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

May 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS806

LOCATION

Afrin-Darat Azza road, Aleppo, Syria

According to reports by the Shaam News Network and multiple other sources, Russian airstrikes targeted the road between Afrin and Darat Azza destroying fuel transport trucks, and killing two drivers and injuring several other civilians in the vicinity. The reports noted that this road was considered to be a “humanitarian corridor” and “one of the

Summary

First published
May 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3058

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians were killed along with a number of wounded as Russian airstrikes and/or Assad artillery shelling struck Al Shifonya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. Several sources reported that two civilians were killed in the incident, and both were identified by name by Ghouta Media Center. It was however, not clear whether the victims

Summary

First published
February 22, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3118

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

A child was killed and 20 civilians were injured due to a chloride gas attack on Al Shifonya, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. The injured all suffocated due to the internationally banned chloride gas. Members of the Syrian Civil Defence were also reportedly injured in the

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1304

LOCATION

مارجا, Marja neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians died in an alleged Russia or Assad regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Marja neighbourhood, according to local media. LCCSY said Russia carried out strikes, though Al Jazeera reported that seven civilians were killed in regime strikes “in the neighborhoods of Sukkari Mashhad Marjeh and Salhin.”  

Summary

First published
September 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

October 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1466

LOCATION

النزهة, Karam al Nuzha, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and several more were wounded in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Karam al Nuzha neighbourhood, local media reported. While most sources blamed Russia, several others noted that the regime was also conducting strikes in Aleppo during this period of time, meaning that it’s involvement can’t be ruled out. According to @dodoo559, “two raids

Summary

First published
October 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1674

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

Several civilians were reportedly killed and injured when up to four airstrikes struck  the town of Harasta, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. LCCSY reported that “Russian warplanes launched four airstrikes with thermobaric missiles on the neighborhoods in #Harasta city in the Eastern Ghouta, which led to casualties among civilians and destruction of buildings.”  LCCSY

Summary

First published
November 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS1831

LOCATION

دار الكبيرة, Dar Al-Kabira, Idlib, Syria

One or two civilians were killed and as many as 18 were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Dar Al-Kabira, local media reported. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids.  Some sources reported that there was partial damage to Al Dal Al Kabera Primary School. ZaitonMagazine said there were altogether three raids on

Summary

First published
January 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
5–18
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 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS1964

LOCATION

درعا, Dara'a, Daraa, Syria

Two adult males were killed in an alleged airstrike on Dara’a, local media reported. Only one source, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, blamed the Syrian regime for the raid whilst the others all blamed Russian warplanes. One of the men killed was a doctor. He was known as the “father of the martyrs” as in August

Summary

First published
March 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2192

LOCATION

كفرناها , Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were killed and at least nine other civilians wounded in alleged Russian air strikes on the town of Kafr Naha in the western Aleppo countryside, according to sources on the ground. The town was hit with “space rockets”, according to the Syrian Civil Defense, killing two children and wounding 10 other civilians, including

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
9–14
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 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2387

LOCATION

السخنة, Sokhna, Homs, Syria

A single source reported that “Russian warplanes launched several raids targeting the vicinity of the city of Sukhna and # Hamaima rural Homs east, resulting in casualties and material in the ranks of the # organisation of the state.” There were no specific numbers reported, or any other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 15, 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

October 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2592

LOCATION

معبر مائي بين الميادين, Water Crossing linking al Mayadeen and Dhiban, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A man and a woman were killed, and as many as 15 more civilians were wounded, following airstrikes on the water-crossing linking al Mayadeen and Dhiban. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the alleged strikes, however Aawsat News blamed the Syrian regime.  According to a local source, @Zahra_Jaber, Russian ‘Caliber’ missiles struck the vicinity, with

Summary

First published
October 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2468

LOCATION

الطوب , Al Toub, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed in air raids on the village of Al Toub, local sources reported. Jisir TV attributed the deaths to Russian warplanes, however, Syrian air strikes and snipers were reported in the area by Smart News Agency. No other details are currently known.

Summary

First published
September 19, 2017
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

October 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2640

LOCATION

الطيبة, Al-Taybah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two sources reported that death of a man and his wife as a result of Russian airstrike. Both sources published exactly the same post: “The death of Khalifa Ali al-Azzawi / Abu Kawan and his wife as a result of the bombing of Russian airliners to their home and [they are] still under the rubble.”

Summary

First published
October 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2839

LOCATION

اورم الكبرى, Urme Al-Kobra, Idlib, Syria

A single source reported that civilians were “killed and wounded by raids of warplanes are likely to be Russian on the town of Urme Al-Kubra south Idlib”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2557

LOCATION

الشحيل , Al Shuhail, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman and one child died and two more children were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on al Shuhail, according to local media. According to the Smart News Agency, “a woman and her child were killed and two other children were wounded by air strikes by warplanes believed to be  Russian on a town

Summary

First published
September 28, 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
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS079

LOCATION

كفرنبل‎, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

A suspected Russian airstrike on the town of Kafr Nabil killed a father and his daughter while injuring the mother and son, according to reports. The dead were later named by Violations Documentation Center as Hatem Khaled al-Khatieb and his 12-year old daughter Diaa Hatem al Khatieb. However Mr al-Khatieb was later named by All4Syria

Summary

First published
October 26, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3385

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’ret Harma, Idlib, Syria

According to Shaam, “Russian aircraft launched heavy air strikes caused the fall of martyrs and wounded in the cities and towns of Ariha and Khan Sheikoun and Urma Al Jouz and Al  Qanba and Kafr Lata and Hazarin and Hamdiyah and Ma’aret Horma in the southern countryside and the city of Jisr al-Shughour in the

Summary

First published
April 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 24, 2019

Incident Code

RS3711

LOCATION

مصيبين , Msibein, Idlib, Syria

Multiples sources reported that a man and his child were killed in airstrikes on Msibein, Idlib, on May 24th. The Syrian Network for Human Rights named those killed as Ahmad Abdul Wahed Takko, and his daughter Aseel. Step News Agency and Mohamed al Hmady reported that Russia was responsible for the airstrikes, while many other sources

Summary

First published
May 24, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 23, 2015

Incident Code

RS305

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians – one woman and one female child – were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayyan, according to multiple sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that two victims – a female child and a woman – died when Russian warplanes allegedly fired missiles on Hayyan, while the Syrian Observatory for Human

Summary

First published
December 23, 2015
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
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 4, 2018

Incident Code

RS3391

LOCATION

مناطق متعددة في أدلب, Various locations Idlib: Ariha, Khan Sheikhoun, Jisr al-Shughour, Hazarin, Al Rakaya, Abidin, Al-Zayara, Kars’a, Kansfara, Al Bara,Al Hbit,Al Naqir, Al Qastan, Halwaz, Al Ghassaniya, Al Alya,Al Drebat , Ashtabrak , Al Taybat and Al Bashiyriya, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died in Idlib province as airstrikes bombarded towns across the region, local media reported. Smart News said Syrian forces shelled a market in the town of Bara, injuring four civilians, including a child, who were taken by civil defense teams to local medical points. Helicopters threw several barrels of explosives on areas around

Summary

First published
April 4, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS625

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Two civilians were killed and between 12 and 20 injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Palmyra, according to local sources. VDC named the victims, as did Syria Martrys who blamed a Russian strike. According to M_alhameeed one non-combatant died and 20 more were injured in Russian raids on the city.  

Summary

First published
February 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–20
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

February 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS657

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Two adult male civilians died in a raid on Palymra according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. Syria Mirror mentioned Russian shelling on the city, but didn’t provide any further details. The Syrian Human Rights Center named two victims. According to

Summary

First published
February 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS721

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

A woman and her teenage son died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Naha, according to local sources. The victims were named by Halab News – who blamed Russia – as Anas Ahmad Khatib and Fatima Khatib. Two additional sources, Allairamon Today and Anas Naif, also named them and said that Russia was responsible

Summary

First published
March 11, 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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1137 RS2313a

LOCATION

المجاوده, Majawdeh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and a number of others were injured following airstrikes on Majawdeh, roughly 85km southeast of Deir Ezzor. However responsibility was contested. The victim was identified by a number of sources, which also reported that his wife and daughter were injured. The Syrian Human Rights Committee reported that the wife

Summary

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

Incident date

August 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS4056

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil , Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were reported killed and one civilian injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafar Nabil, Idlib, on August 20th, 2019. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that “two men” were killed “in Russian airstrikes on the town of Kafar Nabil”. Meanwhile, Syria.liveuamap reported that “one civilian” perished “in Kafar Nabil, due to

Summary

First published
August 20, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1700

LOCATION

كفر حمرة , Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

HNN listed two unidentified civilians as killed “following Russian enemy raids on Kafr Hamra”. @ShahbaPress also put the death toll at two and blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
November 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1655

LOCATION

كرم نزهة, Karam Nuzha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes on Karam Nuzha, Aleppo. Most sources attributed blame to both belligerents suggesting the aerial bombardment was possibly a joint effort. However, LCCSY blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Although no reports specifically named the number of wounded, according to

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2008

LOCATION

كفرحوت, Kafr Hout, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians were reported killed and others injured in an airstrike on Kafr Hout, Southern Aleppo, according to local sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or Assad’s regime were responsible for the attack. According to Step News Agency, “the Russian warplanes targeted the village of Kfar Hout with three air strikes,

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2040

LOCATION

الحمبوشية بداما, Al Hamboushiya/Badama, Idlib, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed and at least 14 others were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Al Hamboushiya and the town of Badama in the western part of Jisr al Shoughour, local media reported. Most sources reported the death toll as two civilians while only the Syrian Observatory for

Summary

First published
March 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
14
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

April 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2139

LOCATION

Khan Al Assal, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in alleged Russian or regim strikes on Khan Al Assal, local media said. The Smart News Agency reported: “A squadron of Russian planes rotated to bombard the towns and villages of rural areas of Aleppo (the western, southern and northern regions) causing injuries to a number of

Summary

First published
April 18, 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