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

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3101

LOCATION

الافتريس, al-Aftirs, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was reportedly killed in al-Aftaris, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, as Russia and the Syrien regime continued its aerial shelling of eastern Ghouta. In this event, only Step News Agency reported that the shelling resulted in civilian harm, putting the death toll at one. The other source, Oday Hussein, merely pointed to aerial shelling of the

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS4081

LOCATION

كفر نبل,, Kafar Nabil, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and “many” more were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Kafar Nabil on August 27, 2019, local media reported. @Abuhuzaifa_  tweeted an image with the caption: “A 90-year-old father takes the last glimpses of his remaining child, who was martyred by shrapnel from the shelling of the Russian occupation.” According

Summary

First published
August 27, 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
2–5
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1243

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

A female child was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike which struck Fatima Al-Zahra’a Mosque in Binnish, Idlib, 9th September 2016, according to sources on the ground. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes fort he alleged raid, but others do not name a belligerent at all. According to sources such as SN4HR, 6-7 civilians were injured

Summary

First published
September 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
6–7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1601

LOCATION

معارة الارتيق, Maarat Al Arteek, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian, a child, was killed and others were injured by alleged air or artillery strikes on Maarat Al Arkeet, according to multiple local sources. It was unclear whether Russia or the regime was to blame for the death. Alwaght suspected the Syrian regime responsible – the source stated, “Syrian army missiles and tanks targeted

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
April 17, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
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 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1575

LOCATION

دوما , Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

One named civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Douma, according to sources on the ground. @mahe35 and LCCSY reported that one civilian was killed in a Russian strike. One victim was named by @yasserdouma. It should be noted that while two sources attributed the civilian harm to Russia, the remainder didn’t identify the

Summary

First published
November 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3578

LOCATION

الجانودية, Al Janoudiya, Jisir Al Shughur countryside, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and up to four others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike which reportedly destroyed a bakery in al Janoudiya, local media reported. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “warplanes we believe were Russian bombed al Taqwa automatic bakery in  the north of al Janoudiya village in Idlib governorate, destroying its

Summary

First published
January 20, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS1960

LOCATION

القاسمية, Al Qassmiya, Aleppo , Aleppo, Syria

One five-year-old girl was killed, and two others were wounded, following an airstrike on a warehouse in Al Qassmiya, Aleppo, local media reported. All sources either attributed blame to Russia, or did not blame any belligerent. A vehicle was also hit in the shelling and caused a fire. Images show members of the Civil Defence putting

Summary

First published
March 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

March 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS1977

LOCATION

أبين سمعان , Abin Sama’an , Aleppo, Syria

One woman died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Abin Sama’an town, according to sources on the ground. Omawi.news.agency reported: “Russian warplanes carried out several air strikes with rockets on the towns of Abyan Semaan and Sheikh Ali in the western countryside of Aleppo, wounding several people and causing extensive

Summary

First published
March 16, 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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

April 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2150

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Lataminah, Hama, Syria

A girl was killed and as many as six other civilians were wounded following a parachute missile attack on a residential neighbourhood in Lataminah, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming the Syrian regime and others blaming Russian warplanes. Halab Today reported that huge fire broke out in a

Summary

First published
April 21, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2255

LOCATION

الترن, al Tarn, Raqqa, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and others were wounded in three alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the village of al Tarn near the village of Dibsi Faraj in the western Tabaqa countryside of Raqqa, according to local sources and activists. Conflicting reports were given as to who was responsible for the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
May 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2313

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man was seriously injured and his father was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Deir Ezzor, according to sources on the ground. It was reported that “a young man from Deir al-Azur was hit by Russian-made cluster munitions and is now desperately in need of treatment. Name: Daoud Makhlaf Yassin. Daoud was severely

Summary

First published
June 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2273a

LOCATION

عقيربات حماده عمر, Hamada Omar, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

One child died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Hamada Omar, according to sources on the ground. Most sources blamed Russia, though Orient said that the regime had also carried out strikes on Hamada Omar. @almntserbalaah and Shahbapress said that a child was killed, while Shahbapress

Summary

First published
June 5, 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2708

LOCATION

الرهجان, Al-Rahjan, Hama, Syria

Twelve members of the militant group “Hayat Tahrir Al Sham” – also known as al-Qaeda – were reportedly killed in airstrikes on Al-Rahjan. A woman was also reportedly killed. Smart News Agency said that “warplanes are likely to be Russian bombed a vehicle belonging to the organisation  during the transfer of members to change shifts

Summary

First published
November 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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

RS3677

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian “airliners and helicopters” carried out missile strikes, also described as rocket attacks, on the outskirts of the village Ma’ra Haramah. Local sources reported that the strikes struck residential areas in the village, killing a civilian and causing extensive damage to civilian homes. Several other civilians were reported wounded. No other details are known

Summary

First published
May 7, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
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

April 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3378

LOCATION

أورم الجوز, Urma Al Jouz, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed and several others were injured during alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Urma Al Jouz on April 1, 2018, local sources reported. The death of Fattoum Haj Hammoud was widely attributed to Russian forces, however, the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported the involvement of Syrian planes.

Summary

First published
April 1, 2018
Last updated
April 17, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 10, 2018

Incident Code

RS2881

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Lataminah, Hama, Syria

A civilian was killed and the Civil Defence Centre in Al Lataminah was knocked out of service following alleged Russian and Syrian regime air and artillery strikes on the vicinity, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing responsibility to Russia while others blamed the Syrian regime.

Summary

First published
January 10, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS426

LOCATION

قورقانيا, Qorgania, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed and dozens more injured in a strike on the village of Qorgania, according to local sources. While the majority of the reports allege that Russia was responsible, another does not identify the culprits, while one source alleges that this was an attack by the Assad regime. Korkania al Hadath said that

Summary

First published
January 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
7–24
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

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS565

LOCATION

الصبخة, Sabheh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman, named by the Violations Documentation Center as Fatemah Naeif al Abdullah, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Sabheh according to some local sources – though one other report said the regime was responsible. The woman was also named by Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently, who said she was 24-years-old. Damascus

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
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

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS629

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named another civilian male from Sheikh Miskeen in Daraa as a victim of “Russian air forces shelling” in Aleppo. The victim was additionally named by Syria Martrys, which also blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
February 16, 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 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3081

LOCATION

حزة, Hazza, Damascus, Syria

According to local media, the town of Hazza, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was struck by  air raids, possibly killing one civilian while wounding several, though it was unclear who was to blame. SYR_REV_NEWS reported how unidentified warplanes “launched two raids” in Hazza, and it by others was reported that residential neighbourhoods were struck. Only one source,

Summary

First published
July 22, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1093

LOCATION

شغور, Shaghuor, Idlib, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one adult male civilian, as killed by a Russian cluster bomb. While the source reports that the victim was from Shahour village, it’s unclear whether he was killed there. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
August 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 14, 2019

Incident Code

RS4023

LOCATION

بسقيا قرب معرة حرمة, Bsqia near Ma’ret Harma, Idlib, Syria

In the second of two consecutive airstrikes near Ma’ret Harma, Idlib, a volunteer from Syria Civil Defense was reported killed on August 14th. This was following a previous airstrike which killed two ambulance workers from SAMS. Macro Media Center reported that “a volunteer in the Civil Defense […was] killed after a double Russian air strike

Summary

First published
August 15, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1319

LOCATION

كرم حومد, Karam Homad, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed by airstrikes in the Karam Homad neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to multiple local reports. Several civilians were also wounded, according to @ameeralhalabi and @essamtakly. Halab News referred to one unidentified civilian killed in the raid, as did the Shaam News Network. Some sources referred to the strikes as Russian. For instance,

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 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1449

LOCATION

بستان الباشا, Bustan al Basha, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Bustan al Basha neighbourhood, according to local media. Halab News listed on unidentified civilian as killed in a Russian raid. The Shaam News Network also put the death toll at one, but reported that both Russia and the regime carried out strikes

Summary

First published
October 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

RS1559

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike on Al Atarib – however sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or Syrian regime warplanes were responsible. Additionally, some sources did not attribute blame at all. One source reported that phosphorous bombs and missiles were used. @HalabNewsN even specified the use of C5 missiles. However, @Thiqanewsagency argued that warplanes

Summary

First published
November 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1566

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Anadan, Aleppo. There are no reports on any injured civilians. All four sources blamed Russian warplanes for the event. However, a single source claimed that the victim was killed on the 9th of November 2016, whereas the others report he was killed on

Summary

First published
November 11, 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

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1648

LOCATION

حزرما, Hazrama, Damascus, Syria

A woman and her unborn child were killed – and others were wounded – as a result of alleged Russian warplanes which struck a school in Hazramaon, Damascus, the afternoon of Sunday November 20th, according to sources on the ground. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the death of the woman, however some sources do

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
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

March 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2015

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One civilian was killed and several wounded as alleged Russian airstrikes struck the town of Kafr Zita, Hama, local media reported. RFS Media Office reported that “the town of Kfar Zeita was targeted by more than 20 raids resulting in the death of a martyr and several wounded.” RFS Media Office and Step News Agency

Summary

First published
March 23, 2017
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 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2196

LOCATION

سرج,, Sarja, Idlib, Syria

On April 28th, Alhuralhalabi reported “the death of a woman injured by a previous Russian air raid on the village of Sarja in the southern countryside of Idlib.” According to RFS Media Office, “Huda Ahmed Haj Musa was martyred from the town of Sarja in Jebel al-Zawia in rural Idlib because of the injuries she

Summary

First published
April 28, 2017
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

June 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2265

LOCATION

معرة النعمان , Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

A nine year old girl was killed, and another girl was wounded, due to the explosion of cluster bomb remnants, dropped earlier by an airstrike, according to local media. The bomb dropped earlier, the date is unspecified, was likely to be Russian. The girls were reportedly playing close to the remnants, in the town of

Summary

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