Russian Military in Syria

Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

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Incident Code

RS094

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Location

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.81425, 36.319812 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to five civilians – among them three children and an adult male – were reported killed in an alleged air and ground assault on Jisr al Shughour, according to a number of sources.

The Syrian Network later named the dead.

Shaam News reported that “Russian warplanes carried out two raids with rockets on the town of al Kastan in the countryside of Jisr Al Shoughour, which led to the fall of three martyrs and dozens wounded, in conjunction with an intense rocket attack launched from the town of Guerin targeting Jisr al Shoughour.”

Reporting from the village, Orient News’ Hashem al Abdullah interviewed an unnamed male eyewitness: “At exactly 8:35am the Russian planes were heard roaming the skies. As soon as we heard the sound of the planes a raid was carried out on the village of Al Kastan. There were three missiles, I am not sure what type they were, either vacuum or cluster, I am not sure what the term is for them. As a result three children were killed , three little children and a girl is in very serious condition, I am not sure if she will survive. I hope she does. That’s what happened.“

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Moustafa Khado
Adult male from Al Meshyrfi in Idlib killed
Mahmoud Zuhair Edrees
Child male killed
Ahmad Mohamad Al Abdullah
Child male From Idlib killed
Rana Rami Edrees
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (3 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Translation: #Idlib countryside: 5 martyrs and a number of injured in Russian plane bombing of the town of Kastan. (via radioharafm)
  • Translation: #Russia kills children #Russia bombs Syria #Jissr al Shoughour #Al Kastan A terrorist killed by Putin’s planes with her siblings. (via laith45)
  • Translation: the death of three children martyrs and a number of injured in a Russian raid on the town of Kastan in Jissr Al Shoughour countryside. Zaman News Agency. (via zamanews)
  • photo of the aftermath (via SNHR)
  • photo of the aftermath (via SNHR)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

The Russian MoD issued no report for the period October 28th-30th 2015. A monthly summary was issued on the evening of October 30th.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (3 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS103

Incident date

October 31, 2015

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.5714804, 36.4033699 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The White Helmets were among those reporting multiple civilian fatalities after a series of alleged Russian airstrikes on Douma. “Since the morning until now, more than 15 strikes,” the civil defence group posted. Syria Reporter published what it said was an image of two Russian aircraft operating over the city that day.

The dead were later named

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Khaldoun Houssam Al Rheibani
Child male killed
Yussuf Khaled Khabiya
Age unknown male killed
Yasser Hassan Kabkab
Age unknown male killed
Ahmad Yasser Blaleh
Age unknown male killed
Waleed Deeb M’ekeh
Age unknown male killed
Yunis Mohammad Naji
Age unknown male killed
Three unidentified women
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 9
  • (1–3 children3 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • warplanes flying over Douma

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

The Russian MoD issued no report for the period October 28th-30th 2015. A monthly summary was issued on the evening of October 30th.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 9
  • (1–3 children3 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS104

Incident date

October 31, 2015

Location

الحميدية, Hamidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3301466, 40.1456308 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four named civilians were killed in a reported Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Hamidiya. The Violations Documentation Center named the victims, all adult males.

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Maher al-Dali
Adult male killed
Ahmad al-Dali
Adult male killed

The victims were named as:

Qasem Mohammad Ahmad al-Madi al-Jole
Adult male killed
Hsain al-Mustafa
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

In its report for military actions on October 31st-November 2nd 2015, the Kremlin made no mention of strikes in Dayr ez Zawr governorate.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS106

Incident date

November 1, 2015

Location

جبالا, Jbala, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.572778, 36.556667 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One child was reported killed and two or more non-combatants injured following an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Jbala.

While the Syrian Observatory blamed Russia, both the Idlib Media Centre and Al Kul Radio said the attack was the work of the Assad regime.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (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 attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The video shows the airstrike carried out in Jbala village, dated on Nov 1st, 2015.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village Jbala (جبالا), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.572778, 36.556667. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.  

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Unknown
Official source

In its report for military actions on October 31st-November 2nd 2015, the Kremlin made no mention of strikes in Idlib governorate.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Syrian Regime

While the Syrian Observatory blamed Russia, both the Idlib Media Centre and Al Kul Radio said the attack was the work of the Assad regime.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (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 attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS107

Incident date

November 1, 2015

Location

معرتماتر, Ma’ar Tamater, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.570000, 36.548889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A child named as Ahmad Ali al-Yousef was reported killed following an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Ma’artamater.

The Violations Documentation Center and Syrian Observatory blamed Russia. The pro-regime Shaam Times – citing “military sources” – confirmed that unspecified aircraft had supported ground operations at Ma’artamater. And the Damascus Centre for Human Rights blamed the Assad regime.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • a Raid by warplanes targeting the village of Ma’artamater in the southern Idlib countryside on 1/11/2015

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village Ma’ar Tamater (معرتماتر), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.570000, 36.548889. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Unknown
Official source

In its report for military actions on October 31st-November 2nd 2015, the Kremlin made no mention of strikes in Idlib governorate.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS108

Incident date

November 1, 2015

Location

منطقة أسيا, Assiya, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.271066, 37.078834 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An unnamed civilian male was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Assiya. Almodon made no mention of civilian casualties, though did report strikes by “Russian jet fighters” on Assiya.

No additional information is presently available.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

In its report for military actions on October 31st-November 2nd 2015, the Kremlin confirmed carrying out strikes in Aleppo governorate: “In the suburbs of Aleppo, a Su-34 bomber made a strike against a terrorist camp used for training of militants arrived from other countries. As a result of hits of air bombs, the ammunition depot as well as the training facilities were eliminated.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS109

Incident date

November 1, 2015

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.5714804, 36.4033699 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A child was killed and ‘dozens of civilians’ were injured “as a result of five Russian air strikes [each strike firing more than one missile] targeting residential neighborhoods in the city of Douma” according to the White Helmets. Intense artillery shelling was also reported on Douma.

VDC named the child as Judi Bashar al Zhairi, and said she was killed by ‘Russian air forces shelling.’ A video of her funeral was also published.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Judi was killed in Douma as a result of alleged Russian air forces shelling
  • During the video the man says her the little girl name and also says 'she was killed as a result of land to land missiles fired on Douma". Doesn’t say who.

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

In its report for military actions on October 31st-November 2nd 2015, the Kremlin has confirmed carrying out strikes in Damascus governorate: “Near Harasta al-Katara (Damascus province), an ISIS ammunition depot was destroyed. A hit of a guided bomb on a bunker with artillery munitions completely destroyed the object with all its contents.“

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS110

Incident date

November 1, 2015

Location

أم صحريج, Um Sirij, Hama, Syria

Geolocation

35.32051, 37.34214 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two to five children and their mother were reported killed and four more people injured along with up to three civilian adults, after an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Umm Sirij.

Shaam News cited local civil defence as saying that a home had been razed in the attack, with other houses damaged. And Smart News reported that “Russian warplanes launched a missile strike on the village, which killed five people, including two children, and four wounded, including children, they were transported by the civil defense to the field hospital nearby.”

The Syrian Network later claimed that “On 1 November 2015, alleged Russian warplanes shelled Um Sahareej town in Hama suburbs under ISIL’s control, which killed 6 individuals from one family (a woman and 5 children).”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (2–5 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of alleged Russian strike on November 1st 2015, which reportedly killed two children (via SNN)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

In its report for military actions on October 31st-November 2nd 2015, the Kremlin has confirmed carrying out strikes in Hama governorate: “Near Kafr Nabudah settlement (Hama province), a Su-25 attack aircraft performed a strike against militants’ fortified area with two armored vehicles and two off-road automobile vehicles equipped with ZU-23 AA systems. Direct hit of an air bomb caused destruction of an ammunition depot. As a result of detonation, armored and off-road vehicles burnt down.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (2–5 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]