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

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1622

LOCATION

جمعية الهادي, Jami'yat Al Hadi, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians, a child and an elderly woman, were reportedly killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jami’yat Al Hadi, Aleppo, according to local media. All of the known sources which attributed the event to a belligerent, reported that Russian warplanes were responsible. Shahba Press reported that the event was Russian air raids, whilst Step News

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1748

LOCATION

ريف حماة الشرقي, Eastern countryside of Hama, Hama, Syria

As many as two civilians were killed, with several “confirmed injured”, in airstrikes on the Eastern countryside of Hama, according to local media. Only one source attributed blame to Russian warplanes, whereas the rest blamed the Syrian regime. According to Airwars researchers, all the sources apart from Smart News are allegedly Syrian regime propaganda. Additionally there

Summary

First published
December 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2005

LOCATION

الطيبات, Al Taibat, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed and others wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Taibat, Idlib – according to local media sources. Smart News reported that two “unknown people” were killed in the attack. This was corroborated by both LCCSY and Syrian Network for Human Rights, both of whom reported that Russian warplanes were

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
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 belligerents
Unknown, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1988

LOCATION

سوحا, Soha village, Hama, Syria

Two people were killed and a further two were injured in what was ‘likely’ a Russian airstrike in Soha village in eastern Hama Governorate on March 19th 2017, according to one local source, the Smart News Agency. The attack was reportedly carried out within ISIS territory, and killed a man and his wife – and

Summary

First published
March 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–1 women0–1 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2195

LOCATION

خربة قيس, Kherbit Qais village, Idlib, Syria

A woman and a child died following alleged Russian airstrikes in the village of Kherbit Qais in eastern Idlib, according to sources on the ground. Warplanes launched two raids at dawn, according to local sources.

Summary

First published
April 28, 2017
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

October 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2600

LOCATION

الكندير صبيخان, Water crossing between Al-Kandeer and Sbeikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An unspecifiied number of civilians were killed and wounded, following an airstrike on Al-Kandeer – specifically the water crossing between Al-Kandeer and Sbeikhan. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the strikes. A single source, Step News Agency, blamed Russian raids, however all the others reported sighting “unknown warplanes” or “military aircraft”.

Summary

First published
October 5, 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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2430

LOCATION

قرية المسرب, Al-Masrab, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Warplanes conducted airstrikes on an internally displaced persons camp by the Euphrates river in the village of Al-Masrab on September 12th 2017. Euphrates Post was the only source to report this event. The source reported civilian casualties, but the identities or number of those killed or wounded is unknown. No belligerent was directly blamed by

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
April 17, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
IDP or Refugee Camp
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
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS2962

LOCATION

الخواري, Al-Khawari, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

In this single-source event, Al Latamna Youth Group reported that alleged Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes in Al-Khawari, Aleppo, resulting in “martyrs and wounded civilians”. Currently, no further information is available.

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
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

January 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS340

LOCATION

بيانون, Bayanoun, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed – one possibly a child – in an alleged Russian airstrike or artillery attack on the town of Bayanoun.  

Summary

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

Incident date

April 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS3394

LOCATION

مغر الحنطة, Mughr Al-Hunta, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on the village of Mughr Al-Hunta that were widely attributed to Russian forces.  

Summary

First published
April 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2930

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Two men were killed in airstrikes which hit Arbeen, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the strikes. According to SCDrifdimashq, the raids struck a residential neighbourhood with “intensive shelling”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 21, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS468

LOCATION

الشحيل, Shaheil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman and her child were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of al Shaheil, according to reports. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that a child,  died with his mother when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on the town. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently also blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS724

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Several civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra, according to local sources. Al Jazeera reported that “a number of people were killed, including women and children, as a result of dozens of continuous Russian air raids days ago on residential neighborhoods and archaeological city. others were injured in the city of Palmyra in

Summary

First published
March 11, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS853

LOCATION

حي ‫‏بعيدين‬, Bei'deen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died in an airstrike on Bei’deen, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. LCCSY, reported that two civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike. Alamawi, Shahba Press also said that Russia was responsible But  Arabstoday and

Summary

First published
June 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS3189

LOCATION

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and an unspecified number wounded in air and/or artillery strikes on Madera, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Helicopters reportedly dropped explosive barrels on the residential neighbourhood. According to @abo_mosab32, “Many civilians were killed and wounded by heavy and continuous shelling targeting town

Summary

First published
March 7, 2018
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
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

July 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1014

LOCATION

الخالدية, Khalidiya, Aleppo, Syria

According to a single source, LCCSY, two civilians died in three alleged Russian strikes in Aleppo’s Al Khalidiya neighbourhood. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS3144

LOCATION

لطمين, Latmeen, Hama, Syria

A young man was killed in airstrikes on Latmeen, according to social media. Sources all attributed the blame to Russian warplanes. Sources were conflicted as to whether the young man was a civilian or a non-civilian. VDC reported that he was a non-civilian, however all other sources reported he was a civilian. According to local

Summary

First published
March 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1657 RS2668

LOCATION

البصيرة, Al Busayrah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two named civilians died and up to 23 others were wounded in an airstrike on al Busayrah according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. Baladi, Jisr TV and Sharqiya Voice all blamed the Coalition. Euphrates Post reported “the martyrdom of the young

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–23
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1092

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Alleged Russian shelling killed two civilians in Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. According to Baladi News, a rocket was reportedly seen in the vicinity. Further to this, Smart News said that it was specifically a missile strike which killed two civilians and wounded six others. A number of sources didn’t identify

Summary

First published
August 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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

August 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1124

LOCATION

الراموسة, Ramousa, Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and four others were injured in airstrikes and artillery fire on the Ramousa neighbourhood in Aleppo, local media reported. Most sources attributed the airstrikes to Russian aircraft, which reportedly carried out eight air raids, though there was also an allegation against the Assad regime. Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–4
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 14, 2019

Incident Code

RS4022

LOCATION

بسقيا قرب معرة حرمة, Bsqia near Ma’ret Harma, Idlib, Syria

In the first of two consecutive airstrikes near Ma’ret Harma, Idlib, two medical workers for Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) were reported killed on August 14th. SMAS USA reported “a SAMS-supported ambulance center in Ma’aret Hurmeh in southern Idlib province was targeted by six airstrikes, resulting in the death of two employees: Mohamad Hussni Mishnen,

Summary

First published
August 14, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1156

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Dara Azza, Aleppo, Syria

Several civilians died and up to 20 more were wounded in airstrikes on Dara Azza in Aleppo, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed Russia – though there were also allegations against the regime – and focused on a strike on a field hospital. Other outlets reported more widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure

Summary

First published
August 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1382

LOCATION

Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including a child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Hraitan outside of Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. The illegal use of cluster bombs was mentioned by several media, while all sources identified Russia as the culprit.    

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1416

LOCATION

Rasim al Eis, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on  Rasum al Eis village in Aleppo, according local media. The strikes also reportedly wounded a number of people, including children. Most sources put the death toll at one. For example Halab Today said that “one person was martyred and three children were wounded

Summary

First published
October 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1512

LOCATION

Al Sheikh Ali, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and up to three more, including children, were wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on Al Sheikh Ali town, according to sources on the ground. The White Helmets reported: “Russian warplanes targeted the town of al Sheikh Ali in the western Aleppo countryside with vacuum missiles which led to the death of

Summary

First published
October 31, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1573

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed in al alleged Russian airstrike on Darat Izza. All sources blame Russian warplanes for the strikes. According to sources, cluster bombs, parachute missiles and rockets were launched on the town. Additionally, reports suggest there was much material damage. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 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

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1657

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib City, Idlib, Syria

Between one and two civilians, including one child and one woman, were killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against Idlib City, according to sources on the ground. Local sources, including the Syrian Network for Human Rights and Aljazeera, alleged that Russian planes were responsible for the airstrikes. According to Local Coordination Committee

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2142

LOCATION

المخرمرسم الحميدة , Rasim al Hamida village, al Makhram district, Homs, Syria

A single source, the Smart News Agency, reported that an alleged Russian airstrike on Rasim al Hamida village killed two children and wounded three further civilians including a woman. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
April 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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

June 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2290

LOCATION

حمادي عمر, Hamadi Omar, Hama, Syria

Two children were killed and three other civilians were wounded – including a woman – following an airstrike on Hamadi Omar, local media reported. Both sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strike. According to both the Smart News Agency and the local source, Adyb.alhwrany, the town was under ISIS control when the strikes took place. 

Summary

First published
June 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2693

LOCATION

رسم الحمام, Rasim Al-Hamam, Hama, Syria

A girl was killed and others were injured in airstrikes on Rasim Al-Hamam. Sources all blamed Russia. RFS Media Office reported that “Russian warplanes and the air force launched a series of intensive air raids on the eastern villages of Hama, targeting the villages of “Al-Balil, Um Treika, Al-Harjan, Jab Al-Safa, Tal Al-Halawa, Qasr bin

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
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