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 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS525

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Between 12 and 15 civilians were killed including up to eight children and three women – and dozens more injured – in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hraytan, according to local sources. Shaam News Network posted a distressing video showing the body of a dead child “following raids by Russian craft“. A brief subsequent report said

Summary

First published
February 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 15
(2–8 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
24–50
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

February 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS526

LOCATION

Deir Hafer, Al-Bab, Tadeef, Aleppo, Syria

In a news roundup, Shaam News Network reported that “Russian planes carried out strikes on the towns of Deir Hafer, Al Bab and Tadef which led to the fall of martyrs and wounded amongst the civilians.” Alburaq Media also mentioned “several raids” on these locations but said it had “no information on the extent of the

Summary

First published
February 2, 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

February 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS527

LOCATION

نوى, Nawa, Daraa, Syria

Seven civilians including two children and one woman were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Nawa, according to the Violations Documentation Center. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that regime warplanes fired on Nawa, killing at least five people including one woman.  

Summary

First published
February 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(2 children1 woman4 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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS528

LOCATION

برج قاعي, Burj Kai, Homs, Syria

Between seven and nine victims, including up four women and up to four children were killed – and several others injured – and several injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Burj Kai according to multiple sources. Shaam News Network initially reported that three Russian warplanes launched rocket attacks on several villages in the countryside of

Summary

First published
February 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(2–4 children4 women1 man)
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS529

LOCATION

غرناطة, Garnata, Homs, Syria

Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes allegedly carried out raids “on the town of Al Rastan and the villages of Um Sharshouh and Ghirnata as well as the village of Burj Kai“. It said one civilian was killed and “several” others wounded in Garnata. Smart News reported that “Russian warplanes launched two raids on the village of

Summary

First published
February 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
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 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS530

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Shaam News Network reported that several civilians were killed and several more injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on neighbourhoods in Deir ez-Zor: “Russian raids were carried out on the towns of Hatla, Tahtani, Ayyash, Al Husseiniya, Al Janina, Al Hessan, Al Mheimdieh, Al Khareeta, Al Baghiliya, Al mayadeen and also on neighbourhoods in Deir Ezzor

Summary

First published
February 2, 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

February 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS520

LOCATION

الخريطة, Al Khareeta, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and three civilians including one to three children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Khareeta, according to local sources. Activists initially told Shaam News that three children were killed and more than five others were injured after Russian planes targeted Al Khareeta. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, at least two

Summary

First published
February 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–5
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS521

LOCATION

غرناطة, Garnata, Homs, Syria

One male child, Reda Waleed Othman, was named by the Violations Documentation Center as having been killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Garnata. The Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies also reported the death of Othman, stating that he was killed by “indiscriminate” Russian shelling.  

Summary

First published
February 1, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS522

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One adult male civilian, Qasem Mohammad al-Hasoun, was named by the Violations Documentation Center as having been killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Zita. The Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies similarly reported the death of Mr al-Hasoun from Russian shelling.  

Summary

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

Incident date

February 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS515

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

One child was killed and 16 other civilians injured in airstrikes on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes carried out raids on “the towns of Tal Rafa’at, Mare’, Anadan, Kafr Hamra, Hayyan, Ratyan, Bayanoun, Al Mallah, Ma’arasta al Khan, Ihress, Deir al Zeitoun, Bashoui and Asiya.” They

Summary

First published
February 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
16
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 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS516

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

Ten civilians including four children, four women and a rescue worker were killed – and ten to 15 others injured – in alleged Russian airstrikes on Anadan, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes launched 20 raids with missiles and cluster bombs targeting homes in the city center of Anadan and

Summary

First published
February 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 11
(3–4 children3–4 women5 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–15
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
11 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS517

LOCATION

معرسة الخان, Ma'arasta al Khan, Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes “carried out raids on the towns of the northern countryside on the towns of Tal Rafa’at, Mare’, Anadan, Kafr Hamra, Hayyan, Ratyan, Bayanoun, Al Mallah, Ma’arasta al Khan, Ihress, Deir al Zeitoun, Bashoui and Asiya.” It said that two people died in Ma’arasta Al Khan in addition to

Summary

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

Incident Code

RS518

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported that one civilian was killed and five others injured in 15 alleged Russian airstrikes on Hayan, “focusing mostly on the eastern and southern fringes of the city.” Though other nearby raids that day reportedly employed cluster munitions, SNN did not specify if they were deployed in Hayyan. The Baladi Media Network

Summary

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

Incident date

February 1, 2016

Incident Code

RS519

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

Ten civilians including one child and two women were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Ma’adan, according to local sources. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that Russian airstrikes targeted the following areas of the town: “near Ma’adan garage; near Tah Kreiban school; near Al Farouq school [previously al Bourtoukala]“. According to the Syrian Observatory

Summary

First published
February 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(1 child2 women7 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
10 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS512

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

One 17-year-old male was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayyan using cluster munitions, according to local sources. Both the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Violations Documentation Center blamed Russian warplanes. The White Helmets also named the victim, but did not say whether the Assad regime or Russia were responsible for the

Summary

First published
January 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

January 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS513

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to Radio Al Kul “Two [civilians] killed, including a child and several wounded with burning shops, as a result of Russian aviation targeting with rockets the shoe market in the neighborhood of # AL SALHEEN south of Aleppo.” No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
January 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
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

January 31, 2016

Incident Code

RS514

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

According to a single source, three civilians were injured in a Russian airstrike on al Atarib. Smart News reported that “three were wounded, including a child in a  Russian aerial bombardment on the city of Al Atareb. They were moved  to the field hospital in the city, according to our reporter.” No additional details are

Summary

First published
January 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS510

LOCATION

الحصان, Al Hissan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 18 and 20 civilians including seven women and six children were killed and 14 others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Hissan, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights initially reported that a “massacre” by “suspected Russian warplanes” killed 18 non-combatants, including six women and seven children, but a subsequent

Summary

First published
January 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18 – 20
(5–7 children4–7 women5 men)
Civilians reported injured
14–35
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
16 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS511

LOCATION

تل رفعت, Tall Rif`at, Aleppo, Syria

One 45-year-old adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tel Rifa’at, according to the Violations Documentation Center. A video report from Shaam News shows major destruction of civilian property in the town. According to the reporter “Tel Rifa’at is being exposed to a violent string of attacks. It was hit this

Summary

First published
January 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
9
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

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS499

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

One child died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on Manbij, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. All 4 Syria also reported the death, and said the child’s family was injured in the attack.  

Summary

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

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS500

LOCATION

قباسين, Qabasin, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and 14 civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Qabasein. In a news roundup the Shaam News Network reported “Russian enemy planes carried out dozens of strikes on the towns of Al Bab, Manbej, Jarablus and the town of Qabaseen causing the fall of dozens of dead and wounded in al Bab and

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 14
(0–1 children4 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–50
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

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS501

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Ten civilians including seven young brothers and sisters died in an alleged Russian strike on al-Bab. In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes allegedly carried out dozens of strikes on the towns on Al Bab, Manbij, Jarablus and Qabasein, leading to “dozens of dead and wounded in Al Bab and Qabaseen.“ The

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(7 children3–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
12
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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1724

LOCATION

حي القاطرجي, Al Qaterji neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One woman died and a number of other civilians were injured in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Qaterji neighbourhood, according to local media. It was unclear whether Russia or the regime were to blame. There were allegations against both parties – and reports that chlorine gas had been dropped from helicopters. According to Anapress, “Russian and

Summary

First published
November 29, 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

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS502

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Shaam News Network, Russian forces targeted the town of Azaz with two ballistic missiles, causing the death of one civilian and injury of several others. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently published an image of a young man, who came from Raqqa and was said to have died in bombing. The source does not say which day the incident

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
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

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS503

LOCATION

حتلا, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed and three injured when the village of Hatla was allegedly targeted by Russian warplanes, according to local sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported the death of two adult males – Bassam Al Samran and Bassel Al Samran – in a Russian raid that targeted a sweet shop “near Hilwiyat Al Badr”.

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS504

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a brief news report, the Syrian Network for Human Rights said that at least seven civilians including two children died when a “suspected Russian warplane” fired missiles on the village of Al Salhiya.  

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS505

LOCATION

الموظفين, Al Mouwathafeen (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three or four non-combatants died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Mouwathafeen village, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and others. However Al Khabar TV reported that “three children from the Maslawi family, including two brothers, were killed by a mortar targeted the Al Mouwathafeen neighborhood.” Deir News Network also said the deaths

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(3 children)
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS506

LOCATION

الحسينية, Hussainiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hussainiya, according to Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently and others.  

Summary

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

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS496

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a second day of alleged Russian strikes on the town, up to nine civilians including two children and one woman were killed at Al Salhiya, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll at seven, including two children and one woman.  

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(2 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS507

LOCATION

محيميدة, Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four civilians died in an alleged Russian raid on Mahimideh, according to local sources. Three victims were named by Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently including one unidentified person.      

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
1
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