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 Code

RS1316

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Location

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1529125, 37.075864 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A Russian aircraft struck a White Helmets building in Aleppo’s al Ansari neighbourhood, killing eight people, according to local sources. The strike reportedly occurred in conjunction with other strikes on White Helmets buildings in Alhaidariya and Hanano, Alsouria News said.

The White Helmets posted a YouTube video showing the extent of the destruction. A large building was demolished, and at least two ambulances were rendered unusable. A tweet from @shaamnews also included photographs of the destroyed vehicles.

Most other sources gave little additional information, but also reported eight deaths. HNN’s list of martyrs had eight unidentified casualties listed for the incident, and the Shaam News Network’s update included the same.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • The neighbourhood of Al Ansari was left in ruins following the alleged Russian airstrikes, Sept 23rd (via Aleppo White Helmets)
  • The alleged Russian airstrikes in Al Ansari neighbourhood, Sept 23rd, reportedly destroyed main parts of the White Helmets building, including vital equipment (via Shaam News)
  • The alleged Russian airstrikes destroyed large parts of Al Ansari neighbourhood, Sept 23rd (via Thiqa News Agency)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1348

Incident date

September 25, 2016

Location

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.212011, 37.171227 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between three and seven civilians were reportedly killed in Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Maysar neighbourhood of Aleppo.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the strikes were conducted by the Syrian regime: “At least four victims died in government helicopters dropping barrel bombs on Al Maysar neighbourhood in Aleppo city.”

Shahba Press and Syrian Press Center reported the highest death toll with seven people killed – and said the strikes were conducted by Russia.

The Syrian Human Rights Committee put the death toll at seven, sand said that the victims had been killed by “rocket-propelled grenades”.

According to various sources at least four people were injured.

Halab News named three victim and reported on three more who couldn’t be identified.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ahmad Ghanim
Age unknown male
Hassan Ghanim
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Kurdi
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 7
  • (3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Rescue workers arrive at the scene in Al Maysar following alleged Russian airstrikes, September 25th (via SMO)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 7
  • (3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1380

Incident date

October 1, 2016

Location

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.255362, 37.087714 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that the village Kafr Hamra outside of Aleppo was struck by “four” alleged airstrikes which led to the death of one man. According to NabdTV “the Civil defence forces recovered the body of a senior citizen from the rubble which was stuck there for two days”.

A range of local media also reported that the strike was carried out with the use of illegal phosphorus missiles.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ibrahim Ali al Abdallah
65 years old male named by Halab News Network killed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of the alleged raid on Kafr Hamra. (via, Thiqa)
  • The aftermath of the alleged raid on Kafr Hamra. (via, Thiqa)
  • The aftermath of the alleged raid on Kafr Hamra. (via, Thiqa)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between October 1st – 19th 2016.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1414

Incident date

October 6, 2016

Location

حي خان العسل, Khan Al Assal (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.169667, 37.040255 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, the Khan al-Assal area in Aleppo was subject to warplane shelling, leading to the deaths of up to three civilians though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime caused the civilian harm.

The twitter account @Aleppo reported that the strikes hit a funeral gathering.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that one man and child were killed due to the aerial strikes.

Baladi and Qasioun put the death toll at three.

Step News Agency reported about the illegal use of phosphorus and cluster bombs. There were also reports that barrel bombs were used in the attack.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ala’a Rihawi
Adult female named by Syria2011 killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 child1 woman1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between October 1st – 19th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 child1 woman1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1446

Incident date

October 12, 2016

Location

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1658391, 36.9767189 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Naha, according to local media.

SRG_Syria tweeted that there were “five martyrs and many wounded due to Russian warplanes raids in Kafr Naha in Aleppo.”

Al Jazeera, Syria Press and Syria News Dersk also put the death toll at five, while Halab News listed five unidentified civilians as killed. All of these sources blamed Russia.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between October 1st – 19th 2016.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1478 CS343a

Incident date

October 18, 2016

Location

Al Basira town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.15618, 40.42716 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that between one and two civilians died and up to five more were wounded in an airstrike on Al Basira bridge in Al Basira town. The majority of sources blamed the US-led Coalition for the strike, though there was also an allegation against Russia and Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime without mentioning casualties. A number of other reports didn’t identify the culprit.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “three missiles targeted al-Basira bridge, which is considered a main bridge to carry the oil towards the eastern countryside”.

@soundandpic, @RevolutoinSyria Furat.alwehda and Qasioun blamed the Coalition for the bombing. They made no mention of civilian harm, though Qasioun said that the bridge was now “completely out of service”.

However, 7al, also pointing to the Coalition, reported an unspecified number of civilian casualties. It said that “the International Coalition aircraft targeted Al-Basira Bridge yesterday evening [Oct 18th], which resulted in it being put out of service. Additionally, houses close by were damaged and there were civilian casualties.”

But Al Jazeera attributed the strike to Russia, reporting that “10 people were killed and dozens injured today [Oct 18th] following Russian raids on the town of Al-Basira and the villages of Al-Sabha and Abreha in Deir Al-Zour countryside in eastern Syria. The Russian raids also targeted a vital bridge in the city of Tire and another in Basra, resulting in their destruction and departure from service.”

@RadioAlkul said that two civilians had died in the attack with five more wounded – though it didn’t apportion blame.

In their June 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hussam Jassem al Kandah
Age unknown named by Euphrates Post killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Crater in the road in Al Basira town following a missile strike, Oct 18th (via SN4HR)
  • The Journalist Mayssar al Hadidi reports alleged Russian strikes on al Basira. 18th October 2016
  • Syrian Revolution reports more than ten alleged Russian strikes causing a massacre in al Basira. Coalition planes also reportedly targeted the bridge at al Basira. 18th October 2016
  • Sound and Picture reports coalition strikes destroying the bridge linking al Basira to al Mayadeen. 18th October 2018
  • SN4HR reports 'government warplanes' targeting and destroying the bridge at al Basira. 18th October 2018
  • Radio Al Kul puts the toll at 2 dead and 5 injured following air raids on the area of Bariha near al Basira. 18th October 2018
  • al Jisr TV reports casualties in warplane raids on the villages of Jadid A'keidat and al Basira. 18th October 2018
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between October 1st – 19th 2016.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU299912
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 24, 2020
  • Oct. 18, 2016, in Al Basira, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3070/CS343a 37SFU299912

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 17th-18th, the Coalition reported: "Near Abu Kamal, three strikes destroyed six oil well heads, two oil tanker trucks, and an oil pump jack."

For October 18th-19th: "Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed two oil tanker trucks and an oil pump jack." And: " Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed eight oil tanker trailers and an oil well head."

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1510

Incident date

October 28, 2016

Location

Abeen Sama'an, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.0925448, 36.7577219 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One child died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russia or Syrian  regime strike on Abeen Sama’an, according to sources on the ground.

According to the Shaam News Network,”in the evening [of Oct 28th] Russian and Assad enemy planes launched air strikes targeting Aleppo neighborhoods, cities and towns in the western and northern countryside, resulting in the fall of one martyr, a child, and a number of wounded in the town of Abeen Sama’an”.

Al Jazeera, Syriansnews and the Smart News Agency attributed the child’s death to solely Russia.

However, a number of sources didn’t apportion blame.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

On 20th October 2016, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported on the decisions made aimed towards stabilising the situation in Aleppo.

""Today, strikes by the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Syrian Air Force are finished at 10:00 (MSK) in the area of Aleppo. Early termination of the airstrikes is essential for holding a “humanitarian pause” on October 20, 2016”, said General of the Army Sergei Shoigu. According to him, it will allow to guarantee security of civilians leaving the city through 6 humanitarian corridors and to prepare casualty and medical evacuation from the eastern part of Aleppo.
“We apply to the leadership of countries influencing on armed formations active in the eastern part of Aleppo with a proposal to convince their leaders to stop warfare and leave the city,” stated the Minister of Defence.
According to General of the Army Sergei Shoigu, by the start of the “humanitarian pause” the Syrian troops will have been withdrawn to the distance safe for insurgents to leave the city with weapons through two special corridors: one – along the Kastello road, second – in the area of Suk al-Hai market."

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1768

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Location

مدينة ادلب, Idlib city, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.937027, 36.635566 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eight named civilians – including six children – died in alleged Russian and regime raids on Idlib, according to sources on the ground.

Smart News Agency reported: “Two civilians were also killed and others were wounded by the bombing of the warplanes on Al-Arbaeen Street and Maarat Al Nisrin roundabout in the city of Idlib, according to two activists.”

Misrennabd added that there had been “four martyrs and 20 wounded as a result of four raids by the Russian air force that targeted different neighborhoods of Idlib”.

Halab News named eight civilians from two families, killed “following raids by the Russian and Assad enemies on the city of Idlib”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Adult male killed
Child killed
Child female killed
Child male killed
Child killed

Family members (3)

Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (6 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–20
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Al-Arbaeen street and Maarat Al Nisrin roundabout being struck. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for the roundabout are 35.937027, 36.635566.

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any specific strikes between December 1st – 31st 2016.

On 6 January 2017, Russia, however, reported: “Since November 8, 2016, the aircraft carrier group of the Northern Fleet consisting of the heavy aircraft carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov, the heavy nuclear missile cruiser Pyotr Velikiy, the large ASW ship Severomorsk, as well as auxiliary vessels of the Black Sea Fleet, has been fulfilling counterterrorist missions on the territory of Syria”, adding that ”in the course of two months of their participation in the combat actions, naval aviation pilots have carried out 420 combat sorties, 117 of them were night ones.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (6 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–20
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]