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

October 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1398

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources air and artillery strikes hit the city Anadan north of Aleppo, killing one or two civilians. According to Nabd Syria, “two people were killed and others wounded in Anadan due to regime warplanes and artillery shelling”. One source, Muslm, attributed the strikes to both the Assad regime and Russia, while Jsirtv

Summary

First published
October 4, 2016
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

October 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1495

LOCATION

Tarei, Idlib, Syria

In what looks to have been a Syrian regime action, an elderly man and his son were reported killed by an airstrike in Tarei village, Idlib. LCCSY initially appeared to blame Russia, but in a later post attributed the deaths to the Syrian regime. Most other sources also pointed to the regime. According to the

Summary

First published
October 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(0–1 children1–2 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
View Incident

Incident date

May 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2247

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Homs, Syria

More than one civilian was injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Akeirbat in eastern Hama, local media reported. All sources that reported on the incident, including Aljazeera and Step News, identified Russian planes as responsible for the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
May 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2358

LOCATION

رسم العبد , Rasim Al-Abid, Hama, Syria

Two women died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Rasim Al-Abid, according to sources on the ground.

Summary

First published
July 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
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

April 17, 2019

Incident Code

RS3618

LOCATION

أبو حبّة, Abu Habba, Idlib, Syria

A number of civilians were killed and wounded when artillery and rockets struck the Al Zohour Primary School and civilian homes in Abu Habba village in Deir Ezzor, partially destroying the school building and fence, according to sources on the ground. The Macro Media Center reported that one civilian was killed and several children injured.

Summary

First published
April 17, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–6
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS129

LOCATION

دير حافر‎, Dayr Hafir, Aleppo, Syria

A series of massive airstrikes on Dayr Hafir – allegedly by both Assad regime and Russian forces – led to some civilian casualties according to reports. According to Shaam News, “Dayr Hafer was hit with more than 40 rockets launched by rocket launchers and more than ten air strikes in addition to helicopters throwing their

Summary

First published
November 7, 2015
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 9, 2019

Incident Code

RS3686

LOCATION

جوزف, Jozef, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Jozef, Hama governorate, on May 9th, 2019, according to local sources. According to Al Araby, “The Edlib Media Center said that two civilians were killed at dawn today [May 9th], and others were injured, as a result of the targeting by Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
May 9, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
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

December 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS302

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians are listed as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Idlib on December 22nd, according to the Violations Documentation Center. However both victims are also listed as having died in a strike on Idlib on December 20th. There are no additional reports of airstrikes on Idlib for December 22nd.    

Summary

First published
December 22, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3761

LOCATION

معرة الصين, Ma’arat Al Sin, Idlib, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed and an unknown number of others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Ma’arat Al Sin, Idlib governorate, on June 4th, 2019, according to local sources. @HalabTodayTV tweeted that “one person was killed and others were wounded, as the regime’s warplanes targeted the

Summary

First published
June 4, 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
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

June 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS3792

LOCATION

حاس, Hass, Idlib, Syria

Two women were killed and an unknown number of other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Hass, Idlib governorate, on June 11th, 2019, according to local sources. Smart News reported that “two women were killed and others were wounded on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, by aerial bombardment

Summary

First published
June 11, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS526

LOCATION

Deir Hafer, Al-Bab, Tadeef, Aleppo, Syria

In a news roundup, Shaam News Network reported that “Russian planes carried out strikes on the towns of Deir Hafer, Al Bab and Tadef which led to the fall of martyrs and wounded amongst the civilians.” Alburaq Media also mentioned “several raids” on these locations but said it had “no information on the extent of the

Summary

First published
February 2, 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

June 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3832

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Latamina, Hama, Syria

Syria Civil Defense reported an airstrike on Al Latamina, Hama, on June 20th. Although the number of casualties were not quantified in this source, the incident was listed, among others, as one of the attacks which led to numerous fatalities on June 20th. According to this source “the cities and towns of liberated northern Syria

Summary

First published
June 20, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS750

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed and nine others wounded in airstrikes on Saraqib, according to local sources. While three alleged that Russia was responsible, two other sources blamed the Assad regime. Shaam News Network said Russia carried out raids on several areas in Idlib, adding: “Activists said that an aircraft targeted the eastern city of Saraqeb

Summary

First published
April 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
9
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 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2733

LOCATION

حسرات, Hasrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed, including one named male, due to alleged Russian warplanes strikes, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes. There were no reports of wounded civilians.

Summary

First published
November 15, 2017
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS879

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to LCCSY and Alamwai, one child and an elderly man were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the Sukkari neighborhood in Aleppo.  

Summary

First published
June 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
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

September 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1215

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians died and several more were wounded in an airstrike on Idlib city, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Radio Alkul and the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime, putting the death toll

Summary

First published
September 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
No
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 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2044

LOCATION

حقل شاعر النفطي, Sha'er oil field, Homs, Syria

At least two civilians were killed, including a child, and four others were injured in airstrikes against the Sha’er oil field in eastern Homs, local media reported. The civilians that were injured were transferred to a hospital in the nearby village of Hamadi Omar in eastern Hama. According to Smart News Agency, the airstrikes were

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2428

LOCATION

بلدة ذيبان, Dhiban, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed allegedly by warplanes in the town of Dhiban in eastern Deir Ezzor Governorate at around 2am on 12th September 2017. Multiple sources confirmed that one man, Hassan al-Mazal, and one girl were killed in this airstrike. The girl was reported as the daughter of either Thamer al-Frikhan or Thamer al-Khalif al-Sari.

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2474

LOCATION

كفرنبودة, Kafr Nbooda, Hama, Syria

An elderly man was killed in Kfar Nbouda as more than seven rocket attacks bombarded the town, local sources reported. A house collapsed killing the 75-year-old while his wife’s leg later required amputation. The Syrian Network for Human Rights also reported a second death in the town. They were the only media outlet to cite

Summary

First published
September 20, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman1 man)
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2018

Incident Code

RS3382

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Warplanes launched an attack on agricultural areas near the city of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province, local sources reported. Most reports cited the sole involvement of Russian forces, however, Idlib24 said both Russian and Syrian planes were in the area. No specific casualty figures were given for Khan Sheikhoun, though according to the Smart News

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
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 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS2866

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed and four others were wounded in airstrikes which struck a camp for Internally Displaced Peoples in Saraqeb in the middle of the night. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some sources blaming Russia, while others blamed the Syrian regime. A number of sources also blamed that

Summary

First published
January 7, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS2894

LOCATION

معصران, Ma'saran, Idlib, Syria

A father and son were killed and an unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Ma’saran, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the strikes, making this a contested event. According to local media, missiles were used in the strike which “targeted” the residential buildings. As many

Summary

First published
January 13, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 26, 2019

Incident Code

RS3718

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh , Idlib, Syria

Two men were reported killed in an airstrike on Heesh, May 26th, according to local sources. They seem to be from the same family as they were identified as Abdullah Hani Hamoudeh and Hassan Hani Hamoudeh. They are originally from Soran town. Three sources attributed blame to the Syrian regime, while Syria Civil Defense made

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
(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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS345

LOCATION

تل فضة, Tal Fedda, Aleppo, Syria

One teenage boy, Ali Mosa Shawakh, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike at Tal Fedda village near Maskanah, according to the Violations Documentation Center. According to Al Buraq, the attack targeted “the Alamabagher sugar plant compound near Maskanah which led to the death of several people and the wounding of others, including a martyr,

Summary

First published
January 6, 2016
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3019

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Two civilian men were killed and several wounded as Saqba in eastern Ghouta, Damascus was struck by aerial and artillery shelling, local media reported. According to Jsirtv, Saqba was subject to “heavy air bombardment hit residential neighbourhoods,” which the Syria Civil Defence reported took place during the night. While Zaman-al Wasl only mentioned one fatality, the

Summary

First published
February 11, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS537

LOCATION

ام صهريج, Um Sahreej, Hama, Syria

In a news roundup for February 3rd, Shaam News Network reported that “Russian craft carried out raids on the towns of Umm Sahreej, Totah, Hajila, Al Rahjan and Sarha which led to the fall of two martyrs and several wounded.” It did not indicate in which location the two victims died, and there is currently no

Summary

First published
February 3, 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

June 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS858

LOCATION

الموحسن, Muhassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported that several civilians had been killed and wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mohassan in Deir ez-Zor. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that “warplanes” had carried out raids in the area, but neither identified them nor provided casualty figures.

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
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS890

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one child were killed and other civilians were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Kalassa, according to local sources. LCCSY and Qasioun were among sources blaming Russia for the death of a child. According to Baladi, two civilians died and four were wounded – it also attributed the incident to Moscow. Other

Summary

First published
June 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

RS3116

LOCATION

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria

A single source reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Madera, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the “raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the regime’s forces.”

Summary

First published
February 25, 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
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