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

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 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

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

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

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

Incident date

September 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1269 CS314

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians reportedly died in an air raid on Maskanah which most sources said involved cluster munitions. Egypt Today put the death toll at five, “including a woman and her two daughters and her child”. Reportedly, the strikes injured up to 12 civilians, including six children. While most reports blamed Russia, Baladi News claimed

Summary

First published
September 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1–2 children1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–15
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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
15 named, 2 families identified
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 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1659

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

As many as five civilians were reportedly killed – including up to three children – in alleged artillery and airstrikes “from the surrounding mountains” which struck Harasta. Both women and children were reportedly among the “dozens wounded” in the raid. Some sources such as LCCSY have blamed Russian warplanes the for alleged bombing, however other

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(2–3 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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS462

LOCATION

جرجناز, Jarjanaz, Idlib, Syria

Between four and five civilians including one child and three women died in airstrikes on Jarnaz, according to local sources. Five sources alleged that Russia was responsible, but a fifth – the Violations Documentation Center – blamed the Assad regime. Syria 2011 said that four died and a number were wounded when rockets were fired

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 child3 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
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2949

LOCATION

البوابية, Al-Bawabiya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

An entire family of five were killed, and ten others were injured in airstrikes which hit the village of Al-Bawabiya, Aleppo, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. The family were buried alive when the raid struck their homes. Images and footage show the extent of devastation

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(2 children1 woman3 men)
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS494

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five non-combatants reportedly died and several others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike near the entrance to the the town of Al Salhiya, according to Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
January 28, 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

Incident date

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS558

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and five civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Anadan, according to local sources. The victims included members of a family who had returned to Anadan to bury their two children killed in a strike on Kafr Hamra on February 7th, listed above. The Shaam News Network reported that five were killed and

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 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

Incident date

March 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3147

LOCATION

المحمدية, Al Muhammadiya , Damascus, Syria

Up to five civilians were killed and others were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Al Muhammadiya, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian for the raids. Barrel bombs, helicopters and artillery targeted a residential neighbourhood, according to local media. According to local media, a child and three adult

Summary

First published
March 3, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1 child3 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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS911 CS232

LOCATION

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Raqqa, Syria

Between three and five civilians died and up to 17 others were wounded in an airstrike on Al Mansoura village, according to local media. Multiple reports said a strike hit a car travelling along the al Rasafa road and killed those inside. It was unclear who was responsible for the deaths, with allegations against Russia,

Summary

First published
June 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
2–17
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1072

LOCATION

سرمدا, Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

Four or five civilians died in an airstrike on Sarmada, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Qasioun, Almntsrbalaah and Halabtoday all said that Russia was responsible, while Syria News Desk added that Russian warplanes had dropped cluster bombs on Sarmada’s main

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2–3 women1 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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
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

RS1688

LOCATION

حي الشعار , Al Shi'ar, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and five civilians, including two children, were killed and 12 or more civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Al Shi’ar in Aleppo. The majority of sources did not identify who was to blame for the airstrikes but those that did, including Syrian Network for Human Rights and Syrian People’s Movement, attributed the airstrikes

Summary

First published
November 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
12
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

December 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1786

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra , Homs, Syria

Up to five civilians were reportedly killed in shelling on Palmyra, according to local media. The source, Al Natek, reported that there was “heavy shelling targeting the city of Douma by Russian aviation”. A later report from the same source stated that an “Al Jazeera correspondent reported that five were dead and a number wounded

Summary

First published
December 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2261

LOCATION

عقيربات دكيلةالعلباويجروح , Jarouh, Al-'Albawi and Dikila, Hama, Syria

Between four and five civilians were killed and several others were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes in eastern Hama Governorate, according to sources on the ground. Smart News reported that the warplanesshelled the villages of Jarouh, Al-‘Albawi and Dikila, in the area of ​​Aqirbat.’ The strikes also resulted in the burning of

Summary

First published
May 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 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

October 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS044

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Five civilians were killed in a heavy airstrike on Talbiseh, according to reports. Most attributed the attack to Russia, though at least one local report said the strike was the work of Syrian regime aircraft.

Summary

First published
October 15, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 women4 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

Incident date

December 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS238

LOCATION

الناجية, Najieh, Idlib, Syria

Three related civilians including two women were killed in a pair of airstrikes on Najieh village, according to the Violations Documentation Centre and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. One source claimed an additional two people died. The Syrian Network blamed the regime for the attack, while the VDC and Idlib Civil Defence said the

Summary

First published
December 7, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(2 women1 man)
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

December 12, 2015

Incident Code

RS270

LOCATION

سقبا, Sakba, Damascus, Syria

Between four and five non-combatants were killed in airstrikes on Sakba, according to multiple sources. The Shaam News Network reported that two civilians died in two alleged Russian strikes on the town. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported unspecified losses also due to alleged Russian attacks. However, footage of the attack from two separate

Summary

First published
December 12, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20–50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS441

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and five civilians died and dozens more were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab, according to local sources. The Syrian Press Centre reported that three civilians died in four Russian raids on residential neighbourhoods, leaving dozens more wounded, including women and children. A later report put the death toll at five,

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
19–24
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS761

LOCATION

الكماري, Kamari, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians including three children died in airstrikes on Kamari, Aleppo, according to multiple sources – though sources are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. A tweet by Jabalybarra (an Al Jazeera-affiliated photographer in Aleppo) said a child was killed in the Al-Salheen neighbourhood: “Reports

Summary

First published
April 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident