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

February 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS594

LOCATION

حزوان, Hazwan, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians (possibly from the same family) including two children and one woman were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hazwan, according to the Violations Documentation Center. In a news roundup, Shaam news Network reported that “In the Eastern Aleppo countryside, Russian enemy planes carried out raids on the towns of al Bab, Tadef, Deir

Summary

First published
February 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS626

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

One 40-year-old male civilian, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Hamra. The victim was named by the VDC, Syria Martrys and Mediakafrhamra – all of whom attributed the incident to Russia.  

Summary

First published
February 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS658

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Ltamenah, Hama, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike on Ltamenah according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. A citizen journalist, Mohammad Hamaoui, posted a video showing a missile reportedly dropped by a Russian warplane. And according to Zaman Masdar, “Russian warplanes launched an attack

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS690

LOCATION

الليرامون, Liramon, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Centre, four civilians including three women died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Liramon. The four victims were named by the VDC. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
February 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 women1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS722

LOCATION

الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians died and at least 10 others were injured in airstrikes on the Salheen neighborhood of Aleppo. While three sources alleged that Russia was responsible, a fourth said this was the work of Assad regime warplanes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was “informed that no less than 5 people were killed

Summary

First published
March 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(2 children2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
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

April 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS754

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Fourteen civilians including three children died and at least 24 people were injured in airstrikes on Raqqa, according to multiple sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether the Assad regime or Russia were responsible. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently posted images showing destruction of the city following airstrikes. It did not initially say

Summary

First published
April 14, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14
(3 children1 woman11 men)
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
14 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS787

LOCATION

الجنينة, Al Jneina, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported up to 20 civilian casualties and 24 injured following alleged Russian airstrikes targeting al-Jneina, Deir ez-Zour. According to Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently, “Muhiy al Razouk and his three children” died in a Russian airstrike on Al Jneina. LCSSY also named the victim and said two of his relatives were killed and

Summary

First published
April 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 20
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
4–24
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS819

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

In a major civilian casualty incident, consecutive strikes were reported by local sources across the city of Idlib, targeting the National Hospital and other locations. Up to 60 civilians – including women and children – were reported killed and 200 more injured. Multiple sources attributed the incident to Russia, though there was some initial confusion

Summary

First published
May 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 60
(7–10 children2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
24–200
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS852

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Al Castillo road, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and several others injured in an airstrike on the Al Castillo road in Aleppo, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Shaam News Network reported one death, but referred to “warplanes” and “Assad regime raids”. However, Qasioun reported that

Summary

First published
June 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS884

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and eight more were injured airstrikes on Anadan, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Shaam News Network reported that “Russian warplanes carried out several air strikes with cluster bombs” on Anadan, killing two civilians and wounding another eight

Summary

First published
June 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS916

LOCATION

حريتان, Al Harameis, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Three or four children died following airstrikes on Al Harmeis, Hraitan city, Aleppo governorate. There are contradictions in the sources obtained as some alleged that the regime was responsible; moreover, a significant number of reports did not apportion blame. Later reports said the death toll rose to four children, while Syrian Press Center alleged eight

Summary

First published
June 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(3–4 children)
Civilians reported injured
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS950 CS243

LOCATION

الخفسة, Al Khafsa, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and 13 civilians died in airstrikes on Al Khafssa, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia, the US-led Coalition or the Syrian regime were to blame. The majority of sources, including HNN, @AJABreaking and @HalabNewsN blamed Russia. The Step News Agency, also attributed the event to Russia, put

Summary

First published
June 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 13
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS982

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One man was killed in an attack by an alleged Russian warplane in al Sukkari on July 10th 2016. All sources reported that the attack was carried out by Russian; there was no mention of the Syrian regime. “Others” were reported to have been wounded with no mention of numbers. Sinn News however published a

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1014

LOCATION

الخالدية, Khalidiya, Aleppo, Syria

According to a single source, LCCSY, two civilians died in three alleged Russian strikes in Aleppo’s Al Khalidiya neighbourhood. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1046

LOCATION

عربين, Irbin, Damascus, Syria

Four civilians including three children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Irbin in eastern Ghouta, local media reported – though the culprit remained unclear. According to Radio Al Kul, “Russian warplanes struck Douma, Harasta, Irbin and Hamoreya in Eastern Ghouta with missiles loaded with cluster bombs and killed four people and wounded tens more.”

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1212 RS2343

LOCATION

الصبحة, Al Subha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three to six civilians died in airstrikes on al Subha village, local media reported, though it was unclear whether the Coalition or Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “five people were martyred and three of them were charred, as a result of shelling by aircraft. It’s

Summary

First published
July 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1 child)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown
Named victims
7 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1476 RS2434

LOCATION

Khisham town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local reports documented four civilians killed in airstrikes on Khisham town,13 kilometres east of Deir Ghaza, eastern Deir Ezzor. Euphrates Post referred to “warplanes” and alleged that they targeted “the house of Awad al-Azar in the town of Khisham, opposite the divider, killing four people and wounding many civilians yesterday evening”, though they did not

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1658 RS2669

LOCATION

السكرية, Al Sukkariya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four civilians – two women and two girls – died in an airstrike on the residential neighbourhood of al Sukkariya, local media reported. It was unclear who was responsible, though one source attributed the event to Russia. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “four citizen women including two girls were killed as a

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 women)
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1093

LOCATION

شغور, Shaghuor, Idlib, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one adult male civilian, as killed by a Russian cluster bomb. While the source reports that the victim was from Shahour village, it’s unclear whether he was killed there. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
August 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1125

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Between five and six civilians – four from the same family – were killed and at least two others were wounded by more than two airstrikes on the city of Khan Sheikhoun, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to whether the planes belonged to Russia or the regime. Most of those injured were reportedly

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1157

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and seven civilians died and more were wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on Al Atarib, according to local media – though a number of sources didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. Multiple reports said that a child died. Youn7 said that three people were killed including the child. According to Akhbaralaan, “seven civilians

Summary

First published
August 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
3–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1189

LOCATION

أفس, Efis, Idlib, Syria

One adult male civilian, named by the Violations Documentation Center, died and up to 11 more people were wounded in an airstrike on Efis in Idlib, local media reported. The majority of sources blamed Russia, though several attributed the event to the Assad regime. These reports put the death count at one, with an unspecified

Summary

First published
August 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6–11
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 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1222

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians – a man and his daughter – died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat al Numan, according to local media. Accordingly to LCCSY, the victims died following sustaining injuries in a Russian strike. Both Almuhajer and Abdulkaderhep tweeted graphic images of the victims receiving treatment in a medical facility. Step News Agency, SyriaMubasher,

Summary

First published
September 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1254

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between two and fifteen civilians including one woman died and 43 more were reportedly wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on Marja, according to local media. Alamawi, Jisrtv, LCCSY all blamed Russia. In a video published by Piepers Umran (see below), a man says that Russian planes “targeted civilians as there are no militants in

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 15
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
43
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1287

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nairab , Aleppo, Syria

Local news outlets alleged that either Russian or Syrian forces were responsible for two civilian deaths, including one woman’s, on the road between Bab al Mayrab and al Salheen in Aleppo. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said “fixed-wing warplanes, believed to be Russian, fired missiles at the residential homes on the road leading to

Summary

First published
September 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1319

LOCATION

كرم حومد, Karam Homad, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed by airstrikes in the Karam Homad neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to multiple local reports. Several civilians were also wounded, according to @ameeralhalabi and @essamtakly. Halab News referred to one unidentified civilian killed in the raid, as did the Shaam News Network. Some sources referred to the strikes as Russian. For instance,

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

RS1351

LOCATION

صلاح الدين, Salahuddin, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and six civilians were reported killed and 20 more injured in alleged Russian airstrikes in Salahudin in Aleppo. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported “four civilians (three children and their mother) died when alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on Salahudin neighborhood in Aleppo city.” Thiqanewsagency and Almawi, among others, reported a lower

Summary

First published
September 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
20
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 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1383

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, up to four unidentified civilians died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s al-Ansari neighbourhood. According to Maser Press, “four civilians were killed and dozens wounded due to Russian warplanes shelling in Al-Ansari”. Other sources put the death toll at between one and

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
Civilians reported injured
5–24
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

October 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1417

LOCATION

Al Masra'a al Thania, Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians including two children and up to three women died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the town Al-Mazra’a Al-Thania near Maskana in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. According to the Syrian Press Center, “two children were killed and others wounded due to warplanes shelling in Al-Mazra’a Al-Thania and the sugar factory

Summary

First published
October 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 children2–3 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1449

LOCATION

بستان الباشا, Bustan al Basha, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Bustan al Basha neighbourhood, according to local media. Halab News listed on unidentified civilian as killed in a Russian raid. The Shaam News Network also put the death toll at one, but reported that both Russia and the regime carried out strikes

Summary

First published
October 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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