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 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS242

LOCATION

الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three or four civilians including a child and at least one women were reported killed – and dozens injured – in an alleged Russian airstrike in the neighbourhood of Salheen, according to Shaam News Network and the White Helmets. The White Helmets reported that the team managed to rescue three people and transferred them to

Summary

First published
December 7, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS3429

LOCATION

Jisr al-Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Three or four civilians were killed and several others were wounded by airstrikes on the town of Jisr al Shoughour in Idlib Governorate on May 6th 2018. Women and children were reportedly among the casualties. A Baladi News correspondent added that civil defence teams rushed to the site after the strikes to rescue the injured

Summary

First published
May 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
6–24
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS562

LOCATION

معارة الارتيق, Maarat al Arteek, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians including two women and two children died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Maarat al Arteek, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Additionally, Shaam News Network reported alleged Russian strikes on the town, but did not provide casualty numbers: “They [Russia] also targeted with cluster bombs anadan city and the towns of

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 women)
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

February 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS594

LOCATION

حزوان, Hazwan, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians (possibly from the same family) including two children and one woman were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hazwan, according to the Violations Documentation Center. In a news roundup, Shaam news Network reported that “In the Eastern Aleppo countryside, Russian enemy planes carried out raids on the towns of al Bab, Tadef, Deir

Summary

First published
February 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
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 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS690

LOCATION

الليرامون, Liramon, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Centre, four civilians including three women died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Liramon. The four victims were named by the VDC. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
February 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 women1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS883

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians including one woman and one child died in an airstrike on Hraytan, according to local sources – though it’s unclear form reports whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. LCCSY, pointed towards Russia, saying that  one civilian died as a result of “shelling by vacuum missiles and cluster bombs“. A later

Summary

First published
June 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child1 woman2 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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1076

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians died and seven others were wounded in airstrikes on Anadan, local sources said, though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Most of the sources, however, attributed the event to Russia. According to a Facebook post by Anadan Hospital, “Russian warplanes shelled the hospital with parachute

Summary

First published
July 31, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 men)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS1939

LOCATION

خفسة, Khafsa, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians were killed and up to three wounded when airstrikes, believed to be Russian, struck Khafsa, Aleppo, multiple sources reported. All the sources, who reported about the number of victims, agreed that four civilians were killed. The Syrian Network for added that all four victims were from the same family. Some sources merely referred

Summary

First published
March 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2009

LOCATION

جبل حويسيس, Jabal Huweisses, Homs, Syria

Four civilians were reported killed and others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jabal Huweisses, Homs – though there was only one known source for the event. Smart News Agency reported: “Four civilians were killed and others injured in an airstrike thought to be Russian on a city, village and mountain under the control of

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS509

LOCATION

البورمضان, Albu Ramadan, Raqqa, Syria

Four civilians were killed and another five injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Albu Ramadan in eastern Raqqah, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network said: “coinciding with the violent attack by the Russian Aviation on Deir ez-Zor the towns of Raqqa were not spared.” They reported on a “new massacre” on Albu Ramadan which targeted

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS927

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Two to four civilians died including, two children following alleged Russian raids on Hraitan, Aleppo governorate, according to local sources. The source, Orient, reported strikes caused significant material damage and “huge fires” in the town, resulting in several others wounded. @ALAMAWI’s report differed from most, it alleged one man dead, and one woman and a child

Summary

First published
June 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 children0–1 women1 man)
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, Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS959

LOCATION

حي المغاير, Al Maghayer (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two children were killed and up to dozens more were wounded as a result airstrikes on the city al-Maghayer outside of Aleppo, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Aleppo White Helmets reported  that “a short while ago a missile fell

Summary

First published
June 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
1–24
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2019

Incident Code

RS3975

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

Up to seven civilians, including a woman and a Syrian Civil Defence volunteer, were reported killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes and/or artillery on Kafr Zeita on the morning of July 29th. Initial reports claimed two civilians were killed, including a woman and a volunteer for the Syrian Civil Defense. According to local

Summary

First published
July 29, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(1 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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1295

LOCATION

قاضي عسكر, Qadi Askar, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and four civilians were killed, and up to seven wounded, in an airstrike on  Qadi Askar, Aleppo, local sources reported – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russian warplanes or regime helicopters were to blame. On September 22nd, aircraft pummeled several neighbourhoods in Aleppo. Smart News reported “four civilians were killed, and

Summary

First published
September 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS1921

LOCATION

الناجية, Al-Najia, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians were killed – and as many as five were injured – in alleged airstrikes which struck residential homes in Al-Najia. All sources blamed Russia, apart from one source which blamed the Syrian regime. One source reported that there were three Russian raids which caused huge material damage to residential homes and roads.

Summary

First published
February 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
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

September 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2465

LOCATION

ﺣﻄﻠﺔ , Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four members of one family were killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian air/ artillery or rocket strike on the village of Hatla in the eastern countryside, according to local sources. Hajj Attallah al-Assaf was the only individual named. Syrian East Agency attributed the “heavy artillery and rocket launchers” to Syrian forces, however most sources

Summary

First published
September 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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

October 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS006

LOCATION

الهبيط, Al Habeet, Idlib, Syria

Up to five civilians including one or two children were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike at Al Habeet. The 9pm attack was said to involve high-explosive rockets, and three of the the dead, two men and a child were later named. Another child may also have died in the incident according to some

Summary

First published
October 1, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–2 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
Unknown
Named victims
4 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS970

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

A Children’s Protection Centre in Khan al Sheikh camp was reportedly struck and “almost totally destroyed” in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes. Local sources added that the shelling also destroyed houses, killing four civilians and wounding five more. According to the Shaam News Network, “Russian planes launched air raids on farms and on the

Summary

First published
July 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 men)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1274

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Al Rastan, Homs, Syria

Four civilians died and several more were injured in alleged Russian or regime air or artillery strikes on Al Rastan, Homs, according to local media. Among sources attributing the event to Russia were Al Jazeera and Smart. However, many other reports, including those by @so_ria98, @ShahbaPress and LCCSY, pointed to the regime. Several sources, such

Summary

First published
September 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1370

LOCATION

جسرين, Jesrin, Damascus, Syria

Between three and four civilians including one woman died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Jesrin in Eastern Ghouta, according to sources on the ground. The Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed the event to the Syrian regime, putting the death toll at three. Meanwhile, SCDrifdimashq reported that four people were killed and

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2316

LOCATION

الضاحك, al-Dahek, Homs, Syria

Four civilians from the same family, including children and women, were killed and several were wounded as airstrikes, allegedly carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime, struck the village of al-Dahek, on the countryside of al-Sukhna, Homs, local media reported. The Violations Documentations Center identified four victims; one child, two women and one adult

Summary

First published
July 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1–2 children1–2 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, 2017

Incident Code

RS2683

LOCATION

دوير, Dweir, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A woman and her three children were killed in an airstrike on Dweir, according to local media. Most sources blamed Russia for the strikes, however others reported it was a “military aircraft” – not attributing blame to a belligerent. The first source reported that only two children were killed, however a later source reported three

Summary

First published
November 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2–3 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

January 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS371

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Two to four civilians including one to two children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrikes on a school for boys in Hayyan, according to multiple sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that four civilians including two children died when “suspected Russian warplanes fired several missiles near Hayan High School for Boys in Hayan

Summary

First published
January 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1–2 children1 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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS563

LOCATION

طابية شامية, Tabya Shameih, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and four children and one woman died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Tabya Shameih, according to local sources. In a news brief, the Syrian Network for Human Rights said two victims (children) “died in suspected Russian warplanes missiles fired on Tabiyet Al Sham town in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern countryside, February 7, 2016.”

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2–3 children1 woman)
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

June 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS916

LOCATION

حريتان, Al Harameis, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Three or four children died following airstrikes on Al Harmeis, Hraitan city, Aleppo governorate. There are contradictions in the sources obtained as some alleged that the regime was responsible; moreover, a significant number of reports did not apportion blame. Later reports said the death toll rose to four children, while Syrian Press Center alleged eight

Summary

First published
June 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(3–4 children)
Civilians reported injured
8
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

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS981

LOCATION

بشنترا, Bashentra, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that four civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bashentra. Burqa News reported “Russian warplanes carried out shelling with missiles and cluster bombs”. Ara News placed the number of wounded at 10, whereas Step News said that as many as 50 were injured. It said that some of the injuries were

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
10–50
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

August 5, 2019

Incident Code

RS3991

LOCATION

مورك, Morek, Hama, Syria

Up to five civilians, most of them from the same family, were reported killed and several others injured in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes or artillery shelling  on Morek in Idlib, Syria during the night of August 5/6th, 2019. Syrian Network for Human Rights also reported “at least 4 civilians, most of them

Summary

First published
August 6, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(3–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
1–30
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 6, 2019

Incident Code

RS3668

LOCATION

الزربة, Al Zirba, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and four civilians were killed and up to five, including a child, were wounded when alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes struck civilian homes and a health centre in the town of Al Zirba, south of Aleppo on May 6th, 2019. Smart News Agency reported that an unspecified number of civilians was killed

Summary

First published
May 6, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS156

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

The Syrian Observatory reported that four non-combatants were killed and ten people were injured (four seriously) in three alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun. A video filmed in the immediate aftermath shows devastated civilian houses, with at least ten injured adults and children. A second video (below) shows the moment the airstrike hits Khan Sheikhoun.

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS318

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Four civilians including a child were reported killed in major alleged Russian air raids on Palmyra. Revolution Palmyra reported as many as 60 strikes on the city by Russia, including with cluster munitions. It said the raids were concentrated as follows: “- 10 air strikes on the city hospital which led to massive destruction –

Summary

First published
December 26, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child3 men)
Civilians reported injured
25
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
View Incident