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

February 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS609

LOCATION

الحراك, Herak, Daraa, Syria

Six civilians including two children and one woman were killed and several others injured in airstrikes on Herak – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network reported that five non-combatants – mostly children – died when Russian warplanes launched missiles on

Summary

First published
February 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children1 woman3 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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS606

LOCATION

حوش نصري, Hosh Nasri, Damascus, Syria

Five civilians including one child were killed in airstrikes on the town of Hosh Nasri, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network reported that “swarms of Russian planes” flew over Eastern Ghouta, targeting towns with several

Summary

First published
February 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child0–3 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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS607

LOCATION

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji, Aleppo, Syria

Between six and 10 civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Qaterji, according to local sources. Shaam News Network reported that “swarms of Russian aircraft” continued to fly over the city of Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. Activists told SNN that Russian warplanes targeted several areas including the Al Qaterji neighborhood, where more

Summary

First published
February 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 10
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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

February 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS604

LOCATION

ضاحية الكهرباء, Dahiat al Kharaba, Aleppo, Syria

Shaam News Network reported two children killed in alleged Russian airstrikes: “Russian planes continued their raids on the town of Khan Al A’ssal and Dahiat al Kahraba neighbourhood which led to the dead of two children [girls] in the latter.” Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies also said that two unidentified civilians died in a

Summary

First published
February 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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

February 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS605

LOCATION

حلب, Castello-Kafr Hamra Road, Aleppo, Syria

Five non-combatants including three to four women died when a civilian car was targeted  on Castello-Kafr Hamra Road in Aleppo, according to local sources. All but one said this was an attack by the Assad regime – while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights does not specify who was responsible. The Syrian Network for Human

Summary

First published
February 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3–4 women)
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

February 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS602

LOCATION

صيدا, Saida, Daraa, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Center, one adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Saida. The victim was also named by We All Horan, which blamed Russia. According to Qasioun, one civilian died and dozens more were injured in Russian strikes on the town.

Summary

First published
February 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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

February 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS603

LOCATION

تل رفعت, Tall Rif`at, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians died in airstrikes on Tel Rifa’at, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that multiple Russian warplanes targeted Aleppo on February 13th, adding that there were 20 strikes on

Summary

First published
February 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(4–5 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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS600

LOCATION

مارع, Mare', Shaikh Isa, Aleppo, Syria

Three to four civilians including one woman and one to three children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Sheikh Eisa village in Mare’, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that two civilians – a woman and a child – died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on

Summary

First published
February 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–3 children1 woman)
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

February 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS601

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Up to eight civilians including two to four children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Bab, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, reported that three non-combatants including two children died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on Al Bab city in Aleppo. Damascus Centre for Human Rights Studies also

Summary

First published
February 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(2–4 children0–3 men)
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS599

LOCATION

الدار الكبيره, Dayr al Kabira, Homs, Syria

Two civilians including one woman were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Dayr al Kabira, according to two local sources. Shaam News Network reported on the incident in Al Ghantu (listed above) and added that “The town of Al Dar al Kabir suffered a similar air raid which led to the fall of two

Summary

First published
February 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS596

LOCATION

الغنطو, Al Ghantu, Homs, Syria

Between 14 and 16 civilians died including one woman and up to four children in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Ghantu, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network reported “an appalling massacre” in Al Ghantu, which killed 16 non-combatants including members of the civil defence who rushed to the location of the first raid

Summary

First published
February 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 16
(4 children1 woman13 men)
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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS597

LOCATION

داعل, Da'el, Daraa, Syria

Two civilians died and several more were injured in an airstrike on Da’el, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. According to Step News Agency, Russian warplanes carried out a raid on Da’el, killing one civilian and injuring a number

Summary

First published
February 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS598

LOCATION

el Na'aymeh, Daraa, Syria

At least two civilians died and three or more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on el Na’aymeh, according to two local sources. Alyakeen Media published a number of videos showing destruction of the town and the removal of dead and wounded bodies from the rubble. Voiceovers in videos said that the strikes were carried

Summary

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

Incident date

February 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS594

LOCATION

حزوان, Hazwan, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians (possibly from the same family) including two children and one woman were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hazwan, according to the Violations Documentation Center. In a news roundup, Shaam news Network reported that “In the Eastern Aleppo countryside, Russian enemy planes carried out raids on the towns of al Bab, Tadef, Deir

Summary

First published
February 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS595

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Between two and four civilians including up to two children were killed in airstrikes on Palmyra, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Violations Documentation Center said that two adult male non-combatants died as a result of Russia shelling.

Summary

First published
February 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(0–2 children1 woman2 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

February 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS593

LOCATION

كفر لاها, Kafr Laha, Homs, Syria

One adult female civilian, Amineh Mesheal, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Laha, according to the Violations Documentation Center. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
February 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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

February 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS590

LOCATION

الصالحين, el Salheen, Aleppo, Syria

According to a single source, the Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies, three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the Salheen neighborhood of Aleppo. The victims were named by the Center.  

Summary

First published
February 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(0–3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS591

LOCATION

ضهرة عبد ربه, Dara abd Rabbo, Aleppo, Syria

Six civilians were killed and three others injured in alleged Russian strikes on Dara abd Rabbo, according to local sources. The White Helmets reported that Russian warplanes carried out four raids, while the Shaam News Network also alleged this was a Russian strike.

Summary

First published
February 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS592

LOCATION

Liramon, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians (two women and two children) died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Liramon, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies also said Russia was responsible. According to Halab News, Russian warplanes launched “several raids” on Liramon, resulting in the death of

Summary

First published
February 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 women)
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS586

LOCATION

داعل, Dael, Daraa, Syria

One woman, named as Sawsan Fakhri al Hariri, was killed in an airstrike on Dael, according to local sources – though reports are contested as to whether Russia or the regime were responsible. The Violations Documentation and Syria2011 said the victim was killed in a Russian strike. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed

Summary

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

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS587

LOCATION

النعيمة‎, Naemah, Daraa, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one civilian man, Morad Hasan al Aboud, as killed in an alleged Russian raid on Naemah. However, it linked to a video in which the voiceover says the victim is a ‘hero from the Free Army.’ Daraa Martyrs also published a video in which the voiceover says that “the martyr

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS588

LOCATION

الغارية, Al Gariya, Daraa, Syria

Three civilians including one woman and one child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Gariya, according to local sources. The VDC named one adult male victim of a Russian strike as  Khaled Ayed al Mefrej. All4Syria also attributed the incident to Russia, reporting that “Russian warplanes targeted the towns and cities (Naemeh –

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS589

LOCATION

تلمنس, Talmanas, Idlib, Syria

Six civilians including two children and three women died in airstrikes on Talmanas, according to local sources – though they are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime, and there is also some confusion on the date of the incident. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children3 women2 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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS584

LOCATION

آفس, Afes, Idlib, Syria

Seven civilians including four children were killed in airstrikes on Afes – though sources are unclear or conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that five non-combatants were killed when warplanes raided the Afes area, though did not say who the

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(4 children3 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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS585

LOCATION

الشميطية, Shmaitieh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was killed and three other civilians injured in airstrikes on Shmaitieh, according to local sources – though they are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Both the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Network for Human Rights named a nine-year-old victim as Mohammad Abdul Kareem

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS581

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center named one civilian Abo Shukri as a victim – but no details were given about where he was killed, and the name is not precise. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Namer al-Shukri was killed in alleged Russian raids. However it said he was “the military commander of Aleppo

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS582

LOCATION

كفر خاشر, Kafr Kasher, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and ten civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Kasher, according to local sources – though some didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. Shaam News Network reported that there had been dozens of Russia raids launched on February 9th on Aleppo, leaving more than three dead “in a number of areas Kfar Kheshr

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 10
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

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS583

LOCATION

جبل الزاوية (ابلين), Jabal al Zawiya, Idlib, Syria

Between five and nine civilians including one child died and at least 15 more were injured in an airstrike on Jabal al Zawiya, according to local sources. While most alleged this was the work of Russia, one said the regime was responsible. Al Souria said that Russia was responsible, putting the death toll at six

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(1 child1 woman0–7 men)
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
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS579

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed and 10 others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources. Syrian Press Center reported that Russia carried out four raids, killing one non-combatant and injuring 10 more – adding that the death toll was expected to rise due to the severity of some of the injuries.

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS580

LOCATION

تل رفعت, Tall Rif`at, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians died and dozens more were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Tel Rifa’at, according to local media. The Violations Documentation Center named one adult male civilian, 62-year-old Abdul Jabbar Mohammad Mraimini, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on tel Rifa’at. Shaam News Network also reported one death, however it did not specifically

Summary

First published
February 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
2 named
View Incident