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

April 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3386

LOCATION

قرية جوزيف, Joseph Village, Idlib, Syria

A woman was killed and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on the town of Joseph in the Idlib countryside, local sources reported. A high-explosive missile hit the outskirts of the town wounding the woman. She was rushed to hospital by civil defense teams but died upon arrival. Several civilians were

Summary

First published
April 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
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 23, 2015

Incident Code

RS306

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
December 23, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS338

LOCATION

مارع, Mare', Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
January 2, 2016
Last updated
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS370

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

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

Summary

First published
January 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3763

LOCATION

الفطيرة, Al Fatira, Idlib, Syria

A woman was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Al Fatira, Idlib governorate, on June 4th, 2019, according to a local source. An unknown number of civilians was reported injured. Step News Agency reported the death of one woman in airstrikes on Al Fatira, Idlib, June 4th. Step also

Summary

First published
June 4, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS466

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

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

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
Last updated
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

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
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

June 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3837

LOCATION

كنصفرة, Kansafra, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in an airstrike on Kansafra, Idlib, on June 22nd. According to Step News, “a number of civilians were killed and injured on Saturday as a result of renewed aerial bombardment of the southern countryside of Idlib,” including “the killing of a civilian in the town of Kansafra”-  listed among other locations

Summary

First published
June 22, 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
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
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
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
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 16, 2019

Incident Code

RS3909

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Latamina, Hama, Syria

One man was reported killed in airstrikes on Al Latamina, Hama, on July 16th. Kafr Zeta TV documented “the martyrdom of “Badr Haitham Al-Mahmoud” nick name (Al Kateb), 25, as a result of Russian air strikes of the city of Latamina in the northern suburbs of Hama.” Two other sources reported the attack, but did not

Summary

First published
July 16, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
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
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

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
December 15, 2024
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 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS4001

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al Tamana'a, Idlib, Syria

One civilian male was reported killed and 17 others, including 11 children, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Tamana’a, Idlib governorate, on August 10th, according to local sources. Baladi News stated that “the raids caused the martyrdom of one civilian as a preliminary outcome, and wounded 17 others, including 11

Summary

First published
August 10, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
17
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

August 16, 2019

Incident Code

RS4036

LOCATION

الغدفة, Al Ghadfa, Idlib, Syria

One child was reported killed and at least three other civilians were injured in airstrikes on Al Ghadfa, Idlib, on August 16th, 2019. Both Shaam News and Step Agency reported that “Russian and Syrian warplanes launched several airstrikes” on a number of cities and towns including Al Ghadfa, on August 16th. Shaam News and other

Summary

First published
August 16, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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

September 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1230

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian male died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the grand mosque in Anadan, according to local media. On Sept 12th, HNN reported his death was “due to wounds sustained following Russian enemy raid on the Great Mosque in Anadan a week ago, he is from the town, and a civilian.” Other sources reported

Summary

First published
September 6, 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

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1546

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed by cluster and phosphorus bombs that struck the western edges of the city of Idlib, according to local media. Some outlets including Smart News published a statement saying that there were no official injuries, but the majority of sources reported at least one casualty. Both cluster bombs and phosphorus are internationally

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
0–12
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS1816

LOCATION

رسم العبد, Hama, Syria

It was reported by a single source that one adult male died following alleged Russian shelling. It does not specifically say where he was killed, however, it does report that he was from in Rasem al Abd in Hama. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

March 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2019

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

On March 24, 2017, one civilian was reportedly killed and up to nine were wounded in an alleged Russia or Syrian regime airstrike on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib, local media reported. Ahmed Khatib, a correspondent for the Mirror of Syria in Idlib, said that “warplanes carried out several air raids on the

Summary

First published
March 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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

April 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2107

LOCATION

دارة عزة , Dira’t Izza, Aleppo, Syria

An alleged airstrike hit the village of Dira’t Izza causing severe destruction. Some sources attributed the strike to Russian warplanes, whereas others alleged they were conducted by the Syrian regime. One civilian was reportedly killed. A total of 15 other civilians were reportedly injured. According to the Syrian Civil Defence team, they managed to pull

Summary

First published
April 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

April 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2140

LOCATION

حور , Hour, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and others were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hour, local media said. Smart News Agency reported: “A civilian was killed and others wounded on Tuesday after an air strike likely to have been carried out by Russian warplanes over a city and a town in western Aleppo, northern Syria, according

Summary

First published
April 18, 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

May 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2212

LOCATION

دركوش, Darkoush, Idlib, Syria

One girl was killed and up to 24 other civilians were wounded following an incident in a camp for displaced people in Darkoush, Idlib, that was possibly caused by a Russian drone, local media reported. Several sources reported the death of a nine-year-old girl while the number of wounded varied between five and 24. Moreover,

Summary

First published
May 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
5–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2409

LOCATION

الطريف, Al-Tariff, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian man was killed and several were injured following Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes that hit al-Tariff, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. All sources reported about the death of one civilian, who was identified by name by Step News and @DeirEzzor24. In addition to this, several civilians were reported wounded. Sources described how the strikes inflicted

Summary

First published
August 28, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2578

LOCATION

السعلو, Sa'lo, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In this single-source incident, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a man was killed in a bombardment by warplanes believed to be Russian on al-Salu village in the countryside of Deir Ezzor”. Currently, there are no further details.  

Summary

First published
October 1, 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
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3615

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that an elderly man was killed when multiple Russian airstrikes allegedly struck several neighbourhoods in the city of Kafr Zeita. Local news outlet Baladi News reported that the Russian Airforce conducted eight airstrikes with high-explosive rockets on residential neighbourhoods in the town. According to Step News, the Russian planes launched a total

Summary

First published
April 7, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2635

LOCATION

بقرص, Baqras, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airstrikes and/or artillery shelling killed one civilian man, local media reported, as the town of Baqras, Deir Ezzor, was subject to attack, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. While several sources reported the death of one man identified by name, reports were conflicted in terms of who and what

Summary

First published
October 14, 2017
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2539

LOCATION

الجانودية , al Janoudiya, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed and up to six others were wounded in an alleged Russian or @jesrNEWSL reported: “A civilian was killed and three others were injured when Russian warplanes targeted the village of al-Janoudiya in the north of the northern countryside of Jisr al shughour “. Meanwhile, the Smart News Agency  “te civil defense

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3–6
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS091

LOCATION

ابديتا, Ibdita, Idlib, Syria

One civilian man named as Ahmed Murr was reported killed and 10 people injured in an alleged Russian morning airstrike on the village of Ibdita. His two sons were also critically wounded in the attack. In a later news feature, Shaam News reported: “Samer was taken to the hospital in Ma’arat, where his body was

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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2015

Incident Code

RS123

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

One nine-year-old girl was killed in an airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that regime warplanes were responsible, but the VDC – who named the girl as Shatha Dawood – said

Summary

First published
November 5, 2015
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

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS155

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

An alleged Russian midnight raid on Saraqib destroyed a bakery in the town. The Idlib Media Centre complained that “this oven is for baking, it’s not the headquarters of the rebels.” While The Syrian Observatory and Idlib Media Centre reported unspecified casualties, the Syrian News Desk put the toll at one civilian killed, with six

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS188

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center listed one adult male civilian, a Palestinian national, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Douma. However, the VDC listed seven further civilians killed that day in Douma “due to regime`s army forces shelling.” And the Syrian Observatory cites the Assad regime as being responsible for the event.  

Summary

First published
November 22, 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