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

July 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1027

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al-Shughur, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed and nine more were injured in an airstrike by alleged Russian warplanes on Jisr al Shoughour, according to local media. Jisrtv reported that the attack occurred between 1.00 and 1.06. All reports claimed to sight Russian warplanes, who reportedly carried out cluster missile attacks on Jisr al Shoughour. According to Smart

Summary

First published
July 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2019

Incident Code

RS3942

LOCATION

جبالا, Jabala, Idlib, Syria

A civilian male was reported killed and two others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Jabala, Idlib governorate, on July 23rd, 2019, as reported by local sources. Step Agency tweeted that “a civilian was killed and others were wounded when an explosive barrage hit the town of Jabala,

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)
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1695 RS2797

LOCATION

الجردي الغربي, Al Jarthi al Gharbi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian male was named as killed in an airstrike on al Jarthi al Gharbi. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to the US-led Coalition, and others to Moscow. The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed Syrian regime warplanes for his death. But according to Al Haall, Russia was

Summary

First published
December 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2773

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One male child was killed in airstrikes on Abu Kamal. Sources all attributed the blame to Russian warplanes. The Violations Documentation Centre said the victim died on November 28th. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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

August 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1107

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and three to five were wounded, including women and children, from vacuum missile, cluster bomb or artillery strikes on a Palestinian refugee camp in Khan al Sheikh, according to local media. Five or more raids were carried out by warplanes, with most sources attributing the attacks to Russia. However,

Summary

First published
August 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–5
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 14, 2019

Incident Code

RS4025

LOCATION

مدايا, Madaya, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in airstrikes on Madaya, Idlib, on August 14th. Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that “Hussein Ali al Rayya, from Ma’aret Harma village in the southern suburbs of Idlib governorate, was killed as Syrian regime warplanes carried out a strike using machine guns on the vicinity of Madaya village in

Summary

First published
August 14, 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS4088

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al Tamani’a, Idlib, Syria

One civilian reportedly died and another was injured in an alleged Russian strike on Al Tamani’a. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, ” a civilian was killed due to a Russian bombardment that targeted the farms of Al-Taman’aa town south of Idlib”. Edlib Media Centre said that a man died in a Russian

Summary

First published
August 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
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

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1301

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

Alleged Russian or Assad regime warplanes killed one civilian, a young man, and wounded two others on the road outside the Maskana souk, Aleppo, local reports alleged. “Airstrikes also targeted the main highway near Bado neighbourhood and the entrance to the souq of Maskana city in the eastern suburbs where a young man was martyred

Summary

First published
September 22, 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1679

LOCATION

المواصلات, Al Mowasalat, Aleppo, Syria

One named civilian man was reportedly killed and several more were wounded by airstrikes targeting the al-Mowasalat neighbourhood of Aleppo, local sources reported. While most sources blamed Russia for the civilian harm, there was also an allegations against the Assad regime. The incident was reportedly part of a wider shelling of neighbourhoods in Aleppo that

Summary

First published
November 24, 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

November 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1564

LOCATION

جسر الشغور مخيم الجميلية , Al Jamilia camp, north of Jisr al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

One woman died and as many as dozens more civilians were wounded in an airstrike by an unidentified belligerent on the Al Jamilia camp for displaced persons, north of Jisr al Shoughour, in Idlib, according to sources on the ground. Step blamed  a drone strike. The source reported: “A woman was killed and two other civilians were

Summary

First published
November 11, 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 belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2003

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

One child was reported killed and others wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Akeirbat, Hama, according to one local source – Smart News Agency. Smart reported: “a child is killed and others wounded in raids thought to be Russian on the outskirts of Akeirbat in eastern Hama”. There were no other known sources for

Summary

First published
March 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2037

LOCATION

الفطيرة, Al Fatira, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and at least two others were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against Al Fatira village in southern Idlib. All sources that named a culprit identified Russia as responsible while @EdlibNN did not blame anyone for the airstrikes. Hamoud Al Awad described the victim of the airstrikes, Abdullah Fayez al

Summary

First published
March 28, 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

April 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2052

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shoughour, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In the evening of April 1st, warplanes, likely to be Russian, bombed the city of Jisr al Shoughour, according to local media. A man and a woman were allegedly both wounded, however the man later succumbed to his wounds in the hospital. Some reports allocated this strike to the Syrian regime, while others blamed Russian

Summary

First published
April 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2077

LOCATION

ابو الضهور, Abo Al-Zuhur, Idlib, Syria

One adult male was killed, and another man was injured in an airstrike on Abo Al-Zuhur. All sources blamed Russian raids for the airstrike.  Smart news reported that “shelling took [place in] the town of Abu-Zuhurt (50 km east of Idlib), killing one civilian and injuring another from the village of Umm al-Karamil in Aleppo. The

Summary

First published
April 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1986

LOCATION

كفرناها , Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

One man was killed and four other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on a residential area in Kafr Naha on 19th March 2017, according to sources on the ground.. The raid reportedly resulted in a fire which led to further damage.

Summary

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

Incident date

August 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2384

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man was killed, and others were reportedly wounded, following an airstrike on Hatla. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the strikes. some blaming the Syrian regime, while others attributed blame to Moscow. Baladi even blamed “unknown warplanes” for the raids. Jisirtv described the bombardment as a missile attack, while others

Summary

First published
August 12, 2017
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

March 9, 2019

Incident Code

RS3596

LOCATION

قرية المنطار في جسر الشغور,, Al Mentar village in Jisr Al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

Following the alleged Russian airstrike on Al Mentar detailed in event R3385, local media said that Russian warplanes returned to the area during the rescue attempts and struck the Syrian Civil Defence as they went about their duties. Multiple sources reported that SCD volunteer and journalist Mahmoud Abdel Al was killed – in addition to

Summary

First published
March 9, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–5
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2644

LOCATION

البوليل, Al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A man was killed in an air and artillery strike on Al-Bouleil, according to local media. Sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, or did not attribute blame to any belligerent. According to local media, the bombardments were heavy and occurred during the night. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
October 17, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2675

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abo Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian was killed and many more were wounded following an alleged Russian raid on Abu Kamal, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russia for the strikes. Al Mayadeen News reported that “The Russian Defense Ministry announced that a group of aircraft “To-22 M3” of the Russian air force struck the sites of the

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2722

LOCATION

سنجار, Sanjar, Idlib, Syria

As many as 12 civilians were wounded, one one woman was killed, in Russian phosphorous strikes on Sanjar, according to local media. Some sources reported on material damage only, with no casualties. Smart however reported that “12 civilians were wounded Saturday in an air strike on the village of Sara in Sinjar district (50 km

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12
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 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2840

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

One was killed and several civilians were wounded – including women and children – in a continuous air and artillery bombardment which hit the residential neighbourhood of Arbeen, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Many blamed Russia, some blamed the Syrian regime and others remained impartial. @syriahr – who

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–17
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

April 30, 2019

Incident Code

RS3635

LOCATION

أرينبة, Ariyanba, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that a woman was killed by shelling in the village of Ariyanba in the southern countryside of Idlib. Two or three other people were reported wounded. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime was to blame. HalabTodayTV added that dozens of families were displaced as a result of

Summary

First published
April 30, 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)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS106

LOCATION

جبالا, Jbala, Idlib, Syria

One child was reported killed and two or more non-combatants injured following an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Jbala. While the Syrian Observatory blamed Russia, both the Idlib Media Centre and Al Kul Radio said the attack was the work of the Assad regime.  

Summary

First published
November 1, 2015
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS138

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reported one male child has a following an alleged strike by Russian warplanes. Local reporters and activists also reported that Russia had attacked the town.    

Summary

First published
November 10, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

May 15, 2019

Incident Code

RS3698

LOCATION

أم النير, Um Nair, Idlib, Syria

A civilian male was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Umm Nair in Jabal Shashbwa on May 15th, according to local sources. Justice Organization wrote that “civilian Shadi Muhammad Al Omair was killed by the bombing of the regime’s helicopters with explosive barrels on the village of Umm Nair in Jabal Shahshabo in the

Summary

First published
May 15, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS236

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

The Union of Hama Rebels reported that five people were killed in Hama but did not state whether they were civilians. It added that one of those killed was “documented in secret” and named him as Ahmad Mohammad Al Abboud, who died “as a result of Russian bombing on Kafr Zita in Hama countryside.” No

Summary

First published
December 7, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
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

May 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3719

LOCATION

أم زيتونة, Um Zaytouna, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and others injured following an airstrike on Um Zaytouna, Idlib, on May 26th. Syrian Network for Human Rights named the man killed as Ayman al Hassan. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “Ayman al Hassan was killed as Syrian regime fixed- wing warplanes carried out a strike using

Summary

First published
May 26, 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
1–2
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

December 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS332

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan Subul, Idlib, Syria

One adult male, Bahaa Mohammad al-Sabouh (pictured) was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khan Subul. Step News said that “Russian planes launched several air raids on the town of Khan Subul and Mount Shahshabo from the southern countryside of Idlib, resulting in one civilian death in Khan Subul and several injuries among civilians.” However

Summary

First published
December 30, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS2933

LOCATION

الغدفة, Ghadfa, Idlib, Syria

A young man was killed and an unspecified number of others were wounded in airstrikes on Ghadfa, according to local media. Sources all attributed the blamed to Russian warplanes. It is unclear whether the victim was a child or an adult male. According to Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR), a high school in al

Summary

First published
January 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(0–1 children0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS428

LOCATION

البيضاء, Al Bayda, Latakia, Syria

One civilian was killed and several others injured in an airstrikes on Al Bayda, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were responsible. According to the Shaam News Network, this was the work of Russia. Syria News Desk reported testimony from a villager, Omar Malawi: “The Russian

Summary

First published
January 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