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

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS412

LOCATION

فيلون, Fayloun, Idlib, Syria

12 civilians from the same family including three women and nine children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Fayloun, according to local sources. Activists told the Shaam News Network that nine people from the “Saiid family” were killed following Russian raids. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that 11 individuals from the same family 11 (eight children

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12
(9 children3 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
12 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS446

LOCATION

الجنينة, Al Jneina, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two women were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Al Jneina, according a a single source, Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
January 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS478

LOCATION

محيميدة, Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently claimed Russian planes returned and targeted a funeral procession which was being held “for the martyrs of the massacre carried out by the Russian in the village of Mhimideh a few hours ago.” Al Jisir TV also reported that the town was hit with a second wave of Russian attacks.

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS511

LOCATION

تل رفعت, Tall Rif`at, Aleppo, Syria

One 45-year-old adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tel Rifa’at, according to the Violations Documentation Center. A video report from Shaam News shows major destruction of civilian property in the town. According to the reporter “Tel Rifa’at is being exposed to a violent string of attacks. It was hit this

Summary

First published
January 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 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

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS579

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed and 10 others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources. Syrian Press Center reported that Russia carried out four raids, killing one non-combatant and injuring 10 more – adding that the death toll was expected to rise due to the severity of some of the injuries.

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

February 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS612

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Six civilians including four children and one woman were killed in airstrikes on Douma, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. According to the Shaam News Network, “Russian enemy planes launched dozens of raids on the towns of eastern Ghouta“,

Summary

First published
February 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(4 children1 woman0–1 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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS644

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

One female nurse died in an alleged Russian airstrike on a hospital in Anadan, according to local sources. According to SHRC, “Iman Layla, died after being wounded in Russian airstrikes which targeted the hospital in Anadan.” Halab Today said the victim was a nurse, while Micro Syria reported that many civilians were injured in the

Summary

First published
February 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS676

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

Several civilians died and up to 20 were injured in Khan al Sheikh according to local sources – though only one explicitly blamed Russia, with the majority of others pointing to regime shelling. According to Qasioun, one civilian died in regime shelling. Smart, Orient and Khan Al Sheikh Media Centre blamed the regime, with Smart

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS708

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was killed following an alleged Russian airstrike on Hamidiya, according to several local sources. She died of her injuries two days later. One source says that a female died in a barrel bomb attack – suggesting a possible regime action. The victim was named by the VDC as Baydaa Abdul Lateef al Sayer.

Summary

First published
March 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

March 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS740

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One young adult male civilian died in an airstrike on Palmyra according to local sources, though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Qasioun reported: Palmyra City was the target this morning of intensive raids by Russian aviation, amounting to about 35 strikes, in which aircraft

Summary

First published
March 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS772

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians died and 16 were injured in a Russian or regime attack on Marja. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said three civilians died as a result of Russian strikes. LCCSY also blamed Russia, putting the death toll at four. But the Syrian Mirror said the regime was responsible, reporting that four

Summary

First published
April 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
16
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

May 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS805

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

It was reported that nine female farmers died when remains of cluster bombs allegedly fired by Russia exploded. Al Jisr TV also reported this information, but said this occurred in Kafr Hamra – which is possibly a mistake. Because of near-identical copy by all media, this is presently classed as a weakly reported incident.  

Summary

First published
May 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(9 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS838

LOCATION

الهلك, Huluk (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 15 civilians died in an incident in Huluk, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. The Shaam News Network reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. It said that this

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 15
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS870

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources said that two civilians died in an airstrike on Hraytan – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. The White Helmets published a video and image of them extinguishing a fire in a “civilian car” which they said had been caused by “helicopters

Summary

First published
June 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS902

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and seven civilians died in an airstrike on Kafr Halab, according to local sources. The majority of reports attributed the incident to Russia, however, two said that this was the work of the Syrian regime. Accordng to @ShahbaPress – who pointed towards Russia – two children were included in the dead. However, @syriahadath and @QasiounNewsAR blamed

Summary

First published
June 14, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(1–6 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS936

LOCATION

خربة العمقية, Kharbat al A'mika, Hama, Syria

According to local reports, an alleged Russian airstrike on Kharbat al-A’mika killed between three and 11 civilians and wounded a number others. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the airstrike killed one entire family: “The bombing on the village (…) resulted in the killing of five individuals from the same family [four children

Summary

First published
June 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 11
(3–5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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

July 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS968

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Heavy and “barbaric” shelling killed six named civilians including two children and injured between 10 and 25 civilians in Ar-Rastan, Homs, according to local media. The majority of the injured were – according to Baladi News and Sna Agency – mostly women and children. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of

Summary

First published
July 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(2–5 children1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–25
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1000

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Up to 21 civilians died and as many as 55 more were wounded in a major civilian casualty event in Al Rastan, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Syrian Press Center reported a Russian warplane carried out the raid, using missiles.

Summary

First published
July 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 21
(3 women8 men)
Civilians reported injured
30–55
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
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1032

LOCATION

غوطة دمشق, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Eastern Ghouta was bombarded with raids on July 23rd damaging many small residential towns within the district and killing between two and nine civilians, according to sources on the ground. Both Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Smart News reported that the Assad regime struck the area with jets and warplanes. Shaam News Network, however,

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 9
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

July 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1064

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

In a major casualty event, up to 25 civilians including as many as 16 children died and dozens more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Atarib in Aleppo according to local media. Many sources – who published extremely graphic mages of victims – didn’t identify the warplanes responsible, however, a large number pointed

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 25
(5–16 children2–3 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
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
11 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS759 RS2209

LOCATION

عويجل, Oweijal, Aleppo, Syria

Between 13 and 16 civilians died and four were injured in an “unexplained” explosion in the village of Oweijal, local media said – though it was unclear whether the Coalition, the Syrian regime or Russia were to blame. Most sources blamed the Syrian regime for the strikes. An unspecific numbers of civilians were wounded, however

Summary

First published
April 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 16
(4–9 children4–5 women)
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
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1304 RS2374

LOCATION

قرية الكشمة, Al Kasham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Ten civilians were reported injured in airstrikes on Al Kasham village according to local media – though it was unclear who was responsible, with allegations against the Coalition, Russia and the Syrian regime. According to Euphrates Post, one male also died in a Russian strike on the village. The source also named the following two civilians

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1533 RS2543

LOCATION

البلعوم, Al Mayadin, Al Baloum neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to five civilians, including one woman and one child, were reported killed following airstrikes on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor governorate. The Coalition and Russian warplanes were blamed by local media. According to Al Natek, Russian raids targeted the city resulting in four civilians deaths. Smart also believed the attack was carried out by Russian

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1 child1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1079

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

Five civilians were killed and dozens more wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Khan al Sheikh, local media reported. According to Halab Today, “four civilians from one family were martyred following Russian air strikes targeting Khan al Sheikh camp for Palestinian refugees in the western Damascus countryside.” The Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
August 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2–3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6–24
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1111

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Multiple sources reported that between four and five civilians including two women died and up to 12 others were injured in four raids on Idlib City – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The majority of sources attribute the raids to Russia. However, The

Summary

First published
August 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–12
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1143

LOCATION

حربنوش, Harbanush, Idlib, Syria

Between nine and 12 civilians including up to nine children died in an airstrike on Harbanush, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. According to Orient News, 11 civilians including seven children died in a Russian strike. Sky and Ahmed Shlar also pointed towards Moscow.

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 12
(7–9 children3 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
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1175

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between three and 11 civilians including women and children died and as many as 30 more were wounded in airstrikes on Qaterji, al-Zebdiyyeh, al-Jaloum and Seif al-Dawla, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “11 civilians

Summary

First published
August 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 11
(1–5 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–30
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 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1208

LOCATION

Mouhimidah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between seven and 10 civilians including five children died in airstrikes on Muhimidah in Deir Ezzor, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. The majority of sources, including Alamawi, Mohamaed202054, Alsharqia24 and Euphrates Post, blamed Russia, with death counts varying between seven

Summary

First published
September 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
(5 children)
Civilians reported injured
10–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1240

LOCATION

Sabkha al Mo, Homs, Syria

Three civilians – a woman and two men – died in an alleged Russian airstrike on a car in Sabkha al Moh, local media reported. According to the Shaam News Network, “Russian planes targeted a civilian car carrying traveling bedouins [one woman and two men] in the area around Sabkha al Moh south of the

Summary

First published
September 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman2 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
View Incident