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

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1386

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes hit and destroyed a major hospital in al-Sakhour in Aleppo, killing up to four civilians and wounding 15 more. Al Jazeera reported: “Russian and Syrian warplanes shelled  the biggest hospital still working in Eastern Aleppo, destroying it and forcing it out of service, as well

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 4
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1384

LOCATION

الهلّك, al Halak, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and others were wounded in what most sources said was a Syrian regime artillery strike on Aleppo’s al Halak neighbourhood. There was, however, one allegation against Russia. But @al-AMAWI, @Free_TV_Syria, Smart News Agency, Step News Agency, LCCSY and Halab News Network all pointed to a regime artillery strike causing civilian harm.

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1383

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to local media, up to four unidentified civilians died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s al-Ansari neighbourhood. According to Maser Press, “four civilians were killed and dozens wounded due to Russian warplanes shelling in Al-Ansari”. Other sources put the death toll at between one and

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
Civilians reported injured
5–24
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 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1382

LOCATION

Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including a child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Hraitan outside of Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. The illegal use of cluster bombs was mentioned by several media, while all sources identified Russia as the culprit.    

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1381

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Ltamenah, Hama, Syria

Up to six civilians including a girl died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on al Latamna, Hama, according to local media. Sources were not clear whether or not Khadija (Um Daher) and Hussein Al-Saleh (Abu Hussein) were two people or one person. In this instance they have been listed as two people. According

Summary

First published
October 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child1 woman0–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1380

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that the village Kafr Hamra outside of Aleppo was struck by “four” alleged airstrikes which led to the death of one man. According to NabdTV “the Civil defence forces recovered the body of a senior citizen from the rubble which was stuck there for two days”. A range of local media also

Summary

First published
October 1, 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

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1379

LOCATION

الفرجة, al Farjeh, Idlib, Syria

Between four and six civilians including three children and several women died and up to 20 more were wounded in airstrikes on the al-Farej camp outside of Idlib, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. Qasioun and Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed

Summary

First published
October 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(3 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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
Village
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1378

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to two people including a child died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Aleppo’s al Sakhour neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground. Reports said that the strike hit a hospital. According to IranArabSpring, “an unidentified six-year-old child’s body was delivered to the mortuary in Aleppo. He

Summary

First published
October 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
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

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1377 CS321

LOCATION

بقرص, Bokros, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 10 civilians including a family of four died following air raids on Bokros, according to sources on the ground. The Syrian regime, Russia and the Coalition were all blamed. According to Shaam News, “In the town of Bokros Coalition aircraft attacked houses belonging to civilians, which led to the death of four people,

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 10
(3 children1 man)
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, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1376 CS320

LOCATION

الشحيل, Al Shaheel, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two or three children and an elderly woman died in an airstrike on a primary school at al Shaheel, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the Syrian regime, Russia or the US-led Coalition. Deir Ezzor 24, the Syrian Observatory and Euphrates Post reported only

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2–3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1375 CS319

LOCATION

البصيرة, al Basira, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between four to 20 civilians were reported killed and 12 or more injured after an alleged Coalition, Russian or Assad regime strike at al Basira, according to local media. A photograph published by Euphrates Post showed what appeared to have been a major strike in a built up area of the town. And a video

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 20
(3 children3 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, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1374

LOCATION

الشيخ فارس, al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, Syria

Between six and 14 civilians died including up to seven children and four women with dozens more wounded in airstrikes with “bunker busting” missiles on the residential neighbourhood of Al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. The majority of sources attributed this incident to Russia, though one report said that the Assad

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 14
(7 children4 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
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1373

LOCATION

الزيتونات, al Zaitouniat, Aleppo, Syria

Sixteen or 17 civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al Zaitouniat neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to local media. Smo-sy reported: “five civilians were killed and others were wounded in the Al Zaitouniat area in the Halak district today [Sept 30th], following Russian bombardment raids.” Several sources mentioned the use of bunker busters

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 17
(2–4 children1 woman7 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1372

LOCATION

كفر زيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on Kafr Zita in Hama – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Syria News Desk reported: “Two civilians were killed yesterday evening [Sept 30th] due to the Russian warplanes targeting the city of Kafr Zita which

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
20
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

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1371

LOCATION

كقر بطنا, Kafr Batna, Damascus, Syria

Between eight and nine civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Kafr Batna in Eastern Ghouta. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at three including one woman with “others” wounded. According to Enabbaladi, “nine people, including seven children, were killed as a result of the targeting

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(4–7 children1 woman)
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
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1370

LOCATION

جسرين, Jesrin, Damascus, Syria

Between three and four civilians including one woman died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Jesrin in Eastern Ghouta, according to sources on the ground. The Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed the event to the Syrian regime, putting the death toll at three. Meanwhile, SCDrifdimashq reported that four people were killed and

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 woman)
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1369

LOCATION

الهلّك, al Halak, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and seven civilians died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on Aleppo’s Al Halak neighbourhood, according to local media. Syrian Press Center reported both strikes by the regime and Russia: “The regime army positioned in al-Midan area targeted residential houses in the al-Hallak district on Saturday [Sept 30th] with

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
(3 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–15
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

September 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1368

LOCATION

تير معلة, Teir Ma'ala, Homs, Syria

One child, Abdulmalik al-Ahdab, was reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Teir Ma’ala near Homs. Syria News Desk wrote that “A 15-year-old boy was killed and other civilians were wounded in the late hours of the night yesterday [Sept 29th] by the Russian warplanes targeting the village of Teir Ma’ala.” Most

Summary

First published
September 29, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1367

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Between one and seven civilians were reported killed and as many as 90 more wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Idlib. According to Step News there were “one dead and several injured following three raids by Russian warplanes that targeted the neighbourhoods of the city.” Step News also reported that the Sheikh

Summary

First published
September 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
Civilians reported injured
5–90
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

September 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1366

LOCATION

جرجناز, Jarjanaz, Idlib, Syria

Between four and six civilians were reportedly killed and up to 20 more wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Jarjanaz near Idlib. Step News, News from Damascus and Syria News Desk attributed the event to the Assad regime. Meanwhile, Qasioun, Smart News and Syriansnews claimed the strikes were conducted by Russia. Halab News

Summary

First published
September 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(3 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–20
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

September 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1365

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Between three and six civilians including up to three children were reportedly killed in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib. LCCSY wrote that “three died and some were wounded among civilians as Russian warplanes bombarded Khan Sheikhoun city.” The Syrian Network for Human Rights, on the other hand, accused the Assad regime

Summary

First published
September 29, 2016
Last updated
December 13, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1–3 children)
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
Town
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1364

LOCATION

البويهج, Al Bohij, Aleppo, Syria

Two or three members of the White Helmets were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Bohij near Manbij, Aleppo. According to LCCSY, two civilians died in the attack.Qasioun, the Shaam News Network and Halab News said that three members of the Civil Defense were killed. Halab News identified the names of  all

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1363

LOCATION

بلاط, Al Balat, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians, possibly a woman and her child, were reported killed in an airstrike on the Al Balat neighbourhood in Aleppo. Most sources said that two people were killed. According to so_ria98, these were a mother and her child. Step News Agency reported: “The city of Aleppo today [Sept 29th] witnessed heavy shelling by Russian

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1362

LOCATION

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Aleppo, Syria

According to local sources, two civilians, most likely children, were killed and up to another eight people injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Mansoura outside Aleppo. The vast majority of sources attributed the strike to Russia, though AleppoAMC and Syrianpc just mention “the air force”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
5–8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1361

LOCATION

Qadi Askar, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and four people were killed in airstrikes on Qadi Askar in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. AMC reported that two children were killed, while The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said “at least one child” had died, while AleppoAMC put the number at four. Most sources didn’t name the belligerent, though

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1–4 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1360

LOCATION

المعادي, Al Ma'adi, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and 17 civilians were reportedly killed in the Al Ma’adi neighbourhood in Aleppo – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the result of Russian airstrikes or shelling by the Syrian regime. Syriansnews reported the attack as a joint action: “Seventeen civilians were killed on Wednesday [Sept 28th] and dozens were

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 17
(3 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1359

LOCATION

حي المشهد, Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between four and eight civilians died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. LCCSY reported that the neighbourhood was struck with phosphorus bombs, resulting in the death of “four or more people”. Annahar gave the highest death toll of six civilians. Most

Summary

First published
September 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1357

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and two civilians were reportedly killed and six more wounded in Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Kafr Hamra north of Aleppo. Step News Agency reported: “Two people were killed and six injured following Russian raids on Kafr Hamra in the northern Aleppo countryside.” LCCSY reported that only one civilian was killed. Ghada12180130

Summary

First published
September 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1358

LOCATION

الشعار, Al Shia Ar, Aleppo, Syria

Between nine and 27 civilians including six children were reportedly killed and dozens more wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Shia’ar neighbourhood of Aleppo. LCCSF reported the lowest number: “Five martyrs and more than 15 wounded were reported among civilians due to Russian airstrikes targeting Al Shia’ar neighbourhood in the

Summary

First published
September 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 27
(6 children2–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
15–24
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, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1355

LOCATION

حي بستان القصر, Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between three and 13 civilians were reported killed alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery strikes on the Bustan Al Qasr neighbourhood in Aleppo. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least three civilians including a child died due to alleged Russian warplanes missiles firing on Bustan Al Qasr neighborhood in Aleppo city” AleppoAMC

Summary

First published
September 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 13
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
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
1 named
View Incident