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 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS236

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

The Union of Hama Rebels reported that five people were killed in Hama but did not state whether they were civilians. It added that one of those killed was “documented in secret” and named him as Ahmad Mohammad Al Abboud, who died “as a result of Russian bombing on Kafr Zita in Hama countryside.” No

Summary

First published
December 7, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
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

December 6, 2015

Incident Code

RS234

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

Up to 20 civilians were reported killed – including 6 to 7 children and 2 women – and about 40 injured in an alleged Russian airstrike with vacuum missiles on Zamalka, according to multiple sources. Al Jazeera reported that 12 civilians including two children died in the attack, while All4Syria said nearly 50 non-combatants died or

Summary

First published
December 6, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18 – 20
(7 children3 women9 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
18 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2015

Incident Code

RS232

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

15 civilians including eight children and five women were reportedly killed and 25 injured when Russian warplanes allegedly bombed the city of Raqqa, according to multiple sources. Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered said non-combatants were killed in the agricultural fields west of the city in Al Kahtaniya farm and at the crossroads of Hitteen farm.

Summary

First published
December 6, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
(8 children5 women)
Civilians reported injured
25
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

December 6, 2015

Incident Code

RS233

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Three non-combatants including one child were reported killed and several injured in an airstrike on Douma – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. According to Al Jazeera Russia was responsible for the raid. But the Syrian Network blamed the regime, naming one child, Ibrahim

Summary

First published
December 6, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(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

December 6, 2015

Incident Code

RS231

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Three adult male civilians were reported killed and 20 wounded in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Palmyra, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN reported that three Russian fighter jets launched multiple air raids, with half of them concentrated on the city of Palmyra and the other half on the outskirts. The raids reportedly caused

Summary

First published
December 6, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS230

LOCATION

الناجية, Najieh, Idlib, Syria

One adult male and one child died in an alleged Assad regime airstrike on Najeh, according to the Violations Documentation Center. Radio Al Kul said one person died and three were injured – but instead attributed responsibility to Russia.  

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS229

LOCATION

الأربعين‎, Al Arbain, Hama, Syria

The Union of Hama Rebels, the SHRC and the VDC have all named five civilians including two women, whom they say died in a Russian airstrike on the village of Al Arbain.  

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 women3 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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS227

LOCATION

احرص, Ahras, Aleppo, Syria

In what appears to be a separate incident from the Maskaneh event previously listed, five non- combatants were reported killed when Russian warplanes allegedly struck a convoy of trucks carrying aid to the areas controlled by rebels in the northern countryside of Aleppo. Shaam News Network cited the Anatolia News Agency as saying the trucks

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS228

LOCATION

جسرين, Jissrain, Damascus, Syria

Between 16 and 30 civilians were reported killed and more than 50 others injured (“most of them women and children”), when Russian warplanes allegedly dropped four missiles on the popular market town of Jissrain (‘Two Bridges’), destroying residential buildings and shops according to reports. Activists told  Shaam News Network that the civilians had been “shot to

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 30
(3–6 children2 women10 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
12 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS225

LOCATION

كقر بطنا, Kafr Batnah, Damascus, Syria

Up to 16 non-combatants including 3 to 6 children were reported killed, and dozens injured, in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Kafr Batnah according to reports by the Shaam News Network and others. SNN said Russian warplanes launched rockets on the main square in the town. It added that the planes returned

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 16
(3–6 children2 women9 men)
Civilians reported injured
24
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
14 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS226

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike with more than 15 missiles on the road between Maskan and Kafrnasseh, Aleppo, according to the Shaam News Network. Shaam also asserted that once ambulance rescue services arrived the planes struck again, injuring members of the White Helmets who attended the scene. All4Syria said 20

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Incident Code

RS224

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Thirteen civilians including three women and four children were reported killed at Talbiseh  – and at least 10 children injured. Multiple sources were divided in blaming Russia or the Assad regime. According to The Syrian Revolution News for Talbissa more than 10 children were injured in the attack. It posted multiple videos – along with

Summary

First published
December 4, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13
(4 children3 women6 men)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 3, 2015

Incident Code

RS222

LOCATION

الناجية, Najieh, Idlib, Syria

Five civilians including one child were reported killed – and five others injured – in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Najieh. The Shaam News Network posted images on Facebook showing the remains of what it stated were missiles dropped by Russian warplanes, while Jisr TV described the weapons as “cluster rockets originating

Summary

First published
December 3, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child4 men)
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
Unknown
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 3, 2015

Incident Code

RS223

LOCATION

هنيدة, Hanida, Raqqa, Syria

Three brothers were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike which targeted a car carrying them to work near the town of Haneeda, according to Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered and the Syrian Human Rights Campaign. The victims – all described as builders – have all been named.    

Summary

First published
December 3, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 3, 2015

Incident Code

RS221

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Six non-combatants including two children were reported killed, and more than 15 injured, in an alleged Russian airstrike on Arbeen, according to the Shaam News Network which reported that the alleged raid led to the destruction of residential buildings and the homes of civilians. All six victims have been named.  

Summary

First published
December 3, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
15
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 2, 2015

Incident Code

RS220

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al Tamani'ah, Idlib, Syria

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Russian warplanes allegedly targeted the areas of Al Tamaanah and Tal A’as. A woman and her unborn child were said by Syria News to have been killed – though it blamed the Assad regime for the deaths.  

Summary

First published
December 2, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
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
December 15, 2024
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