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

January 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS488

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Several civilians were killed as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab and the surrounding area. The Syrian Network put the death toll at six – five children and a woman. Zaiton reported a much higher figure: “Local sources confirmed that 14 martyrs fell during the Russian raids with the wounding of at

Summary

First published
January 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 14
(5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
19–50
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

January 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS486

LOCATION

الغنطو, Al Ghantu, Homs, Syria

Eleven civilians died including three women and seven children in alleged Russian raids on Al Ghantu, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “warplanes believed to be Russian” killed 11 civilians, including three women and seven children. They said that a man and his wife and three of their children were among those killed. The

Summary

First published
January 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 11
(7 children3 women)
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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS487 CS169

LOCATION

عجاجا, Ajajah, Al Hassakah, Syria

Up to 15 civilians were killed including two children, following an airstrike on the village of Ajajah. The attack was initially attributed to the Coalition. However later reports blamed the deaths on Russia. According to the Syrian Observatory “Two children and a man were killed and others injured in bombing by warplanes believed to be

Summary

First published
January 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 15
(1–2 children13 men)
Civilians reported injured
9–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, US-led Coalition
Named victims
22 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS485

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

In a news roundup, The Shaam News Network reported that several civilians were killed and wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Manbij. The Network said this was part of a series of raids which included Al Bab, the villages of Berlhan and Trahil, and the city of Manbij. It added that civilians were directly targeted.  

Summary

First published
January 27, 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

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS483

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Seven civilians have been named as victims of an alleged Russian airstrike on Ar-Rastan, January 27th 2016. One woman was reportedly from Jawala – other sources have claimed that the victims were all displaced peoples. The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes “launched dozens of air raids targeted several areas of the northern countryside of Homs

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
10–40
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS484

LOCATION

جرابلس, Jarablus, Aleppo, Syria

In a news roundup, Shaam News reported that several civilians were killed and wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jarablus. The Network said this was part of raids on neighbourhoods in the city of Al Bab, including the villages of Berlhan, Trahil and the city of Manbij. It added that civilians were directly targeted. VDC lists

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS480

LOCATION

أبو حمام, Abu Hamam, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four civilians including one women and two children were killed and several others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on the al Shaitat area of Abu Hamam, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. The Syrian Observatory reported the deaths of two children, one woman and one man in a Russian

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS481

LOCATION

حي الطحطوح, Al Tahtu (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Amid multiple air raids on civilian towns in Deiz ez-Zor, Russian warplanes are alleged to have killed an adult male civilian at Al Tahtu.  

Summary

First published
January 27, 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

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS482

LOCATION

كفر لاها, Al Houla, Homs, Syria

Six civilians including one woman and two children (a boy and a girl) were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Laha, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory initially reported that five non-combatants died when “warplanes believed to be Russian which targeted places in Kafr Laha village at al-Houla.” They then reported that

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
41–40
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS478

LOCATION

محيميدة, Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently claimed Russian planes returned and targeted a funeral procession which was being held “for the martyrs of the massacre carried out by the Russian in the village of Mhimideh a few hours ago.” Al Jisir TV also reported that the town was hit with a second wave of Russian attacks.

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS479

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and several members of his family injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Mayadeen, according to Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. Alaan TV reported “the deaths of dozens of victims and wounded, including civilians and members of Daesh.”  

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS476

LOCATION

الخريطة, Al Khareeta, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three or more civilians including 2 to 3 women and one child were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Khareeta, according to three sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said the victims died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on Al Khareeta. Both the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child2–3 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS477

LOCATION

محيميدة, Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the number killed in raids carried out by “several warplanes believed to be Russian” on neighborhoods in Deir ez-Zor had risen to 27. They said this included three children and nine women. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently published several reports on the incident in which they said that Russia

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
27 – 32
(3 children9 women)
Civilians reported injured
20
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
32 named, 8 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS473

LOCATION

المرج, Marj, Damascus, Syria

A single source, the White Helmets, reported that one child, named as Hussan Murad, was killed and several other civilians injured in alleged airstrikes by Russian warplanes on the Marj area of eastern Ghouta. VDC said the boy died “Due to the regime air forces’ shelling,” while the Damascus media office described 10 strikes by unspecified warplanes. According

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS474

LOCATION

حي الصناعة السكني, Muheet Al Sina'aa (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently and the Violations Documentation Center, one man was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the industrial area in the city of Deir ez-Zor.  

Summary

First published
January 27, 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

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS475

LOCATION

الحسينية, Hussainiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Nine to 12 civilians including up to six women and four children were killed and ten others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hussainiya, according to multiple sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that Russian aircraft launches two rockets on the town, killing nine non-combatants. According to Deir Ezzor is Being Silently Slaughtered, Russian

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 12
(4–5 children4–6 women)
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
Named victims
7 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS472

LOCATION

برلهين, Berlahin, Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians were killed in the village of Berlahin on 27th January 2016, according to one source. SNN reported that there were Russian bombardments in Al Bab around that time. Commenting on the incidents, they added that the death toll was likely to rise due to the severity of injuries sustained in the raids. There are

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS469

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male civilian, was killed and ten others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on a charity hospital in Anadan, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that Abdul Rahman Abeid died when Russian warplanes fired missiles on Anadan. A later report by SN4HR gave more details, explaining that the victim was an assistant surgeon

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS470

LOCATION

تراحيل, Tal Rahil (Taraheil), Aleppo, Syria

Between three and six civilians including two women were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Taraheil, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Shaam News Network. SN4HR reported that three non-combatants, including two women, died when “suspected Russian warplanes” shelled Taraheil. The Shaam News Network – also blaming Russia – put the death toll

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(2 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
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS471

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Ten to fourteen civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Bab according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, who said warplanes shelled several residential houses in Al Kourneesh street. The Shaam News Network also reported Russian raids targeting non-combatants’ homes in Al Bab, but did not provide casualty figures. VDC named soe victims incuding 2 unidentified

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 14
(4–5 children3–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
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
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS467

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes had carried out raids targeting civilian homes, but did not give casualty numbers. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, Russian planes shelled residential houses in Al Kourneesh Street, killing six non-combatants from one family: five children and a woman.  

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(5 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
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS468

LOCATION

الشحيل, Shaheil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman and her child were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of al Shaheil, according to reports. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that a child,  died with his mother when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on the town. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently also blamed Russia.  

Summary

First published
January 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS466

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Palmyra, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS464

LOCATION

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

Two civilians – a man and a woman – were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the road to Ma’arasta Al Khan. Radio Al Kul reported “the martyrdom of Mariam Abdullah aged 30 year from Russian Aviation targeting with rockets on the road of Ma’arasta el Khan in the northern Aleppo countryside this afternoon.”  

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS465

LOCATION

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

One adult male civilian, died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Deir-ez Zor, according to the Violations Documentation Centre and the Syrian Network for Human Rights.  

Summary

First published
January 26, 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

January 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS462

LOCATION

جرجناز, Jarjanaz, Idlib, Syria

Between four and five civilians including one child and three women died in airstrikes on Jarnaz, according to local sources. Five sources alleged that Russia was responsible, but a fifth – the Violations Documentation Center – blamed the Assad regime. Syria 2011 said that four died and a number were wounded when rockets were fired

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 child3 women)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS463

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Between eight and nine civilians including one woman were killed and nine others injured in airstrikes on a popular market in Ariha, according to local sources. While three of the sources blame Russia for the attack, a fourth (the Syrian Network for Human Rights) says that the Assad regime were responsible. Activist told the Shaam News Network that Russian

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(1 woman8 men)
Civilians reported injured
9
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

January 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS461

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Two children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the town of Hayyan, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. The children were listed as having died on January 25th. In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported that “Russian enemy planes carried out air raids on the city of Mare` and Tal Rifa’at and

Summary

First published
January 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS459

LOCATION

ترمانين, Termanin, Idlib, Syria

12 civilians including four to five children and five women were killed – and 20 others injured – in airstrikes on Termanin, according to multiple sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights also said that the target of the strike, a military commander of an Islamic battalion, was a 13th victim. The Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
January 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12
(4–5 children5 women)
Civilians reported injured
20
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

January 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS460

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Between one and six civilians including a child died in airstrikes on Raqqa, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were responsible. The Shaam News Network, reported that several non-combatants were killed and several more injured when warplanes “thought to be Russian” carried out airstrikes on areas within

Summary

First published
January 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident