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 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1617

LOCATION

بلدة عرادة, Arada Town, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

As many as seven civilians from one family were killed and more than 13 others injured in an airstrike on the village of Arada in Aleppo, according to local media – though sources remain unclear as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. The source Aksalsear News, reported that the family died as a

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(4–5 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
13
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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1633

LOCATION

حي طريق الباب , Tareeq al Bab neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and ten civilians including a woman and up to three children died and as many as 17 others were wounded in alleged Russian or regime air or artillery strikes on Aleppo’s Tareeq al Bab neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground. The Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to Russia, putting the death toll

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
August 12, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 10
(2–3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
17
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1632

LOCATION

كفر ناها , Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Halab News named one victim, Yunus Ali Abd al Rahman (also named by Hamza AlYousuf) as killed in a Russian strike on Kafr Naha, Aleppo. However, Halab News was the only outlet that directly accused Russia of carrying out raids; other sources didn’t apportion blame.

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1631

LOCATION

حي السكري , Sukkari neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and four civilians died in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Sukkari neighbourhood, according to local media. Sky News blamed the regime. Halab News listed four unidentified civilians as killed by a Russian raid. A number of other sources said two civilians died.

Summary

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

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1630

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب , Bab al Nairab neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died in an alleged Russian or regime air or artillery strikes on Aleppo’s Bab Al Nairab neighbourhood, according to local media. Sources said that both al electricity station and a civil defense center had been struck – though didn’t mention any civilian harm in these particular strikes. According to the Syrian Network for Human

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1629

LOCATION

حي كرم الطراب , Karam al Tarab neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

On Friday, November 18, 2016, local media reported that two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian bombing of the Karam al Tarab neighbourhood in Aleppo, northwestern Syria. Syriansnews reported that various neighborhoods in Aleppo, including Karam al Tarab, had been hit with artillery bombings and airstrikes on the day of the incident. Halab News

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
June 27, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1628

LOCATION

حي جسر الحج , Jisr al Haj neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Halab News listed two unidentified civilians as killed in a Russian strike in Jisr al Haj neighbourhood, Aleppo. @ShahbaPress and @Syrianewstime also tweeted that two civilians were killed by Russian warplanes. However, @rola1katib, @RfsNorth, @alepponow1 all reported that helicopters had dropped barrel bombs on the neighbourhood, meaning that regime involvement can’t be ruled out.  

Summary

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

Incident Code

RS1627

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

As many as ten civilians were killed – and dozens more were wounded – in alleged air and artillery strikes which struck Salheen, Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Many sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes for the raids. However, one local

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(0–1 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS1626

LOCATION

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

One civilian was killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike which struck Al-Bayan Surgical Hospital in Al-Sha’ar neighborhood, Aleppo, according to local media. Some sources have attributed blame to the Syrian regime for the alleged airstrikes, and others have blamed Russian warplanes. At least one elderly man was reported wounded, however, others sources

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1612

LOCATION

الصالحين, Al Salheen, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and four civilians died, and two children were wounded, in airstrikes on Al Saheen, Aleppo – though it was unclear whether the Syrian regime or Russian forces were responsible for the event. Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime, tweeting that two children were wounded “as a result of the bombing of

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
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
January 18, 2022
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

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1610

LOCATION

ضهرة عواد, Dahat Awad, Aleppo, Syria

Two unidentified civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Dahat Awad, Aleppo, according to Halab News’ list of martyrs in Aleppo. The entry stated: “unidentified [killed], following Russian enemy raids on Dahra Awad neighbourhood, civilians” An RFS North tweet reported that there were “intensive airstrikes targeting Dhahra Awad”, however it does not mention civilian casualties.

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1609

LOCATION

الشيخ فارس, Al Sheikh Fares neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians have died in an airstrike on the Al Sheikh Fares neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local media – with all three sources blaming Russian warplanes. Photojournalist Zein Al Raifi said that two civilians died in Al Sheikh Fares, but did not apportion any blame. Both Halab News and Shahba Press corroborated this claim

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1608

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardos neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and seven civilians were killed and up to 15 more wounded in airstrikes on Al Fardos, Aleppo, according to local media. It remains unclear who was responsible for the raid, with conflicting reports. Some said that Russian warplanes struck the area, whilst others suggested the regime was responsible. Syria News Desk pointed to

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
Civilians reported injured
12–15
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

RS1607

LOCATION

بستان الباشا, Bustan al Basha neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and five civilians were killed in an air raid on the district of Bustan al Basha, Aleppo, according to local media. While the majority of sources attributed the event to Russia, there were also reports that the regime had been active over the neighbourhood on this day. Syria News Desk reported that “at

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
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

RS1616

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Likely four, but up to 13 civilians were killed in airstrikes on Saqba, Eastern Ghouta, according to local media. It remains unclear who was responsible for the raid, with conflicting reports. Some sources claimed that Russian warplanes were responsible, others attributed responsibility to the regime and some could not positively identify warplanes. Most sources put

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 13
(2–1 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1606

LOCATION

قبتان الجبل, Qabtan Al Jabal, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians, potentially from one family, died in an airstrike on the neighbourhood of Qabtan Al Jabal, Western Aleppo, according to multiple sources. All of the sources attributed responsibility to Russian warplanes. Local news site, Syria News, put the death toll at one, reporting: “a civilian was killed and six others were wounded by

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
Civilians reported injured
5–6
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1615

LOCATION

كفربطنا, Kafr Batna, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

A number of civilians were killed and wounded in an airstrike on Kafr Batna, Eastern Ghouta, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to which belligerent was responsible for the event. Similar to most other sources reporting on this event, @kafrbatna2011 did not identify the warplanes responsible, they did however report that

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 13
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

RS1605

LOCATION

حي بأب النيرب , Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in a airstrike in Bab al Nayrab, Aleppo, according to local media. It is unclear who was responsible for the attack, with multiple sources citing both Russian and Syrian planes. Three local media sites said that one civilian died in the attack. Halab News says one “unidentified” civilian died “following Russian

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1604

LOCATION

المعادي, Al Ma'adi, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians including one child and one woman were reported killed in airstrikes on the al Ma’adi neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to multiple sources. Whilst most sources reported that Russia were responsible for the raid, some have attributed responsibility to the regime. The attack on al Ma’adi was part of a wider raid

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(1 child1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1614

LOCATION

بيت سوا, Beit Sawa, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed in an airstrike on Beit Sawa, Eastern Ghouta, according to multiple sources. It remains unclear who was responsible for the raid, with conflicting reports. Some claimed the regime were responsible, others that Russian warplanes struck the area, and some could not positively attribute responsibility. One man killed was named

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1613

LOCATION

المواصلات, Al Mowasalat, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were killed in air or possibly artillery strikes on Al Mowasalat, Aleppo, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Shahba Press reported that two people died and there was “injury of other civilians following Russian raids on the besieged Aleppo.” This death toll was

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

RS1602

LOCATION

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

Eight or nine civilians died and up to dozens more were injured in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Ard Al Hamra, Aleppo, according to multiple local sources. While some sources blamed Russia, others accused the regime of dropping barrels of chlorine gas from helicopters. Ara News put the death toll at nine

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
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

RS1598

LOCATION

كفر جالس, Kafr Jalis, Idlib, Syria

Up to eleven civilians died, including women and children, and more than ten were injured in Kafr Jalis following alleged Russian or regime shelling, according to various local sources. Most sources suspected six civilians killed, however, Syrian News Desk reported seven killed including more than ten injuries. Sky News put the toll at much high,

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 10, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 11
(3 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1600

LOCATION

بلدة العيس, Al Eis, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died in a suspected Russian airstrike on Al Eis town in Aleppo, according to one source. The civilian was named in a list of victims by Halab News Network. There is currently no further information.

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1599

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Five possible civilians reportedly died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Urma Al Kubra, Aleppo. The Syrian News Desk said 15 others were wounded and blamed Russia. @Assad_wolverine tweeted, “a military officer of the Army of Mujahideen Free Army was killed in an airstrike on his car”- the source did not identify

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 5
(1 man)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1603

LOCATION

حي الانصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including women and children died in air or artillery strikes on Al Ansari, Aleppo, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Alsharq and the Smart News Agency put the death toll at one, but all other sources said three people died. Baladi and @heba_alhomsy222 both blamed Russia.  Sdusyria

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1597

LOCATION

السميرية, Al Samiriya, Aleppo, Syria

Two children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village Al Samiriya, Aleppo, according to local sources. @Syriamubasher1 reported one child died, whilst @ShahbaPress reported the death of one child and the injury of two other children from one family. Both sources blamed Russia.  @RasdAgency reported two children killed and two more injured. SCDAleppo

Summary

First published
November 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1595

LOCATION

حي الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One to two civilians died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime air or artillery strike on the Al Ansari neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to multiple local media outlets. Horrya News reported one civilian killed, as did the sources, Syrian News Desk and @ahdath. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll

Summary

First published
November 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1594

LOCATION

الشعار, Al Shia'ar , Aleppo, Syria

Up to twelve civilians died following alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on the Al Shia’ar neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to local media. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, cited in Welat-press, “helicopters of the Syrian regime targeted the [neighbourhood with] explosive barrels on Wednesday morning, resulting in a number of wounded”. The majority of

Summary

First published
November 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 12
(5 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–30
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