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 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

Incident date

November 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1592

LOCATION

حي الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two to five civilians died in airstrikes on Al Fardous, Aleppo. The strikes on the neighbourhood took place among many more strikes across Aleppo on November 16th. The majority of sources reported that Russia responsible – however some sources pointed towards the Syrian regime. Sdusyria claimed two people died, as did Syria News Desk. However @mhmdfaisel

Summary

First published
November 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(2 children1 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 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1591

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Eleven civilians reportedly died in Al Sukkari, Aleppo, following a suspected Russian attack, however most sources reported only six killed. Numerous sources, including, Aleppo24 said that of those six four were children.  Sdusyria listed various neighbourhoods of Aleppo struck by “Assad forces” and a “Russian airliner” – it counted 11 dead in Al Sukkari. Annahar blamed

Summary

First published
November 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 11
(2–4 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
6–40
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, Iranian Military
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1593

LOCATION

باتبو, Batbo, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

In what sources referred to as “a terrible massacre”, 22 named civilians, including children, died in an an airstrike on Batbo, Aleppo, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed Russia, however, a small number mentioned the regime – 24Aleppo, for example, alleged both parties culprit.  According to Qasioun, “at least 38” civilians were injured

Summary

First published
November 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
22 – 40
(4–7 children7–8 women8 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
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
22 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS1596

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

One young civilian male or child died in Darat Ezza, Aleppo, “as a result of the explosion of one of the remnants of cluster bombardment”, according to multiple local sources. An unknown number of civilians were also injured in the event, according to All4Syria. It was unclear who was responsible for his death – as

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1589

LOCATION

مخبز شمسين, Shamseen Bread Factory, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed and ten more injured when a Russian strike allegedly hit Shamseen bread factory in western Aleppo. @SCDaleppo said both of the kilns used for bread making were destroyed in the attack. In addition to the destruction of the bakery, sources alleged parts of the “Damascus highway” where the bakery was situated

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
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 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1587

LOCATION

كفرناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians, a husband and wife, died in suspected Russian airstrikes on a hospital in Kafra Hamra, according to local media. Alarabiye reported that medical staff and patients were wounded in addition to the “killing of at least one civilian”. A later report alleged two civilians were killed. A member of The White Helmets said

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1586

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

According to multiple local sources Russia carried out airstrikes on Anadan, northern Aleppo. The remaining sources did not identify a culprit and mentioned only “warplanes”. Almaghrib Today said “there were no reports of civilian casualties”, moreover all other sources but one did not report civilian deaths. LCCSY said five died and “a hospital was put

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1590

LOCATION

قرية المكرمية, Al Makramia , Homs, Syria

Multiple sources reported warplanes struck in the villages of Mukramiya and Talbisa in northern Homs, resulting in the death of two children. All sources attributed the attack to Russia or “warplanes”. Alaraby blamed Russia for the attack and put the death toll at two – both children. The source also alleged a number of wounded. Syria

Summary

First published
November 15, 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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1584

LOCATION

قرية عويجل, Aweijal, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

A named civilian man and two unidentified civilians allegedly died as a result of airstrikes on the Baghdad hospital in Aweijal village, Aleppo, according to multiple local sources. Sources added that a number of medical staff were injured. Annahar cited the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who didn’t identify a culprit. Reportedly the attack on

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 man)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS1583

LOCATION

حي الفردوس, Al Fardos, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and six civilians died in suspected Russian or Syrian regime air and/or artillery strikes on Al Fardos, Aleppo. Reporting contained discrepencies regarding the toll, the culprit and the munitions used. Spm-Syria suspected the regime responsible for strikes on Al Fardos, however, it reported no civilian casualties. 7al reported “warplanes later bombed al-Firdous neighborhood

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
0–15
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