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 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
December 15, 2024
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

April 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3613

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

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

Summary

First published
April 1, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2793

LOCATION

البوحمد, Al Buhamad, Raqqa, Syria

A man was reportedly killed when remnants from an unexploaded rocket detonated. Sources all agreed that the missile was from a previous Russian bombing, though the date of the bombing is unknown. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
December 11, 2017
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

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2447

LOCATION

العشارة شارع الحكمة , al Hikma street, Al-A'shara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An airstrike hit the town of Al-A’shara in Deir Ezzor on September 14th 2017. It is unclear if any civilians were killed; some sources including the Syrian Human Rights Committee reported the death of one girl, Rahef Hussein Al-Ali Ma’and, but others stated that she was only injured and that no civilians were killed. One

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 children)
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, Russian Military
Named victims
2 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
December 15, 2024
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

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
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3748

LOCATION

فليفل , Falifal, Idlib, Syria

A woman was killed and an unknown number of others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Falifal, Idlib governorate, on June 1st, 2019, according to local sources. @MasarPressNet tweeted that “a woman was martyred and several civilians were wounded due to airstrikes on the village of Falifal in

Summary

First published
June 1, 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
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
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
December 15, 2024
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
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

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
December 15, 2024
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

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
December 15, 2024
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

July 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS3958

LOCATION

لحايا, Lahaya, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes on Lahaya, Hama, on July 25th. @HalabTodayTV said that “a civilian was killed by Russian airstrikes on the village of Lahaya in the northern Hama countryside However, @shabablatamni accused the Syrian regime of responsibility for this incident and tweeted “Regime helicopters bombard with

Summary

First published
July 25, 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2019

Incident Code

RS4035

LOCATION

اريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Four civilians including two children were reported killed and 20 others injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Ariha in Idlib on August 16th, 2019. Dala’a Mutee’ Bakir or Dala’a Khaldoun Bakir was reported killed first, and then three other wounded civilians died after few days due to their wounds sustained on August

Summary

First published
August 16, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20
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
22 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1589

LOCATION

مخبز شمسين, Shamseen Bread Factory, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed and ten more injured when a Russian strike allegedly hit Shamseen bread factory in western Aleppo. @SCDaleppo said both of the kilns used for bread making were destroyed in the attack. In addition to the destruction of the bakery, sources alleged parts of the “Damascus highway” where the bakery was situated

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS1916

LOCATION

حقل شاعر, Shaer oil field, Homs, Syria

A single source reported that Russian warplanes “launched missile strikes on Al Sha’er oil field, which resulted in the burning of three oil tankers, killing the driver and wounding two other riders”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 21, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

April 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2114

LOCATION

كفرزيتا , Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Local media reported that one child died and several others were wounded in an airstrike on Kafr Zita. All sources but one blamed Russia. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights also pointed to the regime, reporting that “the child Abdullah Mostafa Arafat, age 6, was killed when the Syrian- Russian alliance warplanes missiles fired on

Summary

First published
April 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2549

LOCATION

سنجار العوجة , Al A'wja and Sinjar, Idlib, Syria

A woman was killed and others were injured as a result of an airstrike, likely to be Russian, on the road between al A’wja and Sinjar in rural Idlib, according to an Idlib Media Centre Facebook post. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
September 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 23, 2015

Incident Code

RS069

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Ltamenah, Hama, Syria

An alleged Russian airstrike on a field hospital in northern Hama injured a number of people including medical staff and killed one, according to reports. Up to six rebels also died. “Russian warplanes launched a raid at the field hospital in the town of Al-Lataminah countryside north of Hama, which inflicted casualties among the medical

Summary

First published
October 23, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS133

LOCATION

البوابية, Bawabiyah, Aleppo, Syria

According to multiple sources, one man was killed and at least five non-combatants were injured by alleged Russian warplanes targeted the village of Buwaybiyah in southern Aleppo countryside.  

Summary

First published
November 8, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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

November 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS165

LOCATION

الكركات, Al Karkat, Hama, Syria

The Union of Hamas Rebels reported that one child who was killed – and two or more people injured – in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Al Karat. The VDC also named the boy, who it said had died “Due to the Russian air forces shelling of Karakat village.” The Syrian News Desk

Summary

First published
November 18, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3692

LOCATION

كفرنبوده, Kafr Nbouda, Hama, Syria

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported: “Karmo al Abado, from Kafr Nbouda town in Hama governorate northwestern suburbs, was killed as fixed- wing warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on Mazarea Qerata area in north of Kafr Nbouda town, on May 10.” However, Bawaba Hama said that a civilian also was wounded identified

Summary

First published
May 10, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS198

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

The VDC and others identified an adult female civilian as having been killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jisr al Shughour. Two additional non-combatants including one child were reportedly injured. Local media activist Tariq Abd Aluhak posted what he said were pictures of rescuers after the event.  

Summary

First published
November 27, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

January 9, 2018

Incident Code

RS2879

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria

A civilian was reportedly killed when airstrikes hit his vegetable truck in Kafr Zeita.  Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some local media attributed blame to Russia, while others blamed the Syrian regime. One local source called it is “military raid”, not naming a belligerent. One source reported that there were some

Summary

First published
January 10, 2018
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3773

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in airstrikes on Kafar Zeita, Hama, on June 7th. Smart News reported that “local activists told “Smart” that a civilian, working as a teacher of the French language, was killed as a result of the aerial bombardment of Kafar Zeita.” Syrian Network for Human Rights named the civilian killed as Abdul

Summary

First published
June 7, 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
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

June 15, 2019

Incident Code

RS3811

LOCATION

الزكاة, Al Zakat , Hama, Syria

While one source reported “victims” in airstrikes on Al Zakat and other locations in Hama, on June 15th, another source, Shaam News, also alleges the attack, but does not make reference to any civilian casualties. Shaam News names both Russia and the Syrian regime in the reporting of the event, while Smart News does not

Summary

First published
June 15, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS679

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

One child was reported killed in Harasta, according to local sources. Most reports blamed regime shelling: however one source said that he was killed in a Russian airstrike. Syria2011 reported that “Abdur-Rahim Al-Telli was killed due to mortar shelling in Harasta in Tishreen Street.“ The victim was also named by Syrian Human Rights Committee. Qasioun

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
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

March 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS743

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One unidentified civilian male was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra, according to the Violations Documentation Center. Activists told Shaam News Network that Russian warplanes targeted a bus carrying passengers from Damascus to Deir ez-Zor “near the third stop near Palmyra, which led to the death of one civilian and several wounded.” Syriapost1

Summary

First published
March 26, 2016
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

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1304 RS2374

LOCATION

قرية الكشمة, Al Kasham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Ten civilians were reported injured in airstrikes on Al Kasham village according to local media – though it was unclear who was responsible, with allegations against the Coalition, Russia and the Syrian regime. According to Euphrates Post, one male also died in a Russian strike on the village. The source also named the following two civilians

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3988

LOCATION

مورك, Mourek , Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and up to three civilians were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Mourek, Hama, on August 1st, 2019, according to local sources. @IdlibPlus tweeted that “a civilian was killed as a result of the targeting of Russian warplanes by the city of Mourek in the northern suburbs

Summary

First published
August 1, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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, Unknown, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1467

LOCATION

Bab al Nasr, Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian died in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Bab al Nasr neighbourhood, local media reported. Most sources blamed Russia, though several also pointed towards the Syrian regime. A number of other reports didn’t identify the culprit, saying that both Russia and the regime were carrying out strikes on Aleppo – including on Bab

Summary

First published
October 16, 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