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

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

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

November 3, 2015

Incident Code

RS114

LOCATION

حي بستان القصر, Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local sources that claimed the death of between six and eight civilians including three children and injury of 12 more in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bustan al Qasr. Several houses were also reportedly destroyed. VDC released the names of 8 people that killed, including three children as result of the strike. Additionally, the Violations Documentation

Summary

First published
November 3, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(3–4 children1 woman6 men)
Civilians reported injured
12
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

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS179

LOCATION

Idlib, Syria

According to multiple sources, at least seven non-combatants died, this including two children and two women, and some injured in alleged Russian airstrike in downtown Idlib city. Other sources accused the Syria regime air forces of the shelling in the city of Idlib. The Violation Documentation Center in Syria named the seven victims.

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(2 children2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2830

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafr Sajneh, Idlib, Syria

Between five and eight civilians, including children and women, were killed and “dozens” were left wounded following heavy aerial shelling in Kafr Sajneh, Idlib, carried out by either the Syrian regime or Russia, local sources reported. There were reports that a popular market as well as homes in the town were struck. The reported death

Summary

First published
December 31, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(1 child1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 25, 2015

Incident Code

RS190

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Eight non-combatants including a child were reported killed in alleged Russian warplanes targeted trucks in the town of Azaz. Russian planes launched several rockets on a civilian area, hitting freight trucks 2km from Bab Al Salameh on the Syrian-Turkish border. The Syrian Network said the vehicles specialised in transporting foodstuff to and from the crossing,

Summary

First published
November 25, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(1 child7 men)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2459

LOCATION

البوليل, Albouleil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five to eight civilians were killed and others were wounded in airstrikes on Albouleil, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russian and Syrian regime raids for the casualties. A river bank in Albouleil was reportedly struck. Between one and five children were included in the death toll. An unidentified body was also discovered. There are

Summary

First published
September 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(1–5 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
Named victims
4 named
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

August 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS4039

LOCATION

دير شرقي, Dier Sharqi, Idlib, Syria

Seven to eight civilians, including four to eight children and as many as two women, were reported killed in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on Dier Sharqi, Idlib, on August 17th. A number of sources stated that all casualties were from the same family, and included only women and children. A tweet by @zamanalwsl

Summary

First published
August 17, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(5–8 children1–2 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2959

LOCATION

جزرايا, Jazraya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and eight civilians, including children and women, were killed and several were left injured following airstrikes and/or artillery shelling in Jazraya, Aleppo, local media reports, though the exact circumstances were unclear. Most sources reported that one family had been killed, including one man, one woman and three to five children, though sources varied

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(3–5 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 23, 2015

Incident Code

RS072

LOCATION

برقوم, Barkoum, Aleppo, Syria

Six or more civilians were reported killed in an airstrike at Barkoum. The Violations Documentation Center (which in English said the attack was by unidentified warplanes, and in Arabic attributed it to the Assad regime) later named the dead. However other sources described the attack as the work of the Russian airforce.  

Summary

First published
October 23, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(3 children2 women1 man)
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, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1502

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Between six and eight civilians including a child and two women died and as many as dozens more were wounded in multiple airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. The lowest death count was given as one by Halab Today

Summary

First published
October 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(1 child1 woman)
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
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

December 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1731

LOCATION

حي الشعار , Al Shia’ar neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and eight civilians died and a dozen or more were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Aleppo’s Al Shia’ar neighbourhood, local media reported. According to Arab24, “the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that three people were killed and about 12 others were injured on Saturday [Dec 3rd] by the bombing

Summary

First published
December 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
Civilians reported injured
12–15
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

May 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2240

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

An entire family of displaced peoples from Palmyra were killed – and an unspecific number of civilians were wounded – following an airstrike on Akeirbat, local media reported. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids.  Initially reporting suggested than an unspecific amount of civilians had been killed, however, on May 22nd three sources put

Summary

First published
May 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(1 child4 women3 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
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2694

LOCATION

الهري, Harri, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as eight civilians were reportedly killed, and 13 others were wounded, in airstrikes on Harri. Sources all blamed Russia for the strikes. Al Hall reported that “Russian warplanes targeted civilian houses in Al-Harri town with more than six raids, killing eight civilians, including women and children, injuring more than 13 others and causing

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(0–2 children0–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
13
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3162

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Up to eight civilians killed and as many as 32 others were wounded in airstrikes on Hamouriya, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. The Violations Documentation Centre reported that seven unidentified civilians were killed. There were as many as four raids. There was an intensive “aerial bombardment

Summary

First published
March 4, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 8
Civilians reported injured
32
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 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3934

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Nine civilians, including four children, were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian airstrikes that struck a local market and school in Saraqib in the afternoon of July 22nd, as reported by local sources. Up to 16 others were injured. According to @ShahbaPress, four civilians including a woman were killed and 16 were wounded, while Step

Summary

First published
July 22, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(4 children1 woman4 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–24
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1330

LOCATION

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

Between six and eight civilians including five children and one woman were reportedly killed in an airstrike in the Al Mashhad neighbourhood in Aleppo. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. Most sources seven civilians died in the attack. The Syrian Network for Human Rights elaborated on the location

Summary

First published
September 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(5 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1524

LOCATION

الرستن, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Between seven and eight civilians, including as many as six children, were killed and more than 10 others were wounded in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Al Rastan, according to local media. Local sources were conflicted in who was to blame for the airstrikes, with the majority of sources – including Eldorar,

Summary

First published
November 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(5–6 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–24
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

November 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS137

LOCATION

مخيم أوبين, Ubin IDP Camp, Latakia, Syria

A major airstrike on an IDP camp close to the Turkish border killed up to eight civilians and injured a further ten, according to reports. While most blamed the Assad regime, JBC News claimed Russia was responsible. All said powerful Russian-made munitions were used in the attack. The camp – home to 5,000 internally displaced

Summary

First published
November 9, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
Civilians reported injured
10–12
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

December 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS299

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Between five and eight civilians including one to five women and four children were killed – and several other injured – in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bdama, Jisr al Shughour, according to multiple sources. Reports by the Shaam News Network said that Russian warplanes targeted the town with two vacuum missiles, leading to the

Summary

First published
December 22, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(4 children1–5 women3 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS427

LOCATION

شقرة, Shaqra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between six and eight civilians were killed when Russian warplanes allegedly targeted a funeral following a previous airstrike on Shaqra on January 20th. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that on the first incident in Shaqra on this day (listed above) in which “Fayez Al Shokan, five members of the Al Hayess family, Khaled

Summary

First published
January 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1471

LOCATION

الشيخ فارس, Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and eight civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Sheikh Faress neighbourhood, according to local media. LCCSY and Halab News were among sources attributing the event to Russia, and putting the death count at five civilians. According to Mojahedin: “the Civil Defence was able to lift 5 martyrs from the rubble

Summary

First published
October 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 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

November 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1720

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zita neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local media named six people killed in an alleged Russian or Assad regime air or artillery strike in Kafr Zita – though most sources said that the victims were fighters. According to several reports. The Step News Agency reported that “Russian fighter jets renewed their bombardment of areas of Hama north Tuesday evening 29th of November

Summary

First published
November 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 8
(0–8 men)
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
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

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS887

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and eight non-combatants including two children, a woman and a member of the White Helmets died and dozens more were injured in raids on Orm al Kubra, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY reported that four civilians including

Summary

First published
June 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS919

LOCATION

الأبزيمو, Al Ibzimo, Aleppo, Syria

Multiple sources reported the death of five children in Al Ibzimo town, Aleppo, though the highest number recorded dead is eight civilians in a article by futureTv news. Most sources blamed Russia, though there was also an allegations against the Assad regime. Both the Syrian Network for Human Rights and Shaam News Network said Russia

Summary

First published
June 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(5–7 children1 woman)
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1190

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and eight civilians including a child died and as many as dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on the town of Haian, local media reported. The majority of sources attributed the event to Russia, though one also mentioned the Assad regime was involved. The highest death count (eight non-combatants) was given by Baladi

Summary

First published
August 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(1 child)
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
1 named
View Incident