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

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2042

LOCATION

خضيرة, Khadira, Hama, Syria

At least two civilians, including a woman and child, were killed and another civilian was wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Khadira in the Akeirbat district of eastern Hama. The injured civilian was in serious condition at the time of reporting. According to Smart News Agency, the airstrikes were carried out by

Summary

First published
March 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2238

LOCATION

سوحا, Soha , Hama, Syria

Two brothers were killed and others civilians were wounded – according to one source – following an airstrike on Soha. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some reported that Russia was to blame, and others attributed blame to the Syrian regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to the “Russian-Syrian alliance”.

Summary

First published
May 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 children0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2246a

LOCATION

الكناماتا لحويقة, al Kanamat and al Huweika neighborhoods, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least two civilians were killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian and/or regime airstrikes against the al Kanamat and al Huweika neighborhoods of Deir Ezzor, local media reported. No specific numbers were given for casualties but both sources identified that more than one civilian was killed and injured. According to Shaam Network, Russian

Summary

First published
May 19, 2017
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

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2839

LOCATION

اورم الكبرى, Urme Al-Kobra, Idlib, Syria

A single source reported that civilians were “killed and wounded by raids of warplanes are likely to be Russian on the town of Urme Al-Kubra south Idlib”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2557

LOCATION

الشحيل , Al Shuhail, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman and one child died and two more children were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on al Shuhail, according to local media. According to the Smart News Agency, “a woman and her child were killed and two other children were wounded by air strikes by warplanes believed to be  Russian on a town

Summary

First published
September 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS230

LOCATION

الناجية, Najieh, Idlib, Syria

One adult male and one child died in an alleged Assad regime airstrike on Najeh, according to the Violations Documentation Center. Radio Al Kul said one person died and three were injured – but instead attributed responsibility to Russia.  

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2015

Incident Code

RS263

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Two male civilians were reported killed in either a Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Arbeen. The town’s local medical committee reported “Dozens of injured received by the hospital in Arbeen after the outskirts of the town of Arbeen, Zamalka and other eastern Ghouta towns were targeted by warplanes that are still targeting public places

Summary

First published
December 11, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2930

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Two men were killed in airstrikes which hit Arbeen, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the strikes. According to SCDrifdimashq, the raids struck a residential neighbourhood with “intensive shelling”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3015

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Assad or Russian-waged shelling of Arbeen, eastern Ghouta Damascus, both from the ground and air, killed at least one child and one woman, and wounded several others, local media reported. Damascus Media Center reported that 15 airstrikes and five ground-to-ground missiles had struck Arbeen since the morning, targeting residential neighbourhoods. Orient News also reported the

Summary

First published
February 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS872

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians – a child and a woman – died in an airstrike on Maarat al Numan, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY said that one civilian died and several others were wounded in a suspected Russian strike.

Summary

First published
June 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

June 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS937

LOCATION

معارة الارتيق, Maarat al Arteek, Aleppo, Syria

An alleged Russia airstrike killed up to two civilians and left a number of others wounded in the city of Maarat al-Artiq, local media reported. Multiple sources blamed Russia for the event, though several referred only to “warplanes”. According to @HalabNewsN there were two Russian strikes.

Summary

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

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3226

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on Hamouriya, local media reported. Shaam reported that “Russian aircraft, warplanes and helicopters continue to launch heavy air raids with rockets, explosive barrels, cluster bombs, napalm bombs and poisonous gases, in conjunction with the shelling by ‘elephant rockets’ and dozens of missiles on the

Summary

First published
March 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1173 RS2327

LOCATION

الموحسن, Muhassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman possibly died in an airstrike on Mohsen village, according to local media – though it’s currently unclear who was responsible for her death. None of the sources specifically blamed the Coalition, with many referring only to “warplanes” carrying out strikes on the Al-Zaeem roundabout and the perimeter of Al-Wasat School. However, Tt1463000 said

Summary

First published
July 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1412

LOCATION

Deir Ezzor, Syria

A woman was named as killed in an airstrike on Deir ez-Zor, though sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for her death. The majority of sources blamed either Russia or the regime, however, Hasaka Rasd and Euphrates Post did not apportion blame.  

Summary

First published
August 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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

August 18, 2019

Incident Code

RS4048

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria

During another day of heavy Russian and Assad regime strikes on rebel-held areas of Idlib, one civilian was reported killed and another wounded in Kafr Sijna according to local sources. A tweet from @baladinetwork identified a “martyr and wounded as a result of Russian warplanes targeting the town of Kafr Sijnah.” Shaam News noted that

Summary

First published
August 18, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1560

LOCATION

رسم العيس, Rasim al Eis, Aleppo, Syria

One unidentified woman was killed and dozens more civilians wounded in an airstrike on Rasim al Eis, according to sources on the ground. Most sources reported that Russian warplanes were responsible, however, Sky News was alone in blaming Syrian regime warplanes for the airstrike. One source suggested that only two people were injured in the airstrike,

Summary

First published
November 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS1885

LOCATION

الزراعة, Al Zira'a, Aleppo, Syria

At least one child was killed when a cluster bomb from a previous airstrike exploded in the village of Al Zira’a in southern Aleppo. It is unknown when the previous airstrike was that left the cluster bomb and who was responsible for the previous airstrike.

Summary

First published
February 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1913

LOCATION

تدمر , Palmyra, Homs, Syria

A single source, the Smart News Agency, said: “Our reporter, quoting a local source, said that the warplanes likely belonging to Russia  struck the western district of the eastern city of Palmyra with a rocket killing of a civilian and wounding two members of IS”. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
February 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2242

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

A child died from his wounds on May 21st from an air and artillery strike on Saqba,  according to local sources. As many as four civilians were reportedly wounded in this raid. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributed blame to Russia, while others pointed to the Syrian regime. An image

Summary

First published
May 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2199

LOCATION

كفرزيتا , Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Local media reported the death of one named adult-male civilian – a blind man – in an alleged Russian airstrike on the Ubaida ibn al-Jarrah mosque in Kafr Zita. According to SHRC, Russian warplanes initially targeted a hospital next to the mosque – and then returned to strike the mosque itself. Smart reported:  “A journalist

Summary

First published
April 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS016

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Russian aircraft returned to the attack at Jisr al Shughour, with the Kremlin carrying out strikes which it said targeted ‘uninhabited‘ militant storage depots, an all-terrain vehicle workshop, and a base. There were some reports that Syrian aircraft also participated in the attacks. According to the Syrian Network at least one of the strikes hit

Summary

First published
October 4, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS048

LOCATION

الحاضر, Al Hader Hospital, Aleppo, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes hit the Al Hader hospital in southern Aleppo governorate on two consecutive days, “which led to the fall of victims, including members of the medical staff,” according to Eldorar. The Violations Documentation Center later named 20-day old baby as a victim of the strike.

Summary

First published
October 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2447

LOCATION

العشارة شارع الحكمة , al Hikma street, Al-A'shara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An airstrike hit the town of Al-A’shara in Deir Ezzor on September 14th 2017. It is unclear if any civilians were killed; some sources including the Syrian Human Rights Committee reported the death of one girl, Rahef Hussein Al-Ali Ma’and, but others stated that she was only injured and that no civilians were killed. One

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 children)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2859

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

A woman was killed and more than 25 civilians were injured in air and artillery strikes which struck the residential neighbourhood of Harasta. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids, with some sources also reporting that there had been fighting on the ground between factions. One source mentioned that there were

Summary

First published
January 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
10–25
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 23, 2015

Incident Code

RS306

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

One adult male, Mahmoud Sonae also known as Abo Mehyo of Ariha, was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike, according to the Violations Documentation Center. Mr Sonae was caught in a major airstrike on Idlib on December 20th, and appears to have died of his injuries three days later.  

Summary

First published
December 23, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS338

LOCATION

مارع, Mare', Aleppo, Syria

One possible civilian was reported killed and several others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Mare’ in the northern countryside of Aleppo, according to multiple sources. The Shaam News Network reported that Russian planes carried out raids on various areas, in particular the towns of Mare’, Tal Rifa’at, Izaz, Mangh and Deir Jamal, leading to

Summary

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

Incident date

January 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS370

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One unidentified adult female was listed by the Violations Documentation Centre as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “violent clashes are still taking place on the outskirts of al-Qaryatayn city and in the vicinity of the al-Doweh area west of Palmyra in the eastern countryside of Homs, between regime forces

Summary

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

Incident date

January 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS2936

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, al Sayyad street. Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria

A woman was killed and several others were injured in airstrikes on Kafr Zeita, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian for the raids. Step reported that “A woman was killed and a number of people were injured as a result of Russian air strikes targeting the town of Kafr

Summary

First published
January 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS466

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

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

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS626

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

One 40-year-old male civilian, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Hamra. The victim was named by the VDC, Syria Martrys and Mediakafrhamra – all of whom attributed the incident to Russia.  

Summary

First published
February 16, 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