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 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS591

LOCATION

ضهرة عبد ربه, Dara abd Rabbo, Aleppo, Syria

Six civilians were killed and three others injured in alleged Russian strikes on Dara abd Rabbo, according to local sources. The White Helmets reported that Russian warplanes carried out four raids, while the Shaam News Network also alleged this was a Russian strike.

Summary

First published
February 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
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

July 16, 2019

Incident Code

RS3912

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh, Idlib, Syria

@Step_Agency reported that Russian forces carried out airstrikes on Jisr al-Shughour, Ma’rshurin, Hantoutin, Deir Sennbel, Heesh, Sahiyan and Tabish in rural Idlib, killing six civilians and injuring dozens across these locations. Other local sources said the Syrian regime is also involved in the attacks, but didn’t mention any casualties. No other details are known at

Summary

First published
July 16, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
Civilians reported injured
1–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1378 RS2389

LOCATION

صبيخان, Subikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources said that up to six civilians were killed and up to ten more wounded in airstrikes on the town of Subikhan in the countryside of Eastern Deir Ezzor. It was unclear which party was culpable for this civilian casualty event. At present, two out of sixteen sources hold the US-led Coalition responsible, two

Summary

First published
August 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
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, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1663

LOCATION

باغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four or more civilians died in an airstrike on al Baghouz, according to local media. While most sources pointed towards the Coalition, one said that it was unclear whether Russia had been responsible. The US-led alliance later admitted killing five civilians in the event. According to Al Hal, “Coalition forces also raided al-Bagouz village in

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS1915

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Maarat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

As many as six civilians were killed – and dozens more were wounded – in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat Misrin, local media reported. Most sources blamed Russia for the raids, however some others did not attribute blame while others pointed to the Syrian regime. According to reports, three rockets – allegedly vacuum missiles –

Summary

First published
February 21, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
4–24
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
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1020

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

What has been described as a ‘bombardment’ on Bab al Nairab reportedly killed six civilians, including an unborn child. – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Qasioun filmed as an explosive barrel was thrown on the neighbourhood, which is also located very close to an airport.

Summary

First published
July 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children2 men)
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

September 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1335

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Five named civilians from the same family, including three children, died as result of either Russian or Syrian regime airstrike in the Bab Nayrab neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to local media. CNN reported that civilian infrastructure was destroyed in the strike: “As a result of heavy shelling last night, Bab Nayrab station, which provides water

Summary

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

Incident date

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2955

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Between three and six civilians, including one family, was killed and several were wounded as Russian or Assad-waged warplanes carried out airstrikes in the city of Saraqeb, Idlib, local media reported. In this incident, described as “a massacre in the heart of the city” by al-Modon, civilian harm reports varied slightly, spanning from three to

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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

April 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3624

LOCATION

العمقية, al Amqeya in Sahl Al Ghab, Hama, Syria

At least five civilians were killed and as many as dozens more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Al Amqeya in Sahl Al Ghab in Hama on the night of April 26th, local media reported. The lowest death count was given by Step New Agency at two civilians – though two

Summary

First published
April 26, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child4 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3673

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

A civilian and his pregnant wife were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafar Zeita, Hama governorate, on May 7th, 2019, according to local media. Several sources reported the death of two civilians, named as Zaid Mahmoud Al Rajou and his wife Laila Al Rajou. According to the Syrian Press Centre, Laila was five months

Summary

First published
May 7, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS614 RS2025

LOCATION

Ma'ari school, Bado neighbourhood, Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria

Up to six civilians including two children and two women died, and as many as five civilians were wounded, in an airstrike on the Bado neighbourhood of Raqqa, according to local media, though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US led Coalition or Russian warplanes. Palmyra Media Center reported

Summary

First published
March 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
5
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS1296

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six civilians died and 10 more were wounded in airstrikes on Abu Kamal, according to local sources. While the majority of reports blamed the US-led Coalition for the airstrikes, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it was unclear whether the Coalition or Russia were responsible. The Coalition later confirmed having unintentionally killed three

Summary

First published
July 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1709

LOCATION

الحيدرية , Al Haydariya neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

The Smart News Agency reported “an artillery and missile bombardment by regime forces on Al-Haidariya and Al-Sakhour neighborhoods in Aleppo from Sheikh Yusuf hill”, but made no mention of civilian harm. However, Halab News listed six unidentified civilians as killed in a Russian strike on the Al Haydariya neighbourhood.

Summary

First published
November 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

December 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1776

LOCATION

الجلوم, Jalloum, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that six civilians were killed by airstrikes on the neighbourhood of Jalloum, Aleppo – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assda regime were to blame. While two sources pointed blame on Russia, one source explicitly pointed to the Syrian regime. Additionally, @Syria_Tweets reported that “helicopters target Jaloum neighbourhood in old Aleppo with

Summary

First published
December 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2437

LOCATION

قرية الجنينة, Genina, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Sources on the ground reported that six civilians were killed and a further 10 were injured in an airstrike allegedly conducted by Russian forces on the village of Genina on September 13th 2017. According to the Smart News Agency, “Witnesses confirmed the killing of six civilians and wounding ten people this morning, air bomb likely

Summary

First published
September 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2019

Incident Code

RS3913

LOCATION

صهيان, Sahyan, Idlib, Syria

@Step_Agency reported that Russian forces carried out airstrikes on Jisr al-Shughour, Ma’rshurin, Hantoutin, Deir Sennbel, Heesh, Sahiyan and Tabish in rural Idlib, killing six civilians and injuring dozens across these locations. Other local sources said the Syrian regime is also involved in conducting the airstrikes, but didn’t mention any casualties. No other details are known

Summary

First published
July 16, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
Civilians reported injured
1–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1228

LOCATION

حور, Hor, Aleppo, Syria

Up to six civilians including two children and a woman died and up to 20 more civilians were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hor town, local media reported. According to LCCSY, “Russian warplanes launched airstrikes with vacuum missiles on Hor town in the western suburbs with led to the fall of four civilian martyrs

Summary

First published
September 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4–20
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS186

LOCATION

حي القصيلة, Qosaileh, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and six non-combatants, including two or more children, were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qosaileh, according to The White Helmets and the Violations Documentation Center. The Halab News Network posted a video showing the destruction of houses and other buildings, as a team of White Helmets searched for survivors. VDC has

Summary

First published
November 21, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2–3 children2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS347

LOCATION

حزة, Hazzah, Damascus, Syria

Six civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hazzah village near Kafr Batna. Two victims were named by the VDC as having died at Kafr Batna itself, though all other sources placed their deaths at Hazzah. The VDC also listed two  unnamed members of the al Sadiq family as having died in

Summary

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

Incident date

June 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS860

LOCATION

الشحيل, Al Shuhail, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and six civilians including at least two children and one woman died in a airstrike on Al Shuhail, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently put the death toll at six. Some of their reports

Summary

First published
June 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1110

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and six civilians were killed and between three and four more were injured from an alleged barrel and missile bombing of a market in the neighborhood of Sukkari. Reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or Syrian regime were responsible. While the majority of sources reported deaths and injuries as a result of

Summary

First published
August 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–4
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

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1583

LOCATION

حي الفردوس, Al Fardos, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and six civilians died in suspected Russian or Syrian regime air and/or artillery strikes on Al Fardos, Aleppo. Reporting contained discrepencies regarding the toll, the culprit and the munitions used. Spm-Syria suspected the regime responsible for strikes on Al Fardos, however, it reported no civilian casualties. 7al reported “warplanes later bombed al-Firdous neighborhood

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
0–15
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS1908

LOCATION

اليادودة , al Yadouda, central countryside of Daraa, Daraa, Syria

Five named women – and possibly a girl – died in an alleged Russia or Assad regime air or artillery strike on al Yadouda in the central countryside of Daraa, according to local media. According to Orient News, “Russian aircraft targeted the town of Al-yadouda in the countryside of Daraa Gharbi with several air strikes,

Summary

First published
February 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child5 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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2784

LOCATION

الشعفةالشامية , al Shamiya crossing in Al-Sha'fa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six civilians were reportedly killed, and others were “seriously” wounded, in air and artillery strikes on the Al-Sha’fa river crossing in Al-Shamiya. Local media was conflicted as to who was responsible for the strikes, some blaming Russia, while others blamed the Syrian regime. Local media described the incident as a massacre. Euphrates initially reported that

Summary

First published
December 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(6 men)
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS100

LOCATION

حي كرم النزهة, Karem al Nuzha, Aleppo, Syria

Up to six civilians were reported killed in the village of Karem el Nuzha on the outskirts of Aleppo, in an alleged Russian airstrike. Smart News said six died in the attack. An eyewitness later told the local news agency: “We came over, and in this corner there was a corpse, body parts of a

Summary

First published
October 30, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child1 woman2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1185

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that between two and six civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the Al Ansari neighbourhood of Aleppo. The lowest death count was given by the Syrian Network for Human Rights – at two non-combatants. However, all other sources said that six civilians died. The majority of the reports blamed Russia,

Summary

First published
August 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
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

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1379

LOCATION

الفرجة, al Farjeh, Idlib, Syria

Between four and six civilians including three children and several women died and up to 20 more were wounded in airstrikes on the al-Farej camp outside of Idlib, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. Qasioun and Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed

Summary

First published
October 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(3 children1–2 women)
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
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

April 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2172

LOCATION

الجانودية, Al Janoudia, Idlib, Syria

Up to six civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in al-Janoudiya, Jisr al-Shughour, according to local media sources. Media activist, Musab Ahmed Orabi, was among those dead. However, none of the sources were clear as to whether he was one of the five civilians killed or an additional death. He was working with

Summary

First published
April 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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

November 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2674

LOCATION

السويعة, Suw'eiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six civilians from one family were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes which struck the village of Al-Suwayea, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. The victims were named, and according to media, “dozens” of civilians were wounded. Bukmalna, who named the victims, reported that “the flight targeted a civilian house”.

Summary

First published
November 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 3, 2015

Incident Code

RS015

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeerbat, Hama, Syria

A reported airstrike on the sheep market at Akeerbat village killed six civilians, including a child. While some blamed Russia, others such as the Syrian Network initially held the Syrian regime responsible. Five victims were later named.

Summary

First published
October 3, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(1 child4 men)
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
5 named
View Incident