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

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS995

LOCATION

عنجارة, Ain Jara, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Ain Jara, according to local media. All sources  blamed Russian warplanes for the attack in Ain Jara. NabdsyriaTV claimed that others were also wounded and trapped under the rubble for a period of time.

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

July 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1059

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians died and several more were wounded in airstrikes on Al Sukkari in Aleppo, local sources reported – though it was unclear from reports whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to Baladi, the hospital was put out of service as a result of strikes. Halab Today blamed both

Summary

First published
July 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child)
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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1550

LOCATION

الجانودية, Al Janoudia, Idlib, Syria

Between one to three civilians were killed and at least three others were injured in airstrikes launched against the town of Al Janoudia in western Jisr Al Shoughour. According to local sources, including Step News Agency and @SMARTNewsAgency, Russian warplanes were responsible for the series of airstrikes on the town. An image of the alleged

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2695

LOCATION

البقعان, Al-Baq'an, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that three civilians were killed, and seven others were wounded, in airstrikes which struck the river crossing in Al-Baq’an. Sources either named Russia as culpable, or reported “unknown warplanes” were to blame. According to Al Hall, Russian shelling “targeted the river crossing in the village of Baqan, killing three civilians and wounding

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2522

LOCATION

بداما, Bdama, Jisr al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

Between one and three civilians, including a child, were killed and up to 11 more were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air and artillery strikes against the town of Bdama in the western village of Jisr al-Shoughour, according to local sources. The initial estimate was that only one civilian, a child, had died

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–11
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
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS2860

LOCATION

Kafar Nubul, Raqqa, Syria

Between one and three civilians including a child and a woman died and up to six others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafar Nubul, according to local media. Ashark alarabi said that one child died and blamed Russia. According to the Smart News Agency, “a child was killed and six civilians were

Summary

First published
January 7, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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

May 24, 2019

Incident Code

RS3710

LOCATION

حاس , Haas, Idlib, Syria

One to three civilians, including two children, were reported killed in several airstrikes on the town of Haas, Idlib, on May 24th. While Shahd is the only named fatality in a number of sources, the Syrian Network for Human rights claimed that “Shahd Jamal al Farhat was killed along with one of her family members,

Summary

First published
May 24, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS364

LOCATION

الشيخ علي, Sheikh Ali, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed when “warplanes believed to be Russian” bombed areas in Sheikh Ali village in the western countryside of Aleppo, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory said there was “initial information about more casualties“, but did not specify. Al Burraq placed the death toll at three, with several injured.  

Summary

First published
January 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

RS588

LOCATION

الغارية, Al Gariya, Daraa, Syria

Three civilians including one woman and one child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Gariya, according to local sources. The VDC named one adult male victim of a Russian strike as  Khaled Ayed al Mefrej. All4Syria also attributed the incident to Russia, reporting that “Russian warplanes targeted the towns and cities (Naemeh –

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS3145

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Latamna, Hama, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians was wounded and three were killed due to air and artillery strikes on Al Latamna, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Although Smart News reported that the aftermath was limited to material damage, Step News reported that some civilians were wounded

Summary

First published
March 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
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

July 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3862

LOCATION

معرة حرمة أو معرتحرمة, Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians were reported killed, and others injured, in an airstrike on Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, on July 1st. According to Step News, “three people were killed as a result of injuries following Russian raids targeting the town of Ma’aret Harma south of Idlib.” @abuhuzaifa_ stated that two of those killed were Abdullah Mohammed

Summary

First published
July 1, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3078

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

As Russian and/or Assad warplanes struck the town of Harasta, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported that up to three civilians were killed and several left wounded. The town of Harasta was bombed with at least four air raids, as reported by Ghouta Media Center, who blamed Russia. Meanwhile, al-Jazeera, who quoted field source, said

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
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

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3124

LOCATION

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians were killed and others were injured in airstrikes on Beit Sawa, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. The house of ‘Asi’ was reportedly struck by alleged Russian warplanes. Two victims were named and one unidentified civilian was named. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1084

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to sources, both Russian and Assad regime aircraft carried out missile attacks on Al Sukkari at noon on August 2nd 2016. Sources stated that not only artillery, but rocket launchers, missiles and a vacuum missile were used in the raid on the neighbourhood. Only one source reported that the aircraft was Russian. Multiple sources

Summary

First published
August 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 woman)
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

November 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2766

LOCATION

العباس و هجين, Al-abbas-Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians including two brothers were killed in airstrikes on Al-abbas-Hajeen, according to local media. Sources all attributed the blame to Russia except Syrian Network for Human Rights who blamed the Syrian regime. The raids allegedly struck al-a`bbas water tunnel, leading to three deaths and four wounded civilians. There are no other details at this

Summary

First published
November 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS4016

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salehiya, Idlib, Syria

Up to three children were reported killed and their father injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime night airstrikes on Al Salehiya, Idlib, on August 13th. A woman was also reported killed in the attack, and it is unclear whether she is related to the victims’ family. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Step Agency

Summary

First published
August 13, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2–3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1278

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and three civilians including one woman and one child were killed, and several more wounded, by bombings carried out either by the Assad regime or Russian planes in the Al Sakhour neighborhood in Aleppo. According to Halab Today TV and SyrianPC, an unidentified child was also killed. Meanwhile, Shahba Press tweeted that a

Summary

First published
September 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3–12
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1310

LOCATION

المواصلات, Al Mowasalat, Aleppo, Syria

Two children and a man were killed by airstrikes in the al Mowasalat neighbourhood, local media reported. The strikes were reportedly part of a larger set of attacks with cluster bombs and phosphorus on multiple Aleppo neighbourhoods and were attributed both to the Syrian regime and to Russian aircraft. Up to five civilians were wounded

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1408

LOCATION

الشيخ خضر, al Sheikh Kudar, Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians including two children and a woman died and several more people were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Shikh Khudur, according to local media. The location hit was Sheikh Fares, which is inside the Sheikh Khudar area. According to Thiqan News Agency, there were “two martyrs and a number of

Summary

First published
October 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1603

LOCATION

حي الانصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including women and children died in air or artillery strikes on Al Ansari, Aleppo, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Alsharq and the Smart News Agency put the death toll at one, but all other sources said three people died. Baladi and @heba_alhomsy222 both blamed Russia.  Sdusyria

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1721

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians from one family – a man, his wife and his son – died and two other children from the family were wounded in an airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, according to soirces on the ground. Egypt Today: “On Monday, at least eight raids were carried out on areas in the town of Khan Sheikhan

Summary

First published
November 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

March 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS1944

LOCATION

قبتان الجبل, Qubtan Al-Jabal, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians, including one male child and one woman, were killed along with up to ten wounded, local media reported following alleged Russain shelling of Qubtan Al-Jabal, Aleppo. At least one child was killed by the airstrikes. Additionally, many  sources also reported the death of one man and woman. @kobtan_aljabal added that the child

Summary

First published
March 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
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

February 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3000

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafr Sajneh, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime waged shelling of Kafr Sajneh in Idlib killed up to three civilians, including children and women, and wounded up to six children, local media reported. Local reports varied in terms of the death toll, though most agreed that both children and women were among the victims. Smart News cited local

Summary

First published
February 8, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children1–2 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS535

LOCATION

شتل الزيارة, Jetal Zratah, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one child were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jetal Zratah. Kasstal Jendo Afrin reported “the death of two Kurdish civilians” and named the same victims, who it said were father and daughter. They died following an “aerial bombardment” launched by Russian aircraft. Eldorar Alshamia reported that Russian warplanes targeting Jetal

Summary

First published
February 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child0–1 women1 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
View Incident

Incident date

May 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS791

LOCATION

ياقد العدس, Yaqid al Adas, Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that three civilians from the same family including one woman and one child died in “suspected” Russian shelling on Yaqid al Adas. Multiple other sources also reported that a man and his wife were killed. Some said that the child was seriously injured, others put the death toll at three:

Summary

First published
May 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS3042

LOCATION

كفربطنا , Kafar Batna, Damascus, Syria

Up to three civilians, two men and one woman, were killed and several were left wounded as Kafar Batna, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was subject to air and artillery shelling as reported by local media. It was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. Damas Press, who did not identify a culprit, reported

Summary

First published
February 19, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS920

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and three civilians including two children died in an airstrike on Urma al Kubra, according to local media. The majority of sources including RadioAlKul and QasiounNewsAR blamed Russia. Other sources such as Alburak News have not identified the planes, though they said that “cluster bombs” had been used in the attack. The two

Summary

First published
June 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 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
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1017

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Various sources reported that airstrikes on a residential area in Kafr Hama, Aleppo, killed up to three civilians, including one boy. BBC Arabic filed a report which read, “according to opposition source, Russian warplanes launched extensive shelling in Kafr Hamra”. Meanwhile, al Jazeera reported that both Russian and Assad regime warplanes were launching missiles in the

Summary

First published
July 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS3953

LOCATION

كفروما, Kafarouma, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians, including at least one child, were reported killed and 10 others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on civilian homes in the town of Kafarouma, Idlib governorate, on July 25th, 2019, according to local sources. Edlib Media Center reported that “three people were killed and several wounded when

Summary

First published
July 25, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
8–10
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
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1127

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Airstrikes reportedly destroyed a Pediatrics and Gynecology hospital on 12th August 2016 in Kafr Hamra. At least three civilians were killed, and seven or more wounded, mostly members of a medical staff, women, or children. Some of the personnel working in the hospital were affected; both a nurse and an ambulance driver were killed in

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident