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

May 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS3732

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

A woman was reported killed and a child injured in an airstrike on several residential buildings on the outskirts of the city of Al Atareb west of Aleppo, according to local sources. The woman was identified as Mariam Bakkour. Step News reported that a woman was killed and a child injured in what it believed

Summary

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

Incident date

June 3, 2019

Incident Code

RS3756

LOCATION

العنكاوي, Al Ankawi, Hama, Syria

A man was reported killed when Russian and Syrian regime forces allegedly struck Al-Ankawi village in Sahl al-Ghab northwest of Ham with heavy artillery and rocket shelling. According to Shaam News, “the rebels targeted the positions of the Assad forces at Hama military airport with Grad missiles in response to the shelling of civilians in

Summary

First published
June 3, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS3796

LOCATION

مورك, Mourek, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in artillery shelling on Mourek, Hama, in the night between June 13th and 14th. Shaam News stated that “Russian and Assad  warplanes launched dozens of air raids accompanied by heavy artillery and missile attacks on [a number of] towns and villages”, and cited the death of one civilian in Mourek

Summary

First published
June 13, 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)
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 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS549

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported deaths in Maarat al Numan, which it attributed to Russian warplanes: “Since early morning, the Russian enemy planes circled the skies of the province and launched air raids on civilian homes in the towns of Maaret al-Numan and Khan Sheikhun and Kafrtkharim and the outskirts of

Summary

First published
February 4, 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

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS581

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one civilian Abo Shukri as a victim – but no details were given about where he was killed, and the name is not precise. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Namer al-Shukri was killed in alleged Russian raids. However it said he was “the military commander of Aleppo

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
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

April 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS3419

LOCATION

معرزيتا ومخيم للنازحين بلقرب منها, Marzita and an IDP camp nearby, Idlib, Syria

Up to two civilians were reported killed and seven others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike or Syrian regime shelling of the Al Walid IDP camp near the town of Marzita in southern Idlib countryside. The rockets came at night, striking a two-room school and many of the inhabited tents, according to Shaam News. Marzita

Summary

First published
April 29, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Artillery
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS3057

LOCATION

معراتة, Ma'rata, Idlib, Syria

One male child was killed and a number of others were wounded as an alleged Russian warplane struck the town of Ma’rata in the outskirts of Idlib, local media reported. The child was identified by name by several sources, including the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Among others, the Civil Defense reported that the child was

Summary

First published
February 21, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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

July 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1031

LOCATION

بني زيد, Bani Zeid, Aleppo, Syria

A woman named Hasna’a Ali Danon, aged 55, was killed on July 22nd by alleged Russian and Assad regime warplanes in Bani Zeid, sources on the ground reported. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights blamed the Assad regime for “artillery shelling” and “warplane shelling” on the neighbourhood. The reports claimed it caused destruction to buildings with no civilian

Summary

First published
July 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1063

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Maraat Harma, Idlib, Syria

One civilian – either a doctor or a nurse – died and other medical staff were reportedly wounded in an airstrike on a hospital/medical facility in Maarat Harma, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to Zamanalwasl, “Assad warplanes shelled Ma’arat Harmaa,

Summary

First published
July 29, 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3936

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed and an unknown number of others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Kafar Nabil, Idlib governorate, on July 22nd, 2019, according to local sources. @ShahbaPress reported “one martyr and wounded civilians as a result of air raids on the city of Kafar Nabil.” Shaam News

Summary

First published
July 22, 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)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS3230

LOCATION

بنش, Binnesh, Idlib, Syria

An elderly woman was killed and up to three other civilians were injured in airstrikes on Binnesh, local media reported. Most sources attributed the blame to Russia, however, the Violations Documentation Centre blamed the Syrian/Russian alliance. The woman was named as Muna Hamdoun. On March 11th, Halab Today TV said that she died “at noon”

Summary

First published
March 11, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3986

LOCATION

لطمين, Latmeen, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in airstrikes on Latmeen, Hama, on August 1st. Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that “Ahmad Mohammad Abo Zaid, from Helfya city in the northwestern suburbs of Hama governorate, was killed as Syrian regime warplanes fired a missile on Latmeen village in the northern suburbs of Hama governorate, on August

Summary

First published
August 1, 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)
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

August 12, 2019

Incident Code

RS4009

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and an unknown number of others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Ma’arat Harma, Idlib governorate, on August 12th, 2019, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented “the death of a citizen and the injury of several others in a bombing by

Summary

First published
August 12, 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 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

Incident date

August 18, 2019

Incident Code

R3825

LOCATION

الحامدية, Al Hamediya, Idlib, Syria

One named civilian was reported killed and two White Helmet rescuers injured in a reported Russian strike on Al Hamediya in Idlib. According to the Syrian Network, “Russian forces killed a civilian in al Hamediya area in Idlib: Abdul Qader Mahmoud al Asfar was killed as fixed- wing warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on

Summary

First published
August 18, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

September 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS1238

LOCATION

Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Al Latamna Youth reported the death of one civilian male following cluster bomb raids by suspected Russian planes on the town of Kafr Zita.  No further details are currently available.

Summary

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

November 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1679

LOCATION

المواصلات, Al Mowasalat, Aleppo, Syria

One named civilian man was reportedly killed and several more were wounded by airstrikes targeting the al-Mowasalat neighbourhood of Aleppo, local sources reported. While most sources blamed Russia for the civilian harm, there was also an allegations against the Assad regime. The incident was reportedly part of a wider shelling of neighbourhoods in Aleppo that

Summary

First published
November 24, 2016
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

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1661

LOCATION

الطوب, Al Toub, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was killed and as many as 15 other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on a clinic in Al Toub, according to sources on the ground. All sources either named Russian warplanes as a belligerent or ddin’t identify the culprit. @EuphratesPost claimed that 15 or more were wounded, whereas Smart News reported

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1752

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One person was killed and several others were wounded in an alleged raid on a market place in Al Atarib, Aleppo, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame with some blaming Russian warplanes and others the Syrian regime.  According to sources, there was extensive damage due to missiles and cluster bombs.

Summary

First published
December 6, 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

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2519

LOCATION

قرية تل حلاوة, Tal Halawa, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Tal Halawa in the eastern countryside of Idlib, as reported by local sources. According to Al Latamna Youth, the civilian that was killed had been displaced from the village of Qasr Abu Samra in the eastern countryside of Hama. Al Latamna

Summary

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

December 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2785

LOCATION

السيال, Al-Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man was killed and between eight and nine civilians were injured in airstrikes on Al-Sayyal river crossing, according to local media. All sources attributed blame to Moscow. @asharqasouri reported that Dr. Sayed Ahmed Kadouri was injured in the bombing and was transferred to a hospital where he received medial attention. Qasioun News gave the

Summary

First published
December 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–8
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

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2838

LOCATION

اورم الجوز, Urme Al-Jooz, Idlib, Syria

One man was killed, and as many as five civilians were injured  – including a woman – in airstrikes on Urme Al-Jooz, local sources reported. Only two sources blamed Russian raids, while the others did not attribute blame. Footage published shows fires engulfing infrastructure. The Syrian Civil Defence wrestled to put out the flames. Local

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 3, 2019

Incident Code

RS3652

LOCATION

بيدر شمسو, Baydar Shamsou, Idlib, Syria

A young girl, named as Bisan Hasan al Atrash, died and five or six other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on Baydar Shamsou, local media reported. In a video posted by Baladi News, a member of the White Helmets says that “warplanes raided the village of Baydar Shamsou,

Summary

First published
May 3, 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
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

November 12, 2015

Incident Code

RS142

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One civilian man was reported killed when Russian warplanes allegedly launched several airstrikes using vacuum missiles. The Union of Hama Rebels later claimed there were 15 Russian raids on the town that morning.  

Summary

First published
November 12, 2015
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

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3682

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

One civilian died of his injuries four days after alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery strikes on Kafar Zeita, Hama governorate, on May 7th, 2019, according to local sources. Smart News reported that Russian artillery fire on the town of Kafar Zeita, north of Hama, wounded a number of civilians. Step News Agency wrote: “A

Summary

First published
May 7, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS560

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

One child, named by the Violations Documentation Center as Hasan Nasser,  was killed in an airstrike on Hraytan according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “places in Qabr al-Englizi area (tomb of the

Summary

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

Incident date

March 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS3323

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and several civilians, among which children, were wounded in alleged artillery and airstrikes on the city of Harasta. Conflicting reports blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. While most sourced mentioned 1 casualty, @hmadaataya reported on Twitter that nine civilians were killed. Smart News Agency reported that more than

Summary

First published
March 21, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 9
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS624

LOCATION

الغنطو, Al Ghantu, Homs, Syria

One male child, was killed in Al Ghantu, according to local sources. However reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were to blame, and most pointed towards Assad artillery. Only the Violations Documentation Center attributed the incident to Russia. Homs Media Center named the victim, though didn’t say who was responsible. Koooookeh11 tweeted:

Summary

First published
February 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS656

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Center one adult male, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Douma. The VDC linked to a video by the media activist Yasser al Fawal al Doumani which includes a voiceover saying that the victim was killed by Russian warplanes. Abobian said there had been three raids by warplanes, but

Summary

First published
February 22, 2016
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

April 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS752

LOCATION

الراشدية, Rashidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two sources named Anas Al-Kujeijeh as killed in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike in Deir Ezzour. A tweet by Deirfree blamed Russia for the raids and spoke of several wounded. However, SPC News reported that “regime forces bombed Al Huweiqa neighbourhood in the countryside of Deir al-Zour with rocket launchers which led to the death of “Anas Al Kajijah”

Summary

First published
April 12, 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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS816

LOCATION

‏الكبر‬, Al Kiber, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian male named as Sahir Attallah al Ayyad died from injuries sustained in a reported Russian airstrike on al Kiber “two months earlier.” No additional details are presently known, including the precise date of death.    

Summary

First published
May 29, 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