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 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1005

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to seven civilians died in either an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Al Salheen, local media reported. Smart News Agency  Shahba Press and AMC news all blamed Russia. Al Jazeera pointed to bot Russia and the Assad regime carrying out strikes in three neighbourhoods including Al Salheen, Fardous and Hanano. Alamawi, however,

Summary

First published
July 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
7–24
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1006

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to sources, an entire family of seven was killed overnight in their home in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Bulial. However some reports allege the death toll to be as high as ten. Several reports said that “the warplanes targeted the Ayed Al-Jaloud house in Ruwayda neighbourhood east of the city.”

Summary

First published
July 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 11
(2–3 children3 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1003

LOCATION

حي طريق الباب, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Shuhada’a Al-Aqsa Mosque was struck in east Aleppo and destroyed following an airstrike carried about by both Russian and Syrian regime warplanes, local media reported. The raid occurred in the morning of July 14th, according to the White Helmets. Between seven and ten civilians including an entire family were reportedly killed. Smart News and Shahba News

Summary

First published
July 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
(3–5 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
11–24
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
9 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS1004

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

The only surviving hospital in Kafr Hamra was struck and put out of service in alleged airstrikes by Russian and Syrian regime warplanes, which also reportedly killed up to ten civilians and wounded 20 more. Local news sources called the building Al Balad, and claimed it was a makeshift hospital, but the last remaining one

Summary

First published
July 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 10
(1 child4 men)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS999

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

A Russian “vacuum missile attack” allegedly caused huge destruction in the local market of Ariha. Residential housing was reportedly also been damaged as a result of the airstrike. Many of the reports differed in the numbers given, however, it is most likely that up to 22 civilians were killed. There was only one mention of

Summary

First published
July 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 22
(3 children4 men)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
35 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1000

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Up to 21 civilians died and as many as 55 more were wounded in a major civilian casualty event in Al Rastan, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Syrian Press Center reported a Russian warplane carried out the raid, using missiles.

Summary

First published
July 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 21
(3 women8 men)
Civilians reported injured
30–55
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1001

LOCATION

الليرامون, Bleilramoun, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians including two children died in either an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Baleirmoon neighbourhood, local media reported. According to Syrian Newsdesk, “Assad regime and Russian warplanes targeted Bleilramoun neighbourhood which is under opposition control north west of the city of Aleppo with several raids.” The Syrian Network For Human Rights blamed

Summary

First published
July 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1002

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes killed three civilians including two children in Aleppo’s Ferdos neighbourhood, local media reported. Sources said that warplanes continued to fly around the area after their airstrike. Syrian PC and Smart News Agency blamed Russian warplanes for the shelling in Al Ferdos. According to Sinn News, two women were also killed in the attack.

Summary

First published
July 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS994

LOCATION

قبر الأنكليزي, Kabr al Inglizi, Aleppo, Syria

A man named was killed in an an alleged Russian airstrike on Qabr Inglisi, according to local media. LCCSY and Smart News blamed Russia. Smart News reported the death of two people in this raid, but the other has victim has not been identified. There is no other information on this raid.

Summary

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

Incident Code

RS995

LOCATION

عنجارة, Ain Jara, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Ain Jara, according to local media. All sources  blamed Russian warplanes for the attack in Ain Jara. NabdsyriaTV claimed that others were also wounded and trapped under the rubble for a period of time.

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS996

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

In an airstrike which was reported to be both Russia and the Syrian regime, one child was alleged killed. The incident took place in Kafra Hamra. The Syrian Newsdesk blamed Russia for “five raids” which not only killed a child, but also left 12 “seriously wounded”. Syrian Pulse, however, reported that there were more than 15

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS997

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One civilian male died and 10 or more others were wounded in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Sukkari neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Orient blamed Russian warplanes for using both missiles and cluster bombs, while both Smart

Summary

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

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS998

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and others were wounded in an airstrike on Hraitan, local sources reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. Anadan Media Centre blamed Russia for the shelling, as didMasar Press, Shahba Press, Shebah News Agency, and several other local sources. However, Hawra News pointed

Summary

First published
July 12, 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
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS992

LOCATION

زارع, Zara, Hama, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians died in an airstrike on a power station in Zara, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Ara News reported that “Russian warplane shelling with missiles and cluster bombs in Al-Zara and Harbnafsa killed a number of

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS993

LOCATION

Al Hadlat camp, near Al Hammad, Deir Ezzor, Syria

All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes on Al Hadlat camp for displaced persons which reportedly killed up to 30 civilians. The camp is on the border near Al Hammad, in the Hammad Desert. Saeed Seif, a media activist in Badiyat Sham (Sham Desert), reported that there were more than seven raids on the camp,

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 30
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–50
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS988

LOCATION

Displaced persons camp near al Qali', al Sokhna, Homs, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on a camp for displaced persons near al Qali’, al Sokhna, according to sources on the ground. Sinn News, Shahba Press and Step News Agency all blamed Russia for the attack. There are no reported numbers of those killed or wounded,

Summary

First published
July 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS989

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

One young man died in an airstrike on Khan al Sheikh, western Ghouta, according to local media – though reports were split on whether Russia or the Syrian regime carried out the strike. LCCSY named the victim and blamed Russia. The Smart News Agency also said that Russia warplanes “killed a civilian and wounded more

Summary

First published
July 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS990

LOCATION

Turmanin, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian warplanes struck an oil market on the road between Termanin and Darat Ezza causing huge fires, chaos and destruction on July 11th 2016 and killing up to 20 civilians, according to sources on the ground. Reports referred to the attack as a “massacre” due to the level of destruction and high death toll.

Summary

First published
July 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 20
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–20
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS991

LOCATION

Bizza Square and Bab Maqam, Aleppo, Syria

Two attacks reportedly occurred in Bab Maqam, Old Aleppo within moments of one another. The first incident took place specifically in Bizza Square, and the other in another part of Bab Maqam. Two sources reported that all together, in both incidents, 30 people were killed in Bab Maqam. LCCSY said that “Assad forces intensive shelling

Summary

First published
July 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
25 – 30
(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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS984

LOCATION

إبين, Abeen, Aleppo, Syria

In a major civilian casualty event, 20 named civilians – mostly women and children – died and up to 30 more were wounded in airstrikes on Abeen village, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime carried out the attacks. Syrian Press Centre, Al Jazeera, Smart

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 24
(16–18 children1–4 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20–30
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
20 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS985

LOCATION

Castello Road, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, LCCSY, reported that “Russian warplanes launched heavy airstrikes on the outskirts of Castillo Road which led to the martyrdom of four civilians we they were attempting to get out of the city.” According to LCCSY this falls in the same context as the airstrikes on “Kafarnaha and Bashantra towns in the Western

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS986

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Two children from the same family died in airstrike on Kafr Hamra, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Both the regime and Russian jets were reportedly seen in Kafr Hamra on July 10th. Al Jazeera and Halab News Network

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
9–10
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS987

LOCATION

برج قاية, Burj Qai', Homs, Syria

Nine named civilians including six children died and up to 11 more were injured in an airstrike on Burj Qai, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime.  The Syrian Human Rights Committee, Homs Media Centre, LCCSY and other local news

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(6 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7–11
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
9 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS981

LOCATION

بشنترا, Bashentra, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported that four civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Bashentra. Burqa News reported “Russian warplanes carried out shelling with missiles and cluster bombs”. Ara News placed the number of wounded at 10, whereas Step News said that as many as 50 were injured. It said that some of the injuries were

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
10–50
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS982

LOCATION

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One man was killed in an attack by an alleged Russian warplane in al Sukkari on July 10th 2016. All sources reported that the attack was carried out by Russian; there was no mention of the Syrian regime. “Others” were reported to have been wounded with no mention of numbers. Sinn News however published a

Summary

First published
July 10, 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 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS983

LOCATION

حر بنفسه, Harbnafsa, Hama, Syria

There were no reports of civilian casualties in Harbnafsa. However, there were reports of a casualty in Burj Qaei which is nearby the local area. Souriat News reported “Regime warplanes shelling and artillery in Harbnasfa and Zara. No reports of casualties.” To further this, Syrian Newsdesk reported, “Russian and regime planes launched more than 10

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS978

LOCATION

حي الشعار, Al Shia'ar (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to four civilians died and 10 more were wounded in an alleged airstrike on Al Shia’ar in Aleppo, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. AMC reported that the Syrian regime killed four and wounded ten more. Other local

Summary

First published
July 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS979

LOCATION

حريتان, Assiya (Hraytan), Aleppo, Syria

Four members of the Civil Defence Service were killed while traveling from Anadan to rescue civilians in Assiya, according to sources on the ground. The Step News Agency said that the Civil Defence team were specifically targeted with a missile. Al Jazeera claimed that it was the Syrian regime who were shelling various areas of

Summary

First published
July 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–8
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 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS980

LOCATION

جندول, Jandol (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Russian warplanes and Syrian Regime helicopters allegedly shelled a roundabout in Al Jandol killing three civilians, according to Halab News Network and Syrian Network for Human Rights. Several local news sources including Step News, Halab Today and Sky News blamed Russian warplanes for the shelling. Additionally, local source syriapost1 reported the use of “phosphorous bombs”. Ara

Summary

First published
July 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 men)
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

July 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS974

LOCATION

دركوش, Darkoush, Idlib, Syria

Twenty six named civilians including a child and eight women died and up to 70 more were wounded in an airstrike on a residential neighbourhood and popular market in Darkoush, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. The strike reportedly took place

Summary

First published
July 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
26 – 30
(1 child8 women15 men)
Civilians reported injured
35–70
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
26 named, 3 families identified
View Incident