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

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS469

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male civilian, was killed and ten others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on a charity hospital in Anadan, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that Abdul Rahman Abeid died when Russian warplanes fired missiles on Anadan. A later report by SN4HR gave more details, explaining that the victim was an assistant surgeon

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
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 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS565

LOCATION

الصبخة, Sabheh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman, named by the Violations Documentation Center as Fatemah Naeif al Abdullah, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Sabheh according to some local sources – though one other report said the regime was responsible. The woman was also named by Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently, who said she was 24-years-old. Damascus

Summary

First published
February 7, 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

February 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS629

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named another civilian male from Sheikh Miskeen in Daraa as a victim of “Russian air forces shelling” in Aleppo. The victim was additionally named by Syria Martrys, which also blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
February 16, 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 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3081

LOCATION

حزة, Hazza, Damascus, Syria

According to local media, the town of Hazza, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was struck by  air raids, possibly killing one civilian while wounding several, though it was unclear who was to blame. SYR_REV_NEWS reported how unidentified warplanes “launched two raids” in Hazza, and it by others was reported that residential neighbourhoods were struck. Only one source,

Summary

First published
July 22, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1093

LOCATION

شغور, Shaghuor, Idlib, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one adult male civilian, as killed by a Russian cluster bomb. While the source reports that the victim was from Shahour village, it’s unclear whether he was killed there. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
August 3, 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

August 14, 2019

Incident Code

RS4023

LOCATION

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

In the second of two consecutive airstrikes near Ma’ret Harma, Idlib, a volunteer from Syria Civil Defense was reported killed on August 14th. This was following a previous airstrike which killed two ambulance workers from SAMS. Macro Media Center reported that “a volunteer in the Civil Defense […was] killed after a double Russian air strike

Summary

First published
August 15, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1319

LOCATION

كرم حومد, Karam Homad, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed by airstrikes in the Karam Homad neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to multiple local reports. Several civilians were also wounded, according to @ameeralhalabi and @essamtakly. Halab News referred to one unidentified civilian killed in the raid, as did the Shaam News Network. Some sources referred to the strikes as Russian. For instance,

Summary

First published
September 23, 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

October 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1449

LOCATION

بستان الباشا, Bustan al Basha, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Bustan al Basha neighbourhood, according to local media. Halab News listed on unidentified civilian as killed in a Russian raid. The Shaam News Network also put the death toll at one, but reported that both Russia and the regime carried out strikes

Summary

First published
October 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1559

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike on Al Atarib – however sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or Syrian regime warplanes were responsible. Additionally, some sources did not attribute blame at all. One source reported that phosphorous bombs and missiles were used. @HalabNewsN even specified the use of C5 missiles. However, @Thiqanewsagency argued that warplanes

Summary

First published
November 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1566

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Anadan, Aleppo. There are no reports on any injured civilians. All four sources blamed Russian warplanes for the event. However, a single source claimed that the victim was killed on the 9th of November 2016, whereas the others report he was killed on

Summary

First published
November 11, 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

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1648

LOCATION

حزرما, Hazrama, Damascus, Syria

A woman and her unborn child were killed – and others were wounded – as a result of alleged Russian warplanes which struck a school in Hazramaon, Damascus, the afternoon of Sunday November 20th, according to sources on the ground. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the death of the woman, however some sources do

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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

March 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2015

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One civilian was killed and several wounded as alleged Russian airstrikes struck the town of Kafr Zita, Hama, local media reported. RFS Media Office reported that “the town of Kfar Zeita was targeted by more than 20 raids resulting in the death of a martyr and several wounded.” RFS Media Office and Step News Agency

Summary

First published
March 23, 2017
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
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2196

LOCATION

سرج,, Sarja, Idlib, Syria

On April 28th, Alhuralhalabi reported “the death of a woman injured by a previous Russian air raid on the village of Sarja in the southern countryside of Idlib.” According to RFS Media Office, “Huda Ahmed Haj Musa was martyred from the town of Sarja in Jebel al-Zawia in rural Idlib because of the injuries she

Summary

First published
April 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2265

LOCATION

معرة النعمان , Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

A nine year old girl was killed, and another girl was wounded, due to the explosion of cluster bomb remnants, dropped earlier by an airstrike, according to local media. The bomb dropped earlier, the date is unspecified, was likely to be Russian. The girls were reportedly playing close to the remnants, in the town of

Summary

First published
June 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2376

LOCATION

دبلان, Dablan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman was killed from injuries sustained in the morning of July 31st, following an airstrike on Dablan. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. None explicitly blamed Russian warplanes, however there was Russian bombing in and around the vicinity at the time of the strike. Other sources blamed “military aircraft” or “unknown”

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
5 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2269a

LOCATION

طهماز , Tahmaz, Hama, Syria

An internally displaced man was killed due to airstrikes on Tahmaz, according to local media. Some sources reported that Russian warplanes were responsible for the airstrike, while others reported it was attributable to the Syrian regime. Hosain Obaid al-Asaad had fled from Akeirbat. Some other civilians were allegedly wounded. There are no other details at

Summary

First published
June 4, 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

November 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2675

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abo Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian was killed and many more were wounded following an alleged Russian raid on Abu Kamal, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russia for the strikes. Al Mayadeen News reported that “The Russian Defense Ministry announced that a group of aircraft “To-22 M3” of the Russian air force struck the sites of the

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2798

LOCATION

تل الضمان, Tal Al-Daman, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

In airstrikes which reportedly “targeted” a medical centre in Tal Al-Daman, Aleppo, one civilian was killed and others were wounded. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with most blaming Russia, while a few blamed the Syrian regime. One source didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. Smart News Agency was the only local media

Summary

First published
December 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
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

May 2, 2019

Incident Code

RS3645

LOCATION

بسقلا, Bsaqla, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and others seriously injured as Bsqala in Idlib was targeted with explosive barrels and naval bombs on May 2nd 2019. According to local source Step News, “Russian and Syrian warplanes and helicopters” operated over villages and towns in Idlib, striking a bakery and a kindergarten in Basaqla and killing one

Summary

First published
May 2, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Naval bombardment
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS158

LOCATION

قبر الأنكليزي, Kabr al Inglizi, Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reports that one adult male non-combatant was killed in alleged Russian warplane strikes on Qabr al Inglisi. The Free Syrian Army, which also named the victim, said he originally came from Anadan.  

Summary

First published
November 17, 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

December 11, 2015

Incident Code

RS256

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One male child, Khaled Nihad al-Nuna , was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Zita, according to the Union of Hama Rebels and the Violations Documentation Centre. Reporting remains confused, with multiple alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Zita between December 9th and 12th which resulted in a likely total of six civilian deaths.

Summary

First published
December 11, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

January 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS2936

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, al Sayyad street. Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria

A woman was killed and several others were injured in airstrikes on Kafr Zeita, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian for the raids. Step reported that “A woman was killed and a number of people were injured as a result of Russian air strikes targeting the town of Kafr

Summary

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

Incident date

January 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS512

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

One 17-year-old male was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayyan using cluster munitions, according to local sources. Both the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Violations Documentation Center blamed Russian warplanes. The White Helmets also named the victim, but did not say whether the Assad regime or Russia were responsible for the

Summary

First published
January 31, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

June 18, 2019

Incident Code

RS3816

LOCATION

المنطقة الصناعية, Industry zone (Al Mantiq Al Sina’iya), Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and two to eight civilians, including at least one child, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the industrial zone Al Mantiq Al Sina’iya, in the vicinity of Idlib, on June 18th, 2019, according to local sources. @syr_television reported that “one person was killed and three others

Summary

First published
June 18, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3–8
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

February 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS608

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

One child was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Hamra, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
February 14, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

March 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS704

LOCATION

نبهان, Nabhan, Idlib, Syria

One 35-year old man, Mostafa Abdo Nabhan, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Nabhan Village, Jisr Al Shoughour, according to the Violations Documentation Center.  

Summary

First published
March 2, 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

April 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS3417

LOCATION

قرية الزعفرانة, Al Zafarana village, Homs, Syria

A hospital guard was killed in Al Zafarana as Russian and Syrian forces reportedly launched raids on the Homs village. Syrian helicopters hit the local hospital with barrel bombs, according to Smart News, injuring an additional four civilians. An activist loyal to the regime told the news agency that the hospital was targeted to remove

Summary

First published
April 29, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3–4
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1058

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that an unidentified child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

August 11, 2019

Incident Code

RS4003

LOCATION

حاس, Hass, Idlib, Syria

One child was reported killed, and up to five including two children were injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian airstrike or artillery shelling on Hass, Idlib in the afternoon of August 11th, which was the first day of Eid Al-Adha. The Syrian Network for Human Rights named the child as Mohammad Thaer Qal`aji. Macro

Summary

First published
August 11, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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

August 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1168

LOCATION

الحويقة, Howeqa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian male died and up to dozens more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Howeqa. The Smart News Network reported that “One civilian was killed and others were injured” in a Russian strike. According to @SYRIAEVENT1 “dozens” were wounded in addition to one death.

Summary

First published
August 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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