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

August 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1135

LOCATION

شاميكو, Shamico, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and ten civilians died and more were wounded in airstrikes on Shamico, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the regime were responsible. According to Syria News Desk, “nine civilians were killed and others wounded at dawn today [Aug 13th], a result of Russian warplanes carrying out six raids

Summary

First published
August 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 10
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

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1133

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Seven named civilians died and up to 50 more were wounded in multiple alleged Russian airstrikes on Raqqa, according to local media. According to @lebanon4_com, 30 civilians died in the Russian strikes, though the Violations Documentation Center put the number at seven. @DoumaRevolution added that 50 more civilians were wounded in 12 raids.

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 30
(1 woman6 men)
Civilians reported injured
50
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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1134

LOCATION

تلعادة, Tal Adeh, Idlib, Syria

Between five and nine civilians were killed, including children, and between 10 and 15 more were injured from two air raids that targeted the town of Tal Adeh in the Idlib countryside. Baladi News published a video depicting volunteers searching the rubble for survivors of the airstrikes. Local sources were conflicted as to who was

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
November 3, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
Civilians reported injured
10–15
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
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1132

LOCATION

منطقة المتحف وسوق الهال, Souq al Hal, Raqqa, Syria

Between four and six civilians died and as many as dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Souq al-Hal near the town of Orme al-Kubra, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the regime were responsible for the casualties. The Smart News Agency and All4syria for among sources blaming Russia.

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–24
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

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1131

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Another hospital was reportedly struck on 12th August 2016. At least 12 civilians including four women and between eight and ten children died, and up to 15 more were injured, in five air raids launched against the town of Hayyan, according to sources on the ground. The children’s hospital was reportedly destroyed by the airstrikes,

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 14
(8–10 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
7–15
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
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1130

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Two male children were killed and several more wounded, including women and children, from airstrikes targeting the town of Dara Azza. Local sources, including Halab Today and @AleppoNN, identified Russian planes as responsible for the airstrikes. However, DMC published footage showing “the moment explosive barrels” – a weapon known to be used by the Assad

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1129

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between five and 20 civilians were killed and up to 30 more were wounded, including women, when warplanes launched two airstrikes against the neighbourhood of Fardous. The airstrikes reportedly struck the local market. Syrian Newsdesk and @RadioAlKul blamed Russian warplanes. However, All4Syria and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the use of barrel bombs

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 20
Civilians reported injured
17–30
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1128

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and six civilians were killed and at least an additional six civilians were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on August 12th, which reportedly struck a vegetable market in Kafr Naha town in the Western part of Aleppo governorate. Despite the numbers of civilian casualties reported, only one adult male was named by the

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1126

LOCATION

تير معلة, Teir Ma'ala, Homs, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and between seven and 15 others were wounded from airstrikes on the village of Teir Ma’ala, specifically a makeshift hospital in the village. The majority of sources attributed the attacks to Russian warplanes, but @Talbisah2011 blamed regime jets. A local media activist named Kenan Abu Osama described the incident: “I

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7–15
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

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS1127

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Airstrikes reportedly destroyed a Pediatrics and Gynecology hospital on 12th August 2016 in Kafr Hamra. At least three civilians were killed, and seven or more wounded, mostly members of a medical staff, women, or children. Some of the personnel working in the hospital were affected; both a nurse and an ambulance driver were killed in

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1124

LOCATION

الراموسة, Ramousa, Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and four others were injured in airstrikes and artillery fire on the Ramousa neighbourhood in Aleppo, local media reported. Most sources attributed the airstrikes to Russian aircraft, which reportedly carried out eight air raids, though there was also an allegation against the Assad regime. Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1125

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Between five and six civilians – four from the same family – were killed and at least two others were wounded by more than two airstrikes on the city of Khan Sheikhoun, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to whether the planes belonged to Russia or the regime. Most of those injured were reportedly

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1123

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Bazza square, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Reports estimated that between eight and 10 civilians were killed and an additional five to 13 more wounded, including two children, in airstrikes on Bazza square in Old Aleppo, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed the regime for the event, though one blamed Russia and a significant number of others didn’t identify

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
Civilians reported injured
5–13
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1122 CS292

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In a major civilian casualty event, between 13 and 30 civilians were killed and up to 70 more injured from airstrikes from either a Russian or a Coalition strike on al Idkhar neighbourhood in Raqqa City. Both belligerents report bombing in the area. Raqaa is Being Slaughtered initially reported on the morning of August 11th:

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 30
(3 children1–2 women8 men)
Civilians reported injured
13–70
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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
10 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1121

LOCATION

الدانا, Al Dana, Idlib, Syria

Seven civilians were killed and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Al Dana, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. LCCSY put the death toll at 11. Many sources attributed the airstrikes to regime planes, including Baladi, the

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
November 3, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 12
(1 child1 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
Named victims
7 named, 2 families identified
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1120

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Maraat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

Three air strikes with cluster bombs stuck the residential neighbourhood of Maarat Misrin and killed four named civilians including two children. According to Elfgr News, up to nine civilians were wounded, “some of whom were ministered to the hospital Al-Bab-Hawa border crossing”. According to the Shaam News Network, “warplane strikes” carried out by “Assad’s and

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
October 27, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 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
4 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1119

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

At least one male civilian was killed and between 3 and 10 were wounded by airstrikes on the town of Saraqib, according to local media. There are however multiple reports of the death of a female child too – she was not named. Multiple sources, including The Shaam News Network (SNN), identified both regime and

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
October 25, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 man)
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
1 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1118

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

At least three airstrikes on Ariha killed between up to six civilians and wounded up to 20 more including five women, according to local media. The Syrian Network for Human Rights and Smart News Agency attributed the shelling to regime warplanes. The Smart News agency reported that “regime warplanes launched three raids on the city

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
October 25, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
Civilians reported injured
12–20
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
5 named
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1117

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

At least five and as many as 11 civilians, including three children were killed by air raids carried out on August 10th in Maarat al Numan, local media reported. Additionally, ten to 30 other civilians were wounded from the air raids.The Shaam News Network identified the planes as being Russian warplanes. However, Alsouria and @Maaramc12

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
10–30
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1115

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to ten civilians were killed, including “a woman and her four daughters“, and 20 more injured in airstrikes on the town of Halta, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Both The Shaam News Network (SNN) and

Summary

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

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1116

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Reports estimated that between 11 and 23 civilians were killed and between 30 and 70 more were injured airstrikes on Idlib City – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Responsibility for the strikes was attributed to both regime and Russian warplanes by the Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
October 25, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 23
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
30–70
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
Geolocation
Nearby landmark
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1114

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and 11 civilians including women and children were killed, and up to 30 more injured by airstrikes on the town of Orme al Kubra, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame for the casualties. The Syrian Network for Human Rights gave conflicting

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 11
(2 children)
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1113

LOCATION

Mheimidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 15 and 30 civilians were killed, including three children and four women, and between 20 to 40 wounded – some critically – by an aerial bombardment of the town of Mahimideh, local media reported. The majority of sources attributed the event to the Assad regime. However, four airstrikes were conducted by planes that were

Summary

First published
August 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 30
(3 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
20–40
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
15 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1112

LOCATION

تقاد, Taqad, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed by warplane rockets, according to Halab Today and VDS-SY. A further two civilians were also injured in the attack, according to the Smart News Agency. Sources attributed the attack to Russian warplanes, and reported that fires broke out in civilian homes. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 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
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

August 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1111

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Multiple sources reported that between four and five civilians including two women died and up to 12 others were injured in four raids on Idlib City – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The majority of sources attribute the raids to Russia. However, The

Summary

First published
August 8, 2016
Last updated
October 20, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–12
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
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1110

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and six civilians were killed and between three and four more were injured from an alleged barrel and missile bombing of a market in the neighborhood of Sukkari. Reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or Syrian regime were responsible. While the majority of sources reported deaths and injuries as a result of

Summary

First published
August 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1109

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

At least seven civilians including two women and two children were killed and up to 40 more wounded in alleged long-range ballistic missiles (Scud) strikes launched from battleships in the Mediterranean. But sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or Syrian regime.The majority of sources attributed the attacks to Russian

Summary

First published
August 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
17–40
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1108

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Russian warplanes bombed the city of Al Bab in eastern Aleppo and while casualties were reported, according to local media. However, reports didn’t provide specific casualty figures. There were no estimates of the number. Both @SRG_Syria and LCCSY blamed Russia – though the majority of sources referred only to “warplanes”.  

Summary

First published
August 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1107

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and three to five were wounded, including women and children, from vacuum missile, cluster bomb or artillery strikes on a Palestinian refugee camp in Khan al Sheikh, according to local media. Five or more raids were carried out by warplanes, with most sources attributing the attacks to Russia. However,

Summary

First published
August 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–5
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

August 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS1106

LOCATION

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

At least one civilian was killed and at least one more was injured, including a child, from bombing of the Al Mashhad neighborhood in Aleppo, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to multiple sources, warplanes dropped internationally-prohibited phosphorus bombs. Both LCCSY

Summary

First published
August 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident