocket attack” in the town of Madira in an aerial bombardment according to local media. Sources reported that cluster bombs and rockets were used in the airstrike. All sources reported that Russian aircraft was to blame for this incident. These included Al Jazeera, Jisrtv, Halab Today and

Summary

First published
August 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
36
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
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1133

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Seven named civilians died and up to 50 more were wounded in multiple alleged Russian airstrikes on Raqqa, according to local media. According to @lebanon4_com, 30 civilians died in the Russian strikes, though the Violations Documentation Center put the number at seven. @DoumaRevolution added that 50 more civilians were wounded in 12 raids.

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 30
(1 woman6 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1165

LOCATION

الصالحية, Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to nine civilians including children and a woman died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on the village of Salihiya at the northern entrance to the city of Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Three sources – @ِALAMAWI, @ShahbaPress, LCCSY – said that six victims from one family had died.

Summary

First published
August 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(1–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
15–24
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 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1198

LOCATION

أورم الصغرى, Orm al Sughra, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least 3 victims died in alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on Orm Al Sughra town in Aleppo governorate, August 29.” AMC, Alwatan, @SyriaFnn and @Syria_Pulse reported that three civilians died and several more were wounded in “four strikes with cluster bombs”, but didn’t identify the culprit.

Summary

First published
August 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

September 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1230

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian male died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the grand mosque in Anadan, according to local media. On Sept 12th, HNN reported his death was “due to wounds sustained following Russian enemy raid on the Great Mosque in Anadan a week ago, he is from the town, and a civilian.” Other sources reported

Summary

First published
September 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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

September 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1262

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

A mother and her two female children were killed and several more civilians wounded in airstrikes on western neighbourhoods of Idlib city, local media said. All but two sources blamed Russia. Baladi and MapnewsAR reported Regime warplanes were responsible. According to MapnewsAR, as many as ten civilians died in the strikes. According to the Shaam

Summary

First published
September 12, 2016
Last updated
December 13, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

September 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1295

LOCATION

قاضي عسكر, Qadi Askar, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and four civilians were killed, and up to seven wounded, in an airstrike on  Qadi Askar, Aleppo, local sources reported – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russian warplanes or regime helicopters were to blame. On September 22nd, aircraft pummeled several neighbourhoods in Aleppo. Smart News reported “four civilians were killed, and

Summary

First published
September 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1327

LOCATION

الموحسن, Al Mohaissen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and five civilians including two children died up to seven more were wounded in an airstrike on Al Mohaissen town, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Among sources blaming Russia were the Shaam News Network, who put

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(2 children)
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

September 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1359

LOCATION

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

Between four and eight civilians died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. LCCSY reported that the neighbourhood was struck with phosphorus bombs, resulting in the death of “four or more people”. Annahar gave the highest death toll of six civilians. Most

Summary

First published
September 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1392

LOCATION

الهلّك, al Hallak, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and eight civilians including a child and a woman died in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Aleppo al Hallak neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground. Al Jazeera reported that three civilians died in a strike by regime warplanes. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, who blamed Russia, put the number

Summary

First published
October 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(1 child1 woman)
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

October 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1425

LOCATION

Khan al Assal, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that up to two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khan al-Assal. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights,“two victims died due to suspected Russian warplanes missiles firing on Khan Al Asal town in Aleppo governorate western suburbs”. However, Smart News Agency said that there were no reports of

Summary

First published
October 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

October 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1457

LOCATION

كفرلاها, Hoola, Homs, Syria

According to the Smart News Agency, “the head of the Hula sector of the civil defence was injured on Saturday [Oct 15th] as a result of an airstrike by regime planes targeting the city of Hula in rural Homs.” According to Homs Media Centre, this raid struck a school. They published a video showing damage

Summary

First published
October 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1489

LOCATION

Ma'arzita, Idlib, Syria

One or two civilians including a woman and her child died and an unspecified number more were wounded in an airstrike on Ma’arzita, according to sources on the ground – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Intensive strikes were reported in the area, with sources reporting that both

Summary

First published
October 20, 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
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 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1535

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Between one and two children died and up to 14 more civilians were wounded in airstrikes launched against Binnish town in Idlib, according to multiple sources on the ground. However, one source, Step News, reported that there were no civilian casualties in this incident. The airstrikes reportedly struck a neighborhood of civilian homes. Both cluster

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
10–14
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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

January 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS1836

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Ma'arat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

Between seven and 11 civilians including two children and a woman were killed, and as many as 25 more were wounded, in an airstrike which targeted a market in Ma’arat Misrin early morning on Saturday 14th January, according to sources on the ground. Two children and a woman were also included in the death toll according

Summary

First published
January 14, 2017
Last updated
January 24, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 11
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
10–25
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
Named victims
7 named
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2020

Incident Code

RS4495

LOCATION

كفرنتين, Kafar Natin, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians, including one child were killed, and three to six others were injured as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on a residential gathering in Kafr Natin near Dar Ezza in Aleppo, on the morning of March 1st 2020 according to Local sources. Most of the sources claimed

Summary

First published
March 1, 2020
Last updated
March 1, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 child3–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–6
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
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 31, 2020

Incident Code

RS4528

LOCATION

نحلية, Nahliya, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reportedly killed, and three others, including one elderly woman, were injured as a result of alleged Russian or Iranian airstrikes or explosion of a suicide drone in the village of Nahlia, in the vicinity of the town of Ariha, south of Idlib on the afternoon of October 31st, 2020 according to Local

Summary

First published
October 31, 2020
Last updated
March 2, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
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, Iranian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2022

Incident Code

R4454 YS145

LOCATION

كفرتعال, Kafr Taal, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were killed and up to two others were injured in artillery shelling allegedly carried out by Russian forces, the Syrian regime, or the Syrian Democratic Forces. The Syrian Civil Defense tweeted (@SyriaCivilDefe) that two children, Youssef and Abdul Baset Jadoua, were killed and the father of Youssef, named Mustafa Jamil Jadoua, and Ahmed

Summary

First published
July 30, 2022
Last updated
August 11, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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, YPG, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2022

Incident Code

R4484 IRS014

LOCATION

مخيم مرام, Maram Refugee Camp, Idlib, Syria

Between six and 11 civilians, including up to four children, an elderly woman and a pregnant woman, were killed and up to 77 others, including a woman and five children, were injured by alleged Russian, Syrian regime, or Iranian militia missile attacks with cluster bombs against Maram refugee camp and other refugee camps closeby on

Summary

First published
November 6, 2022
Last updated
June 15, 2023
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
IDP or refugee camp
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 11
(2–4 children1–2 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
40–77
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, Iranian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
20 named, 3 families identified
View Incident