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

September 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1287

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nairab , Aleppo, Syria

Local news outlets alleged that either Russian or Syrian forces were responsible for two civilian deaths, including one woman’s, on the road between Bab al Mayrab and al Salheen in Aleppo. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said “fixed-wing warplanes, believed to be Russian, fired missiles at the residential homes on the road leading to

Summary

First published
September 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1678

LOCATION

الشعار, Al Shia'ar , Aleppo, Syria

At least two civilians were killed, including one woman, and several more were wounded, including children, following alleged Russian airstrikes targeting Aleppo’s Al-Sha’ar neighbourhood, local sources reported. AleppoAMC reported that “martyrs and wounded and burned people were under  the rubble as a result  helicopter gunships targeting the Al-Sha’ar neighborhood east of Aleppo”. Several sources reported

Summary

First published
November 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 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

January 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS1818

LOCATION

تدمر‎, Palmyra , Homs, Syria

Civilians were killed and wounded following an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes.  Although no sources reported on a specific number of casualties, most sources reported that there were killed and wounded civilians at the scene. Reportedly, a car of displaced civilians fleeing their town as a result

Summary

First published
January 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2011

LOCATION

عين ترما, Ain Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed and several others wounded in airstrikes on Ain Tarma, according to local media sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible for the attack. Smart News Agency who reported that the attack was likely to be a Russian air raid, stated that the two

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(0–2 children)
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

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2058

LOCATION

حلفايا, Halfaya, Hama, Syria

A young man was killed, and several more were wounded, following an air or artillery strike on Halfaya. Sources were conflicted as to who whether this was the work of Russia or the regime, though most reports pointed to the regime. Most sources blamed Syrian regime rocket launches and barrel bombs. There were no specific reports

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2033

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Latamneh, Hama, Syria

The town of al-Latamneh, Hama, was reportedly exposed to chlorine gas attacks which killed two civilians. There were also claims that dozens more civilian were wounded through suffocation. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Orient News reported that helicopters belonging to the Syrian regime had carried out chlorine

Summary

First published
March 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
4–24
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

April 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2143

LOCATION

دارة عزة , Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Up to seven civilian including women and children were wounded in as many as ten alleged Russian airstrikes on Darat Izza, according to sources on the ground. EduRights Foundation said that a school was struck. It reported: “This morning [April 18th], a school in the city of Dara Azza in the countryside of western Aleppo was

Summary

First published
April 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

June 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2291

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed, and several others were wounded, following an airstrike on Akeirbat, local media reported. Both sources blamed Russian military aircraft for the strikes. @radioalsham reported that a woman was killed and several others were wounded, while the Step News Agency reported that two civilians were killed as well as

Summary

First published
June 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 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

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2609

LOCATION

معبر مائي, Water Crossing between Al Mawsa and Al-Mashrada, and Al A’rkoub, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians, possibly children, were killed by unidentified warplanes in the river-crossing between the town of Al-Sawsa and Al-Mashrada, and Al A’rkoub in Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Two sources reported the death of two civilian men, referring to both as “the son of” and  “the young son”, suggesting that they both were children, though

Summary

First published
October 7, 2017
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 belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2831

LOCATION

الهلبة, al-Halba, Idlib, Syria

One or two civilians, reportedly both children, were killed and several other non-combatants were left wounded following aerial shelling of al-Halba, Idlib, carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime, local media reported. While most sources reported one fatality, a few sources reported the death of two civilians, such as the Violations Documentation Center

Summary

First published
December 31, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2542

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisir Al-Shoghour, Idlib, Syria

Raids targeting Jisr al-Shoughour and its outskirts killed and wounded an unspecified number of civilians, according to Smart News Agency. The source didn’t identify the culprit. Researches have added various sources which prove generic Russian shelling in Jisr al shoughour on the 25th and 16th, with nothing specific to this raid. No further details are

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2482

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Maraat Harma, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians were wounded and some possibly died as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Maarat Harma in southern Idlib according to local media. Smart News Agency identified Russian planes as responsible but did not give an estimate of how many civilians were injured, only indicating that it was

Summary

First published
September 20, 2017
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 16, 2018

Incident Code

RS2902

LOCATION

معرشمارين, Mar Shmareen, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed, including one adult male, and several others were wounded in airstrikes which hit the vicinity of Mar Shmareenin Maarat al Nuuman, according to local media. All sources reported that Russian warplanes were to blame for the raids. However VDC reported that “Syrian government and affiliated militias” were to blame. Sources were

Summary

First published
January 16, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2018

Incident Code

RS2924

LOCATION

بجخاص, Bejghas, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on Bejghas, according to local media. Both sources reported that Russia was to blame for the strikes. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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

January 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS2940

LOCATION

مصطفى الشيخ, Mustafa Sheikh, Idlib, Syria

As many as two civilians were killed and others were injured in airstrikes on Mustafa Sheikh, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. There is confusion over whether one adult male died or one child. No sources point to two civilian deaths, however some sources differed while

Summary

First published
January 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS576

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one child died and five others were injured, in an alleged Russian airstrike on Fardous in Aleppo according to local sources. The Violations Documentation Center named a seven-year-old child, Ahmad Mustafa Koja, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Fardous. The VDC also linked to an extremely graphic video posted by

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

June 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3838

LOCATION

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

Two children, twin brothers, were killed in an airstrike conducted by either the Russian or Syrian regime forces in Ma’aret al-Nu’man, according to local sources. Up to six other civilians were reported wounded. Orient News said: “Two dead as a result of an air strike by the Russian occupation on Maarat al-Numan, south of Idlib.”

Summary

First published
June 22, 2019
Last updated
April 8, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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
Other
Named victims
2 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS994

LOCATION

قبر الأنكليزي, Kabr al Inglizi, Aleppo, Syria

A man named was killed in an an alleged Russian airstrike on Qabr Inglisi, according to local media. LCCSY and Smart News blamed Russia. Smart News reported the death of two people in this raid, but the other has victim has not been identified. There is no other information on this raid.

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3106

LOCATION

حوش الصالحية, Hawsh Al Salihya, Damascus, Syria

Local media reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on Hawsh Al Salihya. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. There is one report of the use of an explosive barrel. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
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

January 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS468 RS1875

LOCATION

صبيخان, Sbeikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian guard was killed in an air raid on an asphalt plant or nearby oil facility by unidentified aircraft. The Coalition has confirmed striking oil installations in the area that day, although some sources blamed Russia. According to multiple reports at least two civilians were also injured in the incident. Asharqiya reported, Mr al

Summary

First published
January 31, 2017
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1490 RS2438

LOCATION

الزباري, Al Zabari, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two woman died and eight other civilians were wounded in an airstrike on a school which was housing displaced people in Al Zabari, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the Coalition or Russia carried out the strike. According to Syrian Press Center, “an air strike targeted a girls’ school

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
8
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 28, 2019

Incident Code

R3753

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Latamina, Hama, Syria

Up to three civilians, including a child, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Al Latamina, Hama governorate, on July 28th, 2019, according to local sources. Smart News Agency reported “three wounded in bombing of Russian warplanes on the vicinity of the city of Al Latamina north of Hama”.

Summary

First published
July 28, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS4040

LOCATION

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

One to two civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Ma`arat Al Nu`man, Idlib, on August 17th. Shaam News reported that “two martyrs fell in Ma`arat al-Nu’man” as a result of “Assad’s and Russia’s warplanes and helicopters launch[ing] dozens of airstrikes” on a number of locations. Meanwhile, Baladi News stated that “warplanes bombed the city

Summary

First published
August 17, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1362

LOCATION

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources, two civilians, most likely children, were killed and up to another eight people injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Mansoura outside Aleppo. The vast majority of sources attributed the strike to Russia, though AleppoAMC and Syrianpc just mention “the air force”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
5–8
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

March 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS1978

LOCATION

معراته, Ma’arata town, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that Russia carried out an airstrike on Ma’arata town, leding to an unspecified number of civilian casualties. According to the Step News Agency, “Russian warplanes launched vacuum missiles targeting Ma’arata in western Aleppo causing casualties among civilians.”

Summary

First published
March 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2041

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria

Several civilians were killed and several others were injured in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the town of Jisr al Shoughour in the Idlib countryside, according to sources on the ground. While local sources gave conflicting reports of who was responsible for the airstrikes, the majority of sources did not identify who was

Summary

First published
March 29, 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 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2102

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an airstrike in Saraqeb, Idlib, according to local media sources – though it was not clear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Almost all of the known sources that reported on this event, regardless of belligerent, noted that internationally banned phosphorous bombs were used. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in

Summary

First published
April 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2274

LOCATION

عقيربات , Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

A woman and her child – both named – died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Akeirbat, according to local media. According to the Facebook group ‘Local council of Akeirbat and its countryside’, “\our air raids on the village of Akeirbat by Russian aircraft led to the martyrdom of a woman and her daughter as

Summary

First published
June 7, 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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2019

Incident Code

RS3592

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

A civilian man and a woman died and up to six civilians were wounded in alleged regime or Russian air and artillery strikes on Khan Sheikhoun on February 24th, 2019, according to sources on the ground. @abuhuzaifa_ noted “5 days of continuous and daily shelling of my city”, stating that the smell of blood was everywhere.

Summary

First published
February 24, 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 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2015

Incident Code

RS009

LOCATION

تادف, Tadif, Aleppo, Syria

Intense bombardment was reported on the 2nd of October 2016 in and around the province of Aleppo.  In the town of Tadef two people were reported to have been killed as a result raids that were widely blamed on Russia. Only one source, Sada Islamic, blamed the coalition for the strikes publishing photos of the

Summary

First published
October 2, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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, US-led Coalition
View Incident