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

October 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1512

LOCATION

Al Sheikh Ali, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and up to three more, including children, were wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on Al Sheikh Ali town, according to sources on the ground. The White Helmets reported: “Russian warplanes targeted the town of al Sheikh Ali in the western Aleppo countryside with vacuum missiles which led to the death of

Summary

First published
October 31, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1762

LOCATION

زردنا, Zardana, Idlib, Syria

Between one and three civilians were killed during an airstrike on Zardana, Idlib, according to local media reports – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Idlib Media Centre, who stated that one woman died in the attack, reported that it was because of a “missile launched by Russian occupation

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(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
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2378

LOCATION

رسم العوايد, Rasim Awaed, Hama, Syria

On July 31, 2017, three civilians were reportedly killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian and or Syrian regime raids in Rasim Awaed, near Akirbat town in Hama, according to local media.  Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Baladi News blamed the Syrian regime, while all others attributed blame to Russia.

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2728 CS1673a

LOCATION

جليب غانم, Jleib Ghanem area, Al Qouriya desert, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five civilians including two children and a woman were killed and between seven and nine more were wounded in an alleged US Coalition or Russian airstrike on a camp for displaced persons in the Jleib Ghanem area, Al Qouriya desert, according to local media. Most sources blamed Russia, though @basher_811 pointed to the Coalition,, reporting: 

Summary

First published
November 13, 2017
Last updated
April 17, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
IDP or Refugee Camp
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7–9
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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 14, 2020

Incident Code

RS4513

LOCATION

الدقماق, Al Dakmak, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians were reported injured during alleged Syrian and/or Russian artillery shelling and/or airstrikes on the towns of Al Dakmak in the Al-Ghab Plain, west of Hama on July 14th 2020. The Syrian Civil Defence Forces of the Southern Directorate reported that two young men with injuries of varying degrees were rushed to

Summary

First published
July 14, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2022

Incident Code

R4438

LOCATION

تادف, Tadef, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were injured, with one reportedly dying of their injuries, when an unexploded cluster bomb from a previous bombing by the regime or Russian forces exploded in the town of Tadef on February 20, 2022. According to a tweet from @Almohrar1, two children were injured, one of whom had his hand amputated, due to

Summary

First published
February 20, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Cause of injury / death
Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
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 8, 2022

Incident Code

R4468

LOCATION

ديرسنبل, Deirsnbul, Idlib, Syria

One woman was wounded by reported artillery shelling as a result of either Russian or Syrian regime forces on Deir Sunbal village, south of Idlib, on September 8th 2022. Apparently the villages of Benin and Shanan were also bombed but there were no injuries reported.

Summary

First published
September 8, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2023

Incident Code

R4503

LOCATION

النيرب, Al Nerab, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians and up to three civilians, including one child, one woman, and one man, were reportedly injured in an artillery shelling attributed to either the Syrian regime or Russian forces which hit residential neighbourhoods and “the vicinity of a closed school” in Al Nerab, a town to the east of Idlib, on

Summary

First published
February 27, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
(1 child1 woman0–1 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 9, 2023

Incident Code

R4538

LOCATION

تديل, Tadel, Aleppo, Syria

On August 9th 2023, a civilian was killed and at least one other civilian, a child, was slightly injured, as a result of artillery shelling by Syrian regime and/or Russia forces on the village of Tadel, west of Aleppo. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that an elderly civilian was killed and a child

Summary

First published
August 9, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2023

Incident Code

R4558

LOCATION

كنصفرة, Kansafra, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian was seriously injured in the village of Kansafra as a result of artillery shelling allegedly by the Russian Military and/or Syrian regime forces on September 24, 2023. According to Syrian Civil Defense, a farmer was seriously injured by the strikes while he was working in the fig harvest. Additionally, the Civil

Summary

First published
September 24, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
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.
Impact
Food
Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2023

Incident Code

R4598

LOCATION

مرعيان, Marayan, Jabal al-Zawiya in the southern countryside of Idlib, Idlib, Syria

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, a civilian was injured by an artillery shelling allegedly perpetrated by Syrian regime forces and/or the Russian military in the town of Marayan in Jabal al-Zawiya in the southern countryside of Idlib. According to @baladi Twitter/X user, the injured man was taken to a hospital nearby for treatment. Syria TV,

Summary

First published
October 11, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Infrastructure
Residential
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2023

Incident Code

R4648

LOCATION

كنصفرة, Kansafra, south of Idlib, Idlib, Syria

A woman was injured by an artillery attack with contested responsibility reportedly perpetrated by the Syrian regime forces and/or the Russian military and/or the Iranian military on December 28th, 2023, in the village of Kansafra located south of Idlib, Syria. Twitter/X user @mzmgr941 reported at 10:15 AM the intense missile bombardment allegedly carried out by

Summary

First published
December 28, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
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, Iranian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2024

Incident Code

R4716

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al-Atareb, west of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Shortly before 9:30 PM on the evening of Thursday, November 28th, 2024, a civilian was killed and at least one male child and up to two children were injured as a result of an airstrike which was allegedly carried out by Russian military and/or Syrian regime forces with the reported use of vacuum missiles. The

Summary

First published
May 23, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Residential
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2015

Incident Code

RS012

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

According to the Syrian Observatory, “Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes on several places at the town of al-Ghadqa in the countryside of Maarat al Numan in the eastern countryside of Idlib, and we have information about injuries to several people, including paramedics from the civil defence.” While no other sources reported the attack, the Russian

Summary

First published
October 2, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS044

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Five civilians were killed in a heavy airstrike on Talbiseh, according to reports. Most attributed the attack to Russia, though at least one local report said the strike was the work of Syrian regime aircraft.

Summary

First published
October 15, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 women4 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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 25, 2015

Incident Code

RS077

LOCATION

الشيخ بركة, Sheikh Barakeh, Idlib, Syria

According to the Syrian Observatory, “suspected Russian warplanes attacked the village of al-Sheikh Barakah in the township of Sinjar in the eastern countryside of Idlib, killing a woman and [her] two children while other civilians were seriously wounded.” A third child died a fews days later of her injuries. The centre of the village was

Summary

First published
October 25, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
20
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS110

LOCATION

أم صحريج, Um Sirij, Hama, Syria

Two to five children and their mother were reported killed and four more people injured along with up to three civilian adults, after an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Umm Sirij. Shaam News cited local civil defence as saying that a home had been razed in the attack, with other houses damaged. And

Summary

First published
November 1, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2–5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4–6
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2015

Incident Code

RS145

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

The Violations Documentation Centre reported that one adult male was killed as a result of alleged shelling by Russian warplanes. Mr al Rajab’s status is contested, with some reports claiming he was an opposition fighter. The pro-regime site Hama News Network said he was a field commander with the FSA, for example.    

Summary

First published
November 13, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS178

LOCATION

مرعيان, Mareian, Idlib, Syria

Four children were among up to five civilians reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mareian, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The Network stated that two rockets fell on the town and that two houses were completely destroyed. Jisr TV placed the death toll at five,

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(4 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2015

Incident Code

RS210

LOCATION

الدانا, Al Dana, Idlib, Syria

Shaam News Network and Aljazeera Mubashner reported that civilian relief trucks were allegedly struck by Russian warplanes in the town of Al Dana. No deaths or injuries were initially reported. Aljazeera Mubashner’s footage is entitled: ‘Aftermath of Russian bombing after they targeted relief trucks in Al Dana in Idlib.’ An interviewed man says the targeted

Summary

First published
November 29, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

December 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS243

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Eight to 13 civilians including three women and three children were reported killed – and dozens injured – in an airstrike on Kafr Hamra according to multiple sources. Reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network said Russian forces were responsible and had pounded

Summary

First published
December 8, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 13
(3 children3 women1–2 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 14, 2015

Incident Code

RS275

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Five civilians including one child were killed in airstrike on Maarat Al Numan, according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Both Shaam News Network and Almarra Today reported that the Russians were responsible for firing cluster bombs on the city, while

Summary

First published
December 14, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child4 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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 24, 2015

Incident Code

RS308

LOCATION

الديرونة, Daironeh, Hama, Syria

One adult male civilian, Staif al-Wahban, was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Daironeh, Hama, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Human Rights Campaign. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
December 24, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS340

LOCATION

بيانون, Bayanoun, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed – one possibly a child – in an alleged Russian airstrike or artillery attack on the town of Bayanoun.  

Summary

First published
January 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 men)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS372

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Eight to nine civilians including two women and four children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Bab. SNN reported that alleged Russian warplanes shelled the residential houses northwest of Al Bab city in eastern Aleppo suburbs, under the control of ISIL. The IS agency Al A’maq also reported on the incident, stating that nine

Summary

First published
January 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(4 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
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

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS404

LOCATION

عين ترما, A'ayn Turma, Damascus, Syria

Three to four civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes and/or shelling by the Assad regime, according to local sources. However, reports need further verification as half of them speak of Russian followed by regime shelling while the other half only mention regime shelling. Orient News published a video showing the aftermath of a alleged Russian

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS436

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Saif al Dawla, Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria

Seventeen civilians including eight children and five women died in airstrikes on the Saif al Dawla area of Raqqa, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. RBSS initially referred to raids by “warplanes” and did not identify them, however, in a later

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17
(8 children5 women5 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
17 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS470

LOCATION

تراحيل, Tal Rahil (Taraheil), Aleppo, Syria

Between three and six civilians including two women were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Taraheil, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Shaam News Network. SN4HR reported that three non-combatants, including two women, died when “suspected Russian warplanes” shelled Taraheil. The Shaam News Network – also blaming Russia – put the death toll

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(2 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
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS502

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Shaam News Network, Russian forces targeted the town of Azaz with two ballistic missiles, causing the death of one civilian and injury of several others. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently published an image of a young man, who came from Raqqa and was said to have died in bombing. The source does not say which day the incident

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS538

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian Network for Human Rights, reported that three civilians including one woman died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on Hraytan. Shahed A’ayan Halab reported the deaths of 5 people and the wounding of 3 others as a result of Russian bombing in Hraytan.  

Summary

First published
February 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1 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
View Incident