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

April 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS752

LOCATION

الراشدية, Rashidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two sources named Anas Al-Kujeijeh as killed in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike in Deir Ezzour. A tweet by Deirfree blamed Russia for the raids and spoke of several wounded. However, SPC News reported that “regime forces bombed Al Huweiqa neighbourhood in the countryside of Deir al-Zour with rocket launchers which led to the death of “Anas Al Kajijah”

Summary

First published
April 12, 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

April 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS785

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to five people, including a woman and child, were killed in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Al Qaterji on April 29th 2016. Shaam News Network, reported “For the eighth day in a row Assad’s and Russian aircraft continue to pour their lava on residential neighborhoods in the city of Aleppo, causing dozens

Summary

First published
April 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
9–10
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

May 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS817

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Between 13 and 15 civilians including two children died and 22 others were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Manbij, according to two local sources. The media activist Ahmed al-Mohammad told Edorar that 13 civilians died in a Russian strike on buildings in the city, “emphasizing that four missiles targeted a three-storey residential

Summary

First published
May 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 15
(2 children2 women1–5 men)
Civilians reported injured
22
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 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS850

LOCATION

حي كرم الجبل, Karam al Jabal (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between five and eight civilians died including a child and two women in an airstrike on Karam al Jabal, according to local sources. Only LCCSY blamed Russia, putting the death toll at seven. A report by the Shaam News Network referred to “warplanes” and then “Assad regime raids”. According to the Syrian Network for Human

Summary

First published
June 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(1 child2 women)
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS882

LOCATION

Castello Road, Aleppo, Syria

Four or five civilians died in an airstrike on Castello road, according to local sources – though it’s unclear rom reports whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. A report by LCCSY said that five civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike. But Almokhtasar, Syrianpc and LCCSY were among other sources who blamed the regime. RadioAlkul said that the regime carried

Summary

First published
June 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS914

LOCATION

عطشان, Al Atshan, Hama, Syria

Reports said that five civilians including three children and two women died in a refugee camp for displaced persons near A’tshan in the northern Hama countryside. The majority of sources including numerous independent tweets have attributed this offensive with Russia. Aljazeera said that Moscow was responsible, reporting that victims were “killed in a Russian aerial bombardment

Summary

First published
June 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS948

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

Local media reported the death of one civilian and injury of four more people in alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan al Sheikh. According to Syrian Press Center “Russian planes carried out 24 air strikes, including the use of eight cluster strikes, on targeting Khan al Sheikh, resulting in civilian casualties, according to activists”. Smart News

Summary

First published
June 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
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 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS980

LOCATION

جندول, Jandol (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Russian warplanes and Syrian Regime helicopters allegedly shelled a roundabout in Al Jandol killing three civilians, according to Halab News Network and Syrian Network for Human Rights. Several local news sources including Step News, Halab Today and Sky News blamed Russian warplanes for the shelling. Additionally, local source syriapost1 reported the use of “phosphorous bombs”. Ara

Summary

First published
July 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1012

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

An entire family was killed in a missile attack which took place in the afternoon of July 16th on Aleppo’s Ferdous neighbourhood, according to local media. Sources said that explosive barrels and missiles struck the area, though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Orient news

Summary

First published
July 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 13
(2 children1–3 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1044

LOCATION

Yashnatra, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that Russian warplanes carried out strikes on Yashnatra town, leading to civilian casualties – though sources didn’t specify numbers. However, Arabstoday blamed the regime, reporting three civilians wounded. Other sources referred only to “warplanes”.

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
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

July 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1076

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians died and seven others were wounded in airstrikes on Anadan, local sources said, though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Most of the sources, however, attributed the event to Russia. According to a Facebook post by Anadan Hospital, “Russian warplanes shelled the hospital with parachute

Summary

First published
July 31, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 men)
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 15, 2017

Incident Code

CS1206 RS2341

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, al Arabaeen street and other areas, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least ten civilians – including at least one woman and two children – were killed and dozens more were wounded following airstrikes near two schools in the city of Al Mayadeen. However, local sources were conflicted as to who was responsible. Both Russia and the US-led Coalition were reportedly responsible. Syrian Network for Human

Summary

First published
July 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(2–4 children1 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1433

LOCATION

صغير شامية, Sagheer Shamiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On August 31, 2017, at least three civilians died in an airstrike on Zaghir Shamiya, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, Russia or the Syrian Regime were responsible for the event. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that between two and three people were killed

Summary

First published
August 31, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1656 RS2666

LOCATION

السيال, Abu Kamal, Al Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and six civilians died in an airstrike on the home of Mohammed al-Shabib Abu Jassim, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, the Iraqi air force, Syrian regime or Russia were to blame. According to Eldorar, “The sources said that in conjunction with the artillery

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1–2 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
18
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, Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Iraq Irregular Forces
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1091

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that six civilians including two children died and up to 30 more non-combatants were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Atareb, which reportedly struck an aid convoy and several nearby camps for displaced people. On August 3rd 2016, Syrian News Desk reported that “Six civilians killed most of them are truck

Summary

First published
August 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
5–30
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1123

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Bazza square, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Reports estimated that between eight and 10 civilians were killed and an additional five to 13 more wounded, including two children, in airstrikes on Bazza square in Old Aleppo, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed the regime for the event, though one blamed Russia and a significant number of others didn’t identify

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
Civilians reported injured
5–13
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1155

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between six and eight civilians died and 16 more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on the al Sakhour neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. The Step News Agency said that the strike occurred “near a footbridge”. Shahed-aya, Step, Sama, Syrian-reporters and @syrianArwad all put the death toll at six –

Summary

First published
August 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
Civilians reported injured
16
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 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

September 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1220

LOCATION

الزربة, Al Zorba, Aleppo, Syria

One child died and other civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Al Zorba, according to local media. Most sources blamed Russia, though the Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to both Russia and Syrian regime. Syrian Press Centre, Syrian News, Alwatan and the Smart News Agency all said that several civilians were wounded in

Summary

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

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1252

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to seven civilians died and as many as 22 more were wounded in an airstrike on Salheen, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work or Russia or the Syrian regime. Baladi, Halab Today and LCCSY blamed Russia. The lowest death toll – of one –

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
Civilians reported injured
10–22
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 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1285

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and 24 civilians were killed and up to 13 wounded in intense air strikes with barrel bombs and napalm on the al Marja neighbourhood of Aleppo, local sources reported. About half the sources stated only that “warplanes” were involved, while the other half said Russian planes were responsible. One source, the Shaam News

Summary

First published
September 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 24
(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
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1317

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Air raids on the al Sakhour neighbourhood of Aleppo killed up to two civilians, local media reported. It was unclear whether the attacks were carried out by the regime or by Russia. Islammemo reported, “two martyrs in al Sakhour.” So did @Sy_Reporter and HNN. Alaraby News stated that Russian fighters carried out the strike, along

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

September 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1349

LOCATION

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

Three civilians were killed in the Al Mashhad neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local media. Reporting was conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian Regime was responsible. LCCSY reported: “Aleppo: Three martyrs and some wounded as Russian warplanes bombarded Mashhad neighborhood.” Thiqanewsagency reported that a bus was hit with cluster bombs in the strikes.

Summary

First published
September 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1381

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Ltamenah, Hama, Syria

Up to six civilians including a girl died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on al Latamna, Hama, according to local media. Sources were not clear whether or not Khadija (Um Daher) and Hussein Al-Saleh (Abu Hussein) were two people or one person. In this instance they have been listed as two people. According

Summary

First published
October 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child1 woman0–2 men)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1415

LOCATION

البلاط, al Balat, Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, the neighbourhood al-Balat in Aleppo was hit by air and/or artillery strikes which led to the death of one child and the injury of several more people, including the child’s father. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime, although the majority of

Summary

First published
October 8, 2016
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

October 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1447

LOCATION

‏التمانعه‬, al Tamana, Idlib, Syria

One woman died and three other civilians including two children were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime air or artillery strike on Al Tamana’a town, according to local media. The Step News Agency reported that “Russian planes launched several raids using bunker-busting missiles after mid night targeting al Taman’a town in southern Idlib, killing

Summary

First published
October 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

October 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1479

LOCATION

جديد عكيدات, Jadid Akeidat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Syria News Desk reported “two civilians were killed and 12 others wounded, including three paramedics, this afternoon [Oct 18th], when Russian warplanes fired four missiles on residential sites and the only field hospital in the village of Jadid Ekadat”. @snewscenter also said that Russia struck the hospital.They also reported the use of cluster bombs. Many

Summary

First published
October 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
12
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 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1535

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Between one and two children died and up to 14 more civilians were wounded in airstrikes launched against Binnish town in Idlib, according to multiple sources on the ground. However, one source, Step News, reported that there were no civilian casualties in this incident. The airstrikes reportedly struck a neighborhood of civilian homes. Both cluster

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
10–14
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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS1828

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

As many as four civilians were killed – including a child –  and 28 more were wounded, following an alleged airstrike on Binnish, which struck a market, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some blaming the Syrian regime, and other blaming Russia. Due to the extent of damage in the

Summary

First published
January 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–28
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
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3384

LOCATION

حزارين, Hazarin, Idlib, Syria

The Russian air force allegedly bombed the village of Hazarin in the Idlib countryside on April 1, 2018, possibly killing and injuring civilians. According to Shaam, “Russian aircraft launched heavy air strikes caused the fall of martyrs and wounded in the cities and towns of Ariha and Khan Sheikoun and Urma Al Jouz and Al

Summary

First published
April 1, 2018
Last updated
April 17, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident