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

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1254

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between two and fifteen civilians including one woman died and 43 more were reportedly wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on Marja, according to local media. Alamawi, Jisrtv, LCCSY all blamed Russia. In a video published by Piepers Umran (see below), a man says that Russian planes “targeted civilians as there are no militants in

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 15
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
43
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 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS3266

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

In a major incident, between 12 and 15 civilians including multiple members from several families were reported killed in alleged Russian or regime strikes on the town of Hamourya. There were also reports of the use of “toxic gases” in the attacks. @Baraa_Abdul tweeted: The regime is targeting the town of Hamourya with toxic gases

Summary

First published
March 14, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 15
(4 children3 women8 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
15 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2946

LOCATION

اريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

In what has been described by local media as a massacre, as many as 15 civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Souq Al Hal (markets) in Ariha. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. Sources differed when reporting on the number of civilian deaths, with Syrian

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 15
(2 children1 woman8 men)
Civilians reported injured
18–24
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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS683

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Seven to fifteen civilians including three children and two women were killed and ten more injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “alleged Russian warplanes shelled the residential houses in Kafr Hamra town in northern Aleppo suburbs which killed 7 individuals including

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 15
(2–3 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
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

December 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1782

LOCATION

بِنِّش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

In this major event, local sources reported that alleged Russian airstrikes killed between zero and 15 civilians, including three children, and wounded up to 24, as they struck the city of Binnish, Idlib. While Qasioun News said that there were no reports of casualties, the remaining sources reported up to 15 fatalities, including children. Eight

Summary

First published
December 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 15
(3 children5 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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
8 named
Geolocation
Nearby landmark
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1755

LOCATION

حي الجلوم , Al Jalloum neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 15 civilians, including six children and two women, were killed in an airstrike on Al Jalloum, Aleppo – whilst a “number” were wounded, according to local media. All of the known sources attributed responsibility for the event to Russian jets. Syrian Press Center reported that “the warplanes launched intensive airstrikes on Monday [6th]

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 15
(0–6 children0–2 women)
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

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2354

LOCATION

قرية عياش , Ayyash village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that between 10 and 15 civilians died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Ayyash village. Multiple sources named the victims, 10 of whom were from the family of Khalaf Khader al-Faleh. The Violations Documentation Centre also listed five unidentified adult males as killed, reportedly from Aleppo. The majority of

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(7–10 children3–6 women)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2360

LOCATION

الخضير , Kudeir, Hama, Syria

Between 10 and 15 civilians – most of them reportedly from the Al Mahmoud family – died and as many as 30 more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kudeir , according to local media. The lowest death count was given by Ahmad Shibli at 10 with dozens more wounded. But most other

Summary

First published
July 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(4 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–30
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
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS834

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Al Castello road Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between eight and 15 civilians died when a bus was struck on the Al Castello road, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. The Shaam News Network initially reported regime warplanes killed six civilians when they “fired near a bus on Al Castello

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 15
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 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1564 RS2583

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, al Mohadatha school, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 11 and 15 civilians including an entire family died and dozens more were wounded in a reported airstrike near the al Mohadatha school in Abu Kamal, according to local media. Sources, however, were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. A number of reports did not identify the warplanes

Summary

First published
October 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 15
(5 children2 women7 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
Named victims
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2241

LOCATION

سوحا, Soha , Homs, Syria

Between 13 and 15 civilians were killed – and as many as 30 were wounded – following an airstrike on a bakery in Soha. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. All sources blamed Russia, except Syrian News Desk, which blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. Sources reported that ten out of

Summary

First published
May 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 15
Civilians reported injured
12–30
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 6, 2015

Incident Code

RS021 CS134

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

According to the Syrian Observatory, “preliminary information reported the death of civilians – including women and children – in the bombing by Russian warplanes on areas at the eastern outskirts of Palmyra city which is controlled by the ‘Islamic State’.” According to most sources, between 12 and 14 members of two Bedouin families died, including

Summary

First published
October 6, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 15
(5 children4 women)
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, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS631 CS176a

LOCATION

تل الجاير, Al Jayer, Al Hassakah, Syria

An airstrike targeted a local taxi bus killing between ten and 15 civilians including up to seven children according to sources – although there was disagreement over whether the Coalition or Russia was responsible. According to the Hassakah Youth Movement, “the Hyundai belongs to Hussein Morei Al Atiya [who died in the attack]. Mr Atiya

Summary

First published
February 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(2–7 children4 men)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, US-led Coalition
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 31, 2016

Incident Code

CS220 RS824

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

As many as 15 civilians including at least three children reportedly died in Coalition airstrikes in support of a major Kurdish ground offensive against Daesh near Manbij. Citing the Syrian Observatory, Reuters noted that “U.S.-led air strikes in support of the ground operation [reportedly] killed 15 civilians including three children near Manbij in the past

Summary

First published
May 31, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 15
(1–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1277

LOCATION

بلدة الطيبة, Al Tayba, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 15 civilians including nine people from the same family died and dozens more were injured in airstrikes near Taybah in Mayadin, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the Coalition or Russia were to blame. The Step News Agency, Smart News Agency and Zamanalwasl were among sources pointing

Summary

First published
July 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 15
(4–5 children2–5 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
Named victims
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1332

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between three and 15 civilians were reported killed and ten more injured in airstrikes on the Al Sakhour neighbourhood of Aleppo. The majority of sources blamed Russia, though several reports said that barrel bombs had been dropped on the neighbourhood – a weapon known to be used by the Syrian regime. HNN named two victims.

Summary

First published
September 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 15
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS525

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Between 12 and 15 civilians were killed including up to eight children and three women – and dozens more injured – in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hraytan, according to local sources. Shaam News Network posted a distressing video showing the body of a dead child “following raids by Russian craft“. A brief subsequent report said

Summary

First published
February 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 15
(2–8 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
24–50
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

September 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1343

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and 15 civilians were killed in either Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Sakhour neighbourhood of Aleppo, local media reported. Microsyria reported 15 civilians were killed in the raids. According to Almesryoon, civilian infrastructure was struck by Russian jet, including “popular markets and bakeries”. Hassannkanjo wrote on Twitter: “Russian aviation targets

Summary

First published
September 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS408

LOCATION

تل مكسور, Tall Maksour, Aleppo, Syria

Alaan TV said that five civilians died and seven others were injured – some critically – in an alleged Russian strike. Halab TV put the death toll higher – at 15 – but did not say whose warplanes were responsible for the incident. According to LCCSY, 15 civilians died in strikes on Tal Maksour and

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 15
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS001

LOCATION

الزعفرانة, Za`faranah, Homs, Syria

Fifteen non-combatants were reported killed at the village of Za`faranah in Russia’s first wave of airstrikes in support of the Syrian regime. According to the Syrian state-run news agency SANA, Russian warplanes targeted “ISIS dens” in al-Rastan, Talbiseh and Zafaraniya in Homs province; Al-Tilol al-Hmer, in Qunaitra province; Aydoun, a village on the outskirts of

Summary

First published
September 30, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
(2 children5 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
46
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 19, 2019

Incident Code

RS3702

LOCATION

كفرنبل , Kafar Nubul, Idlib, Syria

According to numerous sources, a series of consecutive overnight strikes devastated a neighbourhood of Kafar Nubul from May 19th to 20th, killing 10 to 15 civilians, while injuring two to 20. While the majority of sources held Russia accountable for the bombardment, a minority did not positively attribute blame. Women and children were named by

Summary

First published
May 19, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(3–7 children2–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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
Al Qaeda/HTS
Named victims
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1526

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Between eight and 15 civilians, including women and children, were killed and between 20 and 25 civilians were wounded in airstrikes launched against the town of Kafr Naha in western Aleppo. Local sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the airstrikes. According to Mohammed Haj Hussein, a local media and civil defence correspondent, airstrikes

Summary

First published
November 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 15
(2–5 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
20–25
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

March 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1995

LOCATION

eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

A child was among at least two civilians killed by alleged Russian or Syrian air or artillery strikes in the besieged eastern towns of eastern Ghouta, according to sources on the ground. Al Jazeera reported 15 dead. Schools in the area closed due the proximity of the strikes, according to SMART News, who blamed both Russia

Summary

First published
March 20, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 15
(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

March 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3148

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Between two and 15 civilians were killed, and several others were wounded, in airstrikes on Hamouriya, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. As many as “30 Syrian shells” were fired on the vicinity, according to Sky News. Rockets and barrel bombs coming from helicopters targeted the

Summary

First published
March 3, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 15
(1 child1 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2768

LOCATION

البقعان, Baq'an, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 10 and 15 civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Baq’an, local media reported. Sources attributed the blamed to both Russian and Syrian regime raids. The raids struck the Al-Baka`an river crossing, according to sources. A source reported that “the aircraft bombed a passageway on the West Bank of the

Summary

First published
November 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(5 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1281

LOCATION

حور, Hor, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that 15 civilians including three children died and dozens more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Hor, outside Aleppo – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russian warplanes of regime helicopters dropping barrel bombs were to blame. Several sources reported twelve fatalities: for instance, Shahed-ayan news stated

Summary

First published
September 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
(3 children3 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
15 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS410

LOCATION

بغيلية, Al Baghiliya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

15 civilians including one woman and nine children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Baghiliya, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network blamed Russia for the strikes, reporting: “Activists have denied the news published by Assad’s media that IS had committed a massacre against civilians in Al Baghiliya district.  The regime said

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
(9 children1 woman)
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
16 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2273

LOCATION

عقيربات أبو حواديد , Abu Huwadid village near Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Between ten and 15 civilians died, including ten or 11 from the Bakhour family, in an alleged Russian airstrike on their home in Abu Huwadid village near Akeirbat, according to sources on the ground. Sources attributed the blame to Russia. The Local council of Akeirbat and its countryside on Facebook said that the only survivor

Summary

First published
June 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(3–5 children1–4 women6 men)
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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS099

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 15 civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on the Aleppo district of Fardous. According to Shaam News, “A further 15 civilians were killed in Al Ferdous neighborhood after a Russian plane targeted it with several vacuum missiles – in addition to about five martyrs in Salah al-Din neighborhood.”    

Summary

First published
October 30, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 15
(6 children4 men)
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
13 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS838

LOCATION

الهلك, Huluk (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 15 civilians died in an incident in Huluk, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. The Shaam News Network reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. It said that this

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 15
Civilians reported injured
4–10
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
View Incident