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 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

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

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS986

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Two children from the same family died in airstrike on Kafr Hamra, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Both the regime and Russian jets were reportedly seen in Kafr Hamra on July 10th. Al Jazeera and Halab News Network

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3962

LOCATION

البوابية, Al Baouabiya, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources alleged that Russian or Syrian airstrikes or missile strikes targeted Al Baouabiya in Aleppo on July 26th, killing up to three civilians and wounding three others including a woman. Sources said that the attacks started in the morning and continued through the afternoon. One of the victims Sari Al-Taleb, aged 27, used to

Summary

First published
July 26, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 men)
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1661 RS2672

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen - al Zir area, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man died and his child was wounded in a casualty event in the al Zir area in Hajeen town, local media reported – though it was unclear whether the casualties were caused by an airstrike or a rocket. Additionally, sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1160

LOCATION

طريق الباب, Tareeq Al Bab neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians died in airstrikes on Aleppo’s Tareeq Al Bab neighbourhood, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. @DamasCoordinate and @ShahbaPress blamed Russia. Arabic.cnn reported that both Russia and the regime had carried out strikes. A number of other sources

Summary

First published
August 17, 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

August 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS4063

LOCATION

معرشورين, Ma’ar Shourin, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were reported killed and several others were wounded in airstrikes on Ma’ar Shourin, Idlib, on August 21st, 2019. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a citizen was killed due to raids by the regime’s warplanes on Ma’ar Shourin in Maarrat Al-Nu’man countryside.” Liveuamap also reported that a civilian was killed

Summary

First published
August 21, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1484

LOCATION

‏التمانعه‬, al Tama, Idlib, Syria

Two children died when a cluster bomb exploded in Al Tama village, Idlib, local sources reported – though it was unclear which belligerent had dropped the bomb. According to LCCSY, two children, both aged 13, “were martyred and three other civilians wounded were reported when remnants of a cluster bomb dropped by Russian warplanes exploded

Summary

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

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1535

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Between one and two children died and up to 14 more civilians were wounded in airstrikes launched against Binnish town in Idlib, according to multiple sources on the ground. However, one source, Step News, reported that there were no civilian casualties in this incident. The airstrikes reportedly struck a neighborhood of civilian homes. Both cluster

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
10–14
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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1540

LOCATION

صلاح الدين, Salahudin, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed and at least five more were wounded in  attacks on the Salahudin neighborhood in Aleppo, local sources reported. It was unclear what artillery was used in the raid, with 24 News alleging that rocket-propelled grenades were launched against the town while @AbdAlghani_1990 claims they were surface-to-surface missiles. Reports

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1569

LOCATION

مخيم خان الشيخ, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

Two men were killed and others were wounded in airstrike and artillery raids which struck al-Huda Mosque in a refugee camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan al Sheikh, Damscus, according to sources on the ground. Reports were conflicted as to who was to blame for the raids – with some blaming Russian and others the

Summary

First published
November 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS1772

LOCATION

عندان , Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Two named civilians died and two more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan in the northern Aleppo countryside, according to sources on the ground. Syria Mubasher, Abu Taym Al-Halabi, and Syria rev news said that one civilian had died. Halab News noted the use of cluster bombs, while LCCSY said that “several bunker-busting missiles” were

Summary

First published
December 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(2 men)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1791

LOCATION

المشهد, Al Mashad, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to ten people were injured in an air and artillery strike which struck a residential neighbourhood in Al Mashed, Aleppo. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. One attributed blame to both Russia and Syrian regime artillery. The other two remained impartial. There were no specific numbers of killed reported, however, the Step

Summary

First published
December 14, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2007

LOCATION

درعا البلد, Dara'a Al-Balad, Daraa, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed in an airstrike on Daraa al Balad, according to local media sources – though it is unclear who was responsible for the attack. Some sources attributed responsibility to Russian forces; some mentioned weapons known to be used by the Assad regime and some didn’t positively identify the aircraft. Nabaa

Summary

First published
March 22, 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

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2092

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed and the son of one of them injured in an alleged Russian airstrike in Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media sources. All of the known sources identified Russian warplanes as being responsible for the attack. Most sources reported that one female civilian had been killed and her son injured, however, the Violations

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2596 CS1583a

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed and an unspecified number of others were wounded in airstrikes on Hatla, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia, the Syrian regime and the US led Coalition. There is one allegation made by the Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies which claims the named victim was killed by

Summary

First published
October 4, 2017
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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2686

LOCATION

المتوسطة, Mutawasita, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed and four others were injured in airstrikes which hit al Mutwasta, according to local media. The sources have attribute the blame to Russia. One source reported that “the explosion of a mine during the dismantling of the remnants of a previous bombing by the Russian occupation airliner in the village of

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4
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 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2626

LOCATION

شنان, Shanan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported the death of two civilians, one child and one adult man, following the bombing of the al-Shanan – al-Tayana crossing in Deir Ezzor, though none of the sources identified the responsible party. This incident is likely to be the same as another reported incident (R2468) where strikes hit the al-Qouriya – al-Tayana

Summary

First published
October 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS2849

LOCATION

مالحة, Malha, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and others were wounded in airstrikes which struck Malha, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, most attributing blame to Russia, while one source blamed the Syrian regime. However, the Step News Agency blamed both belligerents. They did not report on any civilian

Summary

First published
January 5, 2018
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

September 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2492

LOCATION

بنين الدير الشرقي, Banin and al Deir al Sharqi, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that civilians were killed and wounded in alleged Russian strikes on Banin and al Deir al Sharqi. Most sources said that missiles had been fired on Banin from Russian battleships. Khaled al Waleed and Adam.sy said that three civilians had been wounded. According to HNN, there were “martyrs and wounded in shelling

Summary

First published
September 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3717

LOCATION

سفوهن, Sfwhen, Idlib, Syria

Up to two civilians were reportedly killed in an airstrike on Sfwhen, Idlib, on May 26th. Syrian Network for Human Rights claimed that “two civilians from the same family” were killed in the strikes, while Halab Today TV stated that “a young man was killed” in the attack. Local Coordination Committees of Syria identified one

Summary

First published
May 26, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 18, 2018

Incident Code

RS3031

LOCATION

لطمين, Latmeen, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians, a husband and wife, were killed and several others were left wounded in alleged Russia or regime air or artillery strikes on Latmeen, Idlib, according to local media. Smart News Agency, who cited a military spokesman of the Free Syrian Army, said that “warplanes likely to be Russian launched eight raids on agricultural

Summary

First published
February 18, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS707

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifoniyah, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians died and several others were wounded in raids on Al Shifoniyah, according to local reports – though it is currently unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. Shaam News Network reported that “After six days of calm the regime and Russia have returned to Douma to disturb the lives of civilians,

Summary

First published
March 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident