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

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1055

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayan, according to local sources. Alaraby and LCCSY blamed Russia, however, most sources referred only to “warplanes”. Halab Today named one victim, but did not apportion blame. 

Summary

First published
July 26, 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

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1052

LOCATION

‏كفر بسين‬, Kafr Bssein, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians including one child died in Kafr Bssein, local media reported – though it was unclear who was responsible for the deaths. According to Halab News, Halab Today and Syrian Press Center, an unidentified “man and a child” died in an attack using cluster bombs. The sources didn’t identify the culprit. Some other sources

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1053

LOCATION

Al Sokhna, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, the Shaam News Network, reported that “in the eastern countryside Russian planes launched raids targeting the town of al Sokhna and various positions around it, which led to civilian martyrs and wounded.” There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1054

LOCATION

Jel al Omar, Homs, Syria

Local media reported that a woman and her two daughters died and the father was badly injured in an airstrike on Jel al Omar. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Arabstoday pointed towards Russia, though the Syrian Press Center didn’t identify the warplane responsible. There are no other details available at this time.

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1051

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians died in Kafr Hamra, local media said. Most sources blamed Russia, however, some others (Sada_Altawhed, Shahed_Alep, Syrian Press Center) reported artillery shelling as well as airstrikes. Additionally, some reports did not identify the warplanes responsible. According to Qasioun, “Russian warplanes carried out more than 20 raids in Kafr Hamra, killing five

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1050

LOCATION

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

Up to 20 civilians died in Al Mashad, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether they were killed by Russian airstrikes or Syrian regime barrel bombs. Alaraby, blaming Russia, put the death toll at five non-combatants, with a dozen more wounded. But Syria News Desk said that as many as

Summary

First published
July 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 20
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1048

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

A family reportedly died in As Sukhnah, local media reported – though it was unclear whether they were killed in a Russian airstrike or an action by the Syrian regime. Syriamubashar was among a number of sources which blamed Russia, reporting that “one person was killed and others wounded due to Russian warplanes shelling in

Summary

First published
July 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 child1 woman2 men)
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

July 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1049

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, LCCSY, reported that “Russian warplanes targeted Deir Hafer, Haritan and Anadan cities and Kafr Hamra and Maarat Arteeq towns in the northern suburbs [of Aleppo] with vacuum and cluster missiles, which led to casualties among civilians.” No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1047

LOCATION

Arbeen, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians died and as many as 15 were wounded in airstrikes on Arbeen, local sources said – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime carried out the attacks. Alsharq and Qary blamed Russia and put the death toll at four. Alitihad Press and Shahba also attributed the event to Russia,

Summary

First published
July 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1045

LOCATION

كرم الطحان, Karam Tahan, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians including children died and more were wounded in an airstrike on Karam Tahan, local sources reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible for the casualties. According to Arabstoday, “four people were killed and three were injured due to three Russian warplanes raids in Karm

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1046

LOCATION

عربين, Irbin, Damascus, Syria

Four civilians including three children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Irbin in eastern Ghouta, local media reported – though the culprit remained unclear. According to Radio Al Kul, “Russian warplanes struck Douma, Harasta, Irbin and Hamoreya in Eastern Ghouta with missiles loaded with cluster bombs and killed four people and wounded tens more.”

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1044

LOCATION

Yashnatra, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that Russian warplanes carried out strikes on Yashnatra town, leading to civilian casualties – though sources didn’t specify numbers. However, Arabstoday blamed the regime, reporting three civilians wounded. Other sources referred only to “warplanes”.

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1043

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 22 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on civilian homes and the main market in Al Atarib, according to local media – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Many sources alleged that both parties carried out tens of strikes. LCCSY, for example, said

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 22
(1 woman6 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–65
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
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1042

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians died and many more were wounded in an airstrike on Al Marja, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime for the death of one child – and published an image of the victim.

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
3–10
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1041

LOCATION

Hakim hospital, Al Shiaar neighbourhood, Aleppo, Syria

One child died in an airstrike on Hakim hospital, a specialist children’s hospital in Aleppo – and reportedly the last remaining in the city. Sources alleged the hospital was targeted or struck twice in 12 hours. But it was not clear who was responsible, with sources pointing to both Russia and the Syrian regime.  A

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1040

LOCATION

سوحا, Souha, Hama, Syria

Six civilians from one family, including a woman and four children, died in an airstrike on Souha in Hama, according to local media. Only one of the two sources (LCCSY), alleged that Russia was to blame. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights referred only to “warplanes”.

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(4 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

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1038

LOCATION

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and others were injured in a casualty incident in Al Maysar, Aleppo, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to SMO, Smart and LCCSY Russia was responsible. Smart alleged cluster bombs used in the attack.  However, Syriamubashar, A_Alhorane

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1039

LOCATION

الهلّك, Halak, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that Russia shelled Hayak with cluster bombs, however, only once source (LCCSY) alleged that there had been a civilian casualty. It said that one civilian had died. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1037

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that up to nine civilians died an two were injured in an airstrike on Salheen, Aleppo. Though it was unclear from reports whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame, with most reports, such as Halab News, Zam al-wasl and LCCSY, referring to both “Russian and regime” warplanes.

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1036

LOCATION

ضهرة عواد, Dahrat Awwad, Aleppo, Syria

Alleged Russian warplanes and/or Assad regime helicopters were both reported to have dropped missiles on the neighbourhood of Dahrat Awwad, killing between 10 and 17 civilians and wounding at least 15 more. According to Ara News, 13 civilians were killed and “10s were injured”. A local news source put the number of killed civilians as

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(1–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1035

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Eleven or twelve civilians died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Fardous neighbourhood, according to local media. Smart News reported that Russian warplanes carried out two raids on the town. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, however, blamed “the regime and its allies for the warplane shelling”. The shelling reportedly

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 12
(2 children1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–35
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1034

LOCATION

التبني, Al Tabbani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Alleged Russian or Assad regime warplanes carried out airstrikes which struck and destroyed two family homes in Al Tabbani, killing ten civilians including five children, according to sources on the ground.  The local news source, Deirezzor 24, said that the raids occurred at 10am. Syrian PC and Baladi News both blamed Russian warplanes for the

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(5 children)
Civilians reported injured
12
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
Named victims
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1032

LOCATION

غوطة دمشق, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Eastern Ghouta was bombarded with raids on July 23rd damaging many small residential towns within the district and killing between two and nine civilians, according to sources on the ground. Both Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Smart News reported that the Assad regime struck the area with jets and warplanes. Shaam News Network, however,

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1033

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al-Shughur, Idlib, Syria

Cluster bombs dropped by alleged Russian or Assad regime warplanes bombarded and destroyed residential housing killing 12 civilians and wounding up to 40 more in Jisr al-Shughur, local media reported. Baladi News and Jisrtv blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. LCCSY, however, blamed the Assad regime for the raids. Zaman al-Wasl News reported sighting both

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12
(1 child7 women)
Civilians reported injured
14–40
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
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1031

LOCATION

بني زيد, Bani Zeid, Aleppo, Syria

A woman named Hasna’a Ali Danon, aged 55, was killed on July 22nd by alleged Russian and Assad regime warplanes in Bani Zeid, sources on the ground reported. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights blamed the Assad regime for “artillery shelling” and “warplane shelling” on the neighbourhood. The reports claimed it caused destruction to buildings with no civilian

Summary

First published
July 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1028

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

A 10 year-old child named Jamil Mustafa was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Ferdos neighbourhood, according to LCCSY. Despite this claim, a pro-regime Twitter page reported that “Syrian warplanes targeted armed groups in Ferdos and Kallaseh neighbourhoods and injured some armed members.” Step News reported sighting helicopters which threw explosive barrels

Summary

First published
July 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1029

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

A single source, LCCSY, said that there were: “‪#‎Hama‬ martyrs and wounded reported due to targeting the township of ‪#‎Aqrabiyat‬ and the village of ‪#‎Soha‬ in the eastern suburbs with 5 Russian airstrikes.” However, further research indicated that there were no civilian casualties in Akeirbat, but up to seven in Soha on July 22nd (see

Summary

First published
July 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1030

LOCATION

سوحا, Soha, Hama, Syria

Syrian Press Center claimed that five airstrikes were carried out in Soha village killing and injuring civilians. Multiple sources including Alamawi and SMO News reported that it was Russian warplanes which attacked Soha village. However, both Radio AlKul and LCCSY blamed the Assad regime for the raids. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Smart News both

Summary

First published
July 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(2 women1 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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1027

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al-Shughur, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed and nine more were injured in an airstrike by alleged Russian warplanes on Jisr al Shoughour, according to local media. Jisrtv reported that the attack occurred between 1.00 and 1.06. All reports claimed to sight Russian warplanes, who reportedly carried out cluster missile attacks on Jisr al Shoughour. According to Smart

Summary

First published
July 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS1026

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Russian and Assad regime warplanes continued to attack Idlib on July 21st, killing up to another six civilians, according to sources on the ground. The Smart News called the bombardment a massacre and also commented that the raids began in the night continuing on from the 20th of July. Images published by the Shaam News

Summary

First published
July 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
Civilians reported injured
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