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 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1085

LOCATION

كفرتخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

One woman died in an airstrike on Kafr Tkharim and the surrounding countryside on the August 2nd, according to sources on the ground. Most sources attributed the event to Russia, though one said that barrel bombs had been dropped on the area, meaning that regime involvement can’t be ruled out. LCCSY and Baladi Network both

Summary

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

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1084

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to sources, both Russian and Assad regime aircraft carried out missile attacks on Al Sukkari at noon on August 2nd 2016. Sources stated that not only artillery, but rocket launchers, missiles and a vacuum missile were used in the raid on the neighbourhood. Only one source reported that the aircraft was Russian. Multiple sources

Summary

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

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1082

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

According to Syria News Desk, “three media opposition activists were killed yesterday while covering the fighting south of Aleppo, one of them a reporter for Step News agency. They were killed as a result of Russian warplanes targeting the building they were inside.” No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
August 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1083

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Between 11 and 42 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on a popular market in Al Atarib, according to local media. Most sources blamed Russia, though there was some confusion in the reporting with the Syrian Network for Human Rights pointing to both Moscow and then the regime. Some other sources

Summary

First published
August 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 42
(4–5 children1 woman)
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
11 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1081

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on Bab al Nairab on August 1st, 2016, according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. LCCSY reported that three civilians were killed and several others wounded “due to the targeting of Bab Nairab neighbourhood

Summary

First published
August 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1080

LOCATION

أبو الظهور, Abu al Duhur, Idlib, Syria

More than 10 civilians were killed in alleged airstrikes in Abu al Duhur, close to the location of a downed Russian warplane, according to multiple sources. Reports are conflicted as to whether Russian or Assad regime forces were responsible for the deaths. Syria Newsdesk reported that “Russian warplanes targeted with more than 30 raids the

Summary

First published
August 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 16
(4 children2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–30
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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1079

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

Five civilians were killed and dozens more wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Khan al Sheikh, local media reported. According to Halab Today, “four civilians from one family were martyred following Russian air strikes targeting Khan al Sheikh camp for Palestinian refugees in the western Damascus countryside.” The Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
August 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2–3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6–24
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS1078

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed and several others injured, including women and children, in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Marja, according to local sources. According to HNN Russian planes carried out several raids “leading to the death of three people and causing material damage”. The Shaam News Network reported that “activists said the

Summary

First published
August 1, 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

July 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1077

LOCATION

Jeb al Qebr, Aleppo, Syria

According to LCCSY, “Russian warplanes, along with Assad’s warplanes and helicopters, committed a massacre that claimed the lives of 16 people when they targeted the Medical Center the  Job_Qebba‬ neighborhood and houses in the ‪‎Ansari‬ and ‪Sukkari‬ neighborhoods with dozens airstrikes and barrel bombs”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
July 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS1076

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians died and seven others were wounded in airstrikes on Anadan, local sources said, though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Most of the sources, however, attributed the event to Russia. According to a Facebook post by Anadan Hospital, “Russian warplanes shelled the hospital with parachute

Summary

First published
July 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 men)
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1075

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Five civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat al Numan, according to local sources. Syrian Press Center, Smart News Agency, Zakaria Nassani, Eldorar, Iraqsunahnews, RFS, EMC and LCCSY all blamed Russia. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
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

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1073

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

One child died and 15 other civilians – many reportedly also children – were wounded in a civilian casualty incident in Talbisah, according to local media – though it was unclear whether the casualties were caused by Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes or Syrian regime artillery. Al Jazeera and Gulfeyes blamed Russia. According to Syria

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
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 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1074

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

One named child died and a number of other non-combatants were injured in an airstrike on Ar Rastan, according to local media – though it was unclear whether planes belonging to the Syrian regime or Moscow caused the casualties. The victim was also named by some other sources, though they didn’t identify the warplane which

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1071

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

According to a single source, HNN, one civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Atarib. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1072

LOCATION

سرمدا, Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

Four or five civilians died in an airstrike on Sarmada, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Qasioun, Almntsrbalaah and Halabtoday all said that Russia was responsible, while Syria News Desk added that Russian warplanes had dropped cluster bombs on Sarmada’s main

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2–3 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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1070

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and seven civilians died and dozens more were injured in an airstrike on Kafr Naha, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The majority of sources “Qasioun, Sadaaltwhed, Halab News, Alamawi, Jisr tv, Syrian Press Center) pointed towards Russia, with death counts varying between

Summary

First published
July 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(2 children)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1069

LOCATION

بداما, Bdama, Idlib, Syria

Step News Agency, Jisrtv and Syriapost1 reported that one person died and five were wounded after a rocket was fired from a Russian warship toward Bdama, Idlib. According to the Shaam News Network, “Russian warships targeted at night the town of Bdama in the countryside Western Jisr al shoughour in the  Idlib countryside with a

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1066

LOCATION

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

Five civilians died in an airstrike on Bustan al Qasr, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. The Shaam News Network reported that “Russian enemy planes continued targeting the neighbourhoods of the besieged city of Aleppo with dozens of raids every day,

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
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 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1067

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

A 16-year-old boy reportedly died in an airstrike on his home in Khan al Shiekh, according to local media – though sources were unclear whether the strike was carried out by Russia or the Syrian regime. Syrian News Desk reported that the victim was “a boy aged 16, who was a soccer player in the

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1068

LOCATION

Abeen Saba'an, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 11 civilians were killed and dozens more wounded in an airstrike on Abeen Saba’an, according to local media – though sources are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Step News Agency, Syrian News Desk, Taha_Alhlo, and the Syrian Network for Human Rights all attributed the

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 11
(2 children2 women2 men)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1065

LOCATION

كرم البيك, Karam al Beik, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and seven civilians died and 15 were wounded in airstrikes on Karam al beik, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Alaraby, Radio Alkul, Syrianevent1 and LCCSY said that Russia was responsible. However, AMC and Al Jazeera pointed towards the

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
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 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1063

LOCATION

معرة حرمة, Maraat Harma, Idlib, Syria

One civilian – either a doctor or a nurse – died and other medical staff were reportedly wounded in an airstrike on a hospital/medical facility in Maarat Harma, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to Zamanalwasl, “Assad warplanes shelled Ma’arat Harmaa,

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1064

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

In a major casualty event, up to 25 civilians including as many as 16 children died and dozens more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Atarib in Aleppo according to local media. Many sources – who published extremely graphic mages of victims – didn’t identify the warplanes responsible, however, a large number pointed

Summary

First published
July 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 25
(5–16 children2–3 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
11 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1061

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al-Shughur, Idlib, Syria

Up to five civilians including three children died and as many as 21 other non-combatants were wounded in an airstrike on Jisr al-Shughur in Aleppo, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Shaam News Network blamed Russia, reporting: “Activists said Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
July 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
20–21
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 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1062

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that one civilian died and several others were wounded in a cluster bomb attack on Maarat al Numan, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Multiple sources published images showing the remains of cluster bombs on the ground – though many sources didn’t identify who had

Summary

First published
July 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1060

LOCATION

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

Between one and four civilians died and up to six others were wounded in Bustan al Qasr, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible for the deaths. Abdulkarimlaila blamed Russia, but most sources did not identify the culprit. Orient News and Rojava, however, referred to

Summary

First published
July 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
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

Incident date

July 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1059

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Two or three civilians died and several more were wounded in airstrikes on Al Sukkari in Aleppo, local sources reported – though it was unclear from reports whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to Baladi, the hospital was put out of service as a result of strikes. Halab Today blamed both

Summary

First published
July 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1058

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that an unidentified child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

July 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS1057

LOCATION

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to ten civilians died and as many as 20 others were wounded in an airstrike on a fruit and vegetable market in Al Sakhour, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Ara, Madar Daily, Smart, Syrian Press Center, Qasioun, Syrian Human Rights Committee, JIsrtv, Ahbah7,

Summary

First published
July 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 10
(1 child3 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–20
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1056

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that one child was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Adadan, July 26th 2016. Thiqa News Agency released footage showing the use of cluster bombs in the raid. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. According to Anadan Media “Civil defense forces try to rescue the wounded due to Russian

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident