Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

January 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS1823

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A young man was killed when alleged Russian shelling struck “militants” in a sugar factory and a farm in Maskanah, Aleppo, local media reported. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. There were no reports of wounded civilians.  According to @fathi_1999, three raids struck the town. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 11, 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

February 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS1895

LOCATION

صيدا , Saida, Daraa, Syria

One named child died and dozens more civilians were wounded in alleged Russia or Assad regime airstrike on Saida, according to sources on the ground. Omar Balkhi5  reported that a hospital in the town had been put out of service and that “dozens” of civilians had been wounded in a Russian strike. According to Aljazeera, “a

Summary

First published
February 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2206

LOCATION

عربين, Arbin, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and up to seven were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Arbin, Damascus, according to sources on the ground. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a warplane targeted areas in Arbin city in the Eastern Ghouta consecutively with four missiles. This was followed by with 20

Summary

First published
May 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2244a

LOCATION

الحويقة, Al Hwaighe, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one civilian, an adult male, was killed and others were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the neighborhood of Al Hwaighe in Deir Ezzor, local media reported. According to @AhrarDeirezzor, the civilian was killed after he left the mosque and other members of his family were also injured. The majority of local sources,

Summary

First published
May 17, 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

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2507

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

At least one male civilian was killed and three others were wounded in six alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Khan Sheikhun in southern Idlib as reported by local sources. Saidat al Yasmin reported that “A squadron of Russian planes in the sky of the province of Idlib” – highlighting the presence of Russian

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 14, 2015

Incident Code

RS041

LOCATION

الزيارة, Al Zeyara, Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian Network for Human Rights named a civilian male who was reported killed by cluster munitions following an alleged Russian airstrike on the town of Al Zeyara.

Summary

First published
October 14, 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

October 23, 2015

Incident Code

RS073

LOCATION

الزربة, Az Zarbah, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian named as Hamad Ahmad Al Rajab was reported killed and others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Zerbeih, in southern rural Aleppo. However local rebels also said that the town came under attack from “fierce artillery and rocket shelling” by Assad regime ground forces.  

Summary

First published
October 23, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS105

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

The White Helmets and others reported a very intense raid in the early hours of November 1st, allegedly by Russian warplanes, on Hraytan. The Al Haramees area was targetted with four strikes reportedly using vacuum missiles, which led to the death of 45-year old Mohammad Ismail Rustum and the wounding of two others, as well

Summary

First published
November 1, 2015
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

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3678

LOCATION

كفرموس, Kafar Mous, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that a helicopter bombed the village of Kfar Mous in Jabal Shahshabo with an “explosive barrel” in the evening. The Syrian Civil Defense forces reported that a man was killed and another man, two women and two children were wounded. The Local Coordination Committees of Syria reported “the martyrdom of a man

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
5
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

January 10, 2018

Incident Code

RS2882

LOCATION

مورك, Mourk, Hama, Syria

A civilian was killed an an unspecified number of civilians were injured in air and artillery strikes by both Syrian regime and Russian forces, according to sources on the ground. Sources disputed as to who was to blame. According to Smart News, “Russian-made air strikes targeted the town of Morak, killing one civilian and injuring

Summary

First published
January 10, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 17, 2018

Incident Code

RS2908

LOCATION

الحامدية, Al-Hamdiya, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed, and an elderly man and child were reportedly injured, by alleged Russian warplanes in Al-Hamdiya, according to local media. All local media reported that Russian warplanes were to blame. Orient News reported that there was material damage to civilian homes. Footage shows members of the Syrian Civil Defence rescuing the wounded

Summary

First published
January 17, 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
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

January 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS363

LOCATION

ابطع, Abtaa, Daraa, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike on Abtaa, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights – though it is unclear whether Assad regime or Russian forces were responsible. The Observatory reported that regime forces bombed the town of Abtaa in the northern countryside of Dara’a, and that this was followed by raids by warplanes “believed to

Summary

First published
January 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 9, 2019

Incident Code

RS3777

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Smart News Agency reported that one civilian was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, on June 9th, 2019. Another source reported that a civilian was injured. Other sources blamed the Syrian regime for the airstrikes. Smart News Agency reported that “the Russian air force launched several airstrikes targeting Khan Sheikhoun,” as well

Summary

First published
June 9, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS523

LOCATION

تمورة, Tamoura, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed and five others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Tamoura, according to Shaam News. SNN reported that Russian warplanes targeted “Hayyan, Ratyan, Bayanoun, Tamoura and Maarastah Khan with 150 raids focused mostly on civilian homes causing the martyrdom of one civilian and injuring more than five others in Tamoura.” The Violations Documentation Center

Summary

First published
February 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5
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 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS555

LOCATION

حي المشهد, Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One girl, Aziza Al Bab, aged 10, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Mashad according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
February 6, 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

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS587

LOCATION

النعيمة‎, Naemah, Daraa, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one civilian man, Morad Hasan al Aboud, as killed in an alleged Russian raid on Naemah. However, it linked to a video in which the voiceover says the victim is a ‘hero from the Free Army.’ Daraa Martyrs also published a video in which the voiceover says that “the martyr

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS779

LOCATION

حي ‫‏بعيدين‬, Bei'deen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two local sources reported an incident in Bei’deen, Aleppo, leading to an unknown number of deaths and injures. LCCSY reported that Russian raids in Bei’deen, Al Salheen, Dahrat Awwad and Al Haidariya” had led to deaths and injuries, but did not give numbers. Meanwhile, Al-qurum media institution  said that “44 have been killed by the regime

Summary

First published
April 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
View Incident

Incident date

June 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS941

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, airstrikes hit the town of Kafr Halab leading to the death of one named girl and the injury of three other children. None of the sources held the Syrian regime responsible, but five known sources attributed the strike to Russia. The girl was identified by three sources: LCCSY, Halab News Network and

Summary

First published
June 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1069

LOCATION

بداما, Bdama, Idlib, Syria

Step News Agency, Jisrtv and Syriapost1 reported that one person died and five were wounded after a rocket was fired from a Russian warship toward Bdama, Idlib. According to the Shaam News Network, “Russian warships targeted at night the town of Bdama in the countryside Western Jisr al shoughour in the  Idlib countryside with a

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
5–8
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 23, 2019

Incident Code

RS3941

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheihkhoun, Idlib, Syria

A civilian male was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib governorate, on July 23rd, 2019, according to local sources. In addition, the strikes reportedly led to the destruction of civilian homes and of “the last automated bakery in the city” The Syrian Civil Defence in Idlib

Summary

First published
July 23, 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)
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 14, 2019

Incident Code

RS4027

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Kafar Sijna, Idlib governorate, on August 14th, 2019, according to local sources. At least two other civilians were injured. Smart News Agency reported the “martyrdom of a civilian and three others wounded, as a result of the targeting of

Summary

First published
August 14, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1320

LOCATION

الشيخ خضر, al Sheikh Kudar, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in bombings on the neighbourhood of al-Sheikh Khudar in Aleppo on September 23rd, local sources reported. Most outlets reported on the death in similar language to @true_tube, as one of many in “a raid on nearly 30 neighbourhoods.” Halab News’ list of martyrs included one entry for an unidentified civilian in

Summary

First published
September 23, 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

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1384

LOCATION

الهلّك, al Halak, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and others were wounded in what most sources said was a Syrian regime artillery strike on Aleppo’s al Halak neighbourhood. There was, however, one allegation against Russia. But @al-AMAWI, @Free_TV_Syria, Smart News Agency, Step News Agency, LCCSY and Halab News Network all pointed to a regime artillery strike causing civilian harm.

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

October 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1450

LOCATION

ارض الحمرا, Al Ard al Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and nine more were wounded in an alleged Russia or Syrian regime air or artillery strike on Aleppo’s Al Ard al Hamra neighbourhood. According to Zaitonmag, “Assad artillery shelling in Ard Al-Hamra wounded nine people badly.” Halab News listed one unidentified civilian as killed in a Russian strike on Al Ard al

Summary

First published
October 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1482

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

A member of the White Helmets died and five of his colleagues were wounded, along with “dozens more civilians” in a strike on the Civil Defence center in the city of Maarat al Numan, according to local media. Sources noted that the Civil Defence Center – “the most important center in the southern Idlib countryside”

Summary

First published
October 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–24
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1560

LOCATION

رسم العيس, Rasim al Eis, Aleppo, Syria

One unidentified woman was killed and dozens more civilians wounded in an airstrike on Rasim al Eis, according to sources on the ground. Most sources reported that Russian warplanes were responsible, however, Sky News was alone in blaming Syrian regime warplanes for the airstrike. One source suggested that only two people were injured in the airstrike,

Summary

First published
November 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS1885

LOCATION

الزراعة, Al Zira'a, Aleppo, Syria

At least one child was killed when a cluster bomb from a previous airstrike exploded in the village of Al Zira’a in southern Aleppo. It is unknown when the previous airstrike was that left the cluster bomb and who was responsible for the previous airstrike.

Summary

First published
February 11, 2017
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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2006

LOCATION

كفر زيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One woman was reported killed and several injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Zita, according to multiple local media sources. The Violations Documentation Centre in Syria named the civilian who was killed and listed her cause of death as “warplane shelling” from “Russian troops”. All known sources for this event attributed responsibility to

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
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

March 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2016

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One person died and several were left wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad-waged airstrike that struck Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, local sources reported. All known sources reported one civilian casualty, most likely a woman. AMC Aleppo’s reporting hinted that it was a male victim while @alikrarrkar and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights believed it was  woman.

Summary

First published
March 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman1 man)
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2090

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

One child was killed and two others injured in airstrike in Douma, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. Freedomraise News, who attributed responsibility for the event to Assad’s regime, detailed that “two rocket attacks were carried out at 4:30 pm today, the first hit

Summary

First published
April 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident