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

December 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1783

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Damascus, Syria

Up to six civilians, including two children, were killed and as many as 24 more were wounded following air or artillery or mortar strikes targeting Douma, Damascus, local sources reported. Sources, however, were unclear as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime carried out the strikes. Sources reported the death of between one and six

Summary

First published
December 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(2 children1 man)
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2544

LOCATION

دوما , Douma, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Airstrikes on Douma reportedly hit civilian homes and a centre for people with special needs. The centre was destroyed, and local media reported that up to five civilians were killed. Up to a further 20 civilian were said to have been wounded. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS290

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Four to five civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hraytan, north of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. No further details are available at the present time.  

Summary

First published
December 18, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
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

Incident date

January 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS354 CS164

LOCATION

عين عيسى, `Ayn `Isa, Raqqa, Syria

A strike by aircraft reportedly killed five civilians. Syria News attributed the attack to Russia, while Ara News said it was a Coalition action. VDC – which attributed the attack to the regime – named five victims. In their February 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian

Summary

First published
January 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(4 children1 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, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS386

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Four to five civilians including two children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hayyan, according to the Shaam News Network and the Violations Documentation Centre. SNN reported that five non-combatants were killed, while the Violations Documentation Centre named four victims.    

Summary

First published
January 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2 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

March 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3155

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

A family of five was killed and an unspecified number of others were wounded, in an airstrike which hit the residential neighbourhood of Mesraba. Sources blamed both Russian warplanes and Syrian regime helicopters. @aboarab28176261 reported “The martyrdom of the whole family and the injury of several civilians, including women and children, by the bombing of

Summary

First published
March 3, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
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

May 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS802 CS214

LOCATION

الحمرات, Al Hamrat (Ar Raqqah), Raqqa, Syria

Five civilians (from the same family) including three children and one woman died in airstrikes on Al Hamrat according to local sources – though reports were confused with conflicting allegations that Russian, the regime or the Coalition had carried out the attacks. Qasioun said a Russian fighter targeted residential neighborhoods in the village, resulting in

Summary

First published
May 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 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
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS3055

LOCATION

جسرين, Jisreen, Damascus, Syria

At least two, but up to five, civilians were killed and several were wounded as Jisreen, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was subject to aerial and artillery shelling, carried out by the Syrian regime, Russia or both, as reported by local media. Zaman al-Wasl reported how several towns of eastern Ghouta, including Jisreen, were being struck by

Summary

First published
February 21, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
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

July 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS3969

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

At least four men were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Ariha, Idlib governorate, on July 28th, 2019, according to local sources. 18 others were reported injured. Although Ariha Today initially cited three civilians killed, the same source later named four fatalities, all of whom were men. Smart News Agency

Summary

First published
July 28, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(4 men)
Civilians reported injured
18
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
Syrian Regime, Unknown
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS2842

LOCATION

مشفى السلام,, Ma'arat Nu'man - Al Salam hospital, Idlib, Syria

An alleged Russian ore regime airstrike hit Ma’arat Nu’man’s Al Salam hospital, killing up to five civilians including a newly born baby, according to sources on the ground. RFS put the death toll at two with 10 more wounded. Alquds blamed the regime, reporting that the hospital was put out of service, and that a man

Summary

First published
January 3, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(1 child)
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1581

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen, Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians died, including children, and up to fifteen civilians were wounded in suspected Russian attacks on Al Salheen neighbourhood of Aleppo. Most sources blamed Russia however one suspected the Syrian regime responsible. Missiles and artillery bombardment were reported by sources who did not name a culrpit. HNN reported 9 – 12 “unidentified” victims following

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
8–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1607

LOCATION

بستان الباشا, Bustan al Basha neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and five civilians were killed in an air raid on the district of Bustan al Basha, Aleppo, according to local media. While the majority of sources attributed the event to Russia, there were also reports that the regime had been active over the neighbourhood on this day. Syria News Desk reported that “at

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 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

August 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2413

LOCATION

صغير شامية, Saghir Shamiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In this single-source incident, the Smart News Agency reported that “five civilians from one family were killed on Thursday night [Aug 31st] in an air strike likely to be a Russian attack on the village of Zaghir Shamiya”. There are no further details currently available.

Summary

First published
August 31, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS975

LOCATION

حي طريق الباب, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians including two children died and 15 more were wounded in strikes by warplanes and helicopters on Tareek al Bab, according to local sources – though it was unclear whether Russian jets or Syrian regime helicopters were to blame. Orient News reported that the Regime helicopters used explosive barrels. There were multiple

Summary

First published
July 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(2 children1 woman)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1409

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Five civilians including a woman and a child died in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Douma, according to sources on the ground. A further 20 non-combatants were claimed wounded. Syria News Desk reported: “five civilians: a child, a disabled man, an old man, a woman and a young man children and disabled and elderly

Summary

First published
October 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 woman)
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1505

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Colonel Shawqi Ayoub, “commander of the Homs operations room of the Free Syrian Army”, died in an alleged Syrian regime airstrike on Al Rastan, according to local media. According to Qasioun, Ayoub (pictured below) died “while inspecting the field situation in Ain Hussein’s front. The engineer Faisal Awad also died”. Qasioun added that the regime

Summary

First published
October 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1530

LOCATION

أبين سمعان, Abeen Sama'an, Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians, including two children, were killed and others injured in airstrikes which struck “eastern school of Ibin” in the town of Abin Sama’an in the western Aleppo. Almost all sources attributed blame to Russian aircraft. Syrian Press Center also noted that this strike was part of a concerted campaign by the Russians to strike

Summary

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

Incident date

November 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1687

LOCATION

حي الصاخور , Sakhour, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and five civilians – including a child and a woman – were killed and at least one other was injured, including a child, in airstrikes on Al Sakhour in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. According to VDC, both the identify of the victims and the identity of the warplanes could not

Summary

First published
November 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1 child1 woman4 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2605

LOCATION

حاوي, Hawi Mheimdiya area, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A mother and her four children were killed, following an airstrike which struck the tent they were sheltering in the Hawi Mheimdiya area of the Deir Ezzor countryside, local media reported. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Marsad Al Hasaka reported that they were from the Al-Sa’id family, however, their names were not

Summary

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

Incident date

February 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS632

LOCATION

تل نصري, Nasri, Al Hassakah, Syria

Up to five civilians including two children and possibly a woman were killed in an airstrike on Nasri, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Hassaka’s Youth Union reported that “two orphaned children, the grandchildren of the citizen Mohammad Al

Summary

First published
February 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 23, 2019

Incident Code

RS3843

LOCATION

جوزف, Jozef, Idlib, Syria

Two to six civilians were reported killed, and four to five injured, in airstrikes on Jozef, Idlib, on June 23rd. Smart news alleged that the “aerial bombardment” killed four civilians, and wounded “four others from the same family”, while stating that “two of its members are still missing and trapped under the rubble.” Meanwhile, the

Summary

First published
June 23, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(2–3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4–10
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS792

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that five civilians were killed in alleged Russian raids on a park in Al Bab. According Al Jisr TV, Russian warplanes killed five civilians in Al Bab. Qasioun and Nasaem News also blamed Russia. Other sources did not identify who was responsible. Baladi News also reported the incident and said that “warplanes and

Summary

First published
May 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS3917

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jsir Al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Jisr Al Shoughour, Idlib, after midnight on July 18th. A further five to seven, including two children, were allegedly injured in the attack. Ayman Qaddour (or Ameen Qaddour) and child Abdul-Jawad Ramo were killed in the attack. Abdul-Jawad died days later of his wounds. Few

Summary

First published
July 17, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1018

LOCATION

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

In multiple alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes which struck residential buildings, in Aleppo’s Al Maysar neighbourhood, a family of five and an elderly man were reportedly killed. BBC reported that “according to opposition source, Russian warplanes launched extensive shelling in Kafr hamra and Al-Maysar.” AMC News blamed the Assad regime for the strike, while

Summary

First published
July 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2833

LOCATION

كفر حرمة, Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria

Between one and five civilians, including one woman, were killed and up to “dozens” more were left wounded following aerial shelling of Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Following the incident, Fresh News’ correspondent reported that a woman was

Summary

First published
December 31, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS2861

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Five civilians were reportedly killed in air and artillery strikes which struck Arbeen in the middle of the night. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some sources attributing blame to Russia while others blamed the Syrian regime. A handful of sources blamed “warplanes”, not specifying who the belligerent was. Qalamon, who named

Summary

First published
January 7, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2019

Incident Code

RS3754

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma’arat Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

At least three civilians were reported killed when an airstrike struck the popular market in the city of Ma’arat Al Nu’man south of Idlib in the morning of June 3rd, 2019. Local sources reported that the market was struck with at least three missiles, also described as “rocket-propelled grenades”, although Smart News Agency claimed the

Summary

First published
June 3, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–2 women2 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3401

LOCATION

قسطون, Qastoun village, Hama, Syria

An attack on the village of Qastoun in the Hama countryside killed at least four civilians including a woman and children and wounded three others, local sources reported. Two women and three children died, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Smart News said Assad forces used rockets and missiles on the town, with

Summary

First published
April 11, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2–3 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
3
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS900

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and five civilians died, including a woman and a child and up to 15 other non-combatants were wounded in an airstrike on Al Fardous, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY named a female victim as killed in

Summary

First published
June 14, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1061

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al-Shughur, Idlib, Syria

Up to five civilians including three children died and as many as 21 other non-combatants were wounded in an airstrike on Jisr al-Shughur in Aleppo, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Shaam News Network blamed Russia, reporting: “Activists said Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
July 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
20–21
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