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 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS735

LOCATION

محيميدة, Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child, Hozaifa Hasan al Enaizan, from the village of Tabya Shameih was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mahimideh, Deir ez-Zour, according to the Violations Documentation Center. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that he died after the explosion of a cluster bomb left from a previous Russian bombing. Four other sources

Summary

First published
March 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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, 2016

Incident Code

RS799

LOCATION

السحل, Al Sahal, Raqqa, Syria

Raqqa News 24/24 reported that a “Russian warplane” targeted the home of one of the residents of the village at 02.30am, leading to the man’s immediate death. It also said that the planes targeted the water pump east of Al Mansoura, causing material damage. Muslim Forum also reported the death of the man and said

Summary

First published
May 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS832

LOCATION

التمانعة, At Tamani'ah, Idlib, Syria

According to one local source, LCCSY, one woman was killed and three other non-combatants wounded in several alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Al Tamani’ah. However, Smart News blamed “regime warplanes” for a woman’s death and the injury of “a number of other civilians”. Qasioun also reported the incident but did not identify the

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1489 RS2448

LOCATION

الخريطة, Al Kharita, river crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources named one woman as killed and her husband and “some members of his family” wounded in an airstrike on a river crossing at al Kharita. Most sources didn’t identify the culprit. However, according to Sadaa alsham, Russia was to blame for the death of one civilian in al Kharita. The regime captured the

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2763

LOCATION

الباغوز, Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A child died from his wounds following a shrapnel injury from a Russian air and artillery strike, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russian and Syrian regime raids. It is unclear which date the original strike occurred. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS4004

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in airstrikes on Khan Sheikoun, Idlib, on August 11th. Shaam News reported that “Russian and Regime warplanes and helicopters launched airstrikes on the first day of Eid al-Adha, leaving a martyr in Khan Sheikhoun.” The Syrian Human Rights Committee also said that  “three people, including a child, were killed as

Summary

First published
August 11, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1548

LOCATION

عربين, Arbin, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and others were injured in airstrikes launched against the town of Arbin in Eastern Ghouta – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The series of three airstrikes launched against the residential areas were part of an escalated attack

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1630

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب , Bab al Nairab neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died in an alleged Russian or regime air or artillery strikes on Aleppo’s Bab Al Nairab neighbourhood, according to local media. Sources said that both al electricity station and a civil defense center had been struck – though didn’t mention any civilian harm in these particular strikes. According to the Syrian Network for Human

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS1817

LOCATION

الحابوسة, Al Haboussah, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in an alleged aerial bombardment of Al Haboussah, Aleppo. Sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raid, or did not attribute any blame.  Despite the Violations Documentation Centre listing the victim as an adult male, an image of a child was published alongside a Facebook status, naming the victim. We are therefore

Summary

First published
January 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(0–1 children0–1 men)
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

February 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS1919

LOCATION

جبل البلعاس, Al-Bila'as mountain, Hama, Syria

A single source reported the death of one civilian and the injury of others as a result of alleged Russian airstrike on Al-Bila’as mountain. It was reported that the aerial bombardment was concentrated on the area around al Bila’as Mountains near Akeirbat in Hama, central Syria. Allegedly Russian warplanes struck a camp for displaced people

Summary

First published
February 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2066

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

Local media reported the death of one civilian and injury of several more in an alleged Russia or Assad regime airstrike on Harasta. The Smart News Agency reported: “The civil defense said that a civilian was killed and another wounded by two aircraft strikes on the area linking the town of Madara and the city of

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

April 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2116

LOCATION

بزيت, Bezeit village, Jisr al Shoughour countryside, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and several others were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bezeit village in the Jisr al Shoughour countryside, multiple local sources reported. According to the Step News Agency, “Russian planes launched a phosphorous raid targeting Bezeit in Jisr al Shoughour killing one person and injuring others.” Other sources also reported the use

Summary

First published
April 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2133

LOCATION

دوما , Douma, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian died and an unspecified number more were wounded in an air or artillery strike on Douma, local media said. According to sources, there were heavy air and artillery strikes – including regime actions – on Douma on this day. The Smart News Agency reported: “Russian warplanes targeted residential areas in the

Summary

First published
April 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

October 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2586

LOCATION

حي المهندسين الاول, Al-Muhandessin, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A young man was killed, and as many as eight more civilians were wounded – including five from the same family – following an air and artillery strike on Al-Muhandessin, Aleppo. All sources either blamed Russia for the air and artillery strikes, or they did not attribute any blame. The shelling allegedly struck civilian housing

Summary

First published
October 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2608

LOCATION

معبر في الميادين, Crossing in the al Mayadeen area, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In this single-source event, one civilian man was reported killed by alleged Russian airstrikes in the crossing in the Al Mayadeen area of Deir Ezzor, Al Mayadeen Facebook page reported. The Al Mayadeen Facebook page mentioned the death of Mahmud Hamwi as it was listing victims from alleged Russian strikes in different parts of al-Mayadeen

Summary

First published
October 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

October 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS029

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed at Jisr al Shughour. However, the cause was contested. While VDC blamed the attack on Russian forces, Radio al Kul, SOHR and Qasioun blamed the death on “regime heavy artillery.”

Summary

First published
October 8, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS093

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One civilian male was killed and several non-combatants injured “including women and children” following an alleged Russian strike on Talbiseh. The man – named by Violations Documentation Center as Iyad Hsain Jomaa Al Latouf – was also shown in a graphic video depicting his body.  

Summary

First published
October 30, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3677

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian “airliners and helicopters” carried out missile strikes, also described as rocket attacks, on the outskirts of the village Ma’ra Haramah. Local sources reported that the strikes struck residential areas in the village, killing a civilian and causing extensive damage to civilian homes. Several other civilians were reported wounded. No other details are known

Summary

First published
May 7, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3378

LOCATION

أورم الجوز, Urma Al Jouz, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed and several others were injured during alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Urma Al Jouz on April 1, 2018, local sources reported. The death of Fattoum Haj Hammoud was widely attributed to Russian forces, however, the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported the involvement of Syrian planes.

Summary

First published
April 1, 2018
Last updated
April 17, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
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
December 15, 2024
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

January 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS426

LOCATION

قورقانيا, Qorgania, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed and dozens more injured in a strike on the village of Qorgania, according to local sources. While the majority of the reports allege that Russia was responsible, another does not identify the culprits, while one source alleges that this was an attack by the Assad regime. Korkania al Hadath said that

Summary

First published
January 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
7–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

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
December 15, 2024
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 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS522

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One adult male civilian, Qasem Mohammad al-Hasoun, was named by the Violations Documentation Center as having been killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Zita. The Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies similarly reported the death of Mr al-Hasoun from Russian shelling.  

Summary

First published
February 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

February 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS554

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

One child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan, according to local sources. Shaam News Network, reported the death of one civilian and the injury of one woman in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan, while Shahed Ayyan Halab tweeted that one child died and other civilians were injured in Russian airstrikes. Shahba Press

Summary

First published
February 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS586

LOCATION

داعل, Dael, Daraa, Syria

One woman, named as Sawsan Fakhri al Hariri, was killed in an airstrike on Dael, according to local sources – though reports are contested as to whether Russia or the regime were responsible. The Violations Documentation and Syria2011 said the victim was killed in a Russian strike. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

April 12, 2018

Incident Code

RS3404

LOCATION

تل هواش الحميرات, Tal Hwash and Al Hmairat, Hama, Syria

A man was killed and at least four injured as Russian forces reportedly attacked the villages of Tal Hwash and Al Hmairat in central Syria. Basel Mohammad Suleiman al Ali, age 22, was named as the victim by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The wounded totalled six, according to Fidaa news, including three women,

Summary

First published
April 12, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4–6
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS746

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Shaam News Network reported that one civilian died and several others were wounded in a Russian strike in Douma: “Two civilians were martyred in Al Marj area in Russian raids and one was martyred and others wounded in Douma.” However, other sources report that this was a regime action. The Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
March 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS810

LOCATION

كلجبرين‬, Kaljibrin, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, Halab Today TV, reported that one child was killed and two other civilians were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kaljabrin. At 0’21” in the footage an eyewitness, Ayman Al Hindawi says: “On Thursday May 26th, we woke up to noises of clashes in the village which were taking place between

Summary

First published
May 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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