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

September 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1268

LOCATION

Tabara Kalash, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and nine civilians including two children and one man died and more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tabara Kalash village, according to local media. LCCSY “documented the deaths of nine people in Aleppo killed in a Russian air raid using cluster bombs on the village of Tabara Kalah and in

Summary

First published
September 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
(2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1300

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes in the neighborhood of al Kalassa, Aleppo, killed at least seven members of one family, local sources reported. The death toll may have been as high as 27, with sources reporting at least three children and three women dead, and photographs circulating of a father holding his dead son.

Summary

First published
September 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 27
(3 children3 women1 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
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1332

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between three and 15 civilians were reported killed and ten more injured in airstrikes on the Al Sakhour neighbourhood of Aleppo. The majority of sources blamed Russia, though several reports said that barrel bombs had been dropped on the neighbourhood – a weapon known to be used by the Syrian regime. HNN named two victims.

Summary

First published
September 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 15
(1 child1 woman)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1364

LOCATION

البويهج, Al Bohij, Aleppo, Syria

Two or three members of the White Helmets were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Bohij near Manbij, Aleppo. According to LCCSY, two civilians died in the attack.Qasioun, the Shaam News Network and Halab News said that three members of the Civil Defense were killed. Halab News identified the names of  all

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(3 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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1397

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including a child died and 20 more were wounded in an alleged Russia or regime airstrike on Darat Izza, according to local media. According to All4Syria, “Russian warplanes carried out three raids, two with missiles and one with cluster bombs, targeting civilians’ houses. Two people were killed and more wounded. Shops and houses were

Summary

First published
October 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1430

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One or two civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on the Al Qaterji neighbourhood of Aleppo. HNN reported one woman was killed by a missile. Qasioun said that “Russian warplanes shelling Qaterji killed two civilians while the White Helmets are still searching for survivors in the rubble.” Other sources published

Summary

First published
October 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(0–1 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1462

LOCATION

جزرايا, Jazaria, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and 20 civilians including a child and two women died and up to 20 more were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Jazaria village, according to sources on the ground. Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “at least four civilians including one girl and two women died due to

Summary

First published
October 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 20
(1 child2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–20
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1494

LOCATION

Al Nakir, Idlib, Syria

One or two children died and two other civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Al Nakir, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Step News Agency was among sources blaming Russia, reporting that one child died in the strike. But a

Summary

First published
October 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children0–1 men)
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 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1548

LOCATION

عربين, Arbin, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and others were injured in airstrikes launched against the town of Arbin in Eastern Ghouta – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The series of three airstrikes launched against the residential areas were part of an escalated attack

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS1884

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

At least two civilians, one man and one woman, were killed and others were wounded in airstrikes on the town of Palmyra in the eastern Homs countryside. According to @journalhader and the Local Coordination Committee of Syria, the airstrikes were carried out by Russian warplanes. The two air raids reportedly struck the main square and

Summary

First published
February 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 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
View Incident

Incident date

March 15, 2018

Incident Code

RS3278

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ein Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Multiple sources reported alleged Russian and regime air and artillery strikes on Ein Tarma on March 15, 2018. However, Airwars researchers have not found any claims of civilian harm.

Summary

First published
March 15, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2020

Incident Code

RS4496

LOCATION

باتنتة, Batneta, Idlib, Syria

Two to four civilians, including one child, were killed and five others, including two women, were injured as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian Regime airstrike on agricultural lands in the vicinity of Batenta village near Idlib on the morning of March 1st 2020 according to local sources. Almost all of the sources

Summary

First published
March 1, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child)
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 31, 2020

Incident Code

RS4528

LOCATION

نحلية, Nahliya, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reportedly killed, and three others, including one elderly woman, were injured as a result of alleged Russian or Iranian airstrikes or explosion of a suicide drone in the village of Nahlia, in the vicinity of the town of Ariha, south of Idlib on the afternoon of October 31st, 2020 according to Local

Summary

First published
October 31, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
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
Russian Military, Iranian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2022

Incident Code

R4450

LOCATION

الجديدة, Al Jadida, Idlib, Syria

Up to eight civilians, including four to five children, were killed and up to 17 civilians, including between eight and nine children and a woman, were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the outskirts of Al-Jadida village and the outskirts of Al-Janoudia village on July 22, 2022. The Syrian Civil Defense (@SyriaCivilDefe) tweeted that seven

Summary

First published
July 22, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
IDP or Refugee Camp
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(4–5 children2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
13–17
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
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2022

Incident Code

R4482

LOCATION

منطف, Mantaf, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was slightly injured by alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime shelling of the village of Mantaf on October 28, 2022. @SyriaCivilDefe tweeted that a civilian was slightly wounded by Russian and Syrian regime artillery shelling of the village of Mantaf in the evening. Multiple other local sources, including @baladinetwork, reported on heavy artillery shelling

Summary

First published
October 28, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 25, 2023

Incident Code

R4522

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr Al Shoughar, Idlib, Syria

Between 6 and 11 civilians were killed and 30 to 61 others, including at least 2 children, were injured by alleged Russian airstrikes on Jisr Al Shoughar on June 25, 2023. @SyriaCivilDefe initially reported the casualty toll as five civilians killed and more than 20 injured but later tweeted that the death toll had risen

Summary

First published
June 25, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Market
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 11
Civilians reported injured
30–61
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
Named victims
32 named
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
Belligerents reported killed
0–3
View Incident

Incident date

September 2, 2023

Incident Code

R4551

LOCATION

كفرتعال, Kafr Ta’al, Aleppo, Syria

A resident of Kafr Ta’al in Western Aleppo died after being wounded in an artillery shelling — allegedly fired by the Syrian regime and/or Russian military — on the morning of September 2, 2023. Civilians had rushed the injured Abdu Ahmad Qudur to a hospital, where he died the same day. Teams from the Syrian Civil

Summary

First published
September 2, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 7, 2023

Incident Code

R4588

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atareb, Aleppo, Syria

Shortly before 3:37 AM on Saturday, October 7th, 2023, a civilian man was killed and a number of civilians were reportedly injured due to an artillery strike with the contested responsibility – allededly perpetrated by the Syrian regime and/or Russian or Iranian military in the city of Al Atareb in the western countryside of Aleppo,

Summary

First published
October 7, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military, Iranian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 14, 2024

Incident Code

R4669

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Idlib, Syria

Shortly before 8:26 PM on Sunday, April 14th, 2024, three civilians were reportedly injured by an alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime and/or Iranian artillery strike that struck residential areas in the city of Sarmin, to the east of Idlib, Syria. The majority of sources reported that the injured civilians were children. The names of those

Summary

First published
April 14, 2024
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
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
Russian Military, Iranian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2024

Incident Code

R4662

LOCATION

آفس, Afes, east of Idlib, Idlib, Syria

During the evening of Tuesday, February 20, 2024, an artillery strike with contested responsibility allegedly carried out by the Syrian regime and/or Russian military and/or Iranian-backed militant groups in the town of Afes in eastern Idlib countryside, Syria, killed two adult sisters and injured their elderly mother. According to journalist Ahmed Shibli (@Ahmad_1alshble), the area

Summary

First published
December 30, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Infrastructure
House, Residential
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
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, Iranian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS026

LOCATION

بابيلا, Babilla, Hama, Syria

A father and his three children were among those reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Babilla, along with four other children, three of whom were named by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Eyewitness Moustafa Ghareeb told the Syrian Network: “The Russian shelling occurred 7 kilometres away from Marat Al Nu’man, at Babilla

Summary

First published
October 7, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 9
(4–7 children1 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 19, 2015

Incident Code

RS059

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

An airstrike in the vicinity of al Karnish Street in Al Bab – either Russian or Assad regime – killed up to ten people and caused a significant number of injuries, according to reports. Al Bab Free Syria reported that “Ten martys died as a result of [regime airstrikes], among whom were members of the

Summary

First published
October 19, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 10
(1 child1 woman3 men)
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS091

LOCATION

ابديتا, Ibdita, Idlib, Syria

One civilian man named as Ahmed Murr was reported killed and 10 people injured in an alleged Russian morning airstrike on the village of Ibdita. His two sons were also critically wounded in the attack. In a later news feature, Shaam News reported: “Samer was taken to the hospital in Ma’arat, where his body was

Summary

First published
October 30, 2015
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
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS126

LOCATION

سقبا وحموريه, Between Saqba and Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Seven civilians were killed including four children – and dozens of people injured – following an alleged Russian or Assad regime air raid on neighbourhoods in an area linking the towns of Saqba and Hamouriya. The White Helmets and Radio Al Kul blamed Russia, while VDC and the Syrian Free Army said the attack was

Summary

First published
November 7, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(4 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
24
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS159

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

A seven-year-old boy was reported killed and five of his family members injured, following an alleged Russian airstrike at Kafr Halab or nearby. A second child may also have died. Location reporting for this event remains confused. Chicken sheds were reported destroyed and civilian deaths alleged at Kafr Halab; near Kafr Daryan; and in the

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
4–5
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 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS192

LOCATION

سرمدا, Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

According to Zaitonmag, Russian aircraft carried out a raid on Sarmada on the Turkish border, “targeting a garage of relief trucks which has led to anonymous martyrs and two people slightly injured.“ The Syrian Network also reported the event, saying the attack by warplanes destroyed eight trucks and a water tank and killed one person.

Summary

First published
November 26, 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
Unknown
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

December 11, 2015

Incident Code

RS257

LOCATION

القصابية, Al Qassabiya, Idlib, Syria

Between four and eight civilians including three children were killed and more than 20 injured in an airstrike on Al Qassabiya – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes struck a centre for bread distribution in the town and

Summary

First published
December 11, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(3 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
15–20
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS290

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Four to five civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hraytan, north of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. No further details are available at the present time.  

Summary

First published
December 18, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

December 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS322

LOCATION

جرجناز, Jarjanaz, Idlib, Syria

Eight civilians including four children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on a school in Jarjanaz, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN reported that a Russian warplane launched four vacuum missiles on the gate of the Thee Qar school while students were leaving the premises to return to their homes. The Network said

Summary

First published
December 26, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(4 children)
Civilians reported injured
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