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

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1651

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

In a single source claim, three named adult males were killed due to Russian shelling on Saqba. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2268

LOCATION

رسم الطويل , Rasim Al-Tawil in Jab Al Jarah, Homs, Syria

Smart News reported that civilian housing in the village of Rasim Al-Tawil was struck by an aerial bombardment of warplanes, likely to be Russian. Three civilians were reported killed and five others were reported wounded, amongst them women and children. There are no other details at this time.  

Summary

First published
June 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2270 CS919a

LOCATION

موحسن , Mohsen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported the killing of Mohamad Amla Al Fals Abu Ammar and his daughter Wafa Amla Al Fals on Sunday June 4th, as warplanes struck his residence in the village of Muhasan in rural Deir Ezzor. Some sources also mentioned the wounding of other members of his family. The sources disagreed on the nationality

Summary

First published
June 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 woman1 man)
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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2821

LOCATION

الصرمان, Al Sarman, Idlib, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed, and six others were wounded – including women and children – in airstrikes which struck Al Sarman. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with both Russian warplanes and Syrian regime helicopters receiving allegations. There is some confusion over how many civilians were killed. The Violations

Summary

First published
December 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
3–6
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

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2534

LOCATION

ريف المهندسين , Reef Al-Muhandseen, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians from the same family – a man, his wife, and their child – died and five more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Reef Al-Muhandseen, according to local media. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported the killing of two civilians, a woman and her child, in Reef Al Muhandiseen in the

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3743

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that two civilians were killed and another one was wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on the city of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib on June 1st, 2019. The wounded man reportedly died from his injuries sustained in the attack the following day. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights initially reported that two civilians

Summary

First published
June 1, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
1–4
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS3834

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

A woman was reported killed  when alleged Russian and Syrian regime air raids reportedly struck Kafar Zeita on June 21st, 2019. A woman was also reported killed in Kafar Zeita on June 20th, 2019. No other details are known at this time.

Summary

First published
June 21, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2572

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al-Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that three people were reportedly killed, including a child, in airstrikes on the village of Al Salhia, which lays at the entrance of Deir Ezzor. The airstrikes were blamed on Russian warplanes. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
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 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS954

LOCATION

الكسيح‬, Al Kassih (Idlib), Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians, including one child, died and several more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Kassih, local media reported. According to Step News Agency, “warplanes launched air strikes on the Kasih neighborhood within the city of Idlib, killing at least two people and injuring many more.” LCCSY put the death toll

Summary

First published
June 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
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

August 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1171

LOCATION

قبطان الجبل, Qubtan al Jabal, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including one child and one woman died and several more civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qubtan Al-Jabal, according to sources on the ground. Reports cited the use of cluster bombs in the attack. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 25, 2019

Incident Code

RS4074

LOCATION

بسقلا, Bsaqla, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that at least three civilians including a woman and a girl were killed and many were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bsaqla on the morning of August 25, 2019. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least three civilians, including a girl and her mother, were killed as

Summary

First published
August 25, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1431

LOCATION

صوران, Souran, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in either Russian, Turkish or ISIS artillery shelling on Souran near Aleppo. Baladi wrote that “three civilians were killed due to artillery shelling by ISIS in Souran.” However, according to Syrian Mirror, “three women were killed in Turkish artillery shelling in Souran north of Aleppo.” The Syrian Observatory for Human

Summary

First published
October 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(0–3 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, ISIS, Turkish Military, ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1552

LOCATION

بشنطرة, Bashantra, Aleppo, Syria

At least three civilians were killed and up to nine others injured in airstrikes that struck the town of Bashantra in Aleppo. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible – some blaming Russia and others blaming the Syrian regime.  According to most sources, missiles carrying cluster bombs were used. Vedeng News specified that four raids

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2–9
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

December 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1739

LOCATION

قرية أورم الصغرى, Urma al Sughra village, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that three children died and an unspecified number of other civilians were injured in an airstrike on Urma al Sughra village. However, only one source – Halab News – explicitly blamed Russia, reporting the use of bunker-busting missiles. Other sources did not apportion blame.

Summary

First published
December 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2279

LOCATION

رويضة, Ruweida, Hama, Syria

Three civilians were killed – and others were wounded – following an aerial bombardment on Ruweida. Sources either attributed blame to Russian warplanes, or reported the sighting of unidentified warplanes. The Smart News Agency is the only source to specifically report that three “drivers” were killed in the raids. Others state that there were an

Summary

First published
June 10, 2017
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 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2339

LOCATION

أم قيبة , Umm Qiba village, near al Sokhna, Homs, Syria

Three women were killed and other civilians injured in alleged Russian raids on the village of Um Qiba in the eastern Homs countryside, local sources reported. The Violations Documentation Center in Syria said those killed included two daughters of Mkaimen al-Shihetan and Faysal al-Shihatan.

Summary

First published
July 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2619

LOCATION

الميادين, al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three male victims, reportedly cousins, were killed and several other civilians were injured in alleged Russian or Assad regime strikes on al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Several sources reported the death of the three named victims. One of these was the Facebook account, Ahmad Abush, who listed the three victims and referred to them as

Summary

First published
October 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2827

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma'arat Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

As many as three civilians were killed, and three to five others were wounded, in airstrikes which struck a residential neighbourhood and market in Ma’arat Nu’man, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes. Dw News also reported that a hospital was partially damaged in the raid, however they were

Summary

First published
December 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS065

LOCATION

رسم حمام, Rasim al Hammam, Hama, Syria

Three civilians – a woman and two girls – were reported killed and ‘many wounded’ after an alleged Russian airstrike on a former school in which internally displaced civilians were said to be sheltering.  

Summary

First published
October 21, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2470

LOCATION

معرزيتا , Ma’arzita, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were allegedly killed as planes bombed a primary school in the village of Ma’arzita. Khaled Rzouq Qattish was named dead by local sources alongside two women. Al Jazeera reported two members of the civil defence forces were among those killed. The perpetrator of the attack is unclear with reports of both Russian and Syrian

Summary

First published
September 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(2 women1 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

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS226

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike with more than 15 missiles on the road between Maskan and Kafrnasseh, Aleppo, according to the Shaam News Network. Shaam also asserted that once ambulance rescue services arrived the planes struck again, injuring members of the White Helmets who attended the scene. All4Syria said 20

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS323

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Two or three civilians were killed and dozens injured in alleged Russian airstrikes with cluster bombs on Palmyra, according to the Shaam News Network and the Violations Documentation Center. The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes launched 10 raids targeting the city hospital, resulting in significant damage to buildings and equipment. They added that

Summary

First published
December 27, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS387

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A woman and her two daughters died when “suspected Russian warplanes” launched missiles in Al Mayadeen, according to multiple sources.

Summary

First published
January 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 15, 2019

Incident Code

RS3807

LOCATION

الفطيرة, Al Fatira , Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Al Fatira, Idlib, on June 15th. Two sources claimed that three civilians had perished in the attack, with Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stating that two of these were women, and Smart News alleging the death of a child. Meanwhile, other sources referred to two civilians slain,

Summary

First published
June 15, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS933

LOCATION

‏الشيخ احمد‬, Sheikh Ahmad, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and three civilians including up to two children and one woman died in an airstrike on Sheikh Ahmad, according to local reports – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR), Halab Today and Syria2011 attributed the event to Russia.

Summary

First published
June 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children1 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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 15, 2017

Incident Code

CS1496 RS2451

LOCATION

شميطية, Shumaytiyah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman, died after unidentified warplanes conducted a raid on the town of Shumaytiyah (شمیطیة) in rural west Deir Ezzor, local sources said. There is limited information on the incident, Airwars will update the entry when new information arises. Additionally, Deir Ezzor 24 and Asharq Asouri named two adult males as killed at a refugee camp

Summary

First published
September 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 woman2 men)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1150

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians including several children died and up to ten more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Atarib, according to local media. Syrian News Desk was among sources putting the death toll at two – with “ten others injured”. However, LCCSY – who blamed Russia – reported that three died including

Summary

First published
August 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
3–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 19, 2019

Incident Code

RS4052

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh , Idlib, Syria

Three civilians, including a child, were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Heesh, Idlib, on August 19th 2019. Smart News cited “two civilians killed by Russian warplanes in Heesh town, south of Idlib” and @jisrtv tweeted that two civilians had been killed in the strike. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented “the death

Summary

First published
August 19, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1247

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al-Shughur, Idlib, Syria

Between two and three civilians including a girl died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Jisr al Shoughour, local media reported – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. According to Baladi, “10 people were injured due to regime warplanes shelling with

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
17–23
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
19 named, 2 families identified
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1442

LOCATION

الهلّك, al Halak, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and three civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Halak neighbourhood, according to local media. Baladi put the death toll at three, but like most sources didn’t identify the culprit. The Shaam News Network noted that both Russia and the regime shelled

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident