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 19, 2019

Incident Code

RS3589

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

In a renewed artillery bombardment of Khan Sheikhoun, between four and five civilians were killed, including three from one family, and others were injured, following a strike on a bakery. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame Russia, while others blamed the Syrian regime. Huge fires broke out, according to

Summary

First published
February 19, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2–4 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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2612

LOCATION

القورية, Al-Qourya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five civilians, including one child and one woman, were reportedly killed and several others wounded in alleged Russian strikes on city of Al-Qourya, Deir Ezzor, according to sources on the ground. The strikes reportedly killed two adult brothers and another male family member, as well as a mother and her child, while the father was

Summary

First published
October 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 woman3 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, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2700

LOCATION

السيال, Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five civilians were killed, including an entire family of four, in an airstrike on the village of Sayyal. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. Enabbaladi reported that specific warplanes were not identified “but activists from the city confirmed the social networking sites that the raids belong to the Russian aircraft accompanying the operations

Summary

First published
November 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2 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
Named victims
3 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

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS227

LOCATION

احرص, Ahras, Aleppo, Syria

In what appears to be a separate incident from the Maskaneh event previously listed, five non- combatants were reported killed when Russian warplanes allegedly struck a convoy of trucks carrying aid to the areas controlled by rebels in the northern countryside of Aleppo. Shaam News Network cited the Anatolia News Agency as saying the trucks

Summary

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

June 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS848

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

Five children from the same family died in an airstrike on As Suknhah, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. LCCSY said that “five children were killed and others injured on the outskirts of al Sokhna in the eastern countryside following raids by Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
June 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(5 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–14
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

September 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1216

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan al Subbul, Idlib, Syria

Up to five civilians died and as many as 20 were wounded in airstrike on Khan Al-Subbul in Idlib governorate, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. In one report, LCCSY blamed the regime but then appeared to

Summary

First published
September 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
Civilians reported injured
12–20
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 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1443

LOCATION

الزبدية, al Zabadia, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and five civilians died and up to 10 more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Zabadiyeh neighbourhood, according to local media. Shahba and Micro Syria blamed Russia, putting the death toll at three. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Shaam News Network reported

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
6–10
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2069

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Up to five civilians were killed – including an entire family of four people – and as many as seven other civilians were injured – including three children – in an airstrike which struck the residential neighbourhood of Saraqeb, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the raid, though some, such as Smart

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2–3 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
3–7
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 31, 2015

Incident Code

RS335

LOCATION

مخيم عابدين للنازحين, A'bedeen camp for IDPs, Idlib, Syria

Five civilians were killed and 20 wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on A’bedeen camp for displaced people, according to the Shaam News Network. The White Helmets told SNN that the shelling hit a large number of tents, scattering their contents across the site. They added that firefighters and ambulance teams attended the scene and

Summary

First published
December 31, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS687

LOCATION

معارة الأرتيق, Maarat Artik, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and five civilians including two children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat Artik, according to local sources. Multiple reports blamed Russia: Akhbar Alaan put the death toll at three including one child with four more civilians injured. AMC said that as many as five non-combatants perished. According to Syrian Press Centre,

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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

October 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1454

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians died and up to 12 more were wounded in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Qaterji neighbourhood, according to local sources. Multiple reports said that a bakery was struck. The majority of sources attributed the deaths to Russia, though one report also said that the regime had carried out strike on Aleppo

Summary

First published
October 14, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–12
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1586

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

According to multiple local sources Russia carried out airstrikes on Anadan, northern Aleppo. The remaining sources did not identify a culprit and mentioned only “warplanes”. Almaghrib Today said “there were no reports of civilian casualties”, moreover all other sources but one did not report civilian deaths. LCCSY said five died and “a hospital was put

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1736

LOCATION

حي الفردوس , Al Fardous neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that a mother and her three children died in Aleppo’s Al Fardous neighbourhood. The majority of sources blamed a Russian airstrike, however, there was also a claim that a tank shell caused the deaths. Husseintalal reported that “a baby girl lost her father, mother and brothers by aerial bombardment of the Russian

Summary

First published
December 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(3 children1 woman1 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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2577

LOCATION

الحوايج, Hawaij, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to five civilians were killed and several wounded as airstrikes, carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime, hit Huwaij, near al Shaheel, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. @Euphratesmedia reported after the incident “a large number of air raids targeted the towns and villages of the eastern countryside and Al Shahil crossing water”, adding

Summary

First published
October 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(2 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS3260

LOCATION

حزة, Hazza, Damascus, Syria

Five civilians named civilians including two women were killed and others were injured in air and artillery strikes on the residential neighbourhood of Hazza, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russian and Syrian regime raids. According to @Hazzaalbld, there were “five martyrs in the town of Hazza, Ibrahim Irhem and four people

Summary

First published
March 13, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 women2 men)
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
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS538

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian Network for Human Rights, reported that three civilians including one woman died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on Hraytan. Shahed A’ayan Halab reported the deaths of 5 people and the wounding of 3 others as a result of Russian bombing in Hraytan.  

Summary

First published
February 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1 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

July 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS967

LOCATION

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

An entire residential building in the neighbourhood of Al-Mashhad was reportedly destroyed killing four or five civilians. Both LCCSY and locals have confirmed the shelling took place on Al-Albisah Street. Multiple sources claim there was heavy shelling and the use of missiles by Russian warplanes. All sources, including Syrian News Desk, reported the warplanes to be Russian.

Summary

First published
July 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1–2 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
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3111

LOCATION

حوش الضواهرة, Hawsh Al Dawahra, Damascus, Syria

Five civilians were killed and more than 15 were wounded in airstrikes on Hawsh Al Dawahra, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Wesal reported that there was an “Aerial bombardment of a residential neighbourhood, leaving 5 martyrs and more than 15 wounded, mostly women and children

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1141

LOCATION

قبطان الجبل, Qibtan al Ghabal, Aleppo, Syria

Five named civilians died and up to dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Qebtan al-Jabal, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll at three, including one girl, and

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 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
5 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS1855

LOCATION

ديرالزور , Deir Ezzor city, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and five civilians including up two women and two men (from one family, according to some sources) were reportedly killed in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Deir Ezzor. According to Euphrates Post, “Russian warplane raids targeted al Takaya street, andal Ardi and the al Hamidiya neighbourhoods, which led to the

Summary

First published
January 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1–2 women2 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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2015

Incident Code

RS261

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Russian air raid on the village of al Baghouz in eastern Deir Ezzor led to at least three deaths including a child. According to area blogger al Hussein al Hashimi “a raid on the village of al Baghouz targeting the home of Raheel al Majoul led to the death of Ibrahim al Majoul.

Summary

First published
December 11, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1 child)
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
Unknown
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS325

LOCATION

كحيل, Kaheel, Daraa, Syria

Four or five civilians were reported killed including a woman and dozens wounded, in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kaheel according to multiple sources. The Shaam News Network reported that four non-combatants died when Russian warplanes struck the town. The seriously wounded were taken to field hospitals. Five victims were listed by the Violations Documentation Center

Summary

First published
December 27, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
24
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS453

LOCATION

بزاعة, Baza'a, Aleppo, Syria

Three to four civilian children and one woman were killed in an airstrike on Baza’a, according to local sources – though one report says that they were killed by the regime. The Shaam News Network published a news roundup in which they said that “Russian enemy planes carried out raids on Al Bab, the town

Summary

First published
January 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(3–4 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

April 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS784

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported about continued airstrikes in al-Sakhour, Aleppo, that killed up to five civilians, including one child and wounded up to four. Sources were constesting regarding the cultprit, pointing to both the Assad regime and Russia. Shaam News Network, reported “For the eighth day in a row Assad’s and Russian aircraft continue to pour

Summary

First published
April 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS849

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

A family of five died in an airstrike on the village of Kafr Halab, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The White Helmets reported that a family of five died and several other civilians were injured alleged Russian strikes on Kafr Halab. It

Summary

First published
June 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 children1 woman1 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2019

Incident Code

RS3978

LOCATION

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

One or two alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on a popular market in Ma’aret Al Nu’man killed five civilians, including an elderly man, and wounded about 30. The market was struck with rockets in the evening, according to local sources. According to Al Araby, “A source from the Civil Defense told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that

Summary

First published
July 29, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(5 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–30
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, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1314

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that five civilians were killed, and four injured, in an airstrike on the al Salheen neighbourhood of Aleppo. While most sources blamed Russia some reports said that the regime also carried out strikes in al Salheen on this day. A tweet from @AleppoAMC included graphic photographs of three wounded children and a

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1444

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians died and several others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Ansari neighbourhood, according to local media. Radio Alkul, Shahba and Sadatawheed put the death toll at five with others wounded and blamed Russia. Halab News listed “five unidentified civilians killed, following Russian enemy raids on al Ansari neighbourhood”.

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
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