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 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS584

LOCATION

آفس, Afes, Idlib, Syria

Seven civilians including four children were killed in airstrikes on Afes – though sources are unclear or conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that five non-combatants were killed when warplanes raided the Afes area, though did not say who the

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(4 children3 men)
Civilians reported injured
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

May 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS808

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians including three children died in airstrikes on Kafr Hamra according to local sources –  though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. According to Syrian Newsdesk more than fifteen Russian and regime warplane raids in the Kafr Hamra area resulted in the death of a family

Summary

First published
May 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
7–24
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1500

LOCATION

كفرتخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that up to seven civilians – six of whom were named – including children and women died and dozens more were wounded in night-time airstrikes on Kafr Tkharim. The strikes reportedly hit a council building and a sports center. The majority of sources attributed this casualty event to Russia, though one report

Summary

First published
October 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(3 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
20–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2369

LOCATION

البوحمد, Bouhamad, Raqqa, Syria

Seven civilians were killed, and 15 others were wounded, following an airstrike on Bouhamad, which was described by local media as a “massacre”. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with most attributing the blame to Russian warplanes, however Baladi News attributed blame to the Syrian regime.  Seven civilians were named as killed.

Summary

First published
July 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child)
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS403

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Seven civilians were killed and 25 others injured when cluster bombs were allegedly fired on Douma, according to the White Helmets and the Shaam News Network. The White Helmets did not say who was responsible for the attack, but reported that “the number of martyrs today in Douma has risen to 4 following the bombing with

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child4 men)
Civilians reported injured
25
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

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1252

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to seven civilians died and as many as 22 more were wounded in an airstrike on Salheen, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work or Russia or the Syrian regime. Baladi, Halab Today and LCCSY blamed Russia. The lowest death toll – of one –

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
Civilians reported injured
10–22
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 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1987

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Raids carried out by warplanes led to the deaths of four civilians including a woman and two children and wounded a further 12 people, sources said. It is unclear who was responsible for these attacks, with some reports blaming the Russians and others accusing the regime. Syrian Mirror reported: “Russian warplanes targeted the eastern neighborhood

Summary

First published
March 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(2 children1 woman)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
13 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

August 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2393

LOCATION

ابو شهري, Abo Shahri, Raqqa, Syria

Between five and seven civilians from one family were killed, including three women and three children, following airstrikes on Abo Shahri. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, except the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who blamed Russian and Syrian regime shelling. There were no reports of any injured civilians. According to the Syrian

Summary

First published
August 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(3 children3 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS831

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Up to seven civilians including women and children died in an airstrike on Saraqib, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY reported that one civilian died and several more were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike. Fresh Syria also

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(3 children4 women)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1547

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Seven named civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded, including a child, by alleged Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes on Douma City in Eastern Ghouta. According to sources the city was one of many subjected to “heavy artillery shelling” and “aerial bombardment” that week. @syriahadath, specified the use of cluster bombs. One of those killed

Summary

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

February 23, 2019

Incident Code

RS3591

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

In renewed artillery shelling on Khan Sheikhoun, up to seven civilians died, and between six and 15 were wounded, according to local media. Sources were conflicted regarding who was to blame – though the majority pointed to the regime. Sources reported that the Syrian regime were stationed at Kubaybat al-Huda camp in the eastern suburb

Summary

First published
February 23, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(1–2 children1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6–15
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 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS2968

LOCATION

معصران, Ma'saran, Idlib, Syria

A family of seven; a father, a mother and five children, were killed and the sixth sibling was left seriously wounded, local media reported, following aerial shelling of Ma’saran, Idlib, though sources were unclear as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. Most sources reported that the event had killed a family of

Summary

First published
February 3, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(5 children1 woman1 man)
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
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS649

LOCATION

عنجارة, Anjara, Aleppo, Syria

Up to seven civilians including three children and one woman died and 50 more were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes with cluster bombs on Anjara, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported: “Six citizens (including 2 citizen women and two children) were killed and injured when warplanes believed to be Russian

Summary

First published
February 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(3 children1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–50
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2019

Incident Code

RS3035

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

Up to seven civilians including one child were killed and several wounded as Mesraba in eastern Ghouta, Damascus was struck by airstrikes and artillery, carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime, local media reported, On this day, several parts of eastern Ghouta, including Mesraba, were subject to what was referred to by many

Summary

First published
February 19, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
(1 child1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS777

LOCATION

باب الحديد, Bab al Hadeed (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Seven people were reported killed in alleged Russian or regime raids on Bab Al-Hadeed, Aleppo. Syria News blamed Russia for “warplane shelling in various areas in Aleppo including Bab Al-Hadeed.” Halab News equally blamed Russia in a YouTube video covering the first moments of shelling. However, Islam Memo said “the regime launched 8 warplane raids in

Summary

First published
April 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
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 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS906

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and seven civilians including up to six children died in an airstrike on Kafr Halab, according to local reports, though it is unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. @Almntaseballah and @samir_maleh reported Russian raids on the town but didn’t mention civilian casualties. @shoaamd tweeted that a mother and her four children were

Summary

First published
June 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(1–6 children1 woman)
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

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1145

LOCATION

تفتناز, Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria

Up to seven civilians including women and a child died and as many as 12 more were wounded in an airstrike on Taftanaz, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. RFS Media Office reported: “Russian aviation has committed a second massacre

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(1 child3 women)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1469

LOCATION

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians died in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Maysar neighbourhood, according to local media. Most sources blamed Russia, though one said that the Syrian regime was active in Aleppo’s skies on this day, meaning its involvement in this casualty event can’t be ruled out. Halab News listed seven unidentified civilians as killed in a

Summary

First published
October 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2719

LOCATION

al Ramadi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and seven civilians were killed in al Ramadi river crossing, by alleged Russian warplanes. Most of the sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. However, it is understood that Khafafeesh al Zalam is an ISIS run Twitter feed. There are some details of a number of wounded civilians. There are no other details

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 14, 2015

Incident Code

RS276

LOCATION

حي المرجة, Al Murja, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and seven civilians including one woman and one child were killed – and many injured – in airstrikes on the Al Murja neighbourhood in Aleppo – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes using cluster

Summary

First published
December 14, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(1 child1 woman4 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1435

LOCATION

Al Shmeitiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On September 1, 2017, up to seven civilians died in an airstrike on Al Shmeitiya, according to local media. While most sources didn’t identify the belligerent, two reports attributed the event to Russia. In three sequential reports the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted the deaths of between two and four civilians following airstrikes on

Summary

First published
September 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(1 woman2 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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2017

Incident Code

TS065 RS1865

LOCATION

جب مخزوم , Jeb Makhzoum, Aleppo , Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians from one family were reportedly killed in alleged Turkish or Russian airstrikes or artillery shelling on Jeb Makhzoum near Al Arima. The Syrian Obseratory for Human Rights said it “learned that a man was killed along with his wife and five of their children who are under the age of eighteen. They were

Summary

First published
January 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(5 children1 woman1 man)
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
Turkish Military, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS1940

LOCATION

الدانا, al-Dana, Idlib, Syria

Up to seven civilians, including children and women, were killed and “dozens” more were wounded as al-Dana, Idlib, in three airstrikes, carried out by Russia or the Syrian regime, local media reported. Three men from the same family were reportedly among the victims. Multiple sources added that one or two children and several women were

Summary

First published
March 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(1–2 children2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

December 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS330

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three to six civilians including two women and three to four children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Buliyal, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that three non-combatants – including two women and a child – died when Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
December 30, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(3–4 children2 women)
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2019

Incident Code

RS3894

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes struck the cities of Idlib, Ma`ra al-Nu’man and Ariha in the north of Idlib, killing a combined total of six civilians including three children and two women and wounding up to 40. According to Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the Syrian regime and reported that their warplanes fired

Summary

First published
July 12, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(1 child2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–40
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2015

Incident Code

RS115

LOCATION

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

Alleged Russian airstrikes reportedly killed at least three non-combatants and injured at least ten in the neighbourhood of Al Mashhad, according to the White Helmets. The group said they recovered three bodies from the rubble and rescued ten people, transferring them to nearby field hospitals. Local media activist Mansour Hussain told Al Araby al Jadeed

Summary

First published
November 3, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS180

LOCATION

العشارة‎, Ashara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian girl died “as a result of Russian bombing” at Ashara, according to Deir Ezzor Is Being Slaughtered and others. The Violations Documentation Center named one woman or child as a victim of alleged shelling by Russian warplanes. It lists her as killed in Ashara, Deir Ezzor. Maha had previously been injured in an

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(0–1 children2–3 women2–3 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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 14, 2015

Incident Code

RS277

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Five to six non-combatants including one child were reported killed – and several others injured – in airstrikes on Kafr Hamra, according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “warplanes believed to be Russian”

Summary

First published
December 14, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child)
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

May 18, 2018

Incident Code

RS3435

LOCATION

مخيم اليرموك, Al Yarmouk Refugee camp, Damascus, Syria

Two children and four women were killed in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Yarmouk refugee camp, Damascus governorate on May 18th 2018, according to local sources. Syria TV reported that “Syrian regime and Russian warplanes carried out a massacre of Palestinians in Yarmouk refugee camp today, by targeting a shelter with dozens

Summary

First published
May 18, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
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
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
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