Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

November 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

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1763

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafr Sajna, Idlib, Syria

Up to eight civilians were killed and 15 injured in multiple airstrikes on Kafr Sajna, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Step News, who put the death toll at four with a “number” of injuries, reported that “warplanes launched four airstrikes with surface rockets

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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
2 named
Geolocation
Town
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

Incident date

January 9, 2018

Incident Code

RS2875

LOCATION

ابو الظهور, Abu Al-zuhur, Idlib, Syria

As many as eight civilians were killed – including four from one family – as well as others wounded in airstrikes which hit Abu Al-zuhur. Sources mostly blamed Russian warplanes, however one source did blame the Syrian regime. Additionally, local media reported that “explosive barrels” were used, a weapon known to be used by the

Summary

First published
January 9, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(1 child3 women)
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 11, 2015

Incident Code

RS257

LOCATION

القصابية, Al Qassabiya, Idlib, Syria

Between four and eight civilians including three children were killed and more than 20 injured in an airstrike on Al Qassabiya – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes struck a centre for bread distribution in the town and

Summary

First published
December 11, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(3 children1 man)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1234

LOCATION

باتبو, Batbo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to eight civilians died and as many as 15 were wounded in an airstrike on an oil factory in Hazano, according to local media. While most sources attributed the event to Russia, two pointed towards the Syrian regime. Orient news and LCCSY put the death toll at three, with LCCSY adding that 15 civilians

Summary

First published
September 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 8
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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 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

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2554

LOCATION

سهل الروجبلدة الحمو , Hamou town in al Roj plain in the Idlib western countryside, Idlib, Syria

Between three and eight civilians including women and children were killed and up to 15 other non-combatants wounded after an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on the village of al Hamou on September 28th, according to local sources. Most sources reported seven or eight people killed, whereas the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported

Summary

First published
September 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(3–4 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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
7 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS524

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Between six and eight civilians were killed including two to four children, one to two women and two members of the Red Crescent – and dozens more injured – in alleged Russian airstrikes on Anadan, according to local sources. Shaam News Network reported that Russian forces launched “about 50 airstrikes” which including cluster munitions, targeting

Summary

First published
February 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(2–4 children1–2 women3 men)
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS812

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Multiple local sources reported Russian and Syrian regime raids on various parts of Aleppo, killing up to 17 civilians – including two or more children – and wounding others. In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes and helicopters had carried out raids with “vacuum missiles, cluster bombs and barrel bombs”

Summary

First published
May 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(3–5 children1 woman1 man)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS938 RS2278

LOCATION

جديد عكيدات, Jadid Akeidat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as eight civilians, as well as six named which including medical personnel died, and others were wounded in an airstrike on Jadid Akeidat village, Deir Ez-Zour, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, the Syrian regime or Russia were responsible for the attacks. Sources reported

Summary

First published
June 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1180

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Eight civilians including women and children died and up to 20 more were wounded in airstrikes on Douma, local media reported – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. The majority of sources, however, accused the regime. According to Syria News Desk, “about 20 vacuum missiles, cluster

Summary

First published
August 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(2 children2–3 women1 man)
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1636

LOCATION

قاضي عسكر, Qadi Askar, Aleppo, Syria

Up to eight civilians, including two children and two women, were reportedly killed and more than 20 were wounded due to alleged Russian or joint Russian-Syrian regime shelling of Qadi Askar, Aleppo, local sources reported. Most sources reported that eight civilians were killed by the airstrikes, while just one, the Syrian Network for Human Rights,

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(2 children2 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS2997

LOCATION

مشمشان, Mishmishan, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes killed up to eight civilians, including children and women, and wounded up to 40, including children, local media reported, after the town of Mishmishan, Idlib, was struck. Ebaa News cited locals on the ground who told them how alleged Russian warplanes had “hovered around the area and then returned and carried out

Summary

First published
February 8, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(1–4 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–40
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 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS953

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

Local sources reported airstrikes targeted the Palestinian refugee camp Khan al-Sheikh, leading to the death of at least six civilians including one child and one woman. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame for the attacks. The highest death toll was given by Radar News, who reported eight

Summary

First published
June 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–12
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

December 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS1771

LOCATION

حي المعادي , Al Ma’adi neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and eight civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Ma’adi neighbourhood, sources on the ground reported. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “four victims died in suspected Russian warplanes missiles fired on Al Ma’adi neighborhood in Aleppo city, December 7, 2016.”. However, other sources – Syria Mubasher, LCCSY, and Syria rev

Summary

First published
December 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
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

January 16, 2018

Incident Code

RS2903

LOCATION

طبيش, Tbeesh, north of Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

As many as eight civilians were killed – including six children and a woman – and nine more were injured in airstrikes which hit the vicinity of Tbeesh in Idlib, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to the Syrian regime, while most others blamed Russia.

Summary

First published
January 16, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(6 children1 woman)
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS322

LOCATION

جرجناز, Jarjanaz, Idlib, Syria

Eight civilians including four children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on a school in Jarjanaz, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN reported that a Russian warplane launched four vacuum missiles on the gate of the Thee Qar school while students were leaving the premises to return to their homes. The Network said

Summary

First published
December 26, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(4 children)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2075

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

As many as eight civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on a residential neighbourhood in Hamouriya. Sources were conflicted regarding who was to blame. All sources blamed the Syrian regime except Smart who pointed to Russian warplanes. The shelling reportedly occurred in conjunction with many other raids on towns in the countryside of

Summary

First published
April 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 8
(4 children)
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

April 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2163

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Eight civilians were killed – including children – and as many as 15 were wounded, following an attack on a popular market selling sells vegetables, fruits and nuts in Khan Sheikhoun. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming the Syrian regime and others blaming Russia. SHRC reported that the strike happened at approximately

Summary

First published
April 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(1 child)
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
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS1869

LOCATION

جبال البلعاس , Al Bila’as mountains, Hama, Syria

In what several sources called a “massacre”, between five and eight civilians including two children and three women died and as many as 10 more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on a camp for displaced people that is located in ISIS territory in the Al Bila’as mountains in eastern Hama governorate. The number

Summary

First published
January 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(2 children3 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS3515

LOCATION

أم المياذن, Um Al Mayadhen, Daraa, Syria

Up to ten civilians died in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Um Al Mayadhen on July 5th, 2018, according to sources on the ground. @Step_Agency reported that “eight people, including a member of the Civil Defense, were killed as a result of the aerial bombardment targeting the town of Um Al Mayadhen, east of

Summary

First published
July 5, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 10
(8–9 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–4
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
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS183

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan Subul, Idlib, Syria

At least five civilians, including two women and two children, were killed in alleged Russian evening airstrikes that targeted Khan Subul. Step TV later interviewed an eyewitness, an unnamed boy who notes: “A plane hit here and hit our neighbour’s home, so they were martyred. This is where it happened; it was Russian planes.” The

Summary

First published
November 21, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(2 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 24, 2015

Incident Code

RS312

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Eight civilians including three children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Arbeen, according to the Violations Documentation Center. The White Helmets published a number of videos showing them attending the scene, fighting a fire and rescuing an injured person from under the rubble. One unidentified victim was also accounted for: Unidentified – adult,

Summary

First published
December 24, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(3 children4 men)
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, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1756

LOCATION

حي قاضي عسكر, Qadi A’skar neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and eight civilians were killed in an airstrike on Qadi Askar, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible for the event. Halab Today reported that “the regime forces and sectarian militias supporting it” engaged in “intensive aerial bomardment and clashes in the neighbourhood

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS836

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between six and eight civilians died and 12 more were injured in an air or artillery strikes on the Al Kalassa neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. The Shaam News Network reported Russian raids with warplanes

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
Civilians reported injured
12
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 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS3247

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Four to eight civilians were killed and others were wounded in a suspected napalm attack on the Grand Mosque in Arbeen, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to Russian and Syrian regime raids. Sources reported that helicopters threw as many as 15 explosive barrels on the residential neighbourhood, leaving civilians both dead and wounded. Syria

Summary

First published
March 13, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(1 woman4–7 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of injury / death
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), 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
8 named
View Incident