Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS996

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

In an airstrike which was reported to be both Russia and the Syrian regime, one child was alleged killed. The incident took place in Kafra Hamra. The Syrian Newsdesk blamed Russia for “five raids” which not only killed a child, but also left 12 “seriously wounded”. Syrian Pulse, however, reported that there were more than 15

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
10–12
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 12, 2018

Incident Code

RS3242

LOCATION

بنش, Bnesh, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on Bnesh, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Sources reported mass destruction to civilian homes, according to local media. @MOAZALSHAMY regime said that airstrikes left “martyrs and wounded”. @IdlibPlus Photos published images “showing the magnitude of the

Summary

First published
March 12, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS1106

LOCATION

حي المشهد, Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and at least one more was injured, including a child, from bombing of the Al Mashhad neighborhood in Aleppo, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to multiple sources, warplanes dropped internationally-prohibited phosphorus bombs. Both LCCSY

Summary

First published
August 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

August 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS4041

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil , Idlib, Syria

Two civilians, including a child, were reported killed in airstrikes on Kafar Nabil, Idlib, on August 17th. Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that “Russian forces killed two civilians from the same family in Kafar Nabil city in Idlib: Othman Abdul Naser al Ta’ta’ and the child Abdul Naser Shahhoud al Ta’ta’ were killed as

Summary

First published
August 17, 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 child1 man)
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1203

LOCATION

الباب, Serbs, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Two children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Serbs, Al Bab, local sources reported. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “two children died when alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on Sarbas village related to Al Bab area in Aleppo governorate, August 31.” Halab Today and @ALAMAWI also pointed to Russia. The Violations

Summary

First published
August 31, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
1
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

October 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1397

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including a child died and 20 more were wounded in an alleged Russia or regime airstrike on Darat Izza, according to local media. According to All4Syria, “Russian warplanes carried out three raids, two with missiles and one with cluster bombs, targeting civilians’ houses. Two people were killed and more wounded. Shops and houses were

Summary

First published
October 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1430

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One or two civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on the Al Qaterji neighbourhood of Aleppo. HNN reported one woman was killed by a missile. Qasioun said that “Russian warplanes shelling Qaterji killed two civilians while the White Helmets are still searching for survivors in the rubble.” Other sources published

Summary

First published
October 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(0–1 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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

October 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1494

LOCATION

Al Nakir, Idlib, Syria

One or two children died and two other civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Al Nakir, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Step News Agency was among sources blaming Russia, reporting that one child died in the strike. But a

Summary

First published
October 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1595

LOCATION

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

One to two civilians died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime air or artillery strike on the Al Ansari neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to multiple local media outlets. Horrya News reported one civilian killed, as did the sources, Syrian News Desk and @ahdath. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll

Summary

First published
November 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1551

LOCATION

الزربة, Az Zarbah, Aleppo, Syria

At least two civilians, including one child and one woman, died in airstrikes on Az Zarbah town in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. There were no reports of injured civilians. According to Syrian Network for Human Rights, the airstrikes were launched from Russian warplanes. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 9, 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

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1760

LOCATION

حي السكري , Al Sukkari neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians were reportedly killed during an alleged Russian airstrike on the al Sukkari neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local media sources. Halab News reported that the two unidentified civilians were killed “following Russian enemy raids” on al Sukkari. Whilst Step News Agency corroborated the fact that there were Russian airstrikes in al

Summary

First published
December 6, 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

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2065

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

One or two civilians was killed, and others were wounded, in an alleged rocket attack in Hamouriya in Damascus, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. All sources blamed the Syrian regime, except the Step News Agency, who blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia.  According to sources, one

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2238

LOCATION

سوحا, Soha , Hama, Syria

Two brothers were killed and others civilians were wounded – according to one source – following an airstrike on Soha. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some reported that Russia was to blame, and others attributed blame to the Syrian regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to the “Russian-Syrian alliance”.

Summary

First published
May 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 children0–1 men)
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2246a

LOCATION

الكناماتا لحويقة, al Kanamat and al Huweika neighborhoods, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least two civilians were killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian and/or regime airstrikes against the al Kanamat and al Huweika neighborhoods of Deir Ezzor, local media reported. No specific numbers were given for casualties but both sources identified that more than one civilian was killed and injured. According to Shaam Network, Russian

Summary

First published
May 19, 2017
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

August 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2401

LOCATION

غنيمان, Ghneiman, Hama, Syria

A single source reported that civilians were killed and wounded in an airstrike “mostly likely to be Russian” in Ghneiman. The source did not specify the number of casualties. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 22, 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 23, 2015

Incident Code

RS075

LOCATION

جبل الزاوية, Jabal Al Zawiya, Idlib, Syria

Media activist Wassim Al A’dil was one of two civilians reported killed in an airstrike at Jabal al Zawiya. The other has been named by Violations Documentation Center as Mohammad Abd al-Razzaq al-Harami. The pair were reportedly on their way to cover nearby Russian airstrikes when they were caught up in an attack. Shaam News

Summary

First published
October 23, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS171

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian bombing of the town of Kafr Zita, according to multiple sources. Syria News Desk cited local media activist Abdel-Rahman al-Ali was saying that “Russian jets targeted three raids north side of Kafr Zita, killing two people and destroyed four houses.”  

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS3428

LOCATION

بلدة حيان, Hayan, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were locally reported killed when a bomb exploded in the town of Hayan, Aleppo Governorate. According to the Syrian Civil Defence, the cluster bomb that exploded was allegedly a remnant of earlier airstrikes, for which multiple sources blame Russian warplanes. The victims, two young brothers, were named as Firas Amor Orso and Amor

Summary

First published
May 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Cause of injury / death
Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS461

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the town of Hayyan, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. The children were listed as having died on January 25th. In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported that “Russian enemy planes carried out air raids on the city of Mare` and Tal Rifa’at and

Summary

First published
January 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

RS2948

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed and an unspecified number more were wounded, due to airstrikes in Saraqeb, according to local media. Sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Heavy machine guns and missiles caused much material damage to civilian homes, one source reported. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 30, 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
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 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS493

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

There were reports of “many victims” following alleged Russian raids on Hamidiya. No further details are available at the present time.   

Summary

First published
January 28, 2016
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

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS557

LOCATION

تادف, Tadif, Aleppo, Syria

Two adult male civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tadeef, according to the Violations Documentation Center. These victims were also named by Halab News and the Syrian Human Rights Committee. Shahba Press also said two non-combatants died in a Russian raid.

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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

June 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3831

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

Three civilians from the same family were reported killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime shelling or airstrikes on Kafar Zeita in Hama on June 20th, 2019, according to local sources. Among the victims is Khalaf Al-Na’san, and his wife Wa’ad Al-Khalaf and their son. It was reported that Wa’ad died of her wounds.

Summary

First published
June 20, 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 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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 26, 2019

Incident Code

R3634

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikoun, Idlib, Syria

Up to two volunteers for the Syria Civil Defense were reported killed, and four to five others injured, in the second of a double-tap airstrike on the Al Beira neighborhood in east of  Khan Sheikoun city, Idlib, on June 26th. The strike allegedly came following another airstrike, and killed Syrian Civil Defense members while they

Summary

First published
June 26, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4–5
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS3891

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Latmina, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that a civilian male was killed in alleged Russian air or artillery strikes on Al Latamina, Hama governorate, on July 11th, 2019. Reportedly, the man’s pregnant wife and two children were injured. Others reported that as many as seven civilians were wounded. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “Mohammad Musa

Summary

First published
July 11, 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 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–7
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2019

Incident Code

RS3949

LOCATION

محيط قؤسة معركبة, Surrounding Ko`usa Ma`arkba, Hama, Syria

Local sources claimed that two civilians were killed by alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces missile fire on agricultural lands near Ko`usa Ma`arkba, north of Hama from Camp Bardij, on July 24th, 2019. The Syrian Human Rights Committee named the victims as Jihad Ali Al-Naasan and  Aryam al-Melhem (other sources named him Oqba Aryan

Summary

First published
July 24, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 19, 2019

Incident Code

R3828

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma'aret al-Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Ma’aret al-Nu’man, Idlib, on August 19th. Smart News documented “two civilians killed by regime warplanes on the outskirts of Ma’aret al-Nu’man city, south of Idlib”, while @abuhuzaifa_ tweeted, “civilians wounded due to warplanes shelling residential neighborhoods of Ma’aret al-Nu’man city with vacuum missiles.” Meanwhile @IdlibPlus

Summary

First published
August 19, 2019
Last updated
April 8, 2025
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

August 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1181

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

One named child died and up many more civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Rastan, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. LCCSY reported one “child martyr and the critical wounding of other civilians in airstrikes on residential

Summary

First published
August 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–12
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1214

LOCATION

فيلون, Filon, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died and several others were wounded in an airstrike on Filon in Idlib governorate, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Both Halab Today and LCCSY attributed the event to Russia. However, Assabeel blamed the regime. Syrian News

Summary

First published
September 3, 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

November 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1667

LOCATION

الشيخ خضر, Sheikh Khudur, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that two civilians were killed and as many as 30 were injured following aerial shelling of the area of Sheikh Khudur, Aleppo. Syria News Desk’s correspondent in Aleppo reported that “two civilians killed and more than 30 injured in Russian warplane targeting with a vacuum missile the neighbourhood of Al-Sheikh Khudar which is

Summary

First published
November 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
30
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