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

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1660

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Two girls were killed and dozens of other civilians were wounded in shelling and airstrikes which struck the residential neighbourhood of Douma, local media said. According to Smart News, some members of the regimes forces were also killed in the airstrikes.  Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the alleged raid, with

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1653

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and nine civilians – including one woman – were killed, and as many as 24 were wounded when barrel bombs were reportedly dropped on a six story building in Sukkari neighbourhood, Aleppo. Sources were conflicted regarding who was to blame. Some sources attributed the blame to Syrian regime “helicopters”, while others blamed Russian

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 9
(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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1659

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

As many as five civilians were reportedly killed – including up to three children – in alleged artillery and airstrikes “from the surrounding mountains” which struck Harasta. Both women and children were reportedly among the “dozens wounded” in the raid. Some sources such as LCCSY have blamed Russian warplanes the for alleged bombing, however other

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(2–3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1658

LOCATION

ابو الظهور, Abu Al Zuhur, Idlib, Syria

Four civilians were killed – including one child – and several others injured in airstrikes which struck a market place in Abu Al Zuhur – though sources were conflicted as to who was responsible, with some reports blaming Russian warplanes and others blaming the Syrian regime for the raid. Sdu Syria reported that rocket propelled

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
January 10, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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
4 named
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1647

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that up to seven civilians, including up to two children, were killed and several were injured by alleged Russian airstrikes targeting a battery factory in Idlib. Several sources reported how warplanes struck a battery factory in Idlib, causing its complete destruction. Between one and seven civilians were reportedly killed, two of them identified

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
(1–2 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1646

LOCATION

ارض الحمرا, Ard Al Hamra, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians, including a child and a woman, were reportedly killed and several more were left wounded following two airstrikes targeting Ard al-Hamra, Aleppo, local sources reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. The Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to the Syrian regime as the culprit while

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1645

LOCATION

كرم الجبل, Karm al-Jabal, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that between one and two civilians were killed and that several more were left injured following alleged Russian airstrikes targeting the neighbourhood of Karm al-Jabal in Aleppo. All of the sources, who identified a culprit, pointed to Russian warplanes. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1644

LOCATION

جبل بدرو, Jabal Badro, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians from the same family, including a woman, were killed by airstrikes targeting the neighbourhood of Jabal Badro, Aleppo, local media reported. Most sources pointed to Russia as the culprit, while SPM Syria and several other sources said that helicopters had dropped explosive barrels, meaning the regime could have been responsible. Several sources identified one of

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 10
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1643

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

On November 20, 2016, up to 16 civilians, including a family of six with four children, were reportedly killed by aerial shelling containing chlorine gas in the al-Sakhour neighborhood of Aleppo. Local sources differ on whether the strike can be attributed to Russia or the Syrian regime. SMART News Agency reported six civilians were killed

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
June 27, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 15
(4 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–30
Cause of injury / death
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN)
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

January 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS1642

LOCATION

الشعار, Al Shia'ar, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and 12 civilians, including children, were died in alleged Russian airstrikes in the al-Sha’ar neighbourhood of Aleppo, local media reported. Up to 60 civilians were left wounded. Several sources reported that a family – a father and his children – was among the victims. One source showed a video of a woman mourning

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 12
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
24–60
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1652

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

In a single source claim, five civilians were killed – including three brothers under the age of 18 and their mother, and a man – in an alleged Russian airstrike on Douma. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1651

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

In a single source claim, three named adult males were killed due to Russian shelling on Saqba. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1650

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian was killed – another source reported “martyrs” suggesting multiple – and between one and two were wounded following alleged air and artillery strikes on Arbeen. Sources are conflicted regrading who was to blame. Two sources blamed Syrian regime warplanes for the raids, and only one blamed Russia. Other sources remained impartial.

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1649

LOCATION

النشابية, Al Nashabia, Damascus, Syria

Between one and five children were killed and up to 20 were wounded – including 15 students and four teachers – following an artillery bombardment and airstrikes which struck Al Nashabiya School in Damascus, also named by another source as “Al Karma” Primary, according to local media. Most sources have either not attributed any blame

Summary

First published
November 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1–5 children)
Civilians reported injured
15–20
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

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
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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

November 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1637

LOCATION

الصاخور, al-Sakhour, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that several civilians were killed and injured following Russia or Assad regime airstrikes targeting the city of al-Sakhour, Aleppo. Sources did not provide detailed information about the victims, and most sources merely referred to ‘several’ or ‘numbers’ of killed and wounded. However, several reports mentioned that the city had been struck by

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1636

LOCATION

قاضي عسكر, Qadi Askar, Aleppo, Syria

Up to eight civilians, including two children and two women, were reportedly killed and more than 20 were wounded due to alleged Russian or joint Russian-Syrian regime shelling of Qadi Askar, Aleppo, local sources reported. Most sources reported that eight civilians were killed by the airstrikes, while just one, the Syrian Network for Human Rights,

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1635

LOCATION

حي الانصاري, Al-Ansari, Aleppo, Syria

Airstrikes targeting Aleppo’s Al Ansari neighbourhood reportedly killed between five and seven civilians and wounded up to dozens, reported local media – though sources disagreed as to whether the strikes were carried out by Russia or the Syrian regime. None of the victims were identified by name, but most sources reported that the death toll

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1641

LOCATION

مرج الزهور, Marj Al Zuhur, Idlib, Idlib, Syria

Airstrikes, targeting the village of Marj al-Zuhour in the countryside of Idlib, killed up to nine civilians, reportedly from the same family, including one woman and three children, and injured up to another 24. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Most sources put the death

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1640

LOCATION

باب الحديد, Bab Al Hadeed, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians were reportedly killed in an air or artillery strike on the Bab al-Hadid neighbourhood, Aleppo, according to a single source. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported: “at least four victims died due to suspected Russian warplanes missiles fired on Bab Al Hadeed neighborhood in Aleppo city, November 19, 2016.” There were few

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1639

LOCATION

الهللك, Huluk, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that Syrian or Russian airstrikes and artillery killed up to four civilians and injured several more in the al-Huluk neighbourhood, Aleppo. Sources reported that al-Huluk was among the many neighbourhoods in Aleppo which was subject to air raids and artillery shelling that day. The shelling reportedly killed between three and four civilians. While

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1638

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians, including two children and one woman, were killed and as many as 15 more were injured following airstrikes targeting al-Fardous, Aleppo, local sources reported.  The sources were, however, not clear as to whether the Syrian regime or Russia were to blame for the strikes. Sources reported that between two and four

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1622

LOCATION

جمعية الهادي, Jami'yat Al Hadi, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians, a child and an elderly woman, were reportedly killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jami’yat Al Hadi, Aleppo, according to local media. All of the known sources which attributed the event to a belligerent, reported that Russian warplanes were responsible. Shahba Press reported that the event was Russian air raids, whilst Step News

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1625

LOCATION

حي الصاخور, Al Sakhour, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Four to six civilians were killed, and up to 24 were wounded in alleged air and artillery strikes on Al Sakhour, Aleppo. Some sources attributed blame to Russian warplanes, while others blamed the Syrian regime. However, one source blamed both belligerents for this airstrike. There was confusion among sources as to the type of bomb used

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1621

LOCATION

بلدة حيان, Hayyan town, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed in an airstrike on Hayyan Town, Aleppo – though it is unclear whether the Assad regime or Russia were responsible, with conflicting reports. Civil Defense Personnel named one of the civilians who was killed as Fuad Mohammed Hayek. Some sources, such as Emaratalyoum News reported that it was Assad’s regime

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1620

LOCATION

بلدة حريتان, Hraytan town, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 10 civilians were killed and “dozens” injured in an airstrike on Hraytan, Aleppo, according to a report by the Step News Agency. Step said: “More than ten killed and dozens injured – most of them women and children – and survivors were pulled out from under the rubble following Russian raids on the

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1624

LOCATION

مساكن هنانو, Masaken Hanano, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

As many as six civilians – including women and children – suffocated to death, and up to 19 were injured, when an explosive barrel containing poisonous chloride gas struck the residential neighbourhood named Masaken Hanano, Aleppo, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the alleged chloride attack. Some sources

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
Civilians reported injured
2–19
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 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1619

LOCATION

ياقد العدس, Yaqid Al Adas Village, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between 10 and 30 civilians were reported killed and dozens wounded in a raid of concussion rockets on Yaqid Al Adas, Aleppo, according to multiple sources – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Khalid al-Qasim, a field activist in Northern Aleppo, told Ara News that the death toll was

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 30
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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1618

LOCATION

كفر ناصح, Kafr Nasseh, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed and between five and ten wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Nasseh, Aleppo. Syria News Desk reported that “a civilian was killed and five others wounded by Russian aviation raids targeting the town of Kafr Nasseh with cluster bombs.” Whilst the source Aleppo AMC also reported that

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1634

LOCATION

دوما , Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Up to 20 civilians including four children died and dozens more were wounded in air or and artillery strikes on Douma, local media reported. The majority of sources blamed Russia, though Syriansnews said that “Russia and Assad” had launched multiple strikes on Damascus, including Douma, on this day. Syrian Reporter said: “Our correspondent in al-Ghouta

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
August 12, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 20
(4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident