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

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 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2127

LOCATION

various locations, Idlib, Syria

According to the Step News Agency, “Russian air raids, some of them with phosphorous bombs targeted the towns of Khan_shikhun, #Tremala, #Kafarsgana, and #Serja, south of Idlib, with reports of casualties.” No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
April 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

March 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2045

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians were killed and between five and six others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the city of Maarat al Numan in the Idlib countryside. The majority of local sources only reported injuries while Syrian Mirror reported that there were also deaths of civilians from the airstrikes. The injured civilians were rescued

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5–6
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2208

LOCATION

الطيبة, al-Tayba, Homs, Syria

In this single-source event, Smart News Agency reported that warplanes, likely to be Russian, carried out air raids “on the vicinity of the village of Taybeh (…), killing two civilians, wounding three others, in addition to the death of livestock.” Currently, no further information is available.

Summary

First published
May 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2665

LOCATION

الغبرة, Al-Ghabra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two men were killed and “dozens” more civilians were killed in an airstrike on Al-Ghabra, according to local media. Sources mostly blamed Russia, however a few blamed “warplanes” – not identifying a culprit. Al Araby reported that ” al-Ghubra [is] in the vicinity of the city of Albuqmal at the Syrian-Iraqi border in the far

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2713

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al-Taman'a, Idlib, Syria

A man and a girl were killed, and six other civilians were wounded, in airstrikes which struck a farm in Al-Taman’a. Sources all either blamed Russia for the strikes, or did not attribute blame to a belligerent. @HomamAlHassan however blamed Syrian regime warplanes. The civilians were killed on a farm while while harvesting olive crops,

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS141

LOCATION

حي الحلوانية, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that one 13-year-old child was killed – and five other non-combatants injured – when Russian warplanes allegedly launched rockets on the Tareeq Al Bab neighbourhood in Aleppo. According to the Network, relief warehouses for the Muslim Youth Commission were destroyed in the raid. The Aleppo Media Centre reported

Summary

First published
November 10, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4–5
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 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3681

LOCATION

معرتماتر, Ma'aratmatar, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians, including a child, were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Ma’aratmatar on May 7th, 2019, according to local sources. At least one other woman and child were injured. Several sources, among which the Syrian Human Rights Committee and Shaam News Network, reported that two people were killed in the town

Summary

First published
May 7, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3383

LOCATION

القنبة, Al Qanba, Idlib, Syria

Shaam reported: “Russian aircraft launched heavy air strikes resulting in 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 the southern countryside and the city of Jisr al-Shughour in

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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS3727

LOCATION

معرة ماتر أو معرتماتر, Ma’ar Tamater, Idlib, Syria

A mother and child were reported killed in alleged Russian or Syrian Regime airstrikes on Ma’ar Tamater, Idlib, on May 28th, 2019, according to local sources. An unknown number of others was injured. A number of sources stated that two civilians had been killed in the strike, whereas Step News Agency reported only one fatality. A

Summary

First published
May 28, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3389

LOCATION

السكرية, Al Sukariya, Idlib, Syria

A woman and her son were killed in the village of Al Sukariya in Idlib province during alleged Russian and Syrian airstrikes, local media reported. The strikes included cluster bombs according to Step News. Several civilians were reported wounded.

Summary

First published
April 3, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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
Syrian Regime, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS399

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayyan, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN said that 10 civilians were killed in airstrikes on the cities and towns of the northern countryside of Aleppo since Saturday morning: four in Ma’arsta al-Khan, two in Hayyan, two in Tal Rifaat and two in Tamoura, in addition to dozens wounded.

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 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

February 9, 2018

Incident Code

RS3009

LOCATION

كفرحلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded, some possibly killed, as an alleged Russian airstrike hit the Aleppo town of Kafr Halab, local media reported. According to all of the available reports, a number of civilians were left wounded as the town of Kafr Halab was struck. However, Aleppo24 reported that civilians were both “killed and

Summary

First published
February 9, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS559

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Two children, displaced from Anadan, were killed in an airstrike on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources. All reports but one blamed Russia. However the Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to the regime (see also event below.) An eyewitness told Shahed Ayyan Halab: “A family from Anadan decided to flee to the town of

Summary

First published
February 7, 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
View Incident

Incident date

March 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS719

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One woman and her child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra, according to multiple sources. Shaam News Network reported that a girl was killed and several others injured in dozens of alleged Russian airstrikes on Palmyra. It published a video showing bombing on neighbourhoods – though it is not clear whether this is

Summary

First published
March 10, 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
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 20, 2018

Incident Code

RS3410

LOCATION

مخيم اليرموك, Al Yarmouk refugee camp, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed and several others wounded in alleged Syrian regime or Russian forces airstrikes on Al Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus, Syria on April 20th, 2018, according to local sources. Imad al-Rayyan and Safwan al-Sabbagh  were named as the victims on social media. Step Agency reported that “civilians were killed and others

Summary

First published
April 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS945

LOCATION

المهندسين, Al Muhandissin, Aleppo, Syria

One child died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on al-Muhandissin, according to local media. Halab Today said that  “a child was martyred and another injured following the targeting of Russian planes of al Muhandissin countryside in the western Aleppo countryside”. Two independent sources attributed the strike to Russia while

Summary

First published
June 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1009

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

According to LCCSY, “two martyrs, including a child, and several wounded were reported due to Russian airstrikes on Anadan city”. The Shaam News Network reported that Russia carried out raids on ” Anadan, Hraytan, Kafr Hamra, Mallah, Hayyan and Baleirmoon” but made no mention of civilian casualties.

Summary

First published
July 16, 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

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1073

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One child died and 15 other civilians – many reportedly also children – were wounded in a civilian casualty incident in Talbisah, according to local media – though it was unclear whether the casualties were caused by Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes or Syrian regime artillery. Al Jazeera and Gulfeyes blamed Russia. According to Syria

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2019

Incident Code

RS3977

LOCATION

لطمين, Latmeen, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were killed while working on farmland when helicopters dropped explosive barrels on the village of Latmeen, according to local sources. Other civilians were also reported injured in the incident. @abo_aljod84 said the two victims are originally from Al Latamneh, and they were named by Justice Organisation as Mohammed Naser Al Hasan Mohammed and

Summary

First published
July 29, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1087

LOCATION

تل سلطان, Tall Sultan, Idlib, Syria

Following on from the deadly chloride attack on Saraqeb on August 2nd, Tal al Sultan village was also reportedly hit on the same day by alleged Russian and Assad regime warplanes. According to Syria Direct, these raids were part of the same wave of attacks which blanketed Idlib as part of a revenge attack. Al

Summary

First published
August 2, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1119

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

At least one male civilian was killed and between 3 and 10 were wounded by airstrikes on the town of Saraqib, according to local media. There are however multiple reports of the death of a female child too – she was not named. Multiple sources, including The Shaam News Network (SNN), identified both regime and

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
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
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

August 19, 2019

Incident Code

RS4053

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil, Idlib, Syria

One to two civilians were reported killed and others wounded in airstrikes on Kafar Nabil, Idlib, on August 19th, 2019. Local Coordination Committee for Syria documented “a martyr and a number of wounded [..] due to the shelling of Russian warplanes on the city of Kafar Nabil in the southern countryside of Idlib.” Macro Media

Summary

First published
August 19, 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
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1542

LOCATION

حزرما, Hazrama, Damascus, Syria

At least two children were killed and others were wounded in multiple airstrikes launched against the town of Hazrama in Eastern Ghouta, according to local media. A graphic image of two dead children in body bags was published by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Reports were conflicted over who was responsible for the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS1868

LOCATION

حماده عمر, Hamada Omar, Hama, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and up to seven more were wounded by alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Hamada Omar, Hama, local media reported. Smart News reported that: “a number of civilians were killed and wounded, earlier in the day [Jan 28th], in raids by aircrafts likely to be Russian (…)”. 7al News,

Summary

First published
January 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3577

LOCATION

بكسريا, Baksriya, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes struck the villages of Khan al Sabil and Baksriya in the countryside of Jisr al Shughour on January 20th, 2018, according to local media. Around 3 AM, an alleged strike hit Baksriya and killed two civilians; one man and a woman. Between two and nine civilians were reported wounded and were evacuated by the Syrian

Summary

First published
January 20, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–9
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS1936

LOCATION

السخنة, Sokhna, Homs, Syria

One source, the Smart News Agency, reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in an airstrike on Sokhna. Smart said that a convoy was struck. @youthvoiceSSS reported that “a convoy belonging to Daesh” was struck by the regime – but made no mention of civilian harm.  

Summary

First published
March 2, 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2017

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma'arat Al Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed and as many as seven more were wounded following airstrikes that struck the town of Ma’arat al-Nu’man, Idlib, local sources reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Sources said that between one and two civilians were killed in the strikes. Two civilian

Summary

First published
March 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2688

LOCATION

تل حلاوة, Tal Halawa refugee camp, Idlib, Syria

According to local media, a girl was killed and five others were wounded, in an airstrike on Tal Halawa refugee camp in Al Saboura, according to local media. Sources both blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. Civilian homes were also “targeted” by the warplanes. Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that one girl was killed

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
5
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 5, 2019

Incident Code

RS3663

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafar Nubul , Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians died and up to five more were wounded in an alleged Russia or regime strike on the surgical hospital of Kafar Nubul, according to local media. The New York Times later published audiofile transcripts which it said proved Russia had deliberately targeted the hospital. According to Syria TV at the time:

Summary

First published
May 5, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident