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 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1539

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed, including one woman and two children, and others were injured in airstrikes which struck Urma al Kubra town in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Both children were found buried in rubble by the Civil Defence team following the raids. Local sources, including Halab News and Assakina News, identified Russian

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1537

LOCATION

البلليرمون, Al Baleirmoon, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and three civilian were killed and others were wounded in cluster bomb attacks against Al Leirmoun town in northern Aleppo. Thiqa News pointed out that this incident was part of a fierce Russian campaign which struck parts of Aleppo with no regard for the civilians in this vicinity.  Local sources, including Baladi News

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(0–2 children1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1531

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Nine civilians were killed, including one woman with artillery and airstrikes which struck the town of Dara Izza. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights,  Abu Bakr Al Sedeeq Mosque was the main target. The airstrikes ultimately rendered the mosque inoperable due to serous damage to both the exterior and interior. Some sources only

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
Civilians reported injured
3–24
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
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1530

LOCATION

أبين سمعان, Abeen Sama'an, Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians, including two children, were killed and others injured in airstrikes which struck “eastern school of Ibin” in the town of Abin Sama’an in the western Aleppo. Almost all sources attributed blame to Russian aircraft. Syrian Press Center also noted that this strike was part of a concerted campaign by the Russians to strike

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 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
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1529

LOCATION

بابتو, Babto, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike on a grain storage center and a mill in the village of Babbto in the countryside of western Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Images posted by Thiqa News and a video posted by AlBouAzezi show the damage to the grain storage structure that ultimately led to

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
0–3
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
Village
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1528

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

One or two civilians were killed, including a female child, and more than 15 civilians were injured, from airstrike shelling on Al Atarib city. Local media reported that cluster bombs struck a popular local market, which resulted in many civilians being trapped under the rubble. The airstrikes came during a unilateral truce declared by Russia

Summary

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

Incident Code

RS1527

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Three or four civilians were killed and up to six more were injured in cluster bomb airstrikes launched against the town of Kafr Naha in the Aleppo countryside. The majority of local sources, including Akhbaralaan News and Micro News, attributed the airstrikes to Russian planes while other sources did not identify who was to blame.

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
Civilians reported injured
3–6
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 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1526

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Between eight and 15 civilians, including women and children, were killed and between 20 and 25 civilians were wounded in airstrikes launched against the town of Kafr Naha in western Aleppo. Local sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the airstrikes. According to Mohammed Haj Hussein, a local media and civil defence correspondent, airstrikes

Summary

First published
November 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 15
(2–5 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
20–25
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 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1525

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and five civilians were killed, including two to three children, and others were wounded, including one child, from airstrikes against the city of Al Atarib. Included in the wounded was a child that had to have their leg amputated from the explosion. Once source reported that as many as five children were killed

Summary

First published
November 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(2–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
1–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1733

LOCATION

حي الشعاكفرنبل , Kafir Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Up to 26 civilians – 23 of whom were named – died and dozens more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on a popular market in Kafir Nabil, according to sources on the ground. Reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. Aljazeera pointed

Summary

First published
November 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23 – 26
(3–6 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–36
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
23 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1523

LOCATION

قرية الموزرة, Al Mozra, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians were killed and several more were wounded from airstrikes launched against the village of Al Mozra – however local sources are conflicted as to who was responsible for the raids. The Local Coordination Committee Syria and @ShahbaPress identifying Russian planes as conducting airstrikes while Syrian Network for Human Rights and @abokantar

Summary

First published
November 3, 2016
Last updated
December 21, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
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
Geolocation
Nearby landmark
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1522

LOCATION

ميزناز, Miznaz, Aleppo, Syria

Between eight and 10 civilians, including seven children and one woman, were killed and at least 12 were wounded from thermobaric missile airstrikes targeting the village of Minaz. However, local sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the airstrikes. Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed Syrian regime planes to blame, while most other

Summary

First published
November 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(3–7 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1524

LOCATION

الرستن, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Between seven and eight civilians, including as many as six children, were killed and more than 10 others were wounded in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Al Rastan, according to local media. Local sources were conflicted in who was to blame for the airstrikes, with the majority of sources – including Eldorar,

Summary

First published
November 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(5–6 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–24
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1521

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى , Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and three civilians, including one woman and one child, were killed and up to six others were wounded by airstrikes fired on Urma Al Kubra town. Russian warplanes were identified as responsible for the airstrikes by most local media sources, including Local Coordination Committees, @ShahbaPress and Syrian Network for Human Rights. However, Muslm

Summary

First published
November 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1520

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and four civilians, including a child, were killed and up to nine more were injured from two aerial bombings of the city of Al Atarib. The strikes reportedly struck a bakery, a hospital, and several civilian houses, causing damage extensive enough to shut the hospital down. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human

Summary

First published
November 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(0–1 children0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–9
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1519

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed and several more were wounded, including children, in airstrikes on Kafr Naha, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Many sources did not attribute blame to any belligerent.  Syria News Desk quoted media opposition activist, Mohamed Nur, who

Summary

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

Incident Code

RS1518

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Maarat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

Four civilians died and between four and ten were wounded after a series of three cluster missile attacks were carried out against the city of Maarat Misrin, according to local media. The majority of sources have assigned responsibility to Syrian regime planes but LCCSY and Syria Idlib Today alleged that Russian warplanes carried out the

Summary

First published
November 2, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
4–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1517

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Between two and 18 civilians including one child and up to four women died and as many as 50 others were wounded in airstrikes on Saraqib, according to sources on the ground – though it was unclear from reports whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame for the event. The lowest estimate of

Summary

First published
November 2, 2016
Last updated
December 21, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 18
(1 child2–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–50
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
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1516

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed and dozens injured by airstrikes with thermobaric missiles in Douma city, local sources reported – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. According to LCCSY, Russia was allegedly responsible for the airstrikes. However, The Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
November 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1515

LOCATION

تقاد, Taqad, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and six civilians died after remnants of a cluster bomb allegedly dropped by Russian warplanes exploded in Taqad, according to local media. AMC, HNN and Spm-Syria were among sources blaming Russia. They put the death toll at three civilians. However, Al Souria reported that six civilians died. There are no other details at this

Summary

First published
November 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
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

October 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1514

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

The Step News Agency said that two civilians died and one was wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Darat Izza, while according to Paldf, “a number of people were injured as a result of renewed Russian raids”. @alnateq2 reported that “Mohammed al-Mousa was killed by an explosive device in the city of Darat Izza”.

Summary

First published
October 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1513

LOCATION

Arbin, Damascus, Syria

A number of civilians were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes or regime artillery shelling on Arbin, according to sources on the ground – though specific casualty figures were not given. LCCSY reported that Russia conducted “two airstrikes with thermobaric missiles on the neighborhoods in #Arbin city” alongside regime artillery shelling, resulting in an unspecified number

Summary

First published
October 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

October 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1512

LOCATION

Al Sheikh Ali, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and up to three more, including children, were wounded in an alleged Russia airstrike on Al Sheikh Ali town, according to sources on the ground. The White Helmets reported: “Russian warplanes targeted the town of al Sheikh Ali in the western Aleppo countryside with vacuum missiles which led to the death of

Summary

First published
October 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1511

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

A single source, Halab News, reported the deaths of “Abdallah al Hasan al Khalaf and his two children, following the explosion of a cluster bomb left by Russia planes following a bombing of Sarmin in Idlib”. The source added that the victims were from the town of al Eiss. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
October 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1510

LOCATION

Abeen Sama'an, Aleppo, Syria

One child died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russia or Syrian  regime strike on Abeen Sama’an, according to sources on the ground. According to the Shaam News Network,”in the evening [of Oct 28th] Russian and Assad enemy planes launched air strikes targeting Aleppo neighborhoods, cities and towns in the western and

Summary

First published
October 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

October 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1509

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

A woman and her unborn child died in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strike on Douma, according to sources on the ground.  According to the Step News Agency, “a woman and her foetus were killed and a number of more people wounded when Russian planes targeted residential areas in Douma Eastern

Summary

First published
October 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1–2 children1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1508

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Eight named civilians died and up to 30 more were injured in air and artillery strikes on Douma, according to sources on the ground. Reports blamed both Russian airstrikes and artillery/ mortar shelling by Syrian regime forces. Some reports also pointed to regime warplanes. Among targets hit was a primary school, prompting the Directorate of

Summary

First published
October 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(1 child7 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–30
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1507

LOCATION

بارة, Bara, Idlib, Syria

Three or four civilians included women and children died in an airstrikes on Bara, according to local media. Most sources blamed the Syrian regime; there were no direct allegations against Russia, but a number of sources didn’t identify the warplane responsible. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “three victims including two women died

Summary

First published
October 26, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2 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
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

October 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1506

LOCATION

حاس, Haas, Idlib, Syria

In a major casualty incident, which UNICEF called “tragic, shocking, outrageous and a war crime”, 38 named civilians including 18 children and up to six women died in multiple airstrikes on the Martyr Kamal Qal’aji school complex in the village of Haas, which was under the joint control of Armed opposition factions and the Fateh

Summary

First published
October 26, 2016
Last updated
December 21, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
38
(18–28 children4–6 women1 man)
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
38 named
Geolocation
Exact location (other)
View Incident

Incident date

October 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1505

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Colonel Shawqi Ayoub, “commander of the Homs operations room of the Free Syrian Army”, died in an alleged Syrian regime airstrike on Al Rastan, according to local media. According to Qasioun, Ayoub (pictured below) died “while inspecting the field situation in Ain Hussein’s front. The engineer Faisal Awad also died”. Qasioun added that the regime

Summary

First published
October 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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