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 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2461

LOCATION

موحسن, Mohassein, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One female was killed due to alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Mohassein, local media reported. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS947

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and another eight were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Saraqib, local sources on the ground reported. According to Baladi, “Warplanes launched two raids targeting residential neighborhoods in the city with Saraqib, resulting in martyrs and eight wounded, White Helmets teams went to the place and worked to dig out one the

Summary

First published
June 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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

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

August 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS4072

LOCATION

معرشورين, Ma'ar Shourin, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported between one and two civilians killed and an unspecified number wounded in an alleged Russia or regime airstrike on Ma’ar Shourin in August 25, 2019. A tweet by @omar_alhalaby alleged that “Russian warplanes target civilians’ cars while they are fleeing the town as a result of the violent bombardment on them, which

Summary

First published
August 25, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1220

LOCATION

الزربة, Al Zorba, Aleppo, Syria

One child died and other civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Al Zorba, according to local media. Most sources blamed Russia, though the Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to both Russia and Syrian regime. Syrian Press Centre, Syrian News, Alwatan and the Smart News Agency all said that several civilians were wounded in

Summary

First published
September 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1415

LOCATION

البلاط, al Balat, Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, the neighbourhood al-Balat in Aleppo was hit by air and/or artillery strikes which led to the death of one child and the injury of several more people, including the child’s father. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime, although the majority of

Summary

First published
October 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1447

LOCATION

‏التمانعه‬, al Tamana, Idlib, Syria

One woman died and three other civilians including two children were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime air or artillery strike on Al Tamana’a town, according to local media. The Step News Agency reported that “Russian planes launched several raids using bunker-busting missiles after mid night targeting al Taman’a town in southern Idlib, killing

Summary

First published
October 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1532

LOCATION

الميدعاني, Al Midani , Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were injured in airstrikes that struck Al Midiani town in Eastern Ghouta, Damascus. According to multiple sources, a series of three air raids were launched by warplanes – with LCCSY specifying the use of thermobaric missiles. An image posted by @SCDrifdimashq shows a victim of the airstrikes being carried

Summary

First published
November 6, 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 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1559

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike on Al Atarib – however sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or Syrian regime warplanes were responsible. Additionally, some sources did not attribute blame at all. One source reported that phosphorous bombs and missiles were used. @HalabNewsN even specified the use of C5 missiles. However, @Thiqanewsagency argued that warplanes

Summary

First published
November 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1566

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Anadan, Aleppo. There are no reports on any injured civilians. All four sources blamed Russian warplanes for the event. However, a single source claimed that the victim was killed on the 9th of November 2016, whereas the others report he was killed on

Summary

First published
November 11, 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

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1626

LOCATION

الشعار, Al Shia'ar, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike which struck Al-Bayan Surgical Hospital in Al-Sha’ar neighborhood, Aleppo, according to local media. Some sources have attributed blame to the Syrian regime for the alleged airstrikes, and others have blamed Russian warplanes. At least one elderly man was reported wounded, however, others sources

Summary

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

Incident date

December 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1799

LOCATION

بسيمة, Basima, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and “dozens” more were wounded – including a member of the Syrian Civil Defence – in air and artillery strikes on Basima, local media reported. All sources blamed the Syrian regime for the alleged raids, except LCCSY and Syrian Press Center who attributed them to Russian warplanes. Only one source – Skynewsarabia- reported

Summary

First published
December 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
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

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2519

LOCATION

قرية تل حلاوة, Tal Halawa, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Tal Halawa in the eastern countryside of Idlib, as reported by local sources. According to Al Latamna Youth, the civilian that was killed had been displaced from the village of Qasr Abu Samra in the eastern countryside of Hama. Al Latamna

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
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

November 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2703

LOCATION

الكمشة, Al-Kamshe, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man was killed and “dozens” were allegedly injured in an airstrike which bombarded houses between al Foqani and al Jowani roundabouts. Only one source blamed Russia, and the other two did not attribute any blame. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that a man was killed and others were injured, as a result of

Summary

First published
November 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2548

LOCATION

اليعقوبية, al Ya’koubiya town, Idlib, Syria

One child was reportedly killed and as many as 15 others were wounded in an airstrike on the village of al Ya’koubiya by warplanes, according to the Idlib Media Centre. Sources all either attributed the blame to Russia or did not blame a belligerent. The local hospital published a list of 13 named victims who

Summary

First published
September 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
12–15
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

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3674

LOCATION

الزكاة, Al Zakat, Hama, Syria

A woman named Sabah Al Hamidi was alleged killed by artillery shelling in the village of Zakat, north of Hama. Smart News and Step News blamed Russia, while the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the Syrian regime SY 24, Syria TV, and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said that the regime was

Summary

First published
May 7, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 2, 2015

Incident Code

RS219

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

One eight-year-old child named as Omar Ahmad al-Shagal was killed – and at least six people injured – in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan, according to the Violations Documentation Center and Shaam News Network. SNN posted a video depicting the aftermath of the alleged attack, showing one injured child being removed from an ambulance into a

Summary

First published
December 2, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
6
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

January 10, 2018

Incident Code

RS2881

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Lataminah, Hama, Syria

A civilian was killed and the Civil Defence Centre in Al Lataminah was knocked out of service following alleged Russian and Syrian regime air and artillery strikes on the vicinity, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing responsibility to Russia while others blamed the Syrian regime.

Summary

First published
January 10, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2015

Incident Code

RS284

LOCATION

الناجية, Najieh, Idlib, Syria

One civilian male named as Shadi Samir Bakkour was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Najieh, with two or more others injured. The local civil defence team tweeted “One martyr, several injured from Russian airstrikes with vacuum bombs on Najiah village in Jisr el Shoughour countryside.”  

Summary

First published
December 16, 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
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

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

June 16, 2019

Incident Code

RS3814

LOCATION

الزكاة, Al Zakat , Hama, Syria

One women was reported killed in an airstrike on Al Zakat, Hama, on June 16th. She was named by the Syrian Network for Human Rights as Isaaf Al-Faraj. Two sources claimed the death of one woman, and Step News Agency also alleged the wounding of “others” in the attack. Meanwhile, Shaam News reported on the

Summary

First published
June 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS572

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One woman, Fatima al-Yousef, was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Talbiseh according to local sources. The victim was also named by the Violations Documentation Center, Damascus Center for Human Rights and Talbisah Media Center. According to Talbisah Media Center, “many” civilians were also injured and there was “huge” destruction to private property. It

Summary

First published
February 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS732

LOCATION

كفرنبل‎, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

One adult male civilian may have died in an airstrike on Kafr Nabil, according to two local sources. The VDC listed Jameel al Ekel as a victim of a Russian strike but says the victim is from Kafr Nabil, and doesn’t state where he was killed. Fresh News reports the same victim killed  “in warplane

Summary

First published
March 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS861

LOCATION

حي العمال, Al Oummal (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman died and several other civilians were injured in an airstrike on Al Oummal in Deir ez-Zor, according to local sources – though it was unclear from reports whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently named one of the victims “following the insane Russian bombardments

Summary

First published
June 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

July 23, 2019

Incident Code

RS3941

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheihkhoun, Idlib, Syria

A civilian male was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib governorate, on July 23rd, 2019, according to local sources. In addition, the strikes reportedly led to the destruction of civilian homes and of “the last automated bakery in the city” The Syrian Civil Defence in Idlib

Summary

First published
July 23, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS439 RS1827

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Between 10 and 25 fighters of the militant group Fatah al Sham were killed – as well as a civilian policeman – and as many as six other people were injured, following an alleged airstrike in Saraqib. It is not clear whether or not the injured were civilians or members of Fatah al Sham. Sources are conflicted as

Summary

First published
January 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
0–6
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

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1486 RS2445

LOCATION

البصيرة, Al Basira, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian died in an airstrike on al Basira, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, Russia or the regime were to blame. Reports said that the strikes hit to post office building. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Moen_dndil attributed the event to the Coalition. However,

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1102

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

One male civilian died and six others were wounded in multiple strikes on Saraqeb, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible for the attacks. According to Syria News Desk, “Russian aviation targeted Saraqeb and its outskirts with 28 raids, killing one civilian and wounding six

Summary

First published
August 5, 2016
Last updated
November 3, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
1 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2019

Incident Code

RS4047

LOCATION

حاس, Hass, Idlib, Syria

One child was reported killed in airstrikes on Hass, Idlib, on August 18th. Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that “the child Adib Mustafa Qal’a Ji was killed as warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on Hass village in the southern suburbs of Idlib governorate, on August 18th.” Halab Today also reported that “a

Summary

First published
August 18, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS4083

LOCATION

تل منس , Tal Mans, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and others injured in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on TalMans, according to local media. Step reported: “Russian warplanes and helicopters targeted all the towns of the southern and south eastern Idlib countryside with barrels, killing…one civilian in Tal Mnes”. Justice Organisation blamed the regime for the death of Abdul Ilah

Summary

First published
August 27, 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
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident