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

April 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS775

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

In a summary of Russian raids carried out on April 28th, LCCSY  said six civilians had died in two strikes on Sukkari. But the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime, putting the death toll at three. Al-Buraq Media institution also blamed the regime, and said 6 had died in Al-Sukkari. Shaam News Network referred to

Summary

First published
April 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS807

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Orm al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and six civilians, including an elderly man, two children and three women, died in an alleged Russian strike on the town on Orm al Kubra, according to multiple local sources. The White Helmets reported five raids in which “warplanes” (they didn’t identify them) threw “parachutes carrying cluster bombs”, which killed “an old man”

Summary

First published
May 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(2 children3 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

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1435

LOCATION

كفرلاها, Kafr Laha, Homs, Syria

Five or six civilians were reported killed in air and artillery strikes on Kafr Laha, according to sources on the ground. All but one source blamed the regime for this incident, though the Shaam News Network said that “Russian and Assad warplanes” launched strikes on areas of Homs including Kafr Laha. Al Jazeera put the

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(2 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
6–24
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3425

LOCATION

قرية النقير, Al Naqir, Idlib, Syria

The village of Al Naqir in Idlib Governorate was hit by airstrikes on May 4th 2018, killing between four and six civilians, and wounding between two and 24 others, local media reported. The list of casualties included women and children. Sources said that Russian forces were likely responsible for the strikes. The Syrian Network for

Summary

First published
May 4, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(1–2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS2896

LOCATION

دير شرقي, Deir Sharqi, Idlib, Syria

Six civilians were killed – including four children – and as many as five more were injured when long-range-missiles from a Russian ship struck the vicinity of Deir Sharqi, according to local media. All sources blamed the Russian warship for the raids, expect Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Syrian Network for Human Rights who

Summary

First published
January 14, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(4 children)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS1652 RS2663

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A family of up to six civilians died in airstrikes on Al Soussa town, according to local media. While most sources said that Russia was to blame, two alleged that the Coalition was responsible. One other source pointed towards the Syrian regime. The majority of sources (Al Latamna Youth Gathering, Al Jisr, Baladi, Eldorar, Step

Summary

First published
October 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1090

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and six civilians died in an alleged Russia or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo city, according to local media. According to multiple sources, a convoy carrying humanitarian aid to Aleppo was struck. LCCSY reported that “the rebels have made new progress today [Aug 3rd], gaining control of positions in the Aleppo countryside, while

Summary

First published
August 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
Civilians reported injured
6
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 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1284

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported between five and six dead from airstrikes in the neighbourhood of al Sukkari, Aleppo. Five fatalities were identified by name by both Halab News and Syria2011 News. In addition, both sources claimed a sixth death, of an anonymous, 35-year-old individual. Most sources agreed that Russian warplanes were responsible. For example, LCCSY tweeted

Summary

First published
September 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(2 women3–4 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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS434

LOCATION

احرص, Ahras, Aleppo, Syria

Six civilians including two women and three children were killed and at least eight injured in an airstrike on Ihress, according to local sources. All sources blamed Russian forces for the attack, though an initial report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights said Assad regime warplanes were responsible. The Shaam News Network reported that “a new

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2018

Incident Code

RS3045

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ain Tarma, Damascus, Syria

At least three civilians were killed and up to dozens were left wounded as Ain Tarma, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was struck by airstrikes, local media reported, who, however, were unclear whether to blame Russia or the Syrian regime – or both. As depicted on footage from the scene, the airstrikes hit residential areas and left

Summary

First published
February 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(4 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS3892

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr Al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Civilian homes and shops in the Al Shamali neighbourhood of the city of Jisr Al Shaghour, Idlib governorate, were struck by alleged Russian or Syrian missiles in what was described “a massacre”, killing up to eight civilians and wounding at least 14, According to Edlib Media Center, at least three people were killed in the

Summary

First published
July 11, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(1–3 children1 woman4 men)
Civilians reported injured
14–24
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
20 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1624

LOCATION

مساكن هنانو, Masaken Hanano, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

As many as six civilians – including women and children – suffocated to death, and up to 19 were injured, when an explosive barrel containing poisonous chloride gas struck the residential neighbourhood named Masaken Hanano, Aleppo, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the alleged chloride attack. Some sources

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
Civilians reported injured
2–19
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

January 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS1841

LOCATION

عنيق باجرة , Aneek Bajra village, Hama, Syria

Five or six civilians – a woman and her children – died in an alleged Russia or regime airstrike on Aneek Bajra village in eastern Hama, according to sources on the ground, The Syrian Network for Human Rights was among sources blaming the regime, reporting: “Six civilians (a woman and her five children) died when

Summary

First published
January 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(4–5 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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2224

LOCATION

حي الحميدية, Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One adult male and as many as five children was killed, in airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Hamidiya. Up to four civilians were also wounded. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing blame to Russia, while others blamed the Syrain regime. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the

Summary

First published
May 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(4–5 children1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS296

LOCATION

رامي, Al Rami, Idlib, Syria

Four or more civilians were reported killed and more than 10 injured in Russian airstrikes on the villages of Al Zawiya mountain. Footage appears to show a Su 24 in apparent Russian Air Force colours dropping two bombs in the vicinity of the town. According to the Shaam News Network five or more Russian airstrikes with rockets

Summary

First published
December 21, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
8–10
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
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS627

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Six civilians including up to five children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Sakhour, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights initially attributed the incident to the Assad regime by posting an image of a child whom they said was wounded when regime warplanes fired on the neighborhood. However, it then

Summary

First published
February 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(3–5 children1 woman)
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 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2567

LOCATION

بريهة, Bariha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported an airstrike on Bariha village, resulting in the deaths of five or six civilians and an unspecified number of wounded. Sources attributed the blame to the Russian military. Baladi put the death toll at six. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “a man and his three children were killed”. Mohammad

Summary

First published
September 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(2–3 children1 woman1 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1656 RS2666

LOCATION

السيال, Abu Kamal, Al Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and six civilians died in an airstrike on the home of Mohammed al-Shabib Abu Jassim, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, the Iraqi air force, Syrian regime or Russia were to blame. According to Eldorar, “The sources said that in conjunction with the artillery

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1–2 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
18
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, Iraq Irregular Forces
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1091

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that six civilians including two children died and up to 30 more non-combatants were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Atareb, which reportedly struck an aid convoy and several nearby camps for displaced people. On August 3rd 2016, Syrian News Desk reported that “Six civilians killed most of them are truck

Summary

First published
August 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
5–30
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

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1381

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Ltamenah, Hama, Syria

Up to six civilians including a girl died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on al Latamna, Hama, according to local media. Sources were not clear whether or not Khadija (Um Daher) and Hussein Al-Saleh (Abu Hussein) were two people or one person. In this instance they have been listed as two people. According

Summary

First published
October 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child1 woman0–2 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS467

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes had carried out raids targeting civilian homes, but did not give casualty numbers. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, Russian planes shelled residential houses in Al Kourneesh Street, killing six non-combatants from one family: five children and a woman.  

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(5 children1 woman)
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 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS928

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

Up to six civilians including three to four children were killed in Aleppo, according to multiple local sources. Aljazeera reported that a combined operation of the Regime forces and Russian fighter jets resulted in the loss of civilian life. The highest death toll, placed at six, was initially reported by Baladi, who alleged one child

Summary

First published
June 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1–4 children)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2017

Incident Code

CS1670

LOCATION

Al Shafa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

It was locally reported that the following six civilians died in an airstrike on Al-Sha’afa water crossing. Most sources didn’t say who was responsible, referring to ‘raids’ and ‘bombing by aircraft.’. However, Khafafeesh al Zalam reported that Russia carried out raids on a nearby town on November 11th, killing two civilians.

Summary

First published
November 10, 2017
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1625

LOCATION

حي الصاخور, Al Sakhour, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Four to six civilians were killed, and up to 24 were wounded in alleged air and artillery strikes on Al Sakhour, Aleppo. Some sources attributed blame to Russian warplanes, while others blamed the Syrian regime. However, one source blamed both belligerents for this airstrike. There was confusion among sources as to the type of bomb used

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS028

LOCATION

بليون, Belyon, Idlib, Syria

Six people were reported killed at Belyon due to warplane shelling. VDC named one woman as a victim of the strike. Smart News later posted a video showing a civilian clear-up operation in the village. One witness noted: “Here there were six martyrs, two from the village of Balian and four displaced from Sahil Al

Summary

First published
October 8, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children2 women2 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 3, 2015

Incident Code

RS221

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Six non-combatants including two children were reported killed, and more than 15 injured, in an alleged Russian airstrike on Arbeen, according to the Shaam News Network which reported that the alleged raid led to the destruction of residential buildings and the homes of civilians. All six victims have been named.  

Summary

First published
December 3, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2018

Incident Code

RS3025

LOCATION

ترملا, Tarmala, Idlib, Syria

Up to six civilians, including two Civil Defence members, were killed, and as many as five were wounded as alleged Russian warplanes struck Tarmala, Idlib, local media reported. Smart News Agency, who cited local activists, said that a Russian missile targeted the Civil Defense team as they were approaching a military headquarters in the village

Summary

First published
February 15, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
1–5
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

February 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3061

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ain Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Aerial shelling of Ain Tarma, Damascus, carried out by Russian and/or Assad regime, killed up to six civilians and wounded at least three children, local media reported. As shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on its fifth day, sources reported about both airstrikes and the launch of explosive barrels in Ain Tarma, especially striking residential areas.

Summary

First published
February 22, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 12, 2018

Incident Code

RS3246

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Between four and six civilians were killed and an unspecified number more were wounded, due to airstrikes on Saqba, local media reported. Local media blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Step News Agency reported that “Russian warplanes launched several air raids with rockets loaded with phosphorus and cluster bombs” were fired

Summary

First published
March 12, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 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
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS007

LOCATION

بليون‎, Belyon, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Belyon, near Jabal al Zawiyah in southern Idlib, reportedly killed four civilians including a woman and child. ‘Several others’ were said to have been injured in the attack, some seriously. SN4HR placed the civilian slightly higher at six deaths, noting that “the town is under the control of

Summary

First published
October 1, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident