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

May 2, 2019

Incident Code

RS3645

LOCATION

بسقلا, Bsaqla, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and others seriously injured as Bsqala in Idlib was targeted with explosive barrels and naval bombs on May 2nd 2019. According to local source Step News, “Russian and Syrian warplanes and helicopters” operated over villages and towns in Idlib, striking a bakery and a kindergarten in Basaqla and killing one

Summary

First published
May 2, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Naval bombardment
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS158

LOCATION

قبر الأنكليزي, Kabr al Inglizi, Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reports that one adult male non-combatant was killed in alleged Russian warplane strikes on Qabr al Inglisi. The Free Syrian Army, which also named the victim, said he originally came from Anadan.  

Summary

First published
November 17, 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
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2015

Incident Code

RS256

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One male child, Khaled Nihad al-Nuna , was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Zita, according to the Union of Hama Rebels and the Violations Documentation Centre. Reporting remains confused, with multiple alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Zita between December 9th and 12th which resulted in a likely total of six civilian deaths.

Summary

First published
December 11, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS2936

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, al Sayyad street. Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria

A woman was killed and several others were injured in airstrikes on Kafr Zeita, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian for the raids. Step reported that “A woman was killed and a number of people were injured as a result of Russian air strikes targeting the town of Kafr

Summary

First published
January 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS512

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

One 17-year-old male was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayyan using cluster munitions, according to local sources. Both the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Violations Documentation Center blamed Russian warplanes. The White Helmets also named the victim, but did not say whether the Assad regime or Russia were responsible for the

Summary

First published
January 31, 2016
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 18, 2019

Incident Code

RS3816

LOCATION

المنطقة الصناعية, Industry zone (Al Mantiq Al Sina’iya), Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and two to eight civilians, including at least one child, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the industrial zone Al Mantiq Al Sina’iya, in the vicinity of Idlib, on June 18th, 2019, according to local sources. @syr_television reported that “one person was killed and three others

Summary

First published
June 18, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3–8
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS608

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

One child was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Hamra, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
February 14, 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

March 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS704

LOCATION

نبهان, Nabhan, Idlib, Syria

One 35-year old man, Mostafa Abdo Nabhan, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Nabhan Village, Jisr Al Shoughour, according to the Violations Documentation Center.  

Summary

First published
March 2, 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

April 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS3417

LOCATION

قرية الزعفرانة, Al Zafarana village, Homs, Syria

A hospital guard was killed in Al Zafarana as Russian and Syrian forces reportedly launched raids on the Homs village. Syrian helicopters hit the local hospital with barrel bombs, according to Smart News, injuring an additional four civilians. An activist loyal to the regime told the news agency that the hospital was targeted to remove

Summary

First published
April 29, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3–4
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1058

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that an unidentified child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS4003

LOCATION

حاس, Hass, Idlib, Syria

One child was reported killed, and up to five including two children were injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian airstrike or artillery shelling on Hass, Idlib in the afternoon of August 11th, which was the first day of Eid Al-Adha. The Syrian Network for Human Rights named the child as Mohammad Thaer Qal`aji. Macro

Summary

First published
August 11, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1168

LOCATION

الحويقة, Howeqa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian male died and up to dozens more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Howeqa. The Smart News Network reported that “One civilian was killed and others were injured” in a Russian strike. According to @SYRIAEVENT1 “dozens” were wounded in addition to one death.

Summary

First published
August 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1233

LOCATION

معر شورين, Maarshorine, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died in Maarshorine, a village in the southern countryside of Idlib, according to numerous reports. Multiple sources, including @edlepnews and Alamawi, alleged Russia culprit. LCCSY said that “a young man was martyed” due to the strikes. The source reported a qualitative similarity between the strike on Maarshorine and earlier strikes on Maardibsa which

Summary

First published
September 6, 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1605

LOCATION

حي بأب النيرب , Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in a airstrike in Bab al Nayrab, Aleppo, according to local media. It is unclear who was responsible for the attack, with multiple sources citing both Russian and Syrian planes. Three local media sites said that one civilian died in the attack. Halab News says one “unidentified” civilian died “following Russian

Summary

First published
November 17, 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 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1626

LOCATION

الشعار, Al Shia'ar, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike which struck Al-Bayan Surgical Hospital in Al-Sha’ar neighborhood, Aleppo, according to local media. Some sources have attributed blame to the Syrian regime for the alleged airstrikes, and others have blamed Russian warplanes. At least one elderly man was reported wounded, however, others sources

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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

December 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1799

LOCATION

بسيمة, Basima, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and “dozens” more were wounded – including a member of the Syrian Civil Defence – in air and artillery strikes on Basima, local media reported. All sources blamed the Syrian regime for the alleged raids, except LCCSY and Syrian Press Center who attributed them to Russian warplanes. Only one source – Skynewsarabia- reported

Summary

First published
December 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3583

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

One civilian died because of wounds he sustained as a result of alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime bombing on Kafr Zita on February 1st, 2019 according to local sources. Other casualties among civilians were also reported. Local sources reported that Osama Hafez Al Rajo died on the morning of February 10th from wounds sustained

Summary

First published
February 1, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
Named victims
1 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