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

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1114

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and 11 civilians including women and children were killed, and up to 30 more injured by airstrikes on the town of Orme al Kubra, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame for the casualties. The Syrian Network for Human Rights gave conflicting

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 11
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
5–30
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2963

LOCATION

كفرنبودة, Kafr Nbooda, Hama, Syria

Between five and 11 civilians, including children and one woman, were killed and at least three were seriously injured following alleged Russian airstrikes striking in Kafr Nbooda, Hama, local media reported. HalabTodayTV, who placed the death toll at eight, said that all eight fatalities were all from the same family, including three children, one woman

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(1–3 children1 woman4 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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1298

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources, at least four and as many as 11 civilians were killed, with dozens more wounded, in alleged Russia or Assad regime airstrikes on the al Sukkari neighborhood in Aleppo. Some sources attributed the strikes to regime helicopters, while others accused Russian aircraft. Al Sukkari had been bombed relentlessly over the prior week,

Summary

First published
September 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 11
(1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
30–37
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 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS1836

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Ma'arat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

Between seven and 11 civilians including two children and a woman were killed, and as many as 25 more were wounded, in an airstrike which targeted a market in Ma’arat Misrin early morning on Saturday 14th January, according to sources on the ground. Two children and a woman were also included in the death toll according

Summary

First published
January 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 11
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
10–25
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
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2015

Incident Code

RS116

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

A vacuum missile, allegedly fired by Russian warplanes killed eleven non-combatants and injured about 20 in the Ansari neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to reports. Several homes have destroyed. Four of those killed were brothers and sisters from one family, who died alongside their father. The raid was one of several in neighbourhoods of Aleppo, including an

Summary

First published
November 3, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11
(5 children)
Civilians reported injured
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
11 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1016

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 11 civilians including three children died and 15 more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike which destroyed a four-story residential building in Aleppo’s Al Qaterji neighbourhood, local media reported. According to BNN, earth missiles and cluster bombs were both used in the airstrike. Smart News blamed Russian warplanes for

Summary

First published
July 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 11
(3 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
15
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1137

LOCATION

تفتناز, Taftanez, Idlib, Syria

Up to 11 civilians including one named women, and children, died and as many as 25 more were wounded in an airstrike on Taftanaz, local media reported. Reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. RFS media office and Halab Today TV were among sources that blamed

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 11
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
10–25
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
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

July 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1006

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to sources, an entire family of seven was killed overnight in their home in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Bulial. However some reports allege the death toll to be as high as ten. Several reports said that “the warplanes targeted the Ayed Al-Jaloud house in Ruwayda neighbourhood east of the city.”

Summary

First published
July 14, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 11
(2–3 children3 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–20
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
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2286 CS1105a

LOCATION

مراط, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an airstrike which hit Mrat, as many as 11 civilians were killed – including six from one family – and dozens more were wounded, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most attributed blame to the Syrian regime, while Souriyati, blamed the Coalition. Others also blamed Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
June 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 11
(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
Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS706

LOCATION

الصوانة, Sawaneh, Homs, Syria

Between nine and 11 civilians were killed in airstrikes on Sawaneh according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News Network reported: “Russian aviation has committed a massacre after midnight last night against civilians in the town of Sawana, southwestern

Summary

First published
March 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(2 women5 men)
Civilians reported injured
50
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, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1994

LOCATION

دبسي الفرج دبسي أبو عاصي , Abu A’ssi village, Dibsi village and Dibsi al Faraj villages, Raqqa, Syria

A mother and her four children were among 11 civilians killed and 20 wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on villages in northern Syria, Smart News Agency reported. A further 20 civilians were reportedly wounded. According to the Smart News Agency, “Thirty-one civilians, including children and women, were killed and wounded by air strikes by Russian

Summary

First published
March 20, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11
(4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1117

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

At least five and as many as 11 civilians, including three children were killed by air raids carried out on August 10th in Maarat al Numan, local media reported. Additionally, ten to 30 other civilians were wounded from the air raids.The Shaam News Network identified the planes as being Russian warplanes. However, Alsouria and @Maaramc12

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(3 children)
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS536

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

As many as 11 civilians were killed and 30 injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Palmyra, according to local sources. Shaam News Network reported that nine civilians, mostly women and children, were killed in a bombardment by Russian warplanes. It said there were several raids, mainly focused on the Al Wadi road. The Coordinating Committee of

Summary

First published
February 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 11
(1 child4 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS675

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Eleven civilians including six children and three women were killed and up to 60 others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Douma, according to local sources. Shaam News Network reported that “intense air raids by the Russian enemy on civilian homes in the city of Douma led to the fall of many wounded including women

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11
(6 children3 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–60
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, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1463

LOCATION

ترمانين, Termamin, Aleppo, Syria

Between nine and 11 civilians died and up to 25 more were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Termamin town, according to local sources. The lowest death count was given by @NewsFlashNet at at least nine. RevoSpring said that 10 people died, while Halab News joined most sources in putting the figure

Summary

First published
October 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
Civilians reported injured
12–25
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

July 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1008

LOCATION

الألمجي, Al Alamji, Aleppo, Syria

Warplanes struck Al Almaji, a residential neighborhood in Old Aleppo and killed between 10 and 11 civilians, including women and children. According to Horrya News and the Syrian Network for Human Rights, Assad warplanes launched the raids. However, Shahba News Agency and other local news sources reported the raids to be Russian. The Syrian Civil

Summary

First published
July 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 11
(4–5 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
23
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1536

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and 11 civilians were killed, including three women and five children, and 15 were wounded in airstrikes against Darat Izza city in western Aleppo. The civilians killed were all reportedly members of the same family and included a couple who had just been married a few days before. A video published by JisirTV

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(5 children3–4 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
15
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 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS087

LOCATION

تل هادية, Tal Hadya, Aleppo, Syria

As many as 11 civilians were reported killed in the second alleged Russian airstrike in as many days on Tal Hadya. A large number of civilians were also reportedly injured in the nighttime attack. According to the Syrian Observatory, “nine people [six women, one child and two men] were killed in bombing by warplanes believed

Summary

First published
October 28, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(1–7 children0–6 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
50
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

January 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS1854

LOCATION

قصر البريج , Qasr al Boureij village, south east al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Between six and 11 civilians died in an airstrike on a school holding displaced people in Qasr al Boureij village, according to local media. Most sources blamed barrel bombing by the regime, though there were also several allegations against Russia. Eldorar said: “According to local media sources a regime helicopter targeted a   school sheltering displaced

Summary

First published
January 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 11
(2–3 children2 women)
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

February 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS516

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Ten civilians including four children, four women and a rescue worker were killed – and ten to 15 others injured – in alleged Russian airstrikes on Anadan, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes launched 20 raids with missiles and cluster bombs targeting homes in the city center of Anadan and

Summary

First published
February 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 11
(3–4 children3–4 women5 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–15
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
11 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2639

LOCATION

السعلو, Sa'lo, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a missile strike which allegedly hit a school in Sa’lo, between five and 11 civilians were killed, and ten civilians were injured, local media reported. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the alleged strikes, with only one source, The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), blaming unspecified airstrikes.  Despite sources

Summary

First published
October 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(1–2 children2–3 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
11 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 3, 2015

Incident Code

RS013

LOCATION

إحسم, Ihsem, Idlib, Syria

Russian aircraft reportedly bombed the town of Ihsem in Idlib, killing five members of one family – four of whom were young girls. The victims were later named. The White Helmets civil defence force tried to reach the dead and injured, but were subjected to a ‘double tap’ strike which killed one of their rescuers

Summary

First published
October 3, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 11
(4 children1 woman2 men)
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
15 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1792

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and eleven civilians – six reportedly from the same family – were killed in an aerial bombardment which struck a residential neighbourhood in Al Atarib, Aleppo, local media reported. Dozens were also said to have been wounded in the strikes. Two men, two women and five named children were reported as killed by the

Summary

First published
December 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(2–5 children1–2 women1–2 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
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1098

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

In what has been described by reporters as a “massacre”, no less than 11 civilians, including seven children and one woman, died following an aerial bombardment on the residential neighbourhood al Marja. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights however, noted that the numbers were most likely to rise due to the nature of the injures.

Summary

First published
August 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11
(7 children1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
13–24
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

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1598

LOCATION

كفر جالس, Kafr Jalis, Idlib, Syria

Up to eleven civilians died, including women and children, and more than ten were injured in Kafr Jalis following alleged Russian or regime shelling, according to various local sources. Most sources suspected six civilians killed, however, Syrian News Desk reported seven killed including more than ten injuries. Sky News put the toll at much high,

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 11
(3 children2 women)
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
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS003

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

According to SN4HR, Russian actions reportedly killed eight or more civilians – including four children, most from one family – in a further series of strikes as part of the Kremlin’s first day of military action in Syria. VDC placed the toll at 11 civilian deaths, with its local contact reporting: “Russian warplanes, likely Sukhoi

Summary

First published
September 30, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 11
(5 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
40–50
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS293

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and 11 civilians were reported killed including two children in three airstrikes on Al Bab, according to multiple reports. Shahba Press claimed that “Russian warplanes launched three air strikes on al Bab City, which resulted in the deaths of five people, including two children, in addition to a large number of injuries and

Summary

First published
December 20, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
12–20
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2071

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisir Al-Shoghour, Idlib, Syria

Up to 11 civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded, following an alleged missile strike on Jisir Al-Shoghour. Almost all sources blamed Russian warplanes for the incident. Some, however, remained impartial, and two blamed the Syrian regime. According to sources, three children and women were killed in the raid. LCCSY and Step News put the

Summary

First published
April 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 11
(3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
9–24
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1544

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Between nine and 11 civilians were killed, including between six to eight children and two pregnant women, and seven other civilians were injured, including three children and a woman, in airstrikes launched against the residential neighbourhood Khan Sheikhoun. Three of the named children were brothers from one family that, according to sources, had come to

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(6–9 children2–3 women)
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
11 named, 2 families identified
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS486

LOCATION

الغنطو, Al Ghantu, Homs, Syria

Eleven civilians died including three women and seven children in alleged Russian raids on Al Ghantu, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “warplanes believed to be Russian” killed 11 civilians, including three women and seven children. They said that a man and his wife and three of their children were among those killed. The

Summary

First published
January 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 11
(7 children3 women)
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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident