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

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

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

May 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2260

LOCATION

عقيربات , Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

The Smart News Agency reported airstrikes on ‘civilian homes’ in Akeirbat which killed one civilian and wounded three others, including one woman. This was believed to have been part of a larger series of airstrikes on one town and four village under the control of the Islamic State, Smart News said.

Summary

First published
May 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2499

LOCATION

كفرحلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo , Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and two to eight others were injured in four airstrikes against the village of Kafr Halab in southwest Aleppo, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing the blame to Russia while others, such as Aleppo24, blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime.

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2420

LOCATION

حطلة,, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source, the Euphrates Post, reported that unidentified warplanes struck two cars carrying families the town of Hatla shortly before, killing one of them. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
September 9, 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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

December 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2805

LOCATION

التح, Al Tah, Idlib, Syria

One girl was killed and two other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Al Tah, according to local media. Images published by a local source, @alathre1989, shows the severe damage to the residential property. Despite most sources reporting that the casualty was a female child, @hish_m_c alleged that she

Summary

First published
December 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child0–1 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2836

LOCATION

الهيمانية, Al-Haymaniya, Hama, Syria

A young man was killed by airstrikes which raided the village of Al-Haymaniya in Hama. Sources either blamed Russia or did not attribute blame. A number of civilians were reportedly injured however local media did not specify how many. According to Baladi, “Russian warplanes launched air raids with high-explosive missiles on the village of Haymaneya

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
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 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2473

LOCATION

الهبيط, Al-Habeet, Idlib, Syria

A man died during alleged Russian or Syrian shelling on the town of Al-Habeet in rural Idlib, local sources reported. Salah Ahmad Al-Jamili had come to the city from Helfaya, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights.  

Summary

First published
September 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

November 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS107

LOCATION

معرتماتر, Ma’ar Tamater, Idlib, Syria

A child named as Ahmad Ali al-Yousef was reported killed following an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Ma’artamater. The Violations Documentation Center and Syrian Observatory blamed Russia. The pro-regime Shaam Times – citing “military sources” – confirmed that unspecified aircraft had supported ground operations at Ma’artamater. And the Damascus Centre for Human Rights

Summary

First published
November 1, 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
View Incident

Incident date

May 3, 2019

Incident Code

RS3649

LOCATION

الهبيط, Al Habit, Idlib, Syria

A male civilian was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Al Habit, Idlib governorate, on May 3r, 2019, according to local sources. At least one other man was reportedly wounded. HalabTodayTV reported that a civilian was killed in airstrikes by a warplane, without identifying the belligerent. Al Arabiya reported

Summary

First published
May 3, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Other
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS139

LOCATION

خان طومان, Khan Tomam, Aleppo, Syria

According to the VDC, one adult male civilian was killed in an alleged strike by Russian warplanes. The victim name has been published by local media activist. A major battle appears to have taken place in the town, with the FSA reporting that one of its commanders was killed. And almost all sources blamed Russia

Summary

First published
November 10, 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

Incident date

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3679

LOCATION

البارة, Al Bara, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed and others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Al Bara in rural Idlib on May 7th, 2019, according to local sources. Jorf News wrote that “a civilian was killed and others were wounded by airstrikes on the town of Al Bara in the southern

Summary

First published
May 7, 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS333

LOCATION

معر زيتة, Marzita, Idlib, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Marzita, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. According to the SOHR one man from Ma’ra al-Nu’man died from wounds sustained in alleged Russian airstrikes targeting Marzita.    

Summary

First published
December 30, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2928

LOCATION

ايبلا, Ebla, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed when alleged Russian airstrikes struck the University of Ebla, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the “heavy aerial bombardament” on the vicinity. According to Baladi News there were more than 15 raids on the area which damaged the University building and destroyed its property. There are no

Summary

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

Incident date

June 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3758

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported the death of one civilian in airstrikes on Kafar Sijna, Idlib, on June 4th. Syrian Network for Human Rights named the civilian killed as Abdul Razzaq al Hamwiya. @yamanalbauosh tweeted a video saying the rocket used in the attack carried phosphorous, and @SYR_REV_NEWS said vacuum rockets were also used. While Smart News

Summary

First published
June 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 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 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS397

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian strike in Palmyra when the car he was driving was hit. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that warplanes “believed to be Russian” carried out several intense raids which targeted areas in “al-Qaryatayn city in the southeastern countryside of Homs and other areas in the

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS653

LOCATION

الحصان, Al Hissan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Akhbar.net reported that one non-combatant died in a Russian strike on the town of al Hissan. The VDC named one adult male, as killed in a Russian strike. However, Gulf Eye News  and Akbaralan News reported deaths in nearby Hatlah from Russian strikes, but none in Al Hissan.  

Summary

First published
February 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS685

LOCATION

منق; منّغ, Meng, Aleppo, Syria

One woman, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Meng, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. The 44-year-old victim was also named by the Syrian Human Rights Committee.  

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS717

LOCATION

الجنينة, Al Jneina, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One adult male civilian died in an explosion from the remains of a cluster bomb in Jneina, Deir Ezzor, allegedly dropped by a Russian warplane, according to multiple sources. Four sources named the civilian as 45-year-old Sawadi Salloum, all saying he was killed in a cluster bomb explosion following a raid that morning.  

Summary

First published
March 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS749

LOCATION

الضمير, Dumayr, Damascus, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed and many people wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Dumayr, according to local sources. The Violations Documentation Center names Omar Mahdi al-Khasi and says he was killed “due to Russian air forces shelling”. However, in a tweet by Marwanqadi it was reported that he “died in a regime warplanes

Summary

First published
April 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS813

LOCATION

الهلك, Huluk (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

A member of the the White Helmets was reported killed and two ambulances destroyed in airstrikes or barrel bomb strikes on Hulluk and Bai’deen.  

Summary

First published
May 28, 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 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS846

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. It said that this coincided with “violent artillery shelling“, killing one civilian in the Hraytan neighbourhood. Anadanmedia, Abdullahzaidan, Jisr TV, Shahba Press, Qasioun and Radio Akul all blamed Russia.

Summary

First published
June 3, 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

July 12, 2019

Incident Code

RS3897

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

A woman was killed when an explosive barrel was dropped from a helicopter. Shaam claimed the attack was carried out by a Russian or Syrian regime aircraft. According to Syrian Network for Human Rights, “Mrs. Samiha Mahmoud Abdul Razzaq al Dahrouj, from al Latamena town in Hama governorate northwestern suburbs, age 51, was killed as

Summary

First published
July 12, 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)
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 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1039

LOCATION

الهلّك, Halak, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that Russia shelled Hayak with cluster bombs, however, only once source (LCCSY) alleged that there had been a civilian casualty. It said that one civilian had died. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
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

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