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 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS417

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported that “warplanes believed to be Russian” bombed areas in Al Bab city in the northern countryside of Aleppo. The Observatory said the alleged attack resulted in injuries and casualties, including women and children, but did not provide numbers. However, Halab Today TV and North Media Institute said

Summary

First published
January 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

January 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS414

LOCATION

معردبسة, Ma’ardabssa, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed and several other civilians injured following an alleged Russian raid on the town of Ma’ardabssa, according to the Shaam News Network. Fresh Syria reported that “a woman was killed  in the village of Ma’ardebsah Idlib, a result of the Russian aviation targeting the village on Sunday afternoon with three air raids. The raids

Summary

First published
January 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS415

LOCATION

دير جمال, Dayr al Jamil, Aleppo, Syria

One child died in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Dayr Jamal, according to local sources. One female child,died when “suspected  Russian warplanes” fired missiles on the town of Dayr Jamal on January 17th, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. A third source, Shahed-ayan, also named her as killed as a result of Russian strikes.  

Summary

First published
January 17, 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

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS412

LOCATION

فيلون, Fayloun, Idlib, Syria

12 civilians from the same family including three women and nine children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Fayloun, according to local sources. Activists told the Shaam News Network that nine people from the “Saiid family” were killed following Russian raids. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that 11 individuals from the same family 11 (eight children

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12
(9 children3 women)
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
12 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS413

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Five to 13 civilians including six children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Manbij, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that at least three non-combatants were killed, including two children, when suspected Russian warplanes shelled Manbij on January 16th. But the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights – also blaming

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 13
(6 children1 woman2 men)
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
10 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS410

LOCATION

بغيلية, Al Baghiliya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

15 civilians including one woman and nine children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Baghiliya, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network blamed Russia for the strikes, reporting: “Activists have denied the news published by Assad’s media that IS had committed a massacre against civilians in Al Baghiliya district.  The regime said

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
(9 children1 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
16 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS411

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

33 to 42 civilians including five to eight children were killed – and 35 others injured – in airstrikes on Ar Raqqah, according to multiple sources. All sources allege that Russia carried out the attacks, except for the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights who do not say who was responsible.  The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes carried out

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
33 – 42
(5–8 children)
Civilians reported injured
35
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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS407

LOCATION

تادف, Tadif, Aleppo, Syria

Alaan TV reported that dozens of Russian airstrikes effected villages in Aleppo, including Tadeef. Halab News said that two non-combatants were killed in Tadeef as part of a “heavy aerial bombardment by warplanes”, but did not identify the planes.

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS408

LOCATION

تل مكسور, Tall Maksour, Aleppo, Syria

Alaan TV said that five civilians died and seven others were injured – some critically – in an alleged Russian strike. Halab TV put the death toll higher – at 15 – but did not say whose warplanes were responsible for the incident. According to LCCSY, 15 civilians died in strikes on Tal Maksour and

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 15
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS409

LOCATION

برلهين, Berlheen, Aleppo, Syria

According to Alaan TV, Russian raids killed eight civilians in Berlheen. Halab News put the death toll higher, at 13, but did not identify the warplanes responsible. LCCSY reported that 15 civilians died in strikes on Tal Maksour and Berlheen, but they did not say who was to blame. Aleppo journalist Khaledaboalmjed said that 28

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 13
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS405

LOCATION

ام شقيف, Um Shkeef, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrikes on the the village of Um Shkeef, according to two local sources. Alaan TV reported that dozens died and were wounded by alleged Russian strikes in east Aleppo, including three civilians in Um Shkeef, located on the road from Al Bab to Manbij. Halab News also put

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS406

LOCATION

قصر البريج, Qasr al Burayj, Aleppo, Syria

Alaan TV reported Russian raids on Qasr el Bureji, but did not provide information on casualties. According to Halab News, eight civilians died in a bombardment by warplanes, though they did not identify the planes. Step also put the death toll at eight, though it was unclear from their report whether Russia or the regime

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS404

LOCATION

عين ترما, A'ayn Turma, Damascus, Syria

Three to four civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes and/or shelling by the Assad regime, according to local sources. However, reports need further verification as half of them speak of Russian followed by regime shelling while the other half only mention regime shelling. Orient News published a video showing the aftermath of a alleged Russian

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(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

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS402

LOCATION

تمورة, Tamoura, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tamoura, according to  the Shaam News Network. SNN reported that 10 civilians were killed in airstrikes on the cities and towns of the northern countryside of Aleppo since Saturday morning: four in Ma’arsta al-Khan, two in Hayyan, two in Tel Rifa’at and two in Tamoura, in addition to dozens wounded. Halab Today TV

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 men)
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS403

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Seven civilians were killed and 25 others injured when cluster bombs were allegedly fired on Douma, according to the White Helmets and the Shaam News Network. The White Helmets did not say who was responsible for the attack, but reported that “the number of martyrs today in Douma has risen to 4 following the bombing with

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child4 men)
Civilians reported injured
25
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS400

LOCATION

تل رفعت, Tall Rif`at, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tel Rifa’at, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN reported that 10 civilians were killed in airstrikes on the cities and towns of the northern countryside of Aleppo since Saturday morning: four in Ma’arsta al-Khan, two in Hayyan, two in Tel Rifa’at and two in Tamoura, in addition to dozens wounded. According to a Tweet

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS401

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between four and 10 non-combatants including one woman and two to three children were killed, and more than 20 injured, in an airstrike on the Al Sukkari neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local sources. The White Helmets reported that seven civilians (including one woman and two children) died when the raid targeted a children’s clinic. They did

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 10
(2–3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS398

LOCATION

معرسة الخان, Ma’arasta al Khan, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Ma’arasta al Khan, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN said that 10 civilians were killed in airstrikes on the cities and towns of the northern countryside of Aleppo since Saturday morning: four in Ma’arsta al-Khan, two in Hayyan, two in Tal Rifaat and two in Tamoura, in addition to dozens wounded. The Syrian Observatory for

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS399

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayyan, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN said that 10 civilians were killed in airstrikes on the cities and towns of the northern countryside of Aleppo since Saturday morning: four in Ma’arsta al-Khan, two in Hayyan, two in Tal Rifaat and two in Tamoura, in addition to dozens wounded.

Summary

First published
January 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS396

LOCATION

الطعوس, Al Tao'ous, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 10 civilians died and dozens more were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Al Tao’ous near Dayr Hafer, according to local sources – though one source points to possible involvement by the Assad regime. Syrian Press Center reported that nine civilians died and dozens more were injured in Russian strikes.

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 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

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS397

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian strike in Palmyra when the car he was driving was hit. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that warplanes “believed to be Russian” carried out several intense raids which targeted areas in “al-Qaryatayn city in the southeastern countryside of Homs and other areas in the

Summary

First published
January 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

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS393

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

Five civilians including two woman and a child were alleged killed in a Russian airstrike on Zamalka, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. However Step News and others said the town also came under attack from heavy artillery fire.  

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child2 women2 men)
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS394

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

One to two civilians including one child were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Manbij, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that one person died and others were injured in an attack by warplanes believed to be Russian. Two victims were named by the Violations Documentation Center as having died “due to Russian

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS395

LOCATION

دير حافر‎, Dayr Hafir, Aleppo, Syria

Two to three civilians including one child were killed and seven others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Dayr Hafer, according to local sources. Other sources also said Russia was responsible for the death of two young men.

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS392

LOCATION

ماير, Mayer, Aleppo, Syria

One to two civilians were allegedly killed and several others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Mayer, according to local sources. In a news roundup, Shaam News said two non-combatants died in a raid by Russian warplanes, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a person was killed when warplanes believed to be Russian bombed areas in

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS391

LOCATION

دير العصافير, Dayr al Asafeer, Damascus, Syria

Eight to nine civilians including one to two women and two children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Dayr al Asafeer, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the White Helmets. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that eight non-combatants including one woman and two children were killed and others injured when “warplanes believed

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(2 children1–2 women5 men)
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
8 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS390

LOCATION

دير سنبل, Deir Sunbul, Hama, Syria

Four civilians including a father and his two sons were killed in an airstrike on Deir Sunbul, in what the VDC said was a Russian action. According to Syria News, “a source said it was the first time that Russian planes targeted the village, which led to a state of fear and terror among the

Summary

First published
January 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–6
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS389

LOCATION

الزبدية, Zibdiyah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

A children’s nursery was reportedly struck in a Russian airstrike at Zibdiyah – just a day after a similar incident in Damascus governorate. According to Al Jisr, “Russian airforce aggression also targeted a nursery in the Zibdiyah quarter of Aleppo which led to the deaths of 3 children.” Aleppo White Helmets said 20 children were

Summary

First published
January 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS387

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A woman and her two daughters died when “suspected Russian warplanes” launched missiles in Al Mayadeen, according to multiple sources.

Summary

First published
January 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 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
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS388

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

An early morning airstrike killed four civilians including two women, with most sources blaming Russia. However the Damascus Centre said the regime was responsible.  

Summary

First published
January 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(0–2 children2 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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident