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

September 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1213

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Up to four civilians including at least one woman and her child died in an airstrike on Douma, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. The majority of sources, including Qasioun, the Smart News Network, the Syrian Press Centre and

Summary

First published
September 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–2 children1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1504

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Three or four civilians including two girls and one woman died and as many as dozens more were injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Urma al Kubra, according to local media. The White Helmets gave the lowest death count of four civilians. But all other sources put the number at four,

Summary

First published
October 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
8–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1640

LOCATION

باب الحديد, Bab Al Hadeed, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians were reportedly killed in an air or artillery strike on the Bab al-Hadid neighbourhood, Aleppo, according to a single source. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported: “at least four victims died due to suspected Russian warplanes missiles fired on Bab Al Hadeed neighborhood in Aleppo city, November 19, 2016.” There were few

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2204

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Between two and four civilians were killed and up to 15 more were wounded as airstrikes, allegedly carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime, struck Saqba, Damascus, local media reported. While LCCSY said that two civilians were killed in the attack, the majority of sources reported  four victims and SaqbaCoordinating1234 identified all four

Summary

First published
May 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2497

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan al Subul, Idlib, Syria

At least four civilians and five alleged members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham – a militant Islamist group – were killed and seven other civilians and four members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Khan al Subul in southeast Idlib. All sources attributed the blame to Russian missiles.

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2275

LOCATION

جب الجراح غنيمان, Ghneiman village, Jeb al Jrah district, 55 km east of Homs, Homs, Syria

Four civilians died, including a woman and a child, and six other non-combatants were wounded in an airstrike on Ghneiman in Homs, according to local media. Only one source, the Smart News Agency, pointed to Russia as the “likely” culprit; the other reports didn’t apportion blame of this event. According to the Smart News Agency,

Summary

First published
June 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS170

LOCATION

ميدان الغزال, Maydan al Ghazal, Hama, Syria

Up to four civilians were reported killed when missiles were allegedly fired from Russian warships, hitting the village of Maydan Al Ghazal. One eyewitness filmed in the aftermath insists “this was caused by Russian ballistic missiles hitting shepherds and farmers living here. They are not terrorists and they’re not armed.” The Syrian News Desk cited

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS203

LOCATION

دير العصافير, Dayr Al Asafir, Damascus, Syria

Four non-combatants were reported killed – and several injured – following alleged Russian or Assad regime “violent raids” that struck civilian homes in Dayr al Asafeer, according to reports. The White Helmets said the attack caused a huge fire which they extinguished but did not mention who the planes belonged to – referring only to

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS652

LOCATION

دوار الـ"7كم", 7km roundabout, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four adult males died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the 7km roundabout in the Deir ez-Zor countryside, according to local sources. In a news roundup, Shaam News Network put the death toll at four and blamed Russia. The victims were named by the VDC. The victims – killed in an alleged Russian raid –

Summary

First published
February 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 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
View Incident

Incident date

August 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1095

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians died, including a woman and two children, in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Naha. According to Ara News, the warplanes launched strikes on the neighbourhood, “in an attempt to prevent the arrival of a new military Maazrat Army conquest of the region”. LCCSY reported that rockets were fired over the

Summary

First published
August 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4–24
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1289

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and four civilians were killed, and between two and thirteen wounded, when cluster and barrel bombs struck al Marja in Aleppo, according to local media. Some sources accused Russian warplanes, while others claimed regime helicopters were involved. The Syrian Observatory for Human referred to one fatality, while Twitt-book News counted four. @Radioharafm tweeted,

Summary

First published
September 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–13
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 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1386

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes hit and destroyed a major hospital in al-Sakhour in Aleppo, killing up to four civilians and wounding 15 more. Al Jazeera reported: “Russian and Syrian warplanes shelled  the biggest hospital still working in Eastern Aleppo, destroying it and forcing it out of service, as well

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2677

LOCATION

كفر سجنة, Kafr Sajneh, Idlib, Syria

Four children were killed, including triplets, in an explosion which allegedly was the result of remnants from a cluster bomb from a previous Russian raid, according to local media. Sources mostly blamed Russia, however Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the “Syrian-Russian alliance”. Local media reported that “Three children were killed in the agricultural land

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 children)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS085

LOCATION

أم ميال, Um Mayyal, Hama, Syria

In a contested event, four named women and men were reported killed in an airstrike at Um Mayyal. While Violations Documentation Center, the Syrian Network and others blamed Russia, the opposition Syria News Desk – which said three homes were destroyed in the incident – said the attack was the work of Assad regime aircraft.

Summary

First published
October 27, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS2916

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

According to local media, four civilians were killed and an unspecified number were wounded in alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Saraqeb. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing the blame to Russian warplanes, while two others blamed the Syrian regime. The residential homes were hit in the evening, according

Summary

First published
January 19, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(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

March 10, 2018

Incident Code

RS3221

LOCATION

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria

A single source, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, reported that four civilians, three children and a woman, were killed due to alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Mesraba. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
March 10, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 children1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3073

LOCATION

اللطامنة, al-Latamna, Hama, Syria

According to local media, up to four civilians, including one woman, were killed and dozens left wounded, as Russian or Assad forces carried out air and artillery shelling of Latamna, Hama. Step News Agency reported how allegedly “Russian raids and rocket-propelled grenades” had struck the city of Latamna, resulting in great civilian harm. The death

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(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
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS985

LOCATION

Castello Road, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, LCCSY, reported that “Russian warplanes launched heavy airstrikes on the outskirts of Castillo Road which led to the martyrdom of four civilians we they were attempting to get out of the city.” According to LCCSY this falls in the same context as the airstrikes on “Kafarnaha and Bashantra towns in the Western

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS3928

LOCATION

كفروما, Kafarouma, Idlib, Syria

Up to six civilians including five children were reported killed and up to ten others injured in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes on Kafrouma in Idlib, Syria on July 21st, 2019, according to local sources. The youngest of the victims, Nour Al-Najjar was 6 months old. Zaman Al Wasl said some of the

Summary

First published
July 21, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(5 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
11 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1658

LOCATION

ابو الظهور, Abu Al Zuhur, Idlib, Syria

Four civilians were killed – including one child – and several others injured in airstrikes which struck a market place in Abu Al Zuhur – though sources were conflicted as to who was responsible, with some reports blaming Russian warplanes and others blaming the Syrian regime for the raid. Sdu Syria reported that rocket propelled

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS1903

LOCATION

المستريحة, Al-Mstareha, Aleppo, Syria

One family – two male children and their parents – were reportedly killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on ISIS-controlled Al-Mstareha, according to local media. Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the family died in “suspected Russian warplane missiles fired on Al Mstareha village”.  The only other known source to report on the event also attributed

Summary

First published
February 17, 2017
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

December 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2801

LOCATION

زور شمر, Zor Shamer, Raqqa, Syria

Four children (several from the same family) were killed when remnants of a cluster bomb exploded from a previous Russian raid on Zor Shamer on December 16th, according to local media. All sources blamed Russia for the raid. It is unclear when the initial strike occurred, however first reportage of these civilians deaths was 16th

Summary

First published
December 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 18, 2016

Incident Code

R1347

LOCATION

قرية بريهة , Bariha village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that between two and four civilians died and up to another five were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bariha village. Sound and Picture put the death toll at two, though Euphrates Post said as many as four died. Radio AlKul added that five more civilians were wounded in the attack.

Summary

First published
October 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS064

LOCATION

الرهجان, Al Rahjan, Hama, Syria

The VDC lists four unidentified civilian males as having been killed by “Russian air force shelling” at Al Rahjan in Hama. Other sourcing is weak, with the Syrian state news agency Sana attributing the attack to Assad regime aircraft, while Al Watan mentions only ‘aircraft.’  

Summary

First published
October 20, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3705

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

In what was widely reported as regime airstrikes , three or four civilians including a child died and up to 20 more were wounded in Saraqeb on May 22nd, 2019. However, one source – Mohammed Galul – reported that Russia were also carrying out raids in the town. Mohamd Aslan joined the Syrian Network for

Summary

First published
May 22, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child)
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 belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS3793

LOCATION

موقا, Mouqa, Idlib, Syria

Four civilians, including a woman, were reported killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air and/or artillery strikes on the village of Mouqa, Idlib countryside, on June 13th, 2019, according to local sources. At least one other civilian was injured. @HadiAlabdallah tweeted: “Four civilians, including a woman, were killed as a result of the missile strikes

Summary

First published
June 13, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS546

LOCATION

بعيدين, Bai'ideen, Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network, reported that four civilians were killed in Bai’ideen as part of “Russian aggression on different areas in Aleppo.” Syrian Press Center also put the death toll at four and blamed Russia, while Shahba Press said Russia had carried out strikes on Bai’ideen along with other locations in Aleppo.  

Summary

First published
February 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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

April 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS770

LOCATION

أبلين, Ibleen, Idlib, Syria

Between one and four civilians including at least one child died in airstrikes on al Zawiya mountain, Idlib according to local sources – though only one source identified the warplanes responsible as Russian. Zaitoun News reported that four children were killed and five persons were wounded in an alleged regime strike on Ibleen village in

Summary

First published
April 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1–4 children)
Civilians reported injured
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
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS867

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians died in an airstrike on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. The Shaam News Network, reported that 21 civilians died in Aleppo “in the first day of Ramadan in regime and Russian bombing“. It put the death

Summary

First published
June 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
8–10
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1060

LOCATION

حي بستان القصر, Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and four civilians died and up to six others were wounded in Bustan al Qasr, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible for the deaths. Abdulkarimlaila blamed Russia, but most sources did not identify the culprit. Orient News and Rojava, however, referred to

Summary

First published
July 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident