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

December 2, 2015

Incident Code

RS219

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

One eight-year-old child named as Omar Ahmad al-Shagal was killed – and at least six people injured – in an alleged Russian airstrike on Anadan, according to the Violations Documentation Center and Shaam News Network. SNN posted a video depicting the aftermath of the alleged attack, showing one injured child being removed from an ambulance into a

Summary

First published
December 2, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
6
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 2, 2015

Incident Code

RS218

LOCATION

كفر ناصح, Kafr Nasih, Aleppo, Syria

Up to 25 non-combatants including two children were reported killed – and dozens injured – in an alleged Russian bombing of civilian areas in the towns of Kafr Nasseh and Ihress, according to Al Khaleej Online and other sources. A White Helmets official said the alleged strike had also targeted vehicles carrying humanitarian aid, burning

Summary

First published
December 2, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 25
(2 children5 men)
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS217

LOCATION

مهين, Mahin, Homs, Syria

Three civilians, including two women and one child, were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maheen according to the Violations Documentation Center.

Summary

First published
December 1, 2015
Last updated
February 24, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS216

LOCATION

القريتين, Al Qaryatayn, Homs, Syria

Eight civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qarayatain, according to reports.        

Summary

First published
December 1, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(2 women6 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
9 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS214

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center listed one unidentified adult female as having been killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the Bab al Neirab neighbourhood of Aleppo. Tweeting on the same day, the Syrian Documentation Centre reported that “An air raid by Russian warplanes on several locations in Al Neirab neighbourhood has led to human losses

Summary

First published
November 30, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS215

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reported that six civilians, including one female and five children, were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on As Sukhna. Activist Alamawi Omer published what he said was an account of the attack: “This morning at eight thirty in the morning the brutal Russian Air Force threw a barrage of rockets.

Summary

First published
November 30, 2015
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
Unknown
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2015

Incident Code

RS212

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Nine named  civilians including a child were reported killed – and at least 10 others injured – when Russian warplanes allegedly launched rockets on the northern suburbs of Aleppo, targeting a truck on the road to the Bab Al Salama crossing point, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The network also stated that

Summary

First published
November 29, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(1 child4–8 men)
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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2015

Incident Code

RS213

LOCATION

كفر تخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians – both children – were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Takharim, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and others. Salqeen’s co-ordinating committee alleged that Russia used cluster munitions in the attack. A field investigation by Al Jazeera English interviewed a child eyewitness badly injured in the event: “I

Summary

First published
November 29, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
4–10
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2015

Incident Code

RS210

LOCATION

الدانا, Al Dana, Idlib, Syria

Shaam News Network and Aljazeera Mubashner reported that civilian relief trucks were allegedly struck by Russian warplanes in the town of Al Dana. No deaths or injuries were initially reported. Aljazeera Mubashner’s footage is entitled: ‘Aftermath of Russian bombing after they targeted relief trucks in Al Dana in Idlib.’ An interviewed man says the targeted

Summary

First published
November 29, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

November 29, 2015

Incident Code

RS211

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

At least 37 civilians, including four children, were reported killed – and more than 72 others injured – in an alleged Russian airstrike on the market in the centre of Ariha, according to multiple reports. Amnesty International placed the death toll at 49 following an investigation. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that Russian

Summary

First published
November 29, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
37 – 49
(4 children10–16 men)
Civilians reported injured
72
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
30 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2015

Incident Code

RS209

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Tabaqa (Al Thawrah), Raqqa, Syria

Two to five non-combatants were reported killed following an alleged Russian airstrike targeting the Al Makassem area in Tabaqa. The victims were named by Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered. The group also posted images of homes which were allegedly targeted in the morning of November 28th. Additionally, three individuals used their Twitter accounts to report the

Summary

First published
November 29, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 men)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS208

LOCATION

أباد, Abbada, Aleppo, Syria

A family of four was reported killed in the village of Abbad in the Aleppo countryside, following alleged Russian raids. An eyewitness reported the following to Orient News: “Everyone here works in agriculture and shepherding. I was in the shop buying some things and we saw the plane. It struck the first blow on the

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
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
Unknown
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS207

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were killed including one child in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Atarib. There were two events several hours apart. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and others, one attack struck a school which suffered major damage and was no longer in use. Two victims were named SNHR.

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS206

LOCATION

الصورة, Sawara, Daraa, Syria

Up to six non-combatants including three children were reported killed and many injured in an alleged Russian (or possibly Assad regime) airstrike on Sawara, according to multiple sources. Shaam News Network reported that five civilians (including three children) died in the attack, and that “a large number” were wounded. According to the Syrian Network for

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children3 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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS205

LOCATION

بانص, Banis, Aleppo, Syria

Seven to eight civilians were reported killed, including two women and four children, and at least people 20 injured in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Bansh, according to the Shaam News Network and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Shaam posted a video depicting the aftermath of the alleged attack, stating that

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(4 children2 women1 man)
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS204

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed, and five to six injured, in an alleged Russian airstrike on the town of Maarat al Numan, according to multiple sources. Shaam News Network said the raid targeted the only water well in the town – at a time when a number of citizens were using the facility. It posted

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS203

LOCATION

دير العصافير, Dayr Al Asafir, Damascus, Syria

Four non-combatants were reported killed – and several injured – following alleged Russian or Assad regime “violent raids” that struck civilian homes in Dayr al Asafeer, according to reports. The White Helmets said the attack caused a huge fire which they extinguished but did not mention who the planes belonged to – referring only to

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2015

Incident Code

RS202

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Two sisters and their mother were among four civilians killed in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, according to reports. Local journalist Bassel al Darwish said “Assad’s criminal planes and Russia” were responsible for the deaths. The FSA and the Damascus Centre blamed the regime. And Syria 2011 and the local

Summary

First published
November 28, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS201

LOCATION

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria

Six or more civilians were reported killed including up to four women when Russian warplanes allegedly shelled As Sukhna. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, one of the rockets targeted two houses, “which killed six civilians including a child and three women.” The VDC has named the six victims that were killed during

Summary

First published
November 27, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(1 child4 women1–2 men)
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
Unknown
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS199

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Wadi al Ahmar, Homs, Syria

One adult male civilian was reported killed –  VDC named the victim – following multiple alleged Russian airstrikes at Al Wadi Al Ahmar, east of Palmyra, according to local monitors. Activists said the historic city’s archaeological campus was badly damaged as a result of one of the raids, and that other strikes hit different parts

Summary

First published
November 27, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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

November 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS200

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians, including one to two children, were reported killed and six injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Azaz, according to multiple sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that three non-combatants, including one child, died when Russian warplanes launched several rockets targeting the road leading to the border crossing point with

Summary

First published
November 27, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1–2 children2 men)
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

November 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS197

LOCATION

القريتين, Al Qaryatayn, Homs, Syria

Three non-combatants including two women were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on a farm 7km from the city of Qaryatain. The Syrian Network for Human Rights described the location as providing shelter to internally displaced civilians. The VDC named two victims, and  SN4HR named the third victim who was named byrom Haraween in Homs

Summary

First published
November 27, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women1 man)
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

November 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS198

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

The VDC and others identified an adult female civilian as having been killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jisr al Shughour. Two additional non-combatants including one child were reportedly injured. Local media activist Tariq Abd Aluhak posted what he said were pictures of rescuers after the event.  

Summary

First published
November 27, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS196 CS151

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Five to eight civilians including four children were reported killed, and 10 injured, when Russian warplanes allegedly launched several rockets on Hetten School in Raqqa, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Ara News also blamed Russia. Syria Press Report (citing the Syrian Observatory) placed the death toll at 12 and said the attack was

Summary

First published
November 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 12
(5 children)
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
Unknown, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS194

LOCATION

القريتين, Al Qaryatayn, Homs, Syria

One adult male civilian was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qaryatain according to the Violations Documentation Center. Most other sources instead said both the Assad regime and Russian aircraft participated in the event. Indicating the chaos on the ground, QNN6 reported: “Assad’s gangs, supported by Russia… are bombing the town of al

Summary

First published
November 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

November 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS195

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed and five injured – including children – in an alleged Russian airstrike on Baghdad Street in Hraytan, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. According to Smart News “Russian warplanes carried out four raids with rockets on the town which left three dead and seven wounded, including a woman,

Summary

First published
November 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–7
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

November 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS191

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Five adult male civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the main street of Maarat Al Nu’man. Orient News interviewed three witnesses to the attack (featured below). “The Russians carried out five raids killing around six people and injuring many. They were all civilian passers-by,” states a civil defence worker, while a resident

Summary

First published
November 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(5 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–20
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS192

LOCATION

سرمدا, Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

According to Zaitonmag, Russian aircraft carried out a raid on Sarmada on the Turkish border, “targeting a garage of relief trucks which has led to anonymous martyrs and two people slightly injured.“ The Syrian Network also reported the event, saying the attack by warplanes destroyed eight trucks and a water tank and killed one person.

Summary

First published
November 26, 2015
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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS193 CS152

LOCATION

الخفسة, Khafsa, Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians were killed and several injured in an alleged Russian, Assad regime or Coalition airstrikes on Al Khafasa. According to Shaam News Network, significant damage was caused to a water purification plant in the village, after seven raids. It said the plant provided water to most of the Aleppo neighbourhoods. It was additionally claimed

Summary

First published
November 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
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
Unknown, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 25, 2015

Incident Code

RS189

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Two to three civilians were reported killed and several others injured (“most of them women and children”) in an alleged Russian air raid with vacuum missiles on the town of Jisr al Shughour, according to Radio Alkul. The local media organisation additionally reported that “The town was also struck by more than 50 rockets from

Summary

First published
November 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
2 named
View Incident