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

July 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS989

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

One young man died in an airstrike on Khan al Sheikh, western Ghouta, according to local media – though reports were split on whether Russia or the Syrian regime carried out the strike. LCCSY named the victim and blamed Russia. The Smart News Agency also said that Russia warplanes “killed a civilian and wounded more

Summary

First published
July 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3127

LOCATION

أوتايا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria

The head of the Syrian Civil Defence unit in al-Marj was killed whilst carrying out operations, local media reported. Sources blamed the Syrian – Russian alliance for the strikes. LCCSY reported there were heavy raids on the vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2211

LOCATION

سوحا, Doha, Hama, Syria

In this single-source event, an alleged Russian air raid killed one woman and wounded another three civilians as it struck the village of Soha, eastern Hama, the Smart News Agency reported. A local source told Smart News that “the warplanes launched missile attacks on the outskirts of the village of Suha in the peaceful area

Summary

First published
May 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2287

LOCATION

عين قريع, Ain Qurei, Idlib, Syria

A man was killed, and two other civilians were wounded, when remnants of a cluster bomb exploded in Ain Qurei left by a previous raid, sources on the ground reported. Sources all blamed a previous Russian raid for the remnants left in the vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 17, 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

July 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2323

LOCATION

منزل الواوي في مراط, Wawi house, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One girl was killed and several other civilians were wounded following an alleged Russian airstrike in Wawi house, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. In this incident, the “al-Wawi home” in Al Saba’a district was reportedly hit, causing the death of one named girl and a number of civilians were left wounded. Mrat was reportedly struck

Summary

First published
July 5, 2017
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

October 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2652

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A male child was killed, and his brother was injured, when alleged Russian or regime warplanes “targeted” and struck their home in Abu Kamal. According to local media, the civilian housing was targeted and the roof of their home fell in, killing one child and wounding another – his brother. Marsad Al Hasaka reported that

Summary

First published
October 21, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2775

LOCATION

الحسرات, Hasrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian man was killed and three others were wounded in air and artillery strikes in Hasrat, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the strikes, with some attributing blame to Russia, while one source blamed the Syrian regime. Some sources did not identify the culprit. The brother of

Summary

First published
December 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2537

LOCATION

سنجار , Sinjar, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that a woman was killed and others were wounded due to airstrikes on the town of Sinjar in eastern Idlib governorate. Idlib Media Center blamed the Russian side for the strikes, while Smart News and several other sources attributed the strike to the Syrian regime. The Idlib Media Centre only reported injured

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2015

Incident Code

RS121

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reported that one named civilian male was killed, allegedly due to “Russian airforce shelling“. VDC named the victim as Soeoud al-Thamer. No additional information is presently known.  

Summary

First published
November 5, 2015
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
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS3423

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

One child was killed and two others were injured when the remnants of a cluster bomb earlier dropped on Saraqeb, Idlib exploded. Local sources alleged that the bomb was a remnant of an earlier airstrike allegedly conducted by Russian forces over the city. Idlib Media Centre for example noted “A martyr and two wounded by

Summary

First published
May 3, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 11, 2015

Incident Code

RS262

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was reported killed and another civilian injured in an alleged Russian airstrike at Hajeen. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
December 11, 2015
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS3724

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Ma’arat Harma, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Ma’arat Al Harma, Hama governorate, on May 27th, 2019, according to local sources. Another civilian was reportedly injured. Smart News wrote that “on May 27th, warplanes bombed the town of Ma’arat Harma, near Idlib, with explosive barrels and naval mines, causing destruction of

Summary

First published
May 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
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS326 CS160

LOCATION

أخترين, Akhtarin, Aleppo, Syria

A child was reportedly killed by alleged Russian and Coalition warplanes in the residential neighbourhood of Akhtarin, Aleppo. However, there are disputed claims as to whether the raids were carried out by Russia or the Coalition. LCCSY and Quasion News Agency both blamed the Coalition for the airstrikes – with Quasion noting that Russia was shelling

Summary

First published
December 27, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
4–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS518

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported that one civilian was killed and five others injured in 15 alleged Russian airstrikes on Hayan, “focusing mostly on the eastern and southern fringes of the city.” Though other nearby raids that day reportedly employed cluster munitions, SNN did not specify if they were deployed in Hayyan. The Baladi Media Network

Summary

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

Incident date

March 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS3272

LOCATION

حفسرجة, Hafsarja, Idlib, Syria

The Smart news agency reported: “According to the civil defence, Russian warplanes targeted the village of Hafsarja (30 km north-west of the city of Idlib) with a raid that led to the killing of a civilian and wounding of four others, including a woman. The civil defence helped them to medical points.” @ab_jarah tweeted: “A

Summary

First published
March 14, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4–7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS550

LOCATION

كفر تخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported deaths in Kafr Takharim, which they 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 Sarakeb

Summary

First published
February 4, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS614

LOCATION

حزرما, Hazrama, Damascus, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported that one civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Hazrama as part of “dozens of raids on the towns of eastern Ghouta”. The VDC listed one adult male, as killed in “warplane shelling” in Hazrama. The victim was also listed by Syrian Martyrs, who said he was killed

Summary

First published
February 15, 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 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS646

LOCATION

علما, Alma, Daraa, Syria

One male civilian, Naser Mohammad Barakat al Hariri, died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Alma, according to the Violations Documentation Center. Syria2011 also named the 55-year-old victim and blamed Russia. But Martyrs of Dara and Dara Martyrs didn’t identify the warplanes responsible for his death. Mr al Hariri was also named by some sources

Summary

First published
February 19, 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

June 30, 2019

Incident Code

RS3860

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and several others injured as a result of an airstrike on Kafar Sijna, Idlib, on June 30th. Ariha Today stated that “Russian warplanes launched air raids on the town of Khan Sheikhoun and the town of #Kafar Sijna in the southern countryside of Idlib, causing the fall of a civilian

Summary

First published
June 30, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS871

LOCATION

ياقد العدس, Yaqid al Adas, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed and several others injured when Russian warplanes struck Yaqid al Adas with cluster bombs, according to local sources. LCCSY, Syrianpc and Baladi were among sources blaming Russia. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that warplanes carried out raids on Yaqid al Adas, but did not provide any further details.

Summary

First published
June 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3937

LOCATION

البدامة, Al Badama, Idlib, Syria

Syrian regime or Russian forces allegedly bombed the town of Badama with rocket-propelled grenades which Step News Agency reported contained “incendiary bombs”. Local sources claimed one civilian was killed and three others injured. The Syrian Human Rights Committee named the victim as Obada Kahil. No other details are known at this time.

Summary

First published
July 22, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3987

LOCATION

كفر نبل, Kafar Nubul, Idlib, Syria

One woman was reported killed, and four to six civilians including two children injured, in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes or artillery on Kafar Nubul , Idlib, on August 1st. Out of the injured, four belong to one family. It was reported that Kafar Nubul was targeted with two raids on that day. The

Summary

First published
August 1, 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 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4–6
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1142

LOCATION

حي بستان القصر, Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One female civilian died in an air or artillery strike on Bustan al-Qaser, according to local media – though sources didn’t apportion blame for the attack. According to @HalabTodayTV, there were both “air and artillery strikes” on the area. @ShahbaPress reported that a girl was killed and “several” other civilians wounded.  

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(0–1 children0–1 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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1239

LOCATION

ياقد العدس, Yaked al A'adas, Aleppo, Syria

One female child died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Yaked al A’adas, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed Russia, though several did not identify the warplanes responsible for the event. According to reports the girl was originally from Aleppo.

Summary

First published
September 8, 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

September 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1368

LOCATION

تير معلة, Teir Ma'ala, Homs, Syria

One child, Abdulmalik al-Ahdab, was reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Teir Ma’ala near Homs. Syria News Desk wrote that “A 15-year-old boy was killed and other civilians were wounded in the late hours of the night yesterday [Sept 29th] by the Russian warplanes targeting the village of Teir Ma’ala.” Most

Summary

First published
September 29, 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

October 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1498

LOCATION

Al Teeba, Homs, Syria

One girl died and several more civilians were wounded in Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Teeba area in Homs, according to sources on the ground. According to the Syrian Press Center ,”Russian air strikes on Sunday [Oct 23rd] targeted a camp for the displaced in the area of Taybeh in rural northern

Summary

First published
October 23, 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1611

LOCATION

مساكن هنانو, Masaken Hanano, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian, named as Qassim Mustafa, died in an air or artillery strike on Masaken Hanano (Aleppo), according to local media – though sources are conflicted as to whether it was Syrian regime or Russian warplanes. Various social media posts stated that Qassim Mustafa was killed by cluster munition bombs. An Al Jazeera correspondent reported

Summary

First published
November 17, 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

February 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS1845

LOCATION

أم الكراميل , Umm al Karamil village, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that one civilian died in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Umm al Karamil village. According to Sdusyria, “one civilian was killed and others were wounded by a Russian air strike on the village of Um al-Karamil in southern Aleppo.” While most sources pointed to Russia, Aljazeera reported that regime actions had

Summary

First published
January 18, 2017
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

February 9, 2019

Incident Code

RS3585

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

An eight year old child was killed and his two brothers injured when cluster munition exploded in the city of Hraytan north of Aleppo. Local sources reported that the cluster munition was a remnant of earlier Russian or regime shelling. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that the cluster bomb had been dropped by

Summary

First published
February 9, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS1890

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes against the city of Binnish. The Violations Documentation Center identified Russian planes as responsible for the airstrikes while the other sources did not name a culprit. There were conflicting reports given on when the airstrike against Binnish occured. According to the Violations Documentation Center, the

Summary

First published
February 11, 2017
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