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

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS180

LOCATION

العشارة‎, Ashara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian girl died “as a result of Russian bombing” at Ashara, according to Deir Ezzor Is Being Slaughtered and others. The Violations Documentation Center named one woman or child as a victim of alleged shelling by Russian warplanes. It lists her as killed in Ashara, Deir Ezzor. Maha had previously been injured in an

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(0–1 children2–3 women2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2015

Incident Code

RS212

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Nine named  civilians including a child were reported killed – and at least 10 others injured – when Russian warplanes allegedly launched rockets on the northern suburbs of Aleppo, targeting a truck on the road to the Bab Al Salama crossing point, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The network also stated that

Summary

First published
November 29, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(1 child4–8 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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS245

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Nine civilians including four women and five children were killed in an airstrike on the village of Mraand, according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network said that eight non-combatants died as a result of a Russian missile targeting

Summary

First published
December 9, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(5 children4 women)
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, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 14, 2015

Incident Code

RS277

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Five to six non-combatants including one child were reported killed – and several others injured – in airstrikes on Kafr Hamra, according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “warplanes believed to be Russian”

Summary

First published
December 14, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

December 24, 2015

Incident Code

RS310

LOCATION

تل رفعت, Tall Rif`at, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tel Rifa’at, Aleppo, according to the Violations Documentation Center. Al Souria placed the fatalities higher, noting: “The initial death toll following the targeting of the outskirts to the city of Tel  Refaat  with rockets by Russian warplanes is six martyrs, with additional injuries among civilians,

Summary

First published
December 24, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS342

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians were killed and several others injured in alleged Russian and/or Assad regime airstrikes on Al Bab, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network produced two reports on the alleged incident. The first report put the death toll at two and an unspecified number of wounded, while the second report said five civilians

Summary

First published
January 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS374

LOCATION

دير العصافير, Dayr al Asafeer, Damascus, Syria

Two to three civilians including a woman and child were killed and 10 others injured in airstrikes on Dayr Al Asafeer, according to sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that “warplanes believed to be Russian” carried out the attacks, while the White Helmets – who put the initial death toll at two (one woman and one

Summary

First published
January 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS406

LOCATION

قصر البريج, Qasr al Burayj, Aleppo, Syria

Alaan TV reported Russian raids on Qasr el Bureji, but did not provide information on casualties. According to Halab News, eight civilians died in a bombardment by warplanes, though they did not identify the planes. Step also put the death toll at eight, though it was unclear from their report whether Russia or the regime

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
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 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS438

LOCATION

المشلب, Al Mashlad (Ar Raqqah), Raqqa, Syria

Six civilians including four children died in strikes on the Al Mashlab neighbourhood of Raqqa, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime carried out the attacks, while some sources do not identify those responsible. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently named civilians as having been killed by

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(4 children1 woman1 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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS472

LOCATION

برلهين, Berlahin, Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians were killed in the village of Berlahin on 27th January 2016, according to one source. SNN reported that there were Russian bombardments in Al Bab around that time. Commenting on the incidents, they added that the death toll was likely to rise due to the severity of injuries sustained in the raids. There are

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS504

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a brief news report, the Syrian Network for Human Rights said that at least seven civilians including two children died when a “suspected Russian warplane” fired missiles on the village of Al Salhiya.  

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(2 children1 woman)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS540

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Nine civilians including five children were killed in airstrikes on Anadan according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible, and there is some question as to exactly when certain victims died. The Shaam News Network reported that three children from one family were killed

Summary

First published
February 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(5 children4 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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS573

LOCATION

النعيمة‎, Naemah, Daraa, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one adult male civilian, Samer Ali al-Manajrah, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Naemah. It linked to a Yaqeen Media Foundation video of the man’s funeral. The voiceover says he was killed after Russian raids targeted the town of Naemah. All4Syria also said Russia had carried out a

Summary

First published
February 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS606

LOCATION

حوش نصري, Hosh Nasri, Damascus, Syria

Five civilians including one child were killed in airstrikes on the town of Hosh Nasri, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network reported that “swarms of Russian planes” flew over Eastern Ghouta, targeting towns with several

Summary

First published
February 14, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child0–3 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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS638

LOCATION

العرضي, Al A'ardi (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Twelve civilians died, including seven from the same family, in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al A’ardi neighbourhood according to local sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported 12 deaths in two Russian raids, while Shaam News Network said Russian warplanes “targeted civilians’ homes directly“. Both Al Jazeera and Alsory__Alhor also reported Russian strikes,

Summary

First published
February 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12
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

February 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS670

LOCATION

الحصان, Al Hissan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that one civilian, was killed in an airstrike at a roundabout in the village of Al Hissan – though did not say who carried out the strike. However, Shaam News Network said Russia was responsible. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “Warplane shelling thought to be

Summary

First published
February 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS702

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Three civilians including one child and one woman died in airstrikes on Palmyra – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News reported that Moscow was responsible: “Russian enemy planes carried out more than 15 air raids on the city of Palmyra targeting civilian

Summary

First published
March 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
11
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS734

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

At least one child was killed in Douma according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was a Russian airstrike or the result of regime artillery. Shaam News, reported: “Russian planes carried out raids on Douma neighbourhoods which was preceeded by artillery shelling. One civilian was killed and others were

Summary

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

Incident date

April 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS766

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Four or five civilians died and others were wounded in alleged airstrikes on Fardous, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted or unclear as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. On Twitter, Syriam_m_m as well as Wesal_tv reported that five people died and many were wounded “in Russian

Summary

First published
April 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
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

May 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS799

LOCATION

السحل, Al Sahal, Raqqa, Syria

Raqqa News 24/24 reported that a “Russian warplane” targeted the home of one of the residents of the village at 02.30am, leading to the man’s immediate death. It also said that the planes targeted the water pump east of Al Mansoura, causing material damage. Muslim Forum also reported the death of the man and said

Summary

First published
May 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS832

LOCATION

التمانعة, At Tamani'ah, Idlib, Syria

According to one local source, LCCSY, one woman was killed and three other non-combatants wounded in several alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Al Tamani’ah. However, Smart News blamed “regime warplanes” for a woman’s death and the injury of “a number of other civilians”. Qasioun also reported the incident but did not identify the

Summary

First published
June 3, 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS864

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between two and four civilians died in an airstrike on the Marja neighborhood of Aleppo, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “suspected Russian warplanes” killed four civilians when they fired missiles on the

Summary

First published
June 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS896

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

A mother and four or more of her children were among those killed in an airstrike on Maarat al Numan, local media reported – the majority of sources blamed the Syrian regime for the attack, though some sources attributed the event to Russia. The Shaam News Network blamed Moscow, reporting: “The city of Maarat al

Summary

First published
June 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(4–6 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS929

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Four to six civilians from one family, including women and children, died following air strikes on the Qaterji neighbourhood of Aleppo, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. A number of sources alleged the regime responsible, including the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Halab Today

Summary

First published
June 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
7–8
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS962

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that up to four civilians died and several more were injured in an airstrike on Deir Ezzor – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to one source, Al Jisrtv, ISIS mortars also hit the governorate on this day. The Syrian News Network reported  that

Summary

First published
June 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(0–1 children)
Civilians reported injured
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

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS994

LOCATION

قبر الأنكليزي, Kabr al Inglizi, Aleppo, Syria

A man named was killed in an an alleged Russian airstrike on Qabr Inglisi, according to local media. LCCSY and Smart News blamed Russia. Smart News reported the death of two people in this raid, but the other has victim has not been identified. There is no other information on this raid.

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1026

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Russian and Assad regime warplanes continued to attack Idlib on July 21st, killing up to another six civilians, according to sources on the ground. The Smart News called the bombardment a massacre and also commented that the raids began in the night continuing on from the 20th of July. Images published by the Shaam News

Summary

First published
July 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1058

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

February 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS470 RS1876

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

A reported Coalition, or possibly Russian, airstrike which hit a Syrian Red Crescent hospital in Idlib injured up to a dozen civilians. The Coalition later denied involvement, though a unilateral US action remained possible. The intended target of the dawn strike appeared to be the militant gropup Fatah al Sham at a base at the

Summary

First published
February 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
5–12
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1276

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Between 29 and 36 civilians died in air and artillery strikes in Raqqa over the previous 24 hours, according to local sources. Most reports blamed the Coalition – though one also said that Russia had carried out strikes in the city. It should be noted that the numbers given in these reports are general numbers

Summary

First published
July 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
29 – 36
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident