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

June 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS3790

LOCATION

طبيش, Tbeesh, Idlib, Syria

Multiple sources report the death of civilians including a child and the wounding of others in airstrikes on a school in Tbeesh, Idlib, June 11th. Syrian Network for Human Rights claimed that regime forces “fired a missile on Tbeesh Primary School , killing Omar Bassam al Hasan. Both Syrian Network for Human Rights and Step

Summary

First published
June 11, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS556

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One male child, Yahya Mohammad Qaddour, aged three, was killed in an airstrike on Talbiseh according to local sources. The Violations Documentation Center – which blamed Russian shelling for the death – linked to an extremely graphic video posted by Talbissa, which shows the dead body of the child. However, according to the Syrian Network

Summary

First published
February 7, 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3830

LOCATION

ترملا, Tarmala, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in airstrikes on Tarmala, Idlib, on June 20th. Syria Civil Defense reported that “the cities and towns of liberated northern Syria are still under constant bombardment by the regime’s forces and their Russian allies,” listing a number of locations and casualties, among which the incident in Tarmala is reported. Similarly, Shaam

Summary

First published
June 20, 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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS684

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One 57-year-old woman died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Talbiseh and at least four other civilians were injured, according to local sources. Shaam News Network reported: “Two hours before the start of the ceasefire Russian planes carried out violent and intense air raids on the town of Talbissa causing the death of one woman and

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS748

LOCATION

الحسينية, Hussainiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One 65-year-old male civilian, Hanoud al-Assaf, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Hussainiya, Deir Ezzor, according to local sources. Reports at the time cite heavy clashes in the near area between rebels and the Assad regime.  

Summary

First published
April 7, 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

July 12, 2019

Incident Code

RS3896

LOCATION

حي القصور, Al Qosour , Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes with four rockets on Al-Qusoor neighborhood in the morning of July 12th led to the death of up to two civilians including a child and inuring 13 others. Local sources said the attack targeted and IDP shelter. Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the Syrian regime and reported that

Summary

First published
July 12, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10–13
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 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS942

LOCATION

الزربة, Az Zarbah, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that an airstrike on the town of al-Zirba killed one civilian, and wounded several others, though it is currently unclear whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Both Halab News Network (HNN), Thiqa News Agency and Halab news identified the victim by name, and many media, such as

Summary

First published
June 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

March 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS3256

LOCATION

مركز 103 للدفاع المدني, civil defence center no :103, Damascus, Syria

One member of the White Helmets was killed and three more injured in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on the civil defence centre 103 in Damascus, local media reported. Douma.Revolution and @SiegeWatch  reported that one civil defence volunteer, Rifat Idris, was killed, and three more were wounded. The airstrikes that struck the Civil Defence

Summary

First published
March 13, 2018
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
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2019

Incident Code

RS4047

LOCATION

حاس, Hass, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
August 18, 2019
Last updated
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
2–3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS4083

LOCATION

تل منس , Tal Mans, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
August 27, 2019
Last updated
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

September 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1245

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and in an unspecified number more were wounded in an airstrike on the al Sukkari neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local media. A number of sources blamed Russia, though others referred only to “warplanes”, while one source, Alburaq, reported that both “Russian and Syrian warplanes killed a civilian”. According to Smart Russia

Summary

First published
September 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
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 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1529

LOCATION

بابتو, Babto, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike on a grain storage center and a mill in the village of Babbto in the countryside of western Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Images posted by Thiqa News and a video posted by AlBouAzezi show the damage to the grain storage structure that ultimately led to

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
0–3
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
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3579

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

12-year-old girl Mariam Mahmoud Hassan Rahhal was reported killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery strikes on Kfar Zeita, north-east of Souran in the northern suburb of Hama. Two other civilians were wounded, whom according to some sources, were children as well.  Smart News Agency reported “the killing of a girl and wounding two

Summary

First published
January 22, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1913

LOCATION

تدمر , Palmyra, Homs, Syria

A single source, the Smart News Agency, said: “Our reporter, quoting a local source, said that the warplanes likely belonging to Russia  struck the western district of the eastern city of Palmyra with a rocket killing of a civilian and wounding two members of IS”. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
February 20, 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

August 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2383

LOCATION

سوحا, Suha, Hama, Syria

A man was killed, and several others were wounded, following airstrikes on Suha – according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. Baladi reported that the victims home was “targeted” with high explosive rockets.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 9, 2017
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

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2685

LOCATION

رسم العبد, Rasim Al-Abid, Idlib, Syria

One child was killed, and others were wounded, due to alleged Russian airstrikes on a refugee camp in Rasim Al-Abid. Many sources blamed Russia, while the others blamed “unknown warplanes” for the strikes. Some later research showed that sources attributed blame to Syrian regime planes too. While Smart News Agency reported that “Civilian killed by

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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, Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS2848

LOCATION

مسرابا, Masraba, Damascus, Syria

Warplanes struck the residential neighbourhood of Masraba, killing one man and wounding dozens of civilians, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. Dozens of civilians were allegedly injured, including two children and three women. @Halap-today tweeted that the renewed Russian airstrikes hit Masraba, Madera and Irbid. They did not report on

Summary

First published
January 5, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
9–24
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

April 29, 2019

Incident Code

RS3636

LOCATION

كفرنبودة, Kafar Nbouda, Hama, Syria

One civilian died and up to 10 more were wounded in airstrikes on Kfar Nbouda, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime was to blame. Many reports said that regime helicopters dropped multiple barrel bombs on the town. There were reports of both artillery and airstrikes. Local Coordination

Summary

First published
April 30, 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)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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
Belligerents reported killed
3
Belligerents reported injured
2
View Incident

Incident date

November 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS214

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center listed one unidentified adult female as having been killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the Bab al Neirab neighbourhood of Aleppo. Tweeting on the same day, the Syrian Documentation Centre reported that “An air raid by Russian warplanes on several locations in Al Neirab neighbourhood has led to human losses

Summary

First published
November 30, 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

May 31, 2019

Incident Code

RS3742

LOCATION

كفرعويد, Kafar Awaid, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that a civilian was killed and two volunteers for the Syrian Civil Defense were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime double airstrikes on the village of Kafar Awaid in the area of ​​Ma’arat Al Nu’man on May 31st, 2019. @HalabTodayTV reported that “a civilian was killed and others were wounded as a

Summary

First published
May 31, 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
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS695

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One adult male was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Raqqa, according to local sources. The victim was listed by Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. He was also listed by Syria2011 and Syrian Human Rights Committee, both of whom blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
February 28, 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

March 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS727

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One 14-year-old girl, Nour Ahmad al Abdulla ‘al Najm’, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hazm farms, according to the Violations Documentation Center. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
March 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

September 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2571

LOCATION

Al Atarib, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A child was killed in an airstrike, likely to be Russian, on the city of Al Atareb, according to multiple local sources. While the vast majority of sources blamed Russia, there were also several reports that the regime were also active over the area.

Summary

First published
September 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS888

LOCATION

حور, Hor, Aleppo, Syria

One girl died and many others were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hor. The Shaam News Network blamed Russia, but provided no further details. According to Pressbshalmoon, a “little girl” died and “many others” were injured in a Russian raid. A number of other sources also said a child died, but didn’t identify the culprit.

Summary

First published
June 11, 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
View Incident

Incident date

March 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS3198

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and an unspecified number of others were wounded in airstrikes on Beit Sawa, local media reported. Sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. @KumaitAgency reported that helicopters struck the vicinity with an explosive barrel. Meanwhile, Local Coordination Committees of Syria reported: “Martyrs and wounded civilians in Russian air force

Summary

First published
March 7, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS3964

LOCATION

الحلوبة, Al Halouba, Idlib, Syria

A child was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Al Halouba, Idlib governorate, on July 27th, 2019, according to local sources. Edlib Media Center reported “the death of a child and the injury of a child as a result of an airstrike by the military regime on the town

Summary

First published
July 27, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3074

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported: “The child Ibrahim Abdul Karim al-Kharouf, a native of the town of Latamina in the north-western province of Hama, was killed by the bombing of an air force that we believe is a

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 31, 2019

Incident Code

RS4096

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al-Kubrah, Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian, a child, was killed and six other civilians were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the Al-Iman Hospital in the town of Urma Al-Kubra on August 31, 2019. Russian airstrikes allegedly struck the Al-Iman Hospital for children and women in the town of Urma Al-Kubra in western Aleppo in the middle

Summary

First published
August 31, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
3–6
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1256

LOCATION

عين دارة, Ainjara, Aleppo, Syria

One woman died and several more civilians were injured in alleged Russia airstrikes on Anjara town in western Aleppo, sources on the ground reported. According to Ahmadhamaher, “Russian warplanes targeted Anjara in the western countryside of Aleppo with two raids and missiles. LCCSY added that a woman died and other civilians were wounded in Russian

Summary

First published
September 10, 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
View Incident

Incident date

October 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1451

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and several others – reportedly children – were wounded in an alleged Russia or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Qaterji neighbourhood, according to local media. Sources reported the use of phosphorous missiles and cluster bomb in the attack. Harhoor991 said that “at 4am there was extensive warplane shelling in Aleppo and

Summary

First published
October 13, 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