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

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS439

LOCATION

مديرية الكهرباء, Vicinity of power directorate in Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Ten civilians including four children and three women died in alleged Russian airstrikes on the power directorate in Raqqa city, according to local sources. Syrian News Desk also blamed Russia, but did not say how many died. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “alleged Russian warplanes shelled the vicinity of the Power Directorate

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(4 children3 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Named victims
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2604

LOCATION

الهزاعة, Al-Hazaa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between seven and ten civilians were killed, including women and children, and “dozens” more were wounded, following alleged Russian airstrikes on Al-Hazaa, according to sources on the ground. The incident allegedly occurred in the afternoon following Friday prayers, according to local media, and struck civilian homes and water wells. Multiple sources reported that this was

Summary

First published
October 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
(2 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1633

LOCATION

حي طريق الباب , Tareeq al Bab neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and ten civilians including a woman and up to three children died and as many as 17 others were wounded in alleged Russian or regime air or artillery strikes on Aleppo’s Tareeq al Bab neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground. The Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to Russia, putting the death toll

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 10
(2–3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
17
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2363

LOCATION

Arbeen, Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Between eight and 10 civilians including four to eight children and between one and two women died and as many as 50 others were wounded in multiple airstrikes on Arbeen in the Damascus countryside, according to sources on the ground. While several reports attributed this event to Russia, a number of sources didn’t identify the

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(4–8 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2662

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between seven and ten civilians were killed – including two children, a woman and two men, and “dozens” more were injured, following airstrikes on Hamidiya. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most blamed Russian warplanes, however one blamed the Syrian regime, and another reported that Russian and “other planes” bombed the vicinity.

Summary

First published
October 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
(2 children1 woman1–2 men)
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, Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS344

LOCATION

بزاعة, Baza'a, Aleppo, Syria

Eight or nine non-combatants including 3 women and 4 children were killed and seven others injured in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on a western neighbourhood in the town of Baza’a. Citing an anonymous source, Syria News Desk noted: “Russian warplanes carried out three raids on the centre and outskirts of the city, killing

Summary

First published
January 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(4 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
7–10
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

March 10, 2018

Incident Code

RS3220

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Nine civilians were killed and dozens more were reported missing and wounded in the aftermath of air and artillery strikes on Arbeen, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. The residential vicinity was hit with both missiles, internationally banned phosphorous bombs and napalm, according to local media.

Summary

First published
March 10, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
(2 women5 men)
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
Named victims
7 named
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

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1322

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between seven and nine civilians died and at least 15 more were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Aleppo’s Al Qaterjo neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground. An Al Jazeera report claimed that phosphorus and cluster bombs were used in the attack. @ShbabRevolution tweeted, “seven dead, including a child and about

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(2–3 children2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–24
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
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1664

LOCATION

المعادي, Al Ma'adi neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and nine civilians – including one child – were killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian or Syrian regime raids on the Al Ma’adi neighbourhood, Aleppo, local media reported. All sources blamed the Syrian regime for the raid, except Halab News Network (HNN), who said that Russia was responsible. Additionally, all sources except

Summary

First published
November 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 9
(0–1 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

September 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1344

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and nine civilians were reportedly killed in Russian or Syrian regime air raids on the Al Qaterji neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Halab News and Alwatan reported one unidentified person dead. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that two people as a result of “government helicopters dropping barrel

Summary

First published
September 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 9
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

November 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1690

LOCATION

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and nine civilians were killed and at least 20 others were injured in airstrikes against the town of Al Mansoura in the western countryside of Aleppo. The majority of local sources, including @ShahbaPress, allege that Russian warplanes were responsible for the airstrikes launched against Al Mansoura. However, SDC Aleppo offered a conflicting report

Summary

First published
November 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 9
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS023

LOCATION

جبل الزاوية, Jabal al Zawiya, Idlib, Syria

According to the Syrian Observatory, Russian aircraft targeted a number of locations in Idlib governorate on October 7th including “Khan Shekhon, al-Tama’a, and al-Habeet in the southern countryside of Idlib, and other areas of Ehsim and al-Bara in the Zawyia mount [area].” As many as 10 non-combatants may have died at five different locations. However

Summary

First published
October 7, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
(1 child1 woman2 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 belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS826

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

A single source, LCCSY, reported that nine civilians were killed in Homs – “most of them in Russian airstrikes on Sukhnah city”. No further details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
May 31, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS987

LOCATION

برج قاية, Burj Qai', Homs, Syria

Nine named civilians including six children died and up to 11 more were injured in an airstrike on Burj Qai, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime.  The Syrian Human Rights Committee, Homs Media Centre, LCCSY and other local news

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(6 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7–11
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
9 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2018

Incident Code

RS3212

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

Nine or more civilians – mainly women and children – were killed and dozens were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Mesraba, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids on the vicinity. Sources reported that there were as many as 27 barrel bombs, as well as 18

Summary

First published
March 9, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(2 children8 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1334

LOCATION

الكلاسة, Kallasa, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and nine civilians including one child died in airstrikes on the Kallassa and Maysar neighbourhoods of Aleppo, according to sources on the ground – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime was responsible. LCCSY reported that “Russia’s and Assad’s warplanes conducted airstrikes on the eSufun al Samanastern neighborhoods of Aleppo”

Summary

First published
September 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 9
(1 man)
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
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2096

LOCATION

طريق السد, Sadd Neighbourhood, Daraa, Syria

Seven to nine civilians, including two women and two children, were killed in an airstrike in the Sadd neighbourhood in Dara’a, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Seven civilians were listed in the Violations Documentations Centre with their cause of death recorded as

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(2 children2 women3–5 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

April 23, 2019

Incident Code

RS3620

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikoun, Idlib, Syria

Shelling on residential neighbourhoods in Khan Sheikhoun killed nine named civilians and wounded as many as dozens more on April 23rd, 2019, local media reported. Up to 64 rocket and artillery shells were used in the raid, according to the Syrian Civil Defense. While @abuhuzaifa_ reported an initial toll of five civilian fatalities but in

Summary

First published
April 23, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(3–5 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
19 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS463

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Between eight and nine civilians including one woman were killed and nine others injured in airstrikes on a popular market in Ariha, according to local sources. While three of the sources blame Russia for the attack, a fourth (the Syrian Network for Human Rights) says that the Assad regime were responsible. Activist told the Shaam News Network that Russian

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(1 woman8 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1672

LOCATION

جاسم, Jassem, Daraa, Syria

An airstrike, that struck the city of Jassem in Dara’a, reportedly killed up to nine civilians and wounded dozens more, including women and children, local media said. The incident was described by several media as a “massacre”. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Sources reported between five

Summary

First published
November 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(1 man)
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS250

LOCATION

النشابية, Al Nashabiya, Damascus, Syria

Up to nine civilians were killed, including six children, and 14 more people wounded including a woman, in airstrikes and ground assaults on Al Nashabiya. According to Shaam News the civilian deaths were a result of “violent attacks” by Russian warplanes and Assad’s forces. Activists published images showing the bodies of children who had “been broken in pieces by

Summary

First published
December 9, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(5–6 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2455

LOCATION

الأزغير, Al'azghir, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between seven and nine civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Al’azghir, according to local media. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1653

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and nine civilians – including one woman – were killed, and as many as 24 were wounded when barrel bombs were reportedly dropped on a six story building in Sukkari neighbourhood, Aleppo. Sources were conflicted regarding who was to blame. Some sources attributed the blame to Syrian regime “helicopters”, while others blamed Russian

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 9
(1 woman)
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

April 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2200

LOCATION

كفرزيتا , Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Up to nine civilians including eight members of the civil defense died in alleged Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes in an “unprecedented bombing campaign” on Kafr Zita, according to local media. Eight of the victims were killed in a strike on a civil defense shelter, including Hassan Hammoud Arfat, a paramedic and Ahmad Nayef al

Summary

First published
April 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS805

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

It was reported that nine female farmers died when remains of cluster bombs allegedly fired by Russia exploded. Al Jisr TV also reported this information, but said this occurred in Kafr Hamra – which is possibly a mistake. Because of near-identical copy by all media, this is presently classed as a weakly reported incident.  

Summary

First published
May 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(9 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS528

LOCATION

برج قاعي, Burj Kai, Homs, Syria

Between seven and nine victims, including up four women and up to four children were killed – and several others injured – and several injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Burj Kai according to multiple sources. Shaam News Network initially reported that three Russian warplanes launched rocket attacks on several villages in the countryside of

Summary

First published
February 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(2–4 children4 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1531

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Nine civilians were killed, including one woman with artillery and airstrikes which struck the town of Dara Izza. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights,  Abu Bakr Al Sedeeq Mosque was the main target. The airstrikes ultimately rendered the mosque inoperable due to serous damage to both the exterior and interior. Some sources only

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1744

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬ , Marjah, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

As many as nine civilians from the same family were killed, and some were wounded, in an alleged Russian raid on Marjah, Aleppo. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the attack. Although one source reported that four were killed, most others suggested it was a family of nine who were killed. According to the Syrian Network

Summary

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

Incident date

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2039

LOCATION

دير الشرقي, Deir al Sharqi, Idlib, Syria

Nine named civilians, including up to five children and one woman, were killed and between 15 and 20 others were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the village of Deir al Sharqi. Sources that reported low casualty estimates, including the five deaths by Syrian News Network, acknowledged that these were the initial

Summary

First published
March 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(3–5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
15–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
9 named
View Incident