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

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

Incident date

November 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1561

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed and many others wounded in an airstrike which struck Darat Izza at approximately 6.00pm, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the raids, with some apportioning blame to Russian warplanes and others to the Syrian regime. One source reported the use of phosphorous bombs during

Summary

First published
November 10, 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
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

June 15, 2019

Incident Code

RS3806

LOCATION

ديرسنبل, Deir Sinbol, Idlib, Syria

A woman was killed and a child wounded in Deir Sinbol when, according to Smart News, Russian warplanes shelled the village. The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed “Syrian regime fixed-wingwarplanes” instead. Some sources said vacuum missiles were used in this attack, allegedly by the Syrian regime. No other details are known at this time.

Summary

First published
June 15, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3839

LOCATION

تل ملح, Tel Melh, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in artillery shelling in Tal Melh, Hama, on June 22nd. Syrian Network for Human Rights named the civilian killed as Ahmad Ibrahim al Hmoud. Although Step News alleged the death of one civilian in one tweet, naming the Syrian regime as the responsible belligerent, another report by Step News regarding

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
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
Other
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS932

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

One woman died and other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab city, Aleppo governorate, local sources reported. According to  LCCYS, “The Russian warplanes used internationally-banned phosphorous bombs and vacuum missiles on Bab city and Mahdoum in the eastern suburb, resulting in the death of one woman and injury of other people”.

Summary

First published
June 23, 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

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3086

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalaka, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were left injured, local media reported following aerial shelling of Zamalaka, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, carried out by either Russia, the Syrian regime, or both. al-Jazeera’s correspondent in eastern Ghouta reported how “raids of the regime and Russia targeted residential buildings with internationally banned cluster bombs, explosive barrels and napalm

Summary

First published
February 24, 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

July 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1028

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

A 10 year-old child named Jamil Mustafa was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Ferdos neighbourhood, according to LCCSY. Despite this claim, a pro-regime Twitter page reported that “Syrian warplanes targeted armed groups in Ferdos and Kallaseh neighbourhoods and injured some armed members.” Step News reported sighting helicopters which threw explosive barrels

Summary

First published
July 22, 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 belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2019

Incident Code

RS4048

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria

During another day of heavy Russian and Assad regime strikes on rebel-held areas of Idlib, one civilian was reported killed and another wounded in Kafr Sijna according to local sources. A tweet from @baladinetwork identified a “martyr and wounded as a result of Russian warplanes targeting the town of Kafr Sijnah.” Shaam News noted that

Summary

First published
August 18, 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
1
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS1738

LOCATION

حريتان , Hraitan, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One girl died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hraitan, according to local media. Halab Today reported “the martyrdom of the girl Yasmine Shaheen and the injury of five civilians, mostly children, as a result of Russian air strikes on the city of Hreitan in the northern countryside of Aleppo”. The victim was also named

Summary

First published
December 4, 2016
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2656

LOCATION

تل الرمان, Tal Al-Rumman, Hama, Syria

A child was killed and two women were wounded by airstrikes on Tal Al-Rumman on October 24, 2017, local media reported. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. One source reported there were a number of injured civilians, but did not specify a number, however Smart News alleged two women were wounded in the

Summary

First published
October 24, 2017
Last updated
April 17, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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
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

October 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2618

LOCATION

الطيانة, Al-Tayaneh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was reportedly killed by airstrikes on the town of Al-Tayaneh, Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though it was unclear who was to blame. Activists on the ground told Smart News Agency that “the aircraft bombarded a crossing on the Euphrates River in the town of al Tayana connecting the eastern and western banks,

Summary

First published
October 9, 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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2523

LOCATION

محمبل, Muhambal, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian, a girl, was killed and at least five others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Muhambal in Idlib governorate, according to local sources. The “intensive air-raids” consisted of rockets. Some sources did not mention civilian casualties but did confirm bombing in the vicinity. One of the comments

Summary

First published
September 25, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2964

LOCATION

الغدفة, Al-Ghadafa, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed and several others injured as aerial and/or artillery shelling hit the town of Al-Ghadafa, Idlib, local media reported – though it was unclear how to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Both Smart News Agency and Step News Agency reported that strikes believed to have been carried out

Summary

First published
February 2, 2018
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

November 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS128

LOCATION

حي خان العسل, Khan Al Assal (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

The White Helmets reported that one woman was killed and several other civilians injured following an alleged strike by Russian planes. The event may be linked to the previous incident between Kafr Naha and Khan al Assal. The only woman as listed by VDC as killed in an airstrike that day was Halima Abid al

Summary

First published
November 7, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

August 5, 2017

Incident Code

R3211

LOCATION

بداما , Bdama, Idlib, Syria

One child was killed when a cluster bomb dropped in a previous airstrike exploded in Bdama, local media reported. EdlibEMC said that the bomb was dropped by Russia, though the other sources didn’t identify the culprit. It was not clear when the munitions was dropped.

Summary

First published
August 5, 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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident