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

August 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1179

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Up to four civilians including a child died and several more were injured in airstrikes on Arbin, according to sources on the ground. The majority of the sources blamed the Assad regime for the attack; none of the reports explicitly pointed to Russia, though a number didn’t identify the culprit. Smart reported that “regime warplanes

Summary

First published
August 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 child1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS4082

LOCATION

معرشورين,, Ma'ar Shourin, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians, including a child and one to two women, died and seven others were injured in alleged Russia or regime raids on Ma’ar Shourin on August 27, 2019. The majority of sources pointed to the use of barrel bombs. A Facebook post by Nabed Maarshourin listed the names of those killed: Wael Abdulaziz Al-Qaddour, Abdul

Summary

First published
August 27, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7–15
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1277

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salhiye, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and four civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the road outside al Salhiye, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Step News Agency – who put the death toll at one – stated that “Russian military warplanes launched several raids.” Other outlets, such as @DeirElzor24 and @so_ria98, did not name the responsible party,

Summary

First published
September 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–2 children1 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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2404

LOCATION

الشميطة, Shumita, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to four civilians, including a woman and two children, were killed and several other civilians were left wounded, following airstrikes carried out in Shumita, Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. Besides three victims, hereof two children, identified by name, many sources reported

Summary

First published
August 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2530

LOCATION

كفركرمين, Kafr Karmin, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and four civilians were killed and up to 10 others were wounded in an alleged regime ground-to-ground missile strike and/or a Russian airstrike on Kafr Karmin in the western suburbs of Aleppo, according to local sources. According to Mohammad Shakrdy, “Russian warplanes targeted south of the town with four air strikes that killed two people.

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS662

LOCATION

حرنبوش, Haranbush, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians including a mother and her one or two children died in airstrikes on Haranbush, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Among the sources alleging that this was a Russian strike were Chamtime, Syrian Revolution and

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1–2 children1–3 women)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2736

LOCATION

السيال الغربي, Alsayyal Algharbi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and four civilian were killed, and an unspecified number of others were injured in airstrikes on Alsayyal Algharbi, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the airstrikes. Only one source reported the death of four civilians, while most others reported that two  adult male displaced brothers were

Summary

First published
November 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1048

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

A family reportedly died in As Sukhnah, local media reported – though it was unclear whether they were killed in a Russian airstrike or an action by the Syrian regime. Syriamubashar was among a number of sources which blamed Russia, reporting that “one person was killed and others wounded due to Russian warplanes shelling in

Summary

First published
July 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1477 RS2431

LOCATION

Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two adult male civilians, one child and one woman were killed in airstrikes on Hatla, according to local media, though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition or Russia were to blame. The majority of sources, however, pointed to Russia. Munitions recovered at the scene appear to be Russian in origin. The Syrian Observatory

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
April 17, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child1 woman2–3 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2758

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Possible Russian warplanes struck the city of Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, killing at least one civilian, local media reported. MasarPress, who blamed Russian warplanes, reported how Hajeen village and the crossing of the village of Abbas al-Nahari east of Deir al-Zour were struck by several raids, killing a total of four civilians. The report did not,

Summary

First published
November 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2019

Incident Code

RS4093

LOCATION

معرشمشة, Ma’arshamsha, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that four civilians died and others injured in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Ma’arshamsha. According to the Shaam News Network, “a civilian vehicle for IDPs in the village of Maarshamsheh” was struck, killing three people – two women and a child. Step put the death toll at four, including a

Summary

First published
August 29, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2245

LOCATION

أبو رمال, Abu Ramal , Hama, Syria

At least four civilians, including a woman, were killed and three others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Abu Ramal in the Al Silmiya District of eastern Hama, according to sources on the ground. The civilians that were killed were members of the same family and those that were injured were

Summary

First published
May 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2399

LOCATION

حواجي دياب, Hawaji Diab, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four civilians were killed, including two women, and others were wounded, following airstrikes – with the use of cluster bombs – on Hawaji Diab. Sources all blamed Russia for the raids on the neighbourhood, except Alghad who blamed the Syrian regime. Smart News reported that “Militants said Russian warplanes targeted civilian houses on Tuesday night

Summary

First published
August 21, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

October 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS095

LOCATION

الدانا, Al Dana, Idlib, Syria

Four civilians were reported killed either at Al Dana, or on a road approaching the town. No other details are presently available.  

Summary

First published
October 30, 2015
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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS3267

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Local media reported that four adult male civilians died in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Saqba. @ragga_shkeir tweeted that there were “Russian air strikes with guided missiles and missiles loaded with internationally prohibited cluster bombs”. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least 4 civilians were killed as Syrian/Russian warplanes fired missiles

Summary

First published
March 14, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS898

LOCATION

المعادي, Al Ma'adi (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and four civilians died in an airstrike on Al Ma’adi, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime was to blame. Among the sources blaming Russia were LCCSY and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. According to SN4HR, at least three civilians including two children

Summary

First published
June 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS931

LOCATION

‏الشيخ احمد‬, Sheikh Ahmad, Aleppo, Syria

Three to four civilians including one woman and two children died and an unknown number of others were wounded – reportedly mostly women and children – in airstrikes on Al Sheikh Ahmad village, Aleppo, according to local sources. All sources but one blamed Russia. A later report by Step News Agency said the death toll

Summary

First published
June 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS3180

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Between three and four civilians were killed, including a 20 day old baby, and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Arbeen, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. A child was trapped under the rubble for an extended period of time due to the collapse of a

Summary

First published
March 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 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
Named victims
3 named
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

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 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