Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

January 17, 2018

Incident Code

RS2908

LOCATION

الحامدية, Al-Hamdiya, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed, and an elderly man and child were reportedly injured, by alleged Russian warplanes in Al-Hamdiya, according to local media. All local media reported that Russian warplanes were to blame. Orient News reported that there was material damage to civilian homes. Footage shows members of the Syrian Civil Defence rescuing the wounded

Summary

First published
January 17, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

December 25, 2015

Incident Code

RS317

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One adult male, Yehya Abdulrazzaq Hamdan “al-Kerbaa”, was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra, according to the Violations Documentation Center. Fresh Syria said Russian aircraft had targeted the city’s industrial district.  

Summary

First published
December 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

June 9, 2019

Incident Code

RS3777

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Smart News Agency reported that one civilian was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, on June 9th, 2019. Another source reported that a civilian was injured. Other sources blamed the Syrian regime for the airstrikes. Smart News Agency reported that “the Russian air force launched several airstrikes targeting Khan Sheikhoun,” as well

Summary

First published
June 9, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS445

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

One adult male civilian, Ali Al Sultan, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat al Numan, according to the Violations Documentation Center. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
January 22, 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
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS573

LOCATION

النعيمة‎, Naemah, Daraa, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one adult male civilian, Samer Ali al-Manajrah, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Naemah. It linked to a Yaqeen Media Foundation video of the man’s funeral. The voiceover says he was killed after Russian raids targeted the town of Naemah. All4Syria also said Russia had carried out a

Summary

First published
February 8, 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

June 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3830

LOCATION

ترملا, Tarmala, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in airstrikes on Tarmala, Idlib, on June 20th. Syria Civil Defense reported that “the cities and towns of liberated northern Syria are still under constant bombardment by the regime’s forces and their Russian allies,” listing a number of locations and casualties, among which the incident in Tarmala is reported. Similarly, Shaam

Summary

First published
June 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
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 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS669

LOCATION

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

One woman was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kahtan hospital, according to local sources. Euphrates Post reported: “A woman was killed due to Russian warplane raid in Kahtan hospital near Hasan Al-Taha street.” Three other sources also blamed Russia for carrying out a strike near the hospital, which they said killed one female.

Summary

First published
February 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2019

Incident Code

RS3896

LOCATION

حي القصور, Al Qosour , Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes with four rockets on Al-Qusoor neighborhood in the morning of July 12th led to the death of up to two civilians including a child and inuring 13 others. Local sources said the attack targeted and IDP shelter. Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the Syrian regime and reported that

Summary

First published
July 12, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10–13
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1055

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayan, according to local sources. Alaraby and LCCSY blamed Russia, however, most sources referred only to “warplanes”. Halab Today named one victim, but did not apportion blame. 

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1487 RS2446

LOCATION

مراط, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian died in an airstrike on Mrat, according to local media – though it was unclear who was to blame for this death. According to Syrianoor, “Activists confirmed that more than 100 civilians – mostly children and women – died during four massacres committed by Russian warplanes and international coalition aircraft in the city

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

March 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS3256

LOCATION

مركز 103 للدفاع المدني, civil defence center no :103, Damascus, Syria

One member of the White Helmets was killed and three more injured in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on the civil defence centre 103 in Damascus, local media reported. Douma.Revolution and @SiegeWatch  reported that one civil defence volunteer, Rifat Idris, was killed, and three more were wounded. The airstrikes that struck the Civil Defence

Summary

First published
March 13, 2018
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
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1232

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and up to three others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat al Numan in Idlib, according to local media. Halab Today reported: “A civilian was killed and others wounded in Ma’arat Al-Nu’man due to warplanes shelling with cluster bombs” The Syrian Network for Human Rights also reported the use

Summary

First published
September 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1491

LOCATION

al Sheikh Mustapha, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and several more were wounded in an airstrike on Al Sheikh Mustapha, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights on October 22nd, “the number of civilians who were killed by Russian airstrikes in the

Summary

First published
October 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1632

LOCATION

كفر ناها , Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Halab News named one victim, Yunus Ali Abd al Rahman (also named by Hamza AlYousuf) as killed in a Russian strike on Kafr Naha, Aleppo. However, Halab News was the only outlet that directly accused Russia of carrying out raids; other sources didn’t apportion blame.

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3579

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

12-year-old girl Mariam Mahmoud Hassan Rahhal was reported killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery strikes on Kfar Zeita, north-east of Souran in the northern suburb of Hama. Two other civilians were wounded, whom according to some sources, were children as well.  Smart News Agency reported “the killing of a girl and wounding two

Summary

First published
January 22, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2035

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian, a child, was killed and others, including women and children, were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against Douma in the Damascus countryside, according to sources on the ground. Conflicting reports were given as to who was responsible for the airstrikes. The majority of sources, including @Omar_Madaniah and @ahmadalqalmone, identified Russian planes

Summary

First published
March 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS1983

LOCATION

تقاد , Taqad, Aleppo, Syria

The remnants of a cluster bomb that had been dropped earlier during a Russian air raid in Taqad resulted in the death of one civilian, Mohammed Al Talal, according to sources on the ground.Multiple sources said one civilian was also injured during this raid.

Summary

First published
March 18, 2017
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2257

LOCATION

الفار, Al Far, Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Al Far in the eastern Aleppo countryside, sources on the ground reported. According to multiple local sources, the air bombardment on the town included the use of cluster bombs. The majority of sources, including Step News Agency

Summary

First published
May 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

April 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3613

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

One adult male civilian died and up to four other civilians (including a father and his two children) were wounded in an alleged Assad regime or Russian artillery bombardment of Kafar Zeita on the afternoon of April 1st, local sources reported. According to Smart News, Russian forces conducted heavy artillery shelling on the cities of

Summary

First published
April 1, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2807

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One child was killed when remnants of cluster bomb from a previous raid exploded in Kafr Hamra. Only one source blamed Russian airstrikes, while the others didn’t name the culprit. It is unclear when the first raids occurred, however all sources reported that the child in question died on December 19th. There were no reported

Summary

First published
December 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS2843

LOCATION

قطرة, Qatra, Idlib, Syria

A male child was killed and an unspecified number of other civilians wounded in suspected Russian airstrikes in Qatra. Local media either blamed Russia or did not attribute blame to a belligerent. One source reported sighting “military aircraft”. Media reported that “great destruction” was caused. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 13, 2015

Incident Code

RS038

LOCATION

تل سلطان, Tall Sultan, Idlib, Syria

Violations Documentation Center named an adult male from the town of Tel Azzan as having been killed in a Russian airstrike on a school building in nearby Tel Sultan, which also reportedly injured two.

Summary

First published
October 13, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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 belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS134

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

According to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least one civilian was killed and 10 injured, in dozens of alleged airstrikes by Russian warplanes. The Observatory said it expected the death toll to rise, as some people were left in a critical condition. A victim was later named by the VDC. The Syrian Network

Summary

First published
November 8, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
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

January 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2856

LOCATION

مسرابا, Masraba, eastern Al Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Air and artillery strikes on Masraba wounded up to 15 civilians – and killed one child, according to sources on the ground. Reports blamed both Russia and the Assad regime. According to Geiroon News, “medical staff tried within half an hour to revive a baby, who was pulled from the rubble, but did not succeed, and

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 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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

November 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS166

LOCATION

تل هادية, Tal Hadya, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Union of Hamas Rebels, one adult civilian male was killed and two or more people injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tal Hadya. The Violations Documentation Center also named the victim, It also identifies him as a civilian but has published an image of him wearing a militant bandana. His combatant

Summary

First published
November 18, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS199

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Wadi al Ahmar, Homs, Syria

One adult male civilian was reported killed –  VDC named the victim – following multiple alleged Russian airstrikes at Al Wadi Al Ahmar, east of Palmyra, according to local monitors. Activists said the historic city’s archaeological campus was badly damaged as a result of one of the raids, and that other strikes hit different parts

Summary

First published
November 27, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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

January 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS2869

LOCATION

ابو حبة, Abu Hibba, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed and others were wounded in airstrikes which struck Abu Hibba, according to sources on the ground. Local media was conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to Russia while others blamed the Syrian regime. According to the Step News Agency, explosive barrels were used, a bomb normally used

Summary

First published
January 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

December 12, 2015

Incident Code

RS264

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Zita, according to the Union of Hama Rebels and the VDC. The victim has been named as Zamzam Abdo Al Laban from Kafr Zita Reporting remains confused, with multiple alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Zita between December 9th and 12th which resulted in a

Summary

First published
December 12, 2015
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
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3715

LOCATION

الشيخ مصطفى, Al Sheikh Mustafa, Idlib, Syria

Step Agency and Smart News reported that one civilian was killed in air raids on the village of Al Sheikh Mustafa, Idlib, on May 26th. Step News agency attributed the attack to Russia, initially reporting that “several people were injured” in the “Russian raids” that “coincided with a rocket attack”. In a later post, Step

Summary

First published
May 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS2915

LOCATION

معرحاطط, Mar Hatet, Idlib, Syria

An adult male was killed and an unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Mar Hatet, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. All sources blamed Russian warplanes, however Violations Documentation Centre blamed the Syrian regime and its associates. The three raids which struck the residential area

Summary

First published
January 19, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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