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

December 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2785

LOCATION

السيال, Al-Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man was killed and between eight and nine civilians were injured in airstrikes on Al-Sayyal river crossing, according to local media. All sources attributed blame to Moscow. @asharqasouri reported that Dr. Sayed Ahmed Kadouri was injured in the bombing and was transferred to a hospital where he received medial attention. Qasioun News gave the

Summary

First published
December 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–8
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS067

LOCATION

غرناطة, Gharnata, Homs, Syria

A single source, the Syrian Observatory, reported a man dying from injuries sustained earlier in the day following an alleged Russian airstrike on Gharnata. No other details are presently available.  

Summary

First published
October 22, 2015
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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS131

LOCATION

أم صحريج, Umm Sahrij, Hama, Syria

One female non-combatant was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on a mosque in Umm Sahrij, according to the Coordination of Syrian Revolution in Eastern Hama, and The Union of Hama Revolutionaries [links presently disabled.] All4Syria also reported that “The village of Umm Sahreej in the eastern Hama countryside suffered a Russian airstrike which

Summary

First published
November 8, 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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS163

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian factory worker was killed and two injured in an alleged Russian missile strike on the Atlas Factory for cotton in Hayyan, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Violations Documentation Centre. The VDC published an image (right) of the unnamed victim. In a separate report, it has also listed 35-year old from

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
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

May 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3690

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

One civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafar Zeita, multiple local sources reported. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “Loay Barazi was killed as fixed- wing warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on Kafr Zita city in Hama governorate northern suburbs, on May 10th.”

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)
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

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS560

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

One child, named by the Violations Documentation Center as Hasan Nasser,  was killed in an airstrike on Hraytan according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “places in Qabr al-Englizi area (tomb of the

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
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

March 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS3323

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and several civilians, among which children, were wounded in alleged artillery and airstrikes on the city of Harasta. Conflicting reports blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. While most sourced mentioned 1 casualty, @hmadaataya reported on Twitter that nine civilians were killed. Smart News Agency reported that more than

Summary

First published
March 21, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 9
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

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS624

LOCATION

الغنطو, Al Ghantu, Homs, Syria

One male child, was killed in Al Ghantu, according to local sources. However reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were to blame, and most pointed towards Assad artillery. Only the Violations Documentation Center attributed the incident to Russia. Homs Media Center named the victim, though didn’t say who was responsible. Koooookeh11 tweeted:

Summary

First published
February 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
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

February 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS656

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Center one adult male, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Douma. The VDC linked to a video by the media activist Yasser al Fawal al Doumani which includes a voiceover saying that the victim was killed by Russian warplanes. Abobian said there had been three raids by warplanes, but

Summary

First published
February 22, 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

April 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS752

LOCATION

الراشدية, Rashidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two sources named Anas Al-Kujeijeh as killed in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike in Deir Ezzour. A tweet by Deirfree blamed Russia for the raids and spoke of several wounded. However, SPC News reported that “regime forces bombed Al Huweiqa neighbourhood in the countryside of Deir al-Zour with rocket launchers which led to the death of “Anas Al Kajijah”

Summary

First published
April 12, 2016
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

May 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS816

LOCATION

‏الكبر‬, Al Kiber, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian male named as Sahir Attallah al Ayyad died from injuries sustained in a reported Russian airstrike on al Kiber “two months earlier.” No additional details are presently known, including the precise date of death.    

Summary

First published
May 29, 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 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS3900

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafar Zeita on July 13th, 2019. At first, only a woman was reported killed and at least two civilians wounded when alleged Russian or Syrian shelled Kafar Zeita. In addition, Abdullah al-Aboud, a volunteer for the Syrian Civil Defense, was wounded while searching for survivors

Summary

First published
July 13, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman1 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS946

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that an alleged Russian strike on an aid store house in Urma al-Kubra killed one woman and wounded up to 12 other civilians. According to sources on the ground, the targeted building belonged the aid organisation “Big Heart”. Step News Agency said that “one of the refineries and a fuel oil plant

Summary

First published
June 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–12
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

July 23, 2019

Incident Code

RS3942

LOCATION

جبالا, Jabala, Idlib, Syria

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

Summary

First published
July 23, 2019
Last updated
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
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1379 RS2390

LOCATION

زباري, Al Zabari, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian male was killed in an airstrike on Al-Zabari, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, the Syrian regime or Russia was to blame for the raids. There were no reports of wounded civilians. Sharqya Voice, Saud Sbekhan and Alarby blamed the Coalition. But according to the

Summary

First published
August 16, 2017
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2773

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

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

Summary

First published
November 28, 2017
Last updated
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

September 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1217

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and several others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike with cluster bombs on Sarmin in Idlib governorate, according to local media. Alamawi, Rozana FM, Derynews, LCCSY and the Syrian Network for Human Rights all attributed the event to Russia, with many sources reporting the use of cluster bombs.

Summary

First published
September 4, 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

November 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1673

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Multiple sources reported that up to three airstrikes struck the city of Douma in eastern Ghouta, Damascus, killing one woman and injuring up to another nine civilians. The female victim was identified by many sources. It was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Several sources said that the strikes hit residential areas, including

Summary

First published
November 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1564

LOCATION

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

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

Summary

First published
November 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

May 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2210

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma'arat Al-Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

A remnant from a cluster bomb, allegedly Russian, killed one man and wounded another civilian when it exploded in Maarat al-Nu’man, Idlib, local media reported. All known sources agreed that the incident was triggered by a cluster bomb remnant from a previous Russian bombardment. Step News reported that the civilian harm was caused “after the

Summary

First published
May 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 men)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2191

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Orme al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

A civilian was killed in alleged Russian air strikes on the town of Urme Al Kobra in western Aleppo according to local reports. The Smart News Agency reported: “A member of the civil defense team, Mohammed Abu Adel, said that a civilian was killed after Russian raids on the town of Orme al-Kubra (18 km

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–14
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2426

LOCATION

معبار حطلة , Hatla Crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian, Mousa ‘Abd al-Salam al-Kharabah, was killed in an airstrike on the Hatla crossing in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 11th 2017, according to local media. It is unclear who was responsible for the strikes. The Violation Documentation Centre in Syria blamed the ‘Syrian government and its militias’, but does not directly identify the

Summary

First published
September 11, 2017
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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2792

LOCATION

برج سبنة, the villages of Burj Sabna and Abu Tina, Aleppo, Syria

A civilian was killed, and four others were wounded, in a series of ten airstrikes on Burj Sabna, Aleppo, local media reported. All sources attributed blame to Moscow. Surface rockets and cluster bombs were reportedly used in the raids, which were a renewed attack from previous weeks. According to Step News, the “villages of Burj

Summary

First published
December 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2838

LOCATION

اورم الجوز, Urme Al-Jooz, Idlib, Syria

One man was killed, and as many as five civilians were injured  – including a woman – in airstrikes on Urme Al-Jooz, local sources reported. Only two sources blamed Russian raids, while the others did not attribute blame. Footage published shows fires engulfing infrastructure. The Syrian Civil Defence wrestled to put out the flames. Local

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 3, 2019

Incident Code

RS3652

LOCATION

بيدر شمسو, Baydar Shamsou, Idlib, Syria

A young girl, named as Bisan Hasan al Atrash, died and five or six other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on Baydar Shamsou, local media reported. In a video posted by Baladi News, a member of the White Helmets says that “warplanes raided the village of Baydar Shamsou,

Summary

First published
May 3, 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
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 12, 2015

Incident Code

RS142

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One civilian man was reported killed when Russian warplanes allegedly launched several airstrikes using vacuum missiles. The Union of Hama Rebels later claimed there were 15 Russian raids on the town that morning.  

Summary

First published
November 12, 2015
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

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3682

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

One civilian died of his injuries four days after alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery strikes on Kafar Zeita, Hama governorate, on May 7th, 2019, according to local sources. Smart News reported that Russian artillery fire on the town of Kafar Zeita, north of Hama, wounded a number of civilians. Step News Agency wrote: “A

Summary

First published
May 7, 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
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3841

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan Al Subul, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in airstrikes on Khan Al Subul, Idlib, on June 22nd. Macro Media Centre and Syria.liveuamap alleged that “one civilian was killed and three others wounded in air raids on the city of Khan Al Subul”, while Edlib Media Centre initially reported that “a man and a woman were injured when a military aircraft

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
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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
Suspected target
Other
View Incident

Incident date

June 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS828

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

One woman died and between two and eight other civilians were injured in  airstrikes on Ariha, according to local sources. While most sources said that Russia was responsible, LCCSY blamed the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network reported that one woman was killed and two other civilians injured in Russian strikes on Ariha. Other sources,

Summary

First published
June 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS989

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

One young man died in an airstrike on Khan al Sheikh, western Ghouta, according to local media – though reports were split on whether Russia or the Syrian regime carried out the strike. LCCSY named the victim and blamed Russia. The Smart News Agency also said that Russia warplanes “killed a civilian and wounded more

Summary

First published
July 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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