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

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2840

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

One was killed and several civilians were wounded – including women and children – in a continuous air and artillery bombardment which hit the residential neighbourhood of Arbeen, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Many blamed Russia, some blamed the Syrian regime and others remained impartial. @syriahr – who

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–17
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 30, 2019

Incident Code

RS3635

LOCATION

أرينبة, Ariyanba, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that a woman was killed by shelling in the village of Ariyanba in the southern countryside of Idlib. Two or three other people were reported wounded. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime was to blame. HalabTodayTV added that dozens of families were displaced as a result of

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 woman)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS181

LOCATION

جب القبة, Jib al Qiba (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation, one adult male civilian (listed as a 25-year-old teacher) was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jeb el Kibba. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “Alleged Russian warplanes launched a rocket on residential houses on Joub Al Kibba neighbourhood which killed an individual and injured not less

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

May 14, 2019

Incident Code

RS3695

LOCATION

شهرناز, Shahrnaz, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that an alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrike killed a 75-year-old man in Shahrnaz in the countryside of Hama on May 14th, 2019. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported “Oqla Jassem Al-Hamoud, aged 75, was killed when helicopters of the Syrian regime forces, fired several barrel bombs on the village

Summary

First published
May 14, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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

January 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS2869

LOCATION

ابو حبة, Abu Hibba, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed and others were wounded in airstrikes which struck Abu Hibba, according to sources on the ground. Local media was conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to Russia while others blamed the Syrian regime. According to the Step News Agency, explosive barrels were used, a bomb normally used

Summary

First published
January 8, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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

December 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS246

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

A male child, named as nine month old Ahmad Hamze Layla, was killed in an airstrike on Anadan, according to both the Violations Documentation Centre and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. It is unclear whether regime or Russian forces were responsible for the alleged raid. The VDC said the victim was killed by Russian

Summary

First published
December 9, 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3715

LOCATION

الشيخ مصطفى, Al Sheikh Mustafa, Idlib, Syria

Step Agency and Smart News reported that one civilian was killed in air raids on the village of Al Sheikh Mustafa, Idlib, on May 26th. Step News agency attributed the attack to Russia, initially reporting that “several people were injured” in the “Russian raids” that “coincided with a rocket attack”. In a later post, Step

Summary

First published
May 26, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS2915

LOCATION

معرحاطط, Mar Hatet, Idlib, Syria

An adult male was killed and an unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Mar Hatet, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. All sources blamed Russian warplanes, however Violations Documentation Centre blamed the Syrian regime and its associates. The three raids which struck the residential area

Summary

First published
January 19, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2931

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported the death of a woman by Russian warplane shelling. The victim was named. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 21, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3016

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

At least one male civilian was killed and several other non-combatants wounded following alleged Russian or Assad-waged aerial and artillery shelling Hamouriya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. Orient News’ correspondent described how strikes believe to have been conducted by the regime hit residential areas in the countryside town, killing one person and injuring “others.”

Summary

First published
February 11, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS502

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Shaam News Network, Russian forces targeted the town of Azaz with two ballistic missiles, causing the death of one civilian and injury of several others. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently published an image of a young man, who came from Raqqa and was said to have died in bombing. The source does not say which day the incident

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
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 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS694

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

One woman and her unborn child were killed and up to 20 other civilians injured in airstrikes on Jisr al Shughour, according to local sources. Two alleged that Russia was responsible. However a third (the Syrian Network for Human Rights) blames the Assad regime. Shaam News reported that Russian warplanes carried out air raids targeting

Summary

First published
February 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–20
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
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3866

LOCATION

كنصفرة, Kansafra, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that a child was killed and his father and others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Kansafra, Idlib governorate, around noon on July 4th, 2019. The Syrian Civil Defense was at the scene and reported that the village was struck with an explosive missile. According to the Syrian

Summary

First published
July 4, 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

September 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2461

LOCATION

موحسن, Mohassein, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One female was killed due to alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Mohassein, local media reported. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3163

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed and four others were wounded in airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, local media reported. Most sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime or the raids. Smart News Agency reported that “warplanes launched a rocket-propelled grenade in the center of the city, killing one woman and wounding four others, including two women

Summary

First published
March 4, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1027

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al-Shughur, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed and nine more were injured in an airstrike by alleged Russian warplanes on Jisr al Shoughour, according to local media. Jisrtv reported that the attack occurred between 1.00 and 1.06. All reports claimed to sight Russian warplanes, who reportedly carried out cluster missile attacks on Jisr al Shoughour. According to Smart

Summary

First published
July 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
9
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

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1494 Rs2450

LOCATION

سعلو, Deir Ez-Zor, Sa'alu, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One female civilian, died in an alleged airstrike on the village of Sa’alu, according to local media. The US-led Coalition and Russia were both cited as culprit, amongst multiple references to unidentified aircraft. According to Qasioun, the Coalition bombed Sa’alu as part of an aerial offensive that targeted multiple villages in the east of Deir

Summary

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

Incident date

August 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS4072

LOCATION

معرشورين, Ma'ar Shourin, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported between one and two civilians killed and an unspecified number wounded in an alleged Russia or regime airstrike on Ma’ar Shourin in August 25, 2019. A tweet by @omar_alhalaby alleged that “Russian warplanes target civilians’ cars while they are fleeing the town as a result of the violent bombardment on them, which

Summary

First published
August 25, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1202

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

One child, named as 15-year-old child died and up to nine others were wounded in an airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, local media reported. However, it was unclear who was responsible: most sources didn’t apportion blame – though others pointed to Russia and the Assad regime. According to @SyrianArwad, “Russian and Syrian warplanes launched air raids

Summary

First published
August 31, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1632

LOCATION

كفر ناها , Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Halab News named one victim, Yunus Ali Abd al Rahman (also named by Hamza AlYousuf) as killed in a Russian strike on Kafr Naha, Aleppo. However, Halab News was the only outlet that directly accused Russia of carrying out raids; other sources didn’t apportion blame.

Summary

First published
November 18, 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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2119

LOCATION

كفركرمين, Kafr Karmin, Aleppo, Syria

One child – a six-year-old girl – died and up to six more civilians including another child and two women were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Kafr Karmin on the night of April 11th-12th, according to local media. Qasioun reported: “A girl was killed and others were wounded early today [April 12th],

Summary

First published
April 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2157

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Lataminah, Hama, Syria

A father was killed and his children were injured on an airstrike which struck their home in Lataminah, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming the Syrian regime, others blaming Russia. The Syrian Network for Human Rights  blamed the “Syrian-Russian alliance”. Civil Defence Hama initially reported that

Summary

First published
April 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2329

LOCATION

موحسن, Mohsen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In this single-source event, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “Russian or regime warplanes” carried out airstrikes in Mohsen on July 9th, killing a woman and wounding “others”. Currently, there are no further details available.

Summary

First published
July 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2582

LOCATION

قرية الصالحية, Al-Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was killed and several other civilians were injured by alleged Russian airstrikes in al-Al-Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Euphrates Post summed up the event by reporting “the martyrdom of the child Ali Mohi Al-Hussein Al-Ramdan in addition to the injury of three people.” Most sources reported that two raids had been launched, except @JFLngo,

Summary

First published
October 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2517

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed and several others were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the city of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib. Step News Agency was the only source to report on the incident and they identified Russian forces as responsible for the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
September 25, 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

December 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2832

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma'ret Al Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed and several others were left wounded as an alleged Assad or Russian-waged airstrike hit Ma’ret Al Nu’man, Idlib, local media reported. @aladeyeh and Masar Press, who both identified Russia as the culprit, reported one fatality and two wounded. Meanwhile, @OsamaKaial reported that the strike had wounded several civilians. It was the

Summary

First published
December 31, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS031

LOCATION

تل عاس, Telaas, Idlib, Syria

A possible civilian was reported killed in an alleged Russian strike at Telaas near Khan Shaykhoun. VDC named one adult male as a non-combatant victim. However, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported only that “A fighter from a combat force was killed from wounds sustained after Russian planes targeted Brigade 13 in Telaas in southern Idlib

Summary

First published
October 9, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS063

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar Rastan, Homs, Syria

A number of civilians were reported injured, after a midnight Russian air raid on the headquarters of a local rebel faction based in Ar Rastan. Two fighters were confirmed killed. one of whom was originally reported to have been a non-combatant. According to Sin News, the air raid “resulted in the collapse of the entire

Summary

First published
October 20, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS3621

LOCATION

بادية ريف ديرالزور الغربي, Badiyah of Deir Ezzor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that a child died of her injuries on April 25th after alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Badiyah (the desert) in the western Deir Ezzor countryside several days earlier. @DeirEzzor24 tweeted: “The child Sumaya Saleh Al Bayram died of injuries she received several days ago in aerial bombardment by #Russia on the Badiyah

Summary

First published
April 23, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 6, 2019

Incident Code

RS3670

LOCATION

أم نير,, Um Neir, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Um Neir, Idlib governorate, on May 6th, according to local media. Hmaid al Mohammad was killed as fixed-wing warplanes believed to be Russian fired a missile on Um Neir village in Idlib, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. An unknown number of civilians were also

Summary

First published
May 6, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident