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 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 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 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

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

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

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 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

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 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

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

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 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

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

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

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 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 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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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