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

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1071

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

According to a single source, HNN, one civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Atarib. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 30, 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

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1085

LOCATION

كفرتخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

One woman died in an airstrike on Kafr Tkharim and the surrounding countryside on the August 2nd, according to sources on the ground. Most sources attributed the event to Russia, though one said that barrel bombs had been dropped on the area, meaning that regime involvement can’t be ruled out. LCCSY and Baladi Network both

Summary

First published
August 2, 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2767

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A child was killed due to alleged Russian shelling on Abu Kamal, local media reported. Only two sources reported on the incident, and both blamed Russia. 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

November 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1722

LOCATION

معارة النعسان , Maarat al Ni’ssan, Idlib, Syria

Several local sources reported the death of one civilian and wounding of several more in alleged Russian airstrikes on Maarat al Ni’ssan. According to LCCSY, “a martyr fell and several civilians were injured in the town of Maarat al Ni’ssan north of the city [Idlib] after it was targeted with air raids by Russian warplanes.”

Summary

First published
November 29, 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

December 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1796

LOCATION

Sarqib, Idlib, Syria

A girl was seriously wounded in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Sarqib, Aleppo. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing responsibility to Russia and others the Syrian regime. According to a source the girl was trapped under the rubble for eight hours. She died of her wounds on the

Summary

First published
December 11, 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
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

March 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2035

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian, a child, was killed and others, including women and children, were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against Douma in the Damascus countryside, according to sources on the ground. Conflicting reports were given as to who was responsible for the airstrikes. The majority of sources, including @Omar_Madaniah and @ahmadalqalmone, identified Russian planes

Summary

First published
March 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2128

LOCATION

بصرة الشام , Basra al Sham, Daraa, Syria

Local media named one adult male as killed in an airstrike on Basra al Sham. Only the Violations Documentation Centre identified Russia as the culprit; the other two sources didn’t apportion blame.

Summary

First published
April 14, 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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2242

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

A child died from his wounds on May 21st from an air and artillery strike on Saqba,  according to local sources. As many as four civilians were reportedly wounded in this raid. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributed blame to Russia, while others pointed to the Syrian regime. An image

Summary

First published
May 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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

April 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2199

LOCATION

كفرزيتا , Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Local media reported the death of one named adult-male civilian – a blind man – in an alleged Russian airstrike on the Ubaida ibn al-Jarrah mosque in Kafr Zita. According to SHRC, Russian warplanes initially targeted a hospital next to the mosque – and then returned to strike the mosque itself. Smart reported:  “A journalist

Summary

First published
April 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
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

July 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2373

LOCATION

الخميسية, Al-Khamesiya, Raqqa, Syria

A shepherd was killed during the bombing on the outskirts of a “camp” – most likely for internally displaced people – in Al-Khamesiya. Sources all attributed blame to Russia for the strikes. A source states that “the house of Fawaz al-Hamdan was bombed, and the house of Mohammed al-Ghafili, and Beit Hamoud al-Dashar… [as well

Summary

First published
July 30, 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

November 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2678

LOCATION

ابو حية, Abo Hayya, Hama, Syria

A 15-year-old boy was killed, and five civilians were wounded, following alleged Russian airstrikes on Abo Hayya, according to local media. All sources blamed Russian warplanes. Alaraby specified that “Russian warplanes launched seven raids on the village of Al-Rihan and shelled the village of Abu Hayya in al-Hamra district in the eastern province’s countryside, killing

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
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

October 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS054

LOCATION

دير العصافير, Dayr Al Asafeer, Damascus, Syria

One possible non-combatant was reported killed at Dayr al Asafeer, according to a single source. Shaam News Network reported that a joint air-ground assault by Russian and Assad forces “led to the fall of one martyr” in the town, though no further details were given of their status.  

Summary

First published
October 18, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS118

LOCATION

بنسن, Banin, Idlib, Syria

One man was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Banin village, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. No further details are known at the present time.  

Summary

First published
November 4, 2015
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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

May 5, 2019

Incident Code

RS3661

LOCATION

الكندة, Al Kenda, Idlib, Syria

Mus’ab Mahmoud al Satouf, from al Hweiz village in Hama, was  killed in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Al Kenda, according to local media. No more information is available at the moment.  

Summary

First published
May 5, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2019

Incident Code

RS3697

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh, Idlib, Syria

A man was killed and three other civilians were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Heesh, Idlib governorate, on May 14th, 2019, according to local sources. Justice Organisation wrote: “One person was killed and 3 people were wounded as a result of the shelling of the Russian warplanes and

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

Incident date

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS440

LOCATION

مشفى السلام, Al Salam hospital, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian died following an alleged airstrike on Al Salam hospital in Raqqa, according to two local sources. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported the death of Izzo Hamid Al Hammash. The victims was also named as killed in a Russian strike by Raqqa Post.  

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

February 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS568

LOCATION

Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

A media activist named as Zakariya Orfalli was reported killed by a single source. According to the Syrian Network, “Monday 8th February 2016 media activist Zakariya Orfalli was killed by a missile shrapnel that went into different parts of his body as he was covering the bombing by fixed wing warplanes we believe are Russian

Summary

First published
February 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS664

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One child was killed and up to 15 other civilians injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on a school in Talbiseh according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were to blame. Activists told Shaam News Network that “Russian warplanes targeted the morning the city of Talbissa

Summary

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

Incident date

February 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS696

LOCATION

رسم عبود, Rasm Aabed, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

First published
February 29, 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 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS3855

LOCATION

سفوهن, Sfwhen, Idlib, Syria

Local sources claimed that a man was killed and others wounded in Sfwhen when Syrian regime and Russian forces bombed the region. JisrTV and Hahem Almosa accused the Syrian regime, while the Civil Defence reported both Russian and regime strikes in the area.

Summary

First published
June 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
2–3
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
Suspected target
Other
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3869

LOCATION

البارة, Al Bara, Idlib, Syria

A child was killed and others injured, when alleged Russian airstrikes struck the outskirts of Al-Bara. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “the Russian warplanes carried out raids on places on the outskirts of al-Bara and Kansafra in Jabal al-Zawiyah south of Idlib, which killed a child and injured others”. Local Coordination Committee

Summary

First published
July 4, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS857

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died in an airstrike on Sarmin, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY reported that one civilian died and several more were injured by Russian warplanes. Baladi was among other sources that pointed towards Russia, but provided

Summary

First published
June 5, 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

Incident date

June 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS921

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian woman was reported dead after Russian warplanes allegedly attacked the Kafr Naha neighbourhood. A reporter writing for Smart news said that “the woman was killed and her child injured along with seven other civilians” when “Russian warplanes targeted a town in the western countryside Kafr Naha”, using “stereochemistry missiles and cluster bombs”. RadioAlKul tweeted that

Summary

First published
June 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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

RS4097

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

At lease one civilian was killed and another wounded due to artillery and rocket shelling by the Syrian regime and Russian forces on residential neighborhoods in Kafr Nabil, struck from camp in Al-Nimr hill near Khan Sheikhoun. Baladi News reported “a civilian was killed and another wounded due to artillery and rocket shelling by the

Summary

First published
August 31, 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
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Al Qaeda/HTS
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
3
Belligerents reported injured
2
View Incident

Incident date

October 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1420

LOCATION

الغسانية, Al Ghassania, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that aerial shelling in al-Ghassania, outside Idlib, killed one woman and injured 15 more civilians. While most sources attributed this civilian casualty event to Russia, there were also allegations against the Syrian regime. According to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “warplanes shelled  Al-Ghassania village in Idlib and killed a woman and

Summary

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

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2094

LOCATION

نصيب, Nasib, Daraa, Syria

An eight year old child was killed in an airstrike in Nasib, Dara’a, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Most known sources for this event did not positively identify the aircraft. Step News reported that “Russian aircraft intensified raids yesterday [8th]…targeting two villages

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
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

October 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2584

LOCATION

الميادين, al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Alleged Russian and/or Syrian-waged airstrikes possibly killed one man and wounded several other civilians, including a child and a woman, in al-Mayadeen, according to sources on the ground. Enab Baladi reported that more than 30 raids had hit al-Mayadeen, and many other sources put the figure at 20 air raids and more. DPN reported that “Russian

Summary

First published
October 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

November 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2698

LOCATION

عبيان, Obiyan, Hama, Syria

One elderly man from Ebayyan village was reportedly killed in an airstrike on Obiyan. Sources reported that Russian warplanes were to blame for the man’s death. Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “Mohammad al Ali, age 50, from Ebayyan village affiliated to al Saboura county in Hama governorate eastern suburbs, killed as suspected Russian

Summary

First published
November 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
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

December 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2782

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike which hit a river crossing in Hajeen, local sources said. There were no reports of any wounded civilians. Sources mostly blamed Russia for the strikes, however some did not attribute blame. On December 5th, Euphrates Post reported that the strikes occurred two days ago, however all others sources

Summary

First published
December 5, 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

November 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS194

LOCATION

القريتين, Al Qaryatayn, Homs, Syria

One adult male civilian was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qaryatain according to the Violations Documentation Center. Most other sources instead said both the Assad regime and Russian aircraft participated in the event. Indicating the chaos on the ground, QNN6 reported: “Assad’s gangs, supported by Russia… are bombing the town of al

Summary

First published
November 26, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident