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 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1566

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Anadan, Aleppo. There are no reports on any injured civilians. All four sources blamed Russian warplanes for the event. However, a single source claimed that the victim was killed on the 9th of November 2016, whereas the others report he was killed on

Summary

First published
November 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

November 11, 2016

Incident Code

R1564

LOCATION

مخيم الجميلية, Al Jamilia camp, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed and two others were injured by an alleged bombardment by either an unidentified warplane or an unmanned drone, in a targeted attack on a camp for displaced peoples in Idlib. Sources have not identified the warplane as Russian, however, due to alleged Russian activity in the vicinity at this time, Airwars

Summary

First published
November 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1562

LOCATION

نصيب, Nasib, Daraa, Syria

An entire displaced family of 10 civilians were killed and dozens more wounded when three airstrikes struck temporary homes on the Nasib boarder crossing in the village of Darcaa, sources on the ground reported. Reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. According to sources, including one

Summary

First published
November 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(3–6 children3–6 women1 man)
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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1561

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed and many others wounded in an airstrike which struck Darat Izza at approximately 6.00pm, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the raids, with some apportioning blame to Russian warplanes and others to the Syrian regime. One source reported the use of phosphorous bombs during

Summary

First published
November 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1560

LOCATION

رسم العيس, Rasim al Eis, Aleppo, Syria

One unidentified woman was killed and dozens more civilians wounded in an airstrike on Rasim al Eis, according to sources on the ground. Most sources reported that Russian warplanes were responsible, however, Sky News was alone in blaming Syrian regime warplanes for the airstrike. One source suggested that only two people were injured in the airstrike,

Summary

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

Incident date

November 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1559

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike on Al Atarib – however sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or Syrian regime warplanes were responsible. Additionally, some sources did not attribute blame at all. One source reported that phosphorous bombs and missiles were used. @HalabNewsN even specified the use of C5 missiles. However, @Thiqanewsagency argued that warplanes

Summary

First published
November 10, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1558

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Three civilians – a girl and two women – died and several more were wounded, following an air or artillery strike on Saqba – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. Syrian Press Center reported that surface rockets were used in the attack, with other sources reporting

Summary

First published
November 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1557

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Between four and nine civilians were killed, including up to four children and two women, and dozens more were injured in alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Douma, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the airstrikes, with some attributing the blame to Russia, others to the Syrian regime,

Summary

First published
November 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 9
(3–4 children1–2 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1552

LOCATION

بشنطرة, Bashantra, Aleppo, Syria

At least three civilians were killed and up to nine others injured in airstrikes that struck the town of Bashantra in Aleppo. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible – some blaming Russia and others blaming the Syrian regime.  According to most sources, missiles carrying cluster bombs were used. Vedeng News specified that four raids

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2–9
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 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1551

LOCATION

الزربة, Az Zarbah, Aleppo, Syria

At least two civilians, including one child and one woman, died in airstrikes on Az Zarbah town in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. There were no reports of injured civilians. According to Syrian Network for Human Rights, the airstrikes were launched from Russian warplanes. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 9, 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1550

LOCATION

الجانودية, Al Janoudia, Idlib, Syria

Between one to three civilians were killed and at least three others were injured in airstrikes launched against the town of Al Janoudia in western Jisr Al Shoughour. According to local sources, including Step News Agency and @SMARTNewsAgency, Russian warplanes were responsible for the series of airstrikes on the town. An image of the alleged

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1549

LOCATION

مشمشان, Mashmashan, Idlib, Syria

Ten named civilians, including five children and two women, were killed in addition to “dozens” of injuries which included a child, in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes that struck a residential area of Mashmashan village in Jabal al-Wasatani. The initial death toll was as high as eight civilians, however, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 10
(5 children2 women)
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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1556

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى , Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

At least two civilians were killed, and several more wounded, in alleged Russian airstrikes which struck Urma al Kubra, Aleppo. Most sources attributed the blame to Russian warplanes, others did not identify who was responsible.  The majority of sources said that cluster bombs were used during the raid, with @shahed_alep reporting the sighting of rocket propelled

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1555

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and 14 civilians died and  others were injured in airstrikes on the town of Hraytan in Aleppo. While the majority of local sources attributed the airstrikes to Syrian regime forces, the Local Coordination Committees in Syria identified both Russian and the Syrian regime warplanes as launching airstrikes in Aleppo. According to LCCSY, 14

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1554

LOCATION

منطقة شاميكو, Shamico area, Aleppo, Syria

At least three civilians, including a mother, her child and a young man, were killed and several more were wounded in airstrikes launched against the Shamico area in west Aleppo. The majority of sources did not identify who was responsible for the airstrike. However, Halab News blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes and Vedeng News

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1553

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kaf Naha, Aleppo, Syria

At least three civilians, including a woman and child, were killed and others were injured in airstrikes launched against the town of Kafr Naha, Aleppo. According to the majority of local sources, Russia was to blame. However, a single source, the Smart News Agency, attributed blame to Syrian regime planes. According to @HalabNewsN, the missiles launched

Summary

First published
November 9, 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1547

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Seven named civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded, including a child, by alleged Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes on Douma City in Eastern Ghouta. According to sources the city was one of many subjected to “heavy artillery shelling” and “aerial bombardment” that week. @syriahadath, specified the use of cluster bombs. One of those killed

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1546

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed by cluster and phosphorus bombs that struck the western edges of the city of Idlib, according to local media. Some outlets including Smart News published a statement saying that there were no official injuries, but the majority of sources reported at least one casualty. Both cluster bombs and phosphorus are internationally

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
0–12
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 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1545

LOCATION

معربو, Ma'arbo, Idlib, Syria

In a major civilian casualty incident, between ten and 18 civilians were killed, including 13 children, and up to 40 more people were injured by air and/or artillery strikes targeting the town of Ma’arbo in the southern countryside of Idlib, according to local media. Activist Ayman al-Hussein told ARA News that “at least ten civilians

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 18
(13 children)
Civilians reported injured
7–40
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 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1544

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Between nine and 11 civilians were killed, including between six to eight children and two pregnant women, and seven other civilians were injured, including three children and a woman, in airstrikes launched against the residential neighbourhood Khan Sheikhoun. Three of the named children were brothers from one family that, according to sources, had come to

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
December 20, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(6–9 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
11 named, 2 families identified
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1542

LOCATION

حزرما, Hazrama, Damascus, Syria

At least two children were killed and others were wounded in multiple airstrikes launched against the town of Hazrama in Eastern Ghouta, according to local media. A graphic image of two dead children in body bags was published by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Reports were conflicted over who was responsible for the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1548

LOCATION

عربين, Arbin, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and others were injured in airstrikes launched against the town of Arbin in Eastern Ghouta – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The series of three airstrikes launched against the residential areas were part of an escalated attack

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1543

LOCATION

معرة مصرين , Maarat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

One woman died and several other civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Maarat Misrin, according to sources on the ground – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Most sources attributed the civilian harm to Russia. However, Zamanalwasl was one of several sources that pointed to the regime, reporting that “in

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
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
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS1541

LOCATION

قرية السلوم , Al Sallloum, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed, including three children and a woman, and others were wounded in airstrikes that struck Al Salloum village in Aleppo, sources on the ground said. While the Violations Documentation Center and Halab News identified the names of an adult female and male that were killed in the airstrikes, @eldorar1

Summary

First published
November 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(0–3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1536

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and 11 civilians were killed, including three women and five children, and 15 were wounded in airstrikes against Darat Izza city in western Aleppo. The civilians killed were all reportedly members of the same family and included a couple who had just been married a few days before. A video published by JisirTV

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(5 children3–4 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
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 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1535

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Between one and two children died and up to 14 more civilians were wounded in airstrikes launched against Binnish town in Idlib, according to multiple sources on the ground. However, one source, Step News, reported that there were no civilian casualties in this incident. The airstrikes reportedly struck a neighborhood of civilian homes. Both cluster

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
10–14
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
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1534

LOCATION

الدانا, Al Dana, Idlib, Syria

Between five and forty civilians, including at least one woman, one child and one adult male, were killed and up to forty were wounded in airstrikes launched against Al Dana town in Idlib. Most sources only reported preliminary counts of casualties and many expected that the number was higher due to many civilians still stuck

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 40
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
24–40
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
3 named
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1533

LOCATION

الحمورية, Hamouriya , Damascus, Syria

Between six and nine civilians, including up to four women and up to five children, were killed in alleged Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes in Houmouriya town, Damascus, according to sources on the ground. The numbers of civilians reported wounded varied from 18 to 24. LCCSY reported that “dozens of civilians were injured as the

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(3–5 children1–4 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
18–24
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 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1532

LOCATION

الميدعاني, Al Midani , Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were injured in airstrikes that struck Al Midiani town in Eastern Ghouta, Damascus. According to multiple sources, a series of three air raids were launched by warplanes – with LCCSY specifying the use of thermobaric missiles. An image posted by @SCDrifdimashq shows a victim of the airstrikes being carried

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1540

LOCATION

صلاح الدين, Salahudin, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed and at least five more were wounded in  attacks on the Salahudin neighborhood in Aleppo, local sources reported. It was unclear what artillery was used in the raid, with 24 News alleging that rocket-propelled grenades were launched against the town while @AbdAlghani_1990 claims they were surface-to-surface missiles. Reports

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident