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 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS391

LOCATION

دير العصافير, Dayr al Asafeer, Damascus, Syria

Eight to nine civilians including one to two women and two children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Dayr al Asafeer, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the White Helmets. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that eight non-combatants including one woman and two children were killed and others injured when “warplanes believed

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(2 children1–2 women5 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
8 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS583

LOCATION

جبل الزاوية (ابلين), Jabal al Zawiya, Idlib, Syria

Between five and nine civilians including one child died and at least 15 more were injured in an airstrike on Jabal al Zawiya, according to local sources. While most alleged this was the work of Russia, one said the regime was responsible. Al Souria said that Russia was responsible, putting the death toll at six

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(1 child1 woman0–7 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
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS3038

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

As many as nine civilians, including two children and one woman, were killed and at least one civilian was wounded as the Syrian regime and/or Russia carried out air and artillery shelling of Douma, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. As several sources reported, large parts of eastern Ghouta, including Douma, were subject to heavy

Summary

First published
February 19, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
(2 children1 woman)
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1778

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة, al-Kalassa, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that up to nine civilians were killed and a number were left wounded following air and artillery strikes on of al-Kalassa, Aleppo – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Several sources, such as HalabTodayTV’s correspondent, reported that helicopters dropped bombs containing chlorine gas, suffocating “dozens”, including children

Summary

First published
December 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2330

LOCATION

الجابرية, Jabriya, Hama, Syria

Two sources reported that nine civilians were killed and another six were wounded as a bakery in Jabriya village, Hama, was hit by airstrikes. Smart News Agency identified Russia as the likely culprit while al-Araby did not appoint blame, merely referring to “a military aircraft”. Both sources said that five of the victims were working in

Summary

First published
July 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1101

LOCATION

مديرة, Madira, Damascus, Syria

An entire family was killed in an alleged “rocket attack” in the town of Madira in an aerial bombardment according to local media. Sources reported that cluster bombs and rockets were used in the airstrike. All sources reported that Russian aircraft was to blame for this incident. These included Al Jazeera, Jisrtv, Halab Today and

Summary

First published
August 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
36
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1165

LOCATION

الصالحية, Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to nine civilians including children and a woman died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on the village of Salihiya at the northern entrance to the city of Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Three sources – @ِALAMAWI, @ShahbaPress, LCCSY – said that six victims from one family had died.

Summary

First published
August 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(1–3 children)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2485

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Between three and nine civilians, including one to four women and one to four children, were killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian ore regime airstrikes against the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib. The civilians that were killed were from the same family, with Smart News Agency reporting that they were a mother,

Summary

First published
September 21, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
(1–4 children1–4 women1 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
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

March 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS3252

LOCATION

حي القصور, Al Qousour, Idlib, Syria

In what local media referred to as “a massacre”, up to nine civilians were killed and as many as 15 were wounded in airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Al Qousour, according to local media. Sources attributed the blame to Russia and Syrian regime raids. The bombing caused an entire building to completely collapse, trapping

Summary

First published
March 13, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
(1 child3 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–15
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1144

LOCATION

الصناعة, Hai al Sinaa, Idlib, Syria

Between six and nine civilians died and up to 20 more were injured in an airstrike on Hai al-Sinaa, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Radio Al Kul was one of several sources attributing the event to Russia. It put the death toll at

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1557

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Between four and nine civilians were killed, including up to four children and two women, and dozens more were injured in alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Douma, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the airstrikes, with some attributing the blame to Russia, others to the Syrian regime,

Summary

First published
November 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 9
(3–4 children1–2 women)
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1134

LOCATION

تلعادة, Tal Adeh, Idlib, Syria

Between five and nine civilians were killed, including children, and between 10 and 15 more were injured from two air raids that targeted the town of Tal Adeh in the Idlib countryside. Baladi News published a video depicting volunteers searching the rubble for survivors of the airstrikes. Local sources were conflicted as to who was

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
Civilians reported injured
10–15
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
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

December 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS286

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Eight to nine civilians including two children and five women were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Azaz, according to multiple sources. The White Helmets, Al Jazeera, the Shaam News Network and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that Russia carried out the raid, which killed nine non-combatants. SOHR said this included a child, a girl

Summary

First published
December 17, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(2 children5 women1 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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2990

LOCATION

حزة, Hazza, Damascus, Syria

At least three and as many as nine civilians were killed and one child was wounded, following aerial and possible missile shelling of Hazza, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, according to local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. According to local reports, the incident in Hazza was

Summary

First published
February 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1371

LOCATION

كقر بطنا, Kafr Batna, Damascus, Syria

Between eight and nine civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Kafr Batna in Eastern Ghouta. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at three including one woman with “others” wounded. According to Enabbaladi, “nine people, including seven children, were killed as a result of the targeting

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(4–7 children1 woman)
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
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS1922

LOCATION

الحميرات, Al-Hmeirat, Hama, Syria

Sources reported that eight people from one family were killed and dozens more were wounded when an alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime raid struck their home in Al-Hmeirat. Most sources blamed Russia, though some also pointed to the Syrian regime. Members of the Civil Defence spent time pulling bodies and injured civilians out of the rubble.

Summary

First published
February 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(6 children1 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
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 31, 2015

Incident Code

RS103

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

The White Helmets were among those reporting multiple civilian fatalities after a series of alleged Russian airstrikes on Douma. “Since the morning until now, more than 15 strikes,” the civil defence group posted. Syria Reporter published what it said was an image of two Russian aircraft operating over the city that day. The dead were

Summary

First published
October 31, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(1–3 children3 women)
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

January 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS372

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Eight to nine civilians including two women and four children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Bab. SNN reported that alleged Russian warplanes shelled the residential houses northwest of Al Bab city in eastern Aleppo suburbs, under the control of ISIL. The IS agency Al A’maq also reported on the incident, stating that nine

Summary

First published
January 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(4 children2 women)
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

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1533

LOCATION

الحمورية, Hamouriya , Damascus, Syria

Between six and nine civilians, including up to four women and up to five children, were killed in alleged Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes in Houmouriya town, Damascus, according to sources on the ground. The numbers of civilians reported wounded varied from 18 to 24. LCCSY reported that “dozens of civilians were injured as the

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(3–5 children1–4 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
18–24
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

July 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1025

LOCATION

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

Between six and nine civilians died in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Aleppo’s Al Mashhad neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground. The majority of reports, including Al Jazeera, Buraq Media and Syrian PC, blamed the Assad regime for the airstrikes. According to reports, there was both shelling and the use of explosive barrels

Summary

First published
July 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
Civilians reported injured
20–25
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

August 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1167

LOCATION

الراموسة, Ramousa, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and nine non-combatants died and dozens more were injured in an airstrike on a bus or cars carrying civilians on the road between Khan Tuman town and the Al Ramoseh neighbourhood of Aleppo city, local media reported. All but one source attributed the event to Russia. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said

Summary

First published
August 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 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

July 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2348

LOCATION

حقل الجفرة, Al Jafra [oil] field junction, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Nine civilians died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Al Jafra [oil] field junction, according to sources on the ground. Rozanafm said: “On Tuesday [July 17th], our correspondent in Deir al-Zour reported that a military aircraft believed to belong to the Syrian regime targeted a car carrying nine civilians on Al Jafra field

Summary

First published
July 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS287

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and nine civilians were reported killed and 2 to 25 injured in an airstrike on Al Bab, according to multiple sources – though it is unclear whether regime shelling or Russian warplanes were responsible for the attacks. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that four non-combatants were killed and several others injured when warplanes

Summary

First published
December 17, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 9
Civilians reported injured
2–25
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

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS682

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Nine civilians including three children and three women died in an airstrike on Darat Izza, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were responsible. Shaam News Network reported that “a family made up of three people was burnt to death  in the town of Darat Izza

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(3 children3 women1 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
9 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 8, 2019

Incident Code

RS3584

LOCATION

وادي العزيب أو وادي العذيب,, Wadi al-Azeeb, Hama, Syria

Between seven and nine civilians died and several others were wounded when remnants from a cluster bomb or landmine allegedly dropped by either Russia or the Assad regime back in 2017 exploded in Wadi al-Azeeb on February 8th 2019. Halab Today reported: “According to the correspondent of Halab Today, the explosions killed seven people and a

Summary

First published
February 8, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS3177

LOCATION

جسرين, Jisreen, Damascus, Syria

Between six and nine civilians including three children were killed, and dozens more were wounded, in airstrikes on Jisreen, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Most sources attributed the blame to the Syrian regime; however, the Violations Documentation Centre, who named six fatalities, blamed “Syrian government and

Summary

First published
March 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(3 children3 men)
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
6 named
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

July 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2359

LOCATION

زور شمر , the town of Ma'dan and the village of Zour Shamr, Raqqa, Syria

Between six and nine civilians died and as many as dozens more were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on the town of of Ma’dan and the village of Zour Shamr. According to Baladi, “Local media sources said Sunday [July 23rd] that Russian planes targeted camps for displaced people in the towns of

Summary

First published
July 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
19–24
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
3 named
View Incident