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 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1556

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى , Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

At least two civilians were killed, and several more wounded, in alleged Russian airstrikes which struck Urma al Kubra, Aleppo. Most sources attributed the blame to Russian warplanes, others did not identify who was responsible.  The majority of sources said that cluster bombs were used during the raid, with @shahed_alep reporting the sighting of rocket propelled

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS1923

LOCATION

بنش, Binish, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died and up to 10 more were wounded (including four members of the civil defense), following a raid on the Red Crescent Medical Store in Binish. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some sources blamed a Russian airliner, whilst others blamed Syrian regime vacuum missiles. The Shaam News Network reported that

Summary

First published
February 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
9–10
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

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2041

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

Several civilians were killed and several others were injured in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the town of Jisr al Shoughour in the Idlib countryside, according to sources on the ground. While local sources gave conflicting reports of who was responsible for the airstrikes, the majority of sources did not identify who was

Summary

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

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2691

LOCATION

البويطة, Buweita, Aleppo , Aleppo, Syria

A man and a child were killed in airstrikes on village of Al-Bawiyyatah in the town of Tal Al-Daman. Sources all attributed the blame to Moscow. Sources are conflicted as to whether the child was male or female – VDC amongst others reporting the child was female – while others reported the child was male.

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
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

December 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2777

LOCATION

الجلاء, Jala'a, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed, including a 12-year-old girl, due to “barbaric shelling” in the town of Jala’a, local media reported. Only one source blamed Russia, while the others blamed “unknown” warplanes. While there were no reports of any wounded civilians, local media did report the destruction of several houses and a medical

Summary

First published
December 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2825

LOCATION

الخوين, Al Khwain, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Al Khwain, according to reports from the ground. Local sources either attributed the blame to the Syrian regime or to Russia. The only civilian harm allegation is from Step News Agency who reported that “The Russian and Syrian air raids

Summary

First published
December 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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

October 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS027

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

According to reports two civilians – a man and a woman – died in a Russian airstrike at Khan Shaykhun, with other victims left in critical condition. SNN News described the attack as “a terrible massacre of civilians,” with footage showing a devastated civilian neighbourhood. And Al Jazeera aired frantic scenes as White Helmets tried

Summary

First published
October 8, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
11
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2479

LOCATION

الصهرية, al Sahariya, Hama, Syria

Between one and two civilians, including a woman and her daughter, were killed and at least two others, children, were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes against the village of al Sahariya in the northern Hama countryside, according to local sources. Reporters Without Borders said that the airstrikes caused the destruction of a

Summary

First published
September 20, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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

January 15, 2018

Incident Code

RS2898

LOCATION

جوباس, Jubas, south of Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were killed – one was named – and as many as eight others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Jubas, according to local media. All sources reported that Russia was to blame except one source which attributed blame to the Syrian regime. The strikes, which reportedly occurred in the night,

Summary

First published
January 15, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
8
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 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3416

LOCATION

الهبيط , كفرسجنة, كفرنبل ,أرينبة, Al Habit , Kafar Sijna , Arinba and Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died as an aerial bombardment on villages across southern Idlib decimated schools and hospitals, local sources reported. Al Habit was one of the hardest hit by sustained heavy artillery fire, killing a man and woman. Two children were injured in Kafr Nabil, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, as warplanes struck

Summary

First published
April 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS797

LOCATION

بابيص, Babis, Aleppo, Syria

Multiple local sources reported that two civilians were killed and up to seven people were wounded following alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on the village of Babis in the countryside of Aleppo. While most sources blamed Russia, some said the Syrian regime was responsible, and again others did not identify who carried out the raids.

Summary

First published
May 14, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS894

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One girl died and one other unidentified civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Kalassa, according to local media. SRG_syria, @freesyria28 reported the death of a child in what they said was a Russian raid. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights was among other sources who didn’t identify the warplanes responsible for the strike. The

Summary

First published
June 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3202

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians – a child and a member of the White Helmets – were killed and others were wounded in air and artillery and missile strikes on Saqba, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. @HalabTodayTV tweeted the “demolition of residential areas by air, artillery and missile attacks”.

Summary

First published
March 8, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3129

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and injured due to airstrikes in Al Shifonya, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Mass destruction was caused by heavy shelling. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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 22, 2019

Incident Code

R3844

LOCATION

تل منس , Tal Mnes, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Tal Mnes, Idlib, on August 22nd. Shaam News cited the death of two civilians, including a child, in Tal Mnes as a result of Russian and Syrian regime military action in a number of locations, including Tal Mnes. Halab Today stated that “a child and a man

Summary

First published
August 22, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
View Incident

Incident date

October 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1425

LOCATION

Khan al Assal, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that up to two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khan al-Assal. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights,“two victims died due to suspected Russian warplanes missiles firing on Khan Al Asal town in Aleppo governorate western suburbs”. However, Smart News Agency said that there were no reports of

Summary

First published
October 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

October 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1489

LOCATION

Ma'arzita, Idlib, Syria

One or two civilians including a woman and her child died and an unspecified number more were wounded in an airstrike on Ma’arzita, according to sources on the ground – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Intensive strikes were reported in the area, with sources reporting that both

Summary

First published
October 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1590

LOCATION

قرية المكرمية, Al Makramia , Homs, Syria

Multiple sources reported warplanes struck in the villages of Mukramiya and Talbisa in northern Homs, resulting in the death of two children. All sources attributed the attack to Russia or “warplanes”. Alaraby blamed Russia for the attack and put the death toll at two – both children. The source also alleged a number of wounded. Syria

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1628

LOCATION

حي جسر الحج , Jisr al Haj neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Halab News listed two unidentified civilians as killed in a Russian strike in Jisr al Haj neighbourhood, Aleppo. @ShahbaPress and @Syrianewstime also tweeted that two civilians were killed by Russian warplanes. However, @rola1katib, @RfsNorth, @alepponow1 all reported that helicopters had dropped barrel bombs on the neighbourhood, meaning that regime involvement can’t be ruled out.  

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

March 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS1958

LOCATION

اسطبلات, Istablat, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Civilians were killed and wounded following an alleged air and artillery strike on Istablat, Aleppo. The White Helmets reported that three injured civilians were rescued from the rubble, while no specific numbers of civilian deaths were reported. Despite this, all sources mention that civilians were killed in this raid. Additionally, sources were conflicted as to who

Summary

First published
March 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

April 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2148

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

There were an unspecific number of civilian deaths and wounded, in an air and artillery strike which targeted the Grand Mosque of Al-Zahra in Anadan, Aleppo, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some blamed the Syrian regime, while others blamed Russia for the strikes. Sources reported that surface to surface missiles

Summary

First published
April 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2184

LOCATION

سرجة,, Sarja village, Idlib, Syria

‘Intensive air raids’ allegedly conducted by Russian warplanes resulted in the deaths of two sisters and wounded three other civilians in Sarja on the 27th April 2017, according to sources on the ground. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “The girls Aisha and Maryam Idris al Ashqar, from Sarja village in Idlib governorate

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2391

LOCATION

حسيا, Hasya, Hama, Syria

A single source reported that “Russian warplanes targeting several vehicles carrying displaced people in the area of #Hassia area #Aqirbat [with] news of martyrs and wounded among the displaced.” There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS392

LOCATION

ماير, Mayer, Aleppo, Syria

One to two civilians were allegedly killed and several others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Mayer, according to local sources. In a news roundup, Shaam News said two non-combatants died in a raid by Russian warplanes, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a person was killed when warplanes believed to be Russian bombed areas in

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 8, 2019

Incident Code

RS3774

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Kafar Nabil, Idlib, June 8th. Syrian Network for Human Rights reported one civilian killed in the attack, and named him as Khaled Ahmad al Hmaido. Later it was reported that a woman named Khaldiya Al-Battal died of her wounds as results of the same airstrike. Listing a

Summary

First published
June 8, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2019

Incident Code

RS3787

LOCATION

كفربطيخ, Kafar Batikh, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Kafar Batik, Idlib, June 10th. While two sources cite the death of one woman, multiple sources document the death of both a woman and her young child. Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that an “infant, Malak Mohammad Hammadi, was killed along with her mother, Asmaa

Summary

First published
June 10, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–4
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS552

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that a woman and her child were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Takaya street. In a second report, it added: “The fires are still raging since this morning until now [9:25pm] in Al Takaya street after Russian planes targeted Al Khair Mall and Takiyat al

Summary

First published
February 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS744

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named two civilians, Zahra Fihan, and her son Mohammad Abdullah al-Rashed, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Raqqa. The victims were also named by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, which blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
March 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS3140

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed and “others” were wounded, in airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. The named civilian was reported to have been displaced. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
March 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 30, 2019

Incident Code

RS3859

LOCATION

العامرية, Al Amiriya, Idlib, Syria

Two children were reported killed and six others including three children injured in airstrikes on Al Amiriya, Idlib, on June 30th. @HalabTodayTV reported the use of cluster bombs in the airstrike on the village. While Syrian network for Human Rights referred to the children killed as two siblings, Shabab Al Latamina documented the martyrdom of

Summary

First published
June 30, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident