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

February 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS598

LOCATION

el Na'aymeh, Daraa, Syria

At least two civilians died and three or more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on el Na’aymeh, according to two local sources. Alyakeen Media published a number of videos showing destruction of the town and the removal of dead and wounded bodies from the rubble. Voiceovers in videos said that the strikes were carried

Summary

First published
February 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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

June 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS952

LOCATION

منطقة كباني "الكبينة", Al Kabina area, Latakia, Syria

Airstrikes in the al-Kabina area outside of Lattakia led to the death and injury of several civilians, local media reported. According to Syria News Network “intense airstrikes by the Russian Aviation occurred alongside clashes which targeted areas controlled by the rebel regions. A number of civilians were killed and wounded, and civilian homes were targeted

Summary

First published
June 28, 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

March 13, 2016

Incident Code

CS190 RS734a

LOCATION

أبو قلقل, Abu Qalqal, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on the town of Abu Kalkal. Opinion was split as to whether the attack was Russian, Coalition or Syrian regime in origin. Daesh-linked Al A’amaq Media, the Syrian Observatory, the Syrian Network, the Syrian Human Rights Committee, Shaam News and al Hall Media all said the attack

Summary

First published
March 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3226

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on Hamouriya, local media reported. Shaam reported that “Russian aircraft, warplanes and helicopters continue to launch heavy air raids with rockets, explosive barrels, cluster bombs, napalm bombs and poisonous gases, in conjunction with the shelling by ‘elephant rockets’ and dozens of missiles on the

Summary

First published
March 11, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1126

LOCATION

تير معلة, Teir Ma'ala, Homs, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and between seven and 15 others were wounded from airstrikes on the village of Teir Ma’ala, specifically a makeshift hospital in the village. The majority of sources attributed the attacks to Russian warplanes, but @Talbisah2011 blamed regime jets. A local media activist named Kenan Abu Osama described the incident: “I

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7–15
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

August 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS4061

LOCATION

البشيرية, Al Bashiriya, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians, including a child, were reported killed and between three and five civilians were injured in airstrikes on Al Bashiriya, Idlib, on August 21st, 2019. One child was initially reported killed, yet as understanding of events unfolded, Jisr Media Center reported that “the death toll of the martyrs in the town of

Summary

First published
August 21, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–5
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1514

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

The Step News Agency said that two civilians died and one was wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Darat Izza, while according to Paldf, “a number of people were injured as a result of renewed Russian raids”. @alnateq2 reported that “Mohammed al-Mousa was killed by an explosive device in the city of Darat Izza”.

Summary

First published
October 31, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1764

LOCATION

حَاسٌّ, Haas, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians – a woman and a child – died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Haas, according to local media. The Shaam News Network reported: “Today, [Dec 6th] violent Russian raids deliberately targeting civilians led to the fall of four martyrs and a number of wounded

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

April 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2082

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan Al-Subul, Idlib, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed, and as many as three were wounded, in an airstrike on Khan Al-Subul. All sources either blamed Russia for the raids or did not attribute any blame. According to Al Jazeera, those who were wounded were left in a serious condition, and there was considerable material damage – and livestock

Summary

First published
April 6, 2017
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2319

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

One woman and a child were killed and up to five were left wounded, local media reported, in alleged Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes in Douma, Damascus. Without identifying a culprit, Enab Baladi reported that four air raids had struck residential areas in Douma, leading to the death one one adult woman and one male child,

Summary

First published
July 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2019

Incident Code

RS3597

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that one child died and five members of his family were wounded in alleged regime or Russian artillery or airstrikes on Saraqeb. Additionally, an adult male was also reported killed on this day. According to Halab Today TV, “since yesterday [March 9th], the city of Idlib has been subjected to Russian air

Summary

First published
March 9, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4–5
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
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2819

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed, including a Civil Defence volunteer, in airstrikes which struck civilian housing and a popular market in Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the strikes. Many didn’t name a culprit but pointed only to “military aircraft” and “helicopters”. Footage published by the Syrian

Summary

First published
December 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–8
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

October 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS052

LOCATION

عرفة, Arafeih, Idlib, Syria

A young boy named as Mohammad Hussain Al Jassem later died of his injuries, six days after an October 17th airstrike on the town of Arafeih. According to reports the child was injured by shrapnel in the original attack. And on October 31st, a civilian male named as Hasan Ahmad Al Nazouha also died as

Summary

First published
October 17, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2015

Incident Code

RS213

LOCATION

كفر تخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians – both children – were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Takharim, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and others. Salqeen’s co-ordinating committee alleged that Russia used cluster munitions in the attack. A field investigation by Al Jazeera English interviewed a child eyewitness badly injured in the event: “I

Summary

First published
November 29, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
4–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS278

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were killed and nine injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Manbij, according to Al A’maq News and Shaam News Network. SNN reported that the raid came as other areas in the countryside of eastern Aleppo (Maskaneh, Deir Hafer and Al Bab) faced Russian shelling but noted that despite these cities being under IS control the

Summary

First published
December 15, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
9
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 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS374

LOCATION

دير العصافير, Dayr al Asafeer, Damascus, Syria

Two to three civilians including a woman and child were killed and 10 others injured in airstrikes on Dayr Al Asafeer, according to sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that “warplanes believed to be Russian” carried out the attacks, while the White Helmets – who put the initial death toll at two (one woman and one

Summary

First published
January 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS449

LOCATION

أم حوش, Umm Hawsh, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, Thefreesyria.org, named two civilians killed when Russian warplanes allegedly bombed a road near the village of Umm elhosh in the Aleppo countryside. The Syrian Network for Human Rights Tweeted an image of the child Sarah and said she died when warplanes launched several missiles near the village, though they did not identify

Summary

First published
January 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
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 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS513

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to Radio Al Kul “Two [civilians] killed, including a child and several wounded with burning shops, as a result of Russian aviation targeting with rockets the shoe market in the neighborhood of # AL SALHEEN south of Aleppo.” No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
January 31, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
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 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS641

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

One to two civilians including a child were killed in alleged Russian strikes with cluster bombs, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights and Violations Documentation Center named a three year old child as a victim. However, the White Helmets said that one man was killed and six other non-combatants injured when Russian

Summary

First published
February 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS963

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Heavy air raids on Al Bab – which local sources blamed either on Russia or unidentified aircraft – reportedly killed up to two civilians in Al Bab. According to Syrian PC, “Russian warplanes raids in Al bab city killed a number of people and wounded others.” Syria Feed cited one death, while according to the

Summary

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

Incident date

July 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3935

LOCATION

كفروما, Kafarouma, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that alleged Syrian or Russian airstrikes struck Kafarouma, Idlib governorate, killing up to three civilians. An unknown number of others were injured. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that helicopters belonging to the Syrian regime forces “dropped several barrel bombs on al Farouq al Gharbiya School in Kafrooma village in Idlib

Summary

First published
July 22, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 woman1 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
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS3967

LOCATION

تلة الخضر, Telt Al Khouder, Latakia, Syria

A single source reported that two civilians were killed and that two others were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Telt Al Khouder, Latakia governorate, on July 27th, 2019. Smart News Agency documented “two killed and two wounded by the shelling of Russian warplanes on Tel Al Khouder north of Latakia.” Currently, further information is

Summary

First published
July 27, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS4005

LOCATION

حزارين, Hazzareen/Hazarin, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed, and five to11 including an elderly woman injured, in airstrikes on Hazzareen, Idlib, on August 11th. Smart News documented “destroyed houses on August 11th, 2019, in the village of Hazareen in southern Idlib governorate in the north of the country as a result of a Russian airstrike that targeted civilian

Summary

First published
August 11, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–11
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
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

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1363

LOCATION

بلاط, Al Balat, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians, possibly a woman and her child, were reported killed in an airstrike on the Al Balat neighbourhood in Aleppo. Most sources said that two people were killed. According to so_ria98, these were a mother and her child. Step News Agency reported: “The city of Aleppo today [Sept 29th] witnessed heavy shelling by Russian

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1461

LOCATION

Karam al Tarab, Aleppo, Syria

Two or more civilians died and an unspecified number more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Karam al Tarab neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground, Only @Free_TV_SYRIA gave specific casualty figures of two killed – and blamed Russia. Other sources reported an unspecified number of deaths an injuries, mainly referring only

Summary

First published
October 15, 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

October 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1493

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died in a strike on farmland near Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Step News Agency, LCCSY, @Sy_Reporter and Shahba Press all blamed Russia – and put the number of civilians killed at

Summary

First published
October 21, 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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1692

LOCATION

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Aleppo, Syria

At least two civilians were killed and 10 others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Al Mansoura in the western countryside of Aleppo, local media reported. According to a civil defense official of Hussein al-Masri, “an aerial bombardment by Russian aircraft targeted the Shifa pharmaceutical factory in the town of Al

Summary

First published
November 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1800

LOCATION

عين الفيجة, Ain Fijeh, Damascus, Syria

One or two civilians were killed, and a minimum of 10 were wounded, in raids on Ain Fijeh. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame the raids, with most blaming the Syrian regime, and some attributing blame to Russia. Only two sources mentioned the death of a civilian in Ain Fijeh. One source –

Summary

First published
December 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
10–24
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 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