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

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

Incident date

November 25, 2015

Incident Code

RS190

LOCATION

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Eight non-combatants including a child were reported killed in alleged Russian warplanes targeted trucks in the town of Azaz. Russian planes launched several rockets on a civilian area, hitting freight trucks 2km from Bab Al Salameh on the Syrian-Turkish border. The Syrian Network said the vehicles specialised in transporting foodstuff to and from the crossing,

Summary

First published
November 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(1 child7 men)
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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS188

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center listed one adult male civilian, a Palestinian national, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Douma. However, the VDC listed seven further civilians killed that day in Douma “due to regime`s army forces shelling.” And the Syrian Observatory cites the Assad regime as being responsible for the event.  

Summary

First published
November 22, 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS186

LOCATION

حي القصيلة, Qosaileh, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and six non-combatants, including two or more children, were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Qosaileh, according to The White Helmets and the Violations Documentation Center. The Halab News Network posted a video showing the destruction of houses and other buildings, as a team of White Helmets searched for survivors. VDC has

Summary

First published
November 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2–3 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
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS187

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on Al Bab by Russia or the Assad regime. According to the Syrian Observatory, the deaths occurred after a bakery was struck.  

Summary

First published
November 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
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 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS185

LOCATION

نوى, Nawa, Daraa, Syria

Two named civilians were killed in an alleged Russian and also claimed that the Assad regime was responsible for the attack on Da’ara Street in Nawa, Da’ara governorate. The Violation Documentation Center in Syria named the two victims, and they were both from Kafr Shams.

Summary

First published
November 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS183

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan Subul, Idlib, Syria

At least five civilians, including two women and two children, were killed in alleged Russian evening airstrikes that targeted Khan Subul. Step TV later interviewed an eyewitness, an unnamed boy who notes: “A plane hit here and hit our neighbour’s home, so they were martyred. This is where it happened; it was Russian planes.” The

Summary

First published
November 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(2 children2 women1 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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS184

LOCATION

حي طريق السد, Tareeq al Sadd, Daraa, Syria

Ten non-combatants, including five women and four children, were killed in an airstrike on the Tareeq al Sadd (Dam Road) neighborhood in Dara’a, according to multiple reports. The Union of Hama Rebels stated that one child, Limar Mirzo al-Teani, was killed in the alleged raid, while Shaam News Network posted a video depicting the dead bodies of a

Summary

First published
November 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(4 children5 women1 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2015

Incident Code

RS182

LOCATION

حي الحلوانية, Al-Bab Road (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to two non-combatants including two women and two female children were reported killed, and four civilians injured, in alleged Russian airstrikes with vacuum missiles on the Bab Road neighbourhood, according to The White Helmets and the Syrian Observatory. Reporting was confused, with the death toll ranging from one to seven. Mada also claimed the

Summary

First published
November 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2–4 children0–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
4
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

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

CS149 RS175

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center listed five non-combatants, including two women and one child, as killed in an alleged Russian or Coalition airstrike near Al Bukamal. At least two of those killed were said to work for the local electricity company, who died when an oil tank was targeted. VDC named two male victims and additionally

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child2 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS181

LOCATION

جب القبة, Jib al Qiba (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation, one adult male civilian (listed as a 25-year-old teacher) was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jeb el Kibba. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “Alleged Russian warplanes launched a rocket on residential houses on Joub Al Kibba neighbourhood which killed an individual and injured not less

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS178

LOCATION

مرعيان, Mareian, Idlib, Syria

Four children were among up to five civilians reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mareian, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The Network stated that two rockets fell on the town and that two houses were completely destroyed. Jisr TV placed the death toll at five,

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(4 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
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS179

LOCATION

Idlib, Syria

According to multiple sources, at least seven non-combatants died, this including two children and two women, and some injured in alleged Russian airstrike in downtown Idlib city. Other sources accused the Syria regime air forces of the shelling in the city of Idlib. The Violation Documentation Center in Syria named the seven victims.

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(2 children2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS180

LOCATION

العشارة‎, Ashara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian girl died “as a result of Russian bombing” at Ashara, according to Deir Ezzor Is Being Slaughtered and others. The Violations Documentation Center named one woman or child as a victim of alleged shelling by Russian warplanes. It lists her as killed in Ashara, Deir Ezzor. Maha had previously been injured in an

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(0–1 children2–3 women2–3 men)
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS176 CS148

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A number of sources reported that an adult woman from Soran in Hama governorate was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah. Violations Documentation has published the name & photo of the victim which as said he was killed due to the coalition air force’s shelling.  In their January 2020 civilian casualty assessment, the US-led

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS177

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Center one adult male civilian and one woman or girl were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Mayadeen. Local media activist Hussein al Ahmad reported that “One of them targeted Al Quds mosque in the town which led to its destruction.” Photos show a severely damaged building.  

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(0–1 children0–1 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
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS174

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Seven civilians including two women and one child were reported killed in an airstrike on Al Buliyal. While most sources blamed Russia, the Damascus Centre said that both regime attacks and Russian aircraft were responsible. VDC later named five victims. An additional male civilian fatality, the husband of Amira Muheisen al-Elkeh, has been died. Moreover,

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child2 women4 men)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS172

LOCATION

الناجية, Najieh, Idlib, Syria

Up to four children were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Najieh, according to the Violations Documentation Center. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said two children died. the Violations Documentation Center (VDC) named two children victims of the strike and another two as unidentified.

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2–4 children)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS173

LOCATION

الزباري, Zubari, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reported that 25 non-combatants, including 13 women and one child, were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Zubari. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently also posted a video showing the moment of the attack which it blamed on ‘Russian aviation.’ Also, Free Deir Ezzor Broadcast claimed the attack involved Russian ballistic

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
25
(1 child13 women11 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–40
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
25 named, 3 families identified
View Incident