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

August 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1202

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

One child, named as 15-year-old child died and up to nine others were wounded in an airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, local media reported. However, it was unclear who was responsible: most sources didn’t apportion blame – though others pointed to Russia and the Assad regime. According to @SyrianArwad, “Russian and Syrian warplanes launched air raids

Summary

First published
August 31, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–9
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1632

LOCATION

كفر ناها , Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Halab News named one victim, Yunus Ali Abd al Rahman (also named by Hamza AlYousuf) as killed in a Russian strike on Kafr Naha, Aleppo. However, Halab News was the only outlet that directly accused Russia of carrying out raids; other sources didn’t apportion blame.

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS1738

LOCATION

حريتان , Hraitan, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One girl died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hraitan, according to local media. Halab Today reported “the martyrdom of the girl Yasmine Shaheen and the injury of five civilians, mostly children, as a result of Russian air strikes on the city of Hreitan in the northern countryside of Aleppo”. The victim was also named

Summary

First published
December 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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

February 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3583

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

One civilian died because of wounds he sustained as a result of alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime bombing on Kafr Zita on February 1st, 2019 according to local sources. Other casualties among civilians were also reported. Local sources reported that Osama Hafez Al Rajo died on the morning of February 10th from wounds sustained

Summary

First published
February 1, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2157

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Lataminah, Hama, Syria

A father was killed and his children were injured on an airstrike which struck their home in Lataminah, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming the Syrian regime, others blaming Russia. The Syrian Network for Human Rights  blamed the “Syrian-Russian alliance”. Civil Defence Hama initially reported that

Summary

First published
April 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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

July 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2329

LOCATION

موحسن, Mohsen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In this single-source event, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “Russian or regime warplanes” carried out airstrikes in Mohsen on July 9th, killing a woman and wounding “others”. Currently, there are no further details available.

Summary

First published
July 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2582

LOCATION

قرية الصالحية, Al-Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was killed and several other civilians were injured by alleged Russian airstrikes in al-Al-Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Euphrates Post summed up the event by reporting “the martyrdom of the child Ali Mohi Al-Hussein Al-Ramdan in addition to the injury of three people.” Most sources reported that two raids had been launched, except @JFLngo,

Summary

First published
October 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2517

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed and several others were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the city of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib. Step News Agency was the only source to report on the incident and they identified Russian forces as responsible for the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

December 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2832

LOCATION

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

One civilian was killed and several others were left wounded as an alleged Assad or Russian-waged airstrike hit Ma’ret Al Nu’man, Idlib, local media reported. @aladeyeh and Masar Press, who both identified Russia as the culprit, reported one fatality and two wounded. Meanwhile, @OsamaKaial reported that the strike had wounded several civilians. It was the

Summary

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

Incident date

October 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS031

LOCATION

تل عاس, Telaas, Idlib, Syria

A possible civilian was reported killed in an alleged Russian strike at Telaas near Khan Shaykhoun. VDC named one adult male as a non-combatant victim. However, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported only that “A fighter from a combat force was killed from wounds sustained after Russian planes targeted Brigade 13 in Telaas in southern Idlib

Summary

First published
October 9, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS063

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar Rastan, Homs, Syria

A number of civilians were reported injured, after a midnight Russian air raid on the headquarters of a local rebel faction based in Ar Rastan. Two fighters were confirmed killed. one of whom was originally reported to have been a non-combatant. According to Sin News, the air raid “resulted in the collapse of the entire

Summary

First published
October 20, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 21, 2019

Incident Code

RS3621

LOCATION

بادية ريف ديرالزور الغربي, Badiyah of Deir Ezzor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that a child died of her injuries on April 25th after alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Badiyah (the desert) in the western Deir Ezzor countryside several days earlier. @DeirEzzor24 tweeted: “The child Sumaya Saleh Al Bayram died of injuries she received several days ago in aerial bombardment by #Russia on the Badiyah

Summary

First published
April 23, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 6, 2019

Incident Code

RS3670

LOCATION

أم نير,, Um Neir, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Um Neir, Idlib governorate, on May 6th, according to local media. Hmaid al Mohammad was killed as fixed-wing warplanes believed to be Russian fired a missile on Um Neir village in Idlib, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. An unknown number of civilians were also

Summary

First published
May 6, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 8, 2019

Incident Code

RS3684

LOCATION

الزكاة, Al Zakat, Hama, Syria

A young civilian male from the town of Latamna was killed by Russian or regime air or artillery strikes on Al Zakat in Hama on May 8th, 2019, according to local sources. @HalabTodayTV wrote that “a young man from the town of Al Latamneh was killed by artillery shelling on the village of Zakat in

Summary

First published
May 8, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

November 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS192

LOCATION

سرمدا, Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

According to Zaitonmag, Russian aircraft carried out a raid on Sarmada on the Turkish border, “targeting a garage of relief trucks which has led to anonymous martyrs and two people slightly injured.“ The Syrian Network also reported the event, saying the attack by warplanes destroyed eight trucks and a water tank and killed one person.

Summary

First published
November 26, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

December 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS236

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

The Union of Hama Rebels reported that five people were killed in Hama but did not state whether they were civilians. It added that one of those killed was “documented in secret” and named him as Ahmad Mohammad Al Abboud, who died “as a result of Russian bombing on Kafr Zita in Hama countryside.” No

Summary

First published
December 7, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
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

December 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS332

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan Subul, Idlib, Syria

One adult male, Bahaa Mohammad al-Sabouh (pictured) was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khan Subul. Step News said that “Russian planes launched several air raids on the town of Khan Subul and Mount Shahshabo from the southern countryside of Idlib, resulting in one civilian death in Khan Subul and several injuries among civilians.” However

Summary

First published
December 30, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2926

LOCATION

القرويطة, Al-Qarweta, Hama, Syria

A woman was killed and another was injured in airstrikes which struck the vicinity of Al-Qarweta. All sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raids or did not attribute blame. Sources reported that the Russian shelling struck the outskirts of the village of Al-Qarweta in Mount Shahshabo. The woman was allegedly displaced. There are no

Summary

First published
January 21, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1
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 4, 2019

Incident Code

R3547

LOCATION

ديرسنبل, Deir Sunbul, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, Russian and Syrian regime forces carried out a series of airstrikes using rockets and heavy artillery shells on several cities, killing one child in Deir Sunbul and injuring other civilians. The source claimed that the rockets used were loaded with phosphorus. The victim child

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
(1 child)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS428

LOCATION

البيضاء, Al Bayda, Latakia, Syria

One civilian was killed and several others injured in an airstrikes on Al Bayda, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were responsible. According to the Shaam News Network, this was the work of Russia. Syria News Desk reported testimony from a villager, Omar Malawi: “The Russian

Summary

First published
January 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

June 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS3790

LOCATION

طبيش, Tbeesh, Idlib, Syria

Multiple sources report the death of civilians including a child and the wounding of others in airstrikes on a school in Tbeesh, Idlib, June 11th. Syrian Network for Human Rights claimed that regime forces “fired a missile on Tbeesh Primary School , killing Omar Bassam al Hasan. Both Syrian Network for Human Rights and Step

Summary

First published
June 11, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS556

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One male child, Yahya Mohammad Qaddour, aged three, was killed in an airstrike on Talbiseh according to local sources. The Violations Documentation Center – which blamed Russian shelling for the death – linked to an extremely graphic video posted by Talbissa, which shows the dead body of the child. However, according to the Syrian Network

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

June 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3830

LOCATION

ترملا, Tarmala, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in airstrikes on Tarmala, Idlib, on June 20th. Syria Civil Defense reported that “the cities and towns of liberated northern Syria are still under constant bombardment by the regime’s forces and their Russian allies,” listing a number of locations and casualties, among which the incident in Tarmala is reported. Similarly, Shaam

Summary

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

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS684

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One 57-year-old woman died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Talbiseh and at least four other civilians were injured, according to local sources. Shaam News Network reported: “Two hours before the start of the ceasefire Russian planes carried out violent and intense air raids on the town of Talbissa causing the death of one woman and

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS748

LOCATION

الحسينية, Hussainiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One 65-year-old male civilian, Hanoud al-Assaf, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Hussainiya, Deir Ezzor, according to local sources. Reports at the time cite heavy clashes in the near area between rebels and the Assad regime.  

Summary

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

Incident date

July 12, 2019

Incident Code

RS3896

LOCATION

حي القصور, Al Qosour , Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes with four rockets on Al-Qusoor neighborhood in the morning of July 12th led to the death of up to two civilians including a child and inuring 13 others. Local sources said the attack targeted and IDP shelter. Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the Syrian regime and reported that

Summary

First published
July 12, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10–13
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

June 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS942

LOCATION

الزربة, Az Zarbah, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that an airstrike on the town of al-Zirba killed one civilian, and wounded several others, though it is currently unclear whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Both Halab News Network (HNN), Thiqa News Agency and Halab news identified the victim by name, and many media, such as

Summary

First published
June 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS3256

LOCATION

مركز 103 للدفاع المدني, civil defence center no :103, Damascus, Syria

One member of the White Helmets was killed and three more injured in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on the civil defence centre 103 in Damascus, local media reported. Douma.Revolution and @SiegeWatch  reported that one civil defence volunteer, Rifat Idris, was killed, and three more were wounded. The airstrikes that struck the Civil Defence

Summary

First published
March 13, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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

August 18, 2019

Incident Code

RS4047

LOCATION

حاس, Hass, Idlib, Syria

One child was reported killed in airstrikes on Hass, Idlib, on August 18th. Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that “the child Adib Mustafa Qal’a Ji was killed as warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on Hass village in the southern suburbs of Idlib governorate, on August 18th.” Halab Today also reported that “a

Summary

First published
August 18, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS4083

LOCATION

تل منس , Tal Mans, Idlib, Syria

One civilian died and others injured in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on TalMans, according to local media. Step reported: “Russian warplanes and helicopters targeted all the towns of the southern and south eastern Idlib countryside with barrels, killing…one civilian in Tal Mnes”. Justice Organisation blamed the regime for the death of Abdul Ilah

Summary

First published
August 27, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident