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 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS784

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported about continued airstrikes in al-Sakhour, Aleppo, that killed up to five civilians, including one child and wounded up to four. Sources were constesting regarding the cultprit, pointing to both the Assad regime and Russia. Shaam News Network, reported “For the eighth day in a row Assad’s and Russian aircraft continue to pour

Summary

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

Incident date

May 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS816

LOCATION

‏الكبر‬, Al Kiber, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian male named as Sahir Attallah al Ayyad died from injuries sustained in a reported Russian airstrike on al Kiber “two months earlier.” No additional details are presently known, including the precise date of death.    

Summary

First published
May 29, 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

June 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS849

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

A family of five died in an airstrike on the village of Kafr Halab, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The White Helmets reported that a family of five died and several other civilians were injured alleged Russian strikes on Kafr Halab. It

Summary

First published
June 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 children1 woman1 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS881

LOCATION

حي ‏الجزماتي‬, Al Jazmati (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including a child and a woman died and dozens more were injured when non-combatants’ homes were struck by airstrikes in the Al Jazamati neighborhood of Aleppo, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted or unclear as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY blamed Russian strikes

Summary

First published
June 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
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
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS913

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Two named civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on al Bab, according to local media. Activists speaking to syrianpc news  said that Russian warplanes launched strikes on residential buildings in the city of Al Bab, killing two civilians and wounding five others. A number of sources which reported the incident did not identify the

Summary

First published
June 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS947

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and another eight were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Saraqib, local sources on the ground reported. According to Baladi, “Warplanes launched two raids targeting residential neighborhoods in the city with Saraqib, resulting in martyrs and eight wounded, White Helmets teams went to the place and worked to dig out one the

Summary

First published
June 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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

July 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS979

LOCATION

حريتان, Assiya (Hraytan), Aleppo, Syria

Four members of the Civil Defence Service were killed while traveling from Anadan to rescue civilians in Assiya, according to sources on the ground. The Step News Agency said that the Civil Defence team were specifically targeted with a missile. Al Jazeera claimed that it was the Syrian regime who were shelling various areas of

Summary

First published
July 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1011

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, Izaz, Aleppo, Syria

A Civil Service Defence Quarter was put out of service when two warplanes fired missiles on Izaz, Aleppo, a town close to the Turkish border in northern Aleppo. Up to  five civilians including a child reportedly died in the attack, which caused extensive destruction to the building and injured several Civil Defence workers. Ara News

Summary

First published
July 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1043

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 22 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on civilian homes and the main market in Al Atarib, according to local media – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Many sources alleged that both parties carried out tens of strikes. LCCSY, for example, said

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 22
(1 woman6 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–65
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 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1075

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Five civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat al Numan, according to local sources. Syrian Press Center, Smart News Agency, Zakaria Nassani, Eldorar, Iraqsunahnews, RFS, EMC and LCCSY all blamed Russia. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
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

July 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1173 RS2327

LOCATION

الموحسن, Muhassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman possibly died in an airstrike on Mohsen village, according to local media – though it’s currently unclear who was responsible for her death. None of the sources specifically blamed the Coalition, with many referring only to “warplanes” carrying out strikes on the Al-Zaeem roundabout and the perimeter of Al-Wasat School. However, Tt1463000 said

Summary

First published
July 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1412

LOCATION

Deir Ezzor, Syria

A woman was named as killed in an airstrike on Deir ez-Zor, though sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for her death. The majority of sources blamed either Russia or the regime, however, Hasaka Rasd and Euphrates Post did not apportion blame.  

Summary

First published
August 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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

October 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS1652 RS2663

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A family of up to six civilians died in airstrikes on Al Soussa town, according to local media. While most sources said that Russia was to blame, two alleged that the Coalition was responsible. One other source pointed towards the Syrian regime. The majority of sources (Al Latamna Youth Gathering, Al Jisr, Baladi, Eldorar, Step

Summary

First published
October 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1090

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and six civilians died in an alleged Russia or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo city, according to local media. According to multiple sources, a convoy carrying humanitarian aid to Aleppo was struck. LCCSY reported that “the rebels have made new progress today [Aug 3rd], gaining control of positions in the Aleppo countryside, while

Summary

First published
August 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
Civilians reported injured
6
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

August 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1122 CS292

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In a major civilian casualty event, between 13 and 30 civilians were killed and up to 70 more injured from airstrikes from either a Russian or a Coalition strike on al Idkhar neighbourhood in Raqqa City. Both belligerents report bombing in the area. Raqaa is Being Slaughtered initially reported on the morning of August 11th:

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 30
(3 children1–2 women8 men)
Civilians reported injured
13–70
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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
10 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1154

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that two children died and several more civilians were wounded in airstrikes on the Al Ferdous neighbourhood of Aleppo. Most sources blamed Russia, though one said that the Assad regime had also carried out strikes on the area. Russia: LCCSY, @syriapost1, @ShahbaPress and @SRG_Syria all blamed Russia. LCCSY also initially pointed to

Summary

First published
August 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(2 children)
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

August 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1186

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Two children died and up to nine other civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Kafr Naha, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Halab Today reported that “at least two children were wounded in cluster bomb raids”. However, Smo-sy, @HalabTodayTV and

Summary

First published
August 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–9
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 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1219

LOCATION

الليرامون, Leiramon, Aleppo, Syria

One or two civilians died and three were wounded in an airstrike on Lerimon in northern Aleppo, according to local media. The majority of sources including Shahba, Syriapost1, Alraya_n and Smart blamed Russia. However, the Shaam News Network pointed towards “Russian and Assad’s aircraft”.

Summary

First published
September 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1251

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and seven civilians including three children and a woman died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Naha, according to local media. The source Shahed-ayan reported that there had been five raids on the town. The minimum death count of four civilians – three children and a woman – was given by Alamawi and

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(3 children1 woman)
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

September 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1284

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported between five and six dead from airstrikes in the neighbourhood of al Sukkari, Aleppo. Five fatalities were identified by name by both Halab News and Syria2011 News. In addition, both sources claimed a sixth death, of an anonymous, 35-year-old individual. Most sources agreed that Russian warplanes were responsible. For example, LCCSY tweeted

Summary

First published
September 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(2 women3–4 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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1316

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

A Russian aircraft struck a White Helmets building in Aleppo’s al Ansari neighbourhood, killing eight people, according to local sources. The strike reportedly occurred in conjunction with other strikes on White Helmets buildings in Alhaidariya and Hanano, Alsouria News said. The White Helmets posted a YouTube video showing the extent of the destruction. A large

Summary

First published
September 23, 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

September 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1348

LOCATION

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and seven civilians were reportedly killed in Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Maysar neighbourhood of Aleppo. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the strikes were conducted by the Syrian regime: “At least four victims died in government helicopters dropping barrel bombs on Al Maysar neighbourhood in Aleppo city.”

Summary

First published
September 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–10
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1380

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that the village Kafr Hamra outside of Aleppo was struck by “four” alleged airstrikes which led to the death of one man. According to NabdTV “the Civil defence forces recovered the body of a senior citizen from the rubble which was stuck there for two days”. A range of local media also

Summary

First published
October 1, 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

October 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1414

LOCATION

حي خان العسل, Khan Al Assal (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources, the Khan al-Assal area in Aleppo was subject to warplane shelling, leading to the deaths of up to three civilians though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime caused the civilian harm. The twitter account @Aleppo reported that the strikes hit a funeral gathering. Meanwhile, the Syrian

Summary

First published
October 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1446

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Naha, according to local media. SRG_Syria tweeted that there were “five martyrs and many wounded due to Russian warplanes raids in Kafr Naha in Aleppo.” Al Jazeera, Syria Press and Syria News Dersk also put the death toll at five, while Halab News listed five

Summary

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

October 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1478 CS343a

LOCATION

Al Basira town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that between one and two civilians died and up to five more were wounded in an airstrike on Al Basira bridge in Al Basira town. The majority of sources blamed the US-led Coalition for the strike, though there was also an allegation against Russia and Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the

Summary

First published
October 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1510

LOCATION

Abeen Sama'an, Aleppo, Syria

One child died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russia or Syrian  regime strike on Abeen Sama’an, according to sources on the ground. According to the Shaam News Network,”in the evening [of Oct 28th] Russian and Assad enemy planes launched air strikes targeting Aleppo neighborhoods, cities and towns in the western and

Summary

First published
October 28, 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

December 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1740

LOCATION

ادلب المدينة, Idlib city, Idlib, Syria

On December 5, 2016, at least 16 civilians were killed and between 15 and 24 were wounded in an aerial bombardment which struck Idlib city. It is unclear who was to blame, with most sources attributing blame to Russia, and some sources blaming the Syrian regime. Smart News reported that according to two activists, the

Summary

First published
December 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
(9–12 children1–3 women1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–24
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
14 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2201

LOCATION

النعيمة, Al Naima, Daraa, Syria

A mother and a child were killed by alleged Russian or Syrian regime strikes on the town of Al-Naima on April 30, 2017, according to local media. A number of raids were launched on the town over several days, local sources reported. A father, Rabi al-Aboud was left holding his dead child Mohamad Rabi (Rami)

Summary

First published
April 30, 2017
Last updated
April 17, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS3952

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma'aret al-Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

Up to six civilians were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on a residential neighbourhood in Ma’aret al-Nu’man, Idlib governorate, on July 25th, 2019, according to local sources. Up to five others were reported injured. @HalabTodayTV wrote that: “Two [civilians] were killed and others were wounded as a result of Russian airstrikes on

Summary

First published
July 25, 2019
Last updated
April 8, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(2 children2 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–5
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
City
View Incident