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 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS3033

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

At least four and as many as 14 civilians including ar least one woman and one child were killed and several others wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Saqba, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. The strikes in Saqba were part of a widespread intensified shelling of multiple residential neighbourhoods in eastern Ghouta

Summary

First published
February 19, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 14
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS615

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Between nine and 14 civilians including two children and one women were killed and 30 others injured in airstrikes on a children’s and women’s hospital in Azaz, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Activists told Shaam News Network that

Summary

First published
February 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 14
(2 children1 woman7 men)
Civilians reported injured
30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2227

LOCATION

سمومة, Samouma, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between 11 and 14 civilians were killed – from two families – and others were wounded, following an airstrike on Samouma, Aleppo, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the strikes. Some sources attributed blame to the Syrian regime, including the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, however most blamed

Summary

First published
May 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 14
(6–10 children1 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
13 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS754

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Fourteen civilians including three children died and at least 24 people were injured in airstrikes on Raqqa, according to multiple sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether the Assad regime or Russia were responsible. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently posted images showing destruction of the city following airstrikes. It did not initially say

Summary

First published
April 14, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14
(3 children1 woman11 men)
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
14 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2019

Incident Code

RS3587

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

In what has been described my local media as a massacre, between eight and 14 civilians were killed, including women and children, and “dozens” were injured, following artillery strikes on the residential neighbourhood of Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib. Most of the local media alleged that the Syrian regime were to blame for the strikes, however some

Summary

First published
February 15, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 14
(5–6 children2–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
20 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3236

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Between three and 14 civilians were killed and an unspecified number of others were wounded in airstrikes on Arbeen, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame both Russia and the Syrian regime. Step News Agency initially reported that “Russian aircraft and helicopters launched several air strikes with rockets and explosive barrels” on the town. Step

Summary

First published
March 11, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 14
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of injury / death
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), 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
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS488

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Several civilians were killed as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab and the surrounding area. The Syrian Network put the death toll at six – five children and a woman. Zaiton reported a much higher figure: “Local sources confirmed that 14 martyrs fell during the Russian raids with the wounding of at

Summary

First published
January 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 14
(5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
19–50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 1, 2018

Incident Code

R3300

LOCATION

معرّبة , Ma’arba, Daraa, Syria

A single source reported 14 killed, including two women, in alleged Russian and Syrian airstrikes on the town of Maraba, east of Daraa. Step News Agency also reported the wounding of “others” in the strikes.

Summary

First published
July 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14
(2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1187

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 14 civilians including women and children died and as many as dozens more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Sukkari, according to local media. Multiple sources reported that residential homes were struck and that fires broke out causing significant material damage. One source added that “the main market” was hit. The

Summary

First published
August 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 14
(2–4 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
8–24
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2611

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least five and as many as 13 civilians, including children and women, were killed and between six and eight were left wounded following alleged Assad or Russian-waged airstrikes on residential areas in Khan Sheikhoun, Deir Ezzor, local sources reported. Most sources reported the death of five civilians. However, a total of seven victims were identified

Summary

First published
October 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 13
(1–4 children2–3 women2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
6–8
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
Named victims
15 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2015

Incident Code

RS050

LOCATION

كفر كرمين, Kafr Karmin, Aleppo, Syria

Between ten and 13 civilians including five children died in a Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Kafr Karmin. The Syrian Network later named some eight of the including one man, two women and five children. One eyewitness said the attack came “Exactly after Friday prayer [when] Russian planes targeted the village of Kafr Karmeen

Summary

First published
October 16, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 13
(5 children2 women1 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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS950 CS243

LOCATION

الخفسة, Al Khafsa, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and 13 civilians died in airstrikes on Al Khafssa, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia, the US-led Coalition or the Syrian regime were to blame. The majority of sources, including HNN, @AJABreaking and @HalabNewsN blamed Russia. The Step News Agency, also attributed the event to Russia, put

Summary

First published
June 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 13
(2 children1 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1910

LOCATION

تل ماعز , Tal Maez, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and 13 civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tal Maez, according to sources on the ground. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “four civilians, including two children and a woman, died when suspected Russian warplanes missiles fired on Tal al Mo’ez village in Aleppo governorate eastern suburbs, February 19,

Summary

First published
February 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 13
(2 children1 woman3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS1935

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 11 and 13 civilians were killed at a river crossing point in Hatla by alleged Russian aircraft, local sources reported. Other civilians were wounded but no specific numbers were reported. All sources blamed Russia for the raid. Sources reported that women and children were included in the death toll. There was not only destruction

Summary

First published
February 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 13
(0–1 children0–1 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS447 TS053

LOCATION

تادف, Tadif, Aleppo, Syria

Up to thirteen civilians reportedly died in airstrikes at Tadef near al Bab, as heavy clashes continued with ISIL for control of the strategic city. Step News, Al Bab News, Syria News Desk and the Syrian Observatory blamed Turkey for the attack, while LCCSY said Russia was responsible. The Syrian Network instead said that “8

Summary

First published
January 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 13
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Turkish Military, Unknown
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS693

LOCATION

جمعية الهادي, Jamiyat al Hadi, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 13 civilians including three or four children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jamiyat al Hadi and Babis, according to multiple local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said seven civilians including three women and four children were killed in an aerial bombardment, adding that there were reports of five others

Summary

First published
February 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 13
(4 children2–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
7 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS951

LOCATION

ياقد العدس, Yaqid al Adas, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported an incident in the town of Yaked al-Abas near Aleppo, that led to the death of up to 13 civilians, including four members of the The White Helmets. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Aleppo White Helmets reported, “the news of the martyrdom of

Summary

First published
June 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 13
(4 men)
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS672

LOCATION

قبتان الجبل, Qabtan al Jabal, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that up to 13 civilians, including an entire family of eight, died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qabtan al Jabal, with some reports saying that a school was struck. While most sources blamed Russia, others also pointed to the involvement of regime artillery. The Shaam News Network said that eight civilians

Summary

First published
February 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 13
(2–3 children2–3 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS1924

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Eleven named civilians were killed – including five children, a woman and two men – and dozens more were wounded in an alleged air and artillery strike on a market in Douma, according to reports from the ground. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Many attributed the strikes to Russian missiles, while

Summary

First published
February 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 13
(5 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
11 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2553

LOCATION

الحوايج البومصعة, al Hawaij al Bou masa’a crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as 13 people were reportedly killed and dozens were reportedly injured after an airstrike, believed to be Russian, on al Hawayj al Boumsa’a crossing, according to Euphrates Post reporting. The date of the airstrike is unclear, but on September 27th Euphrates Post shared some pictures of the aftermath.

Summary

First published
September 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS224

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Thirteen civilians including three women and four children were reported killed at Talbiseh  – and at least 10 children injured. Multiple sources were divided in blaming Russia or the Assad regime. According to The Syrian Revolution News for Talbissa more than 10 children were injured in the attack. It posted multiple videos – along with

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13
(4 children3 women6 men)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1105

LOCATION

ملس, Malas, Idlib, Syria

Thirteen civilians, including three to five children and two women, were killed and up to 30 more were wounded is missile strikes on Malas town, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Reports said that two of the four to six strikes

Summary

First published
August 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13
(3–5 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
13 named
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1299

LOCATION

حي بستان القصر, Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Major strikes in Bustan al Qasr, Aleppo, on September 22nd which killed between five and 13 civilians, and wounded dozens more, were attributed to both regime forces and Russia aircraft by local media. Local sources identified five civilian victims, including two children. Many reports stated that barrel bombs and phosphorus were used in the attack,

Summary

First published
September 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 13
(2–3 children2–3 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3068

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Up to 13 civilians, including at least one child and one woman, were killed and several left wounded as Douma, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, continued to be subject to heavy air and artillery shelling, local media reported, though the apportion of blame was not clear. While several parts of eastern Ghouta was subject to heavy shelling

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 13
(1 child1 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, Iranian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3716

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

At least six civilians, including a woman and child, were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Ma’arat Al Numan, Idlib governorate, on May 26th, 2019, according to local sources. Up to 45 others were injured. Numerous sources reported the use of high explosive rockets and missiles in an airstrike

Summary

First published
May 26, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 13
(1 child1 woman4 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–45
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS096

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

At least 10 and as many as 13 civilians were reported killed and 40 injured following alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab. According to Shaam News, “More than 10 civilians were killed in the city of Al Bab controlled by IS in addition to many injured. The aircraft targeted Al Rihawi mosque, Martta Square, Beith

Summary

First published
October 30, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 13
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
40
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 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS910

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Al-Thawrah (Tabaqah), Raqqa, Syria

Multiple sources reported Russian warplanes carried out strikes in the region of Ar Raqqah and Al Tabaqa, reportedly killing 13 or more people and injuring up to 20. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently identifed eight locations: Near the al Hamza mosque Near the al Rahma mosque The first neighbourhood at the entrance of al Bahira

Summary

First published
June 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 13
(3 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
17–20
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1311

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, a man named Mohammad Houri and an unidentified woman were killed, along with as many as 11 others, with dozens more wounded, by cluster bombs striking the al Sukkari neighbourhood in Aleppo. Some reports said the regime struck the neighbourhood, while others implicated Russian forces. Syrians News claimed the most casualties,

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 13
(1 woman1 man)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1616

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Likely four, but up to 13 civilians were killed in airstrikes on Saqba, Eastern Ghouta, according to local media. It remains unclear who was responsible for the raid, with conflicting reports. Some sources claimed that Russian warplanes were responsible, others attributed responsibility to the regime and some could not positively identify warplanes. Most sources put

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 13
(2–1 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1139

LOCATION

عرب سعيد, Arab Said, Idlib, Syria

Between three and 13 civilians died and up to dozens more were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on a fuel market in Arab Said, according to local media. The majority of victims were reportedly so badly burnt that it was impossible to identify them. The lowest death count was give by Radio

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 13
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
2 named
View Incident