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 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

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

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

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

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS170

LOCATION

ميدان الغزال, Maydan al Ghazal, Hama, Syria

Up to four civilians were reported killed when missiles were allegedly fired from Russian warships, hitting the village of Maydan Al Ghazal. One eyewitness filmed in the aftermath insists “this was caused by Russian ballistic missiles hitting shepherds and farmers living here. They are not terrorists and they’re not armed.” The Syrian News Desk cited

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS171

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian bombing of the town of Kafr Zita, according to multiple sources. Syria News Desk cited local media activist Abdel-Rahman al-Ali was saying that “Russian jets targeted three raids north side of Kafr Zita, killing two people and destroyed four houses.”  

Summary

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

Incident date

November 19, 2015

Incident Code

RS169

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Fourteen or more non-combatants were killed and dozens injured in the shelling of Eastern Ghouta. Since the attack reportedly involved both airstrikes including cluster munitions (by either Russian or Assad regime aircraft), as well as ground artillery fire from pro-government forces, attribution for the deaths remains unclear. According to SNN, the “‘Sharia public body’ in

Summary

First published
November 19, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14
(3 children2 women7–9 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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS168 CS146

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Reports indicated that Coalition aircraft had killed up to ten civilians in Raqqa in an evening strike. According to local monitors Raqaa is Being Slaughtered Silently, seven were killed and eight injured after a civilian fuel facility was bombed in the Brigade 17 area of the city. A graphic video by Daesh propagandists Al A’maq

Summary

First published
November 18, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS166

LOCATION

تل هادية, Tal Hadya, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Union of Hamas Rebels, one adult civilian male was killed and two or more people injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tal Hadya. The Violations Documentation Center also named the victim, It also identifies him as a civilian but has published an image of him wearing a militant bandana. His combatant

Summary

First published
November 18, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 men)
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 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS167 CS147

LOCATION

البوكمال, Al Bukamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Center and others, six civilian males were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in the vicinity of the Aisha hospital in Al Bukamal. According to Deir Ezzor 24, eight rockets or missiles were launched on the town. However, the Syrian Observatory has attributed the attack to the US-led Coalition.

Summary

First published
November 18, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children4 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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS164

LOCATION

الرحيبة, Al Rahiba, Damascus, Syria

The White Helmets reported the death of one man and the injuring of his wife, following several alleged Russian airstrikes during the evening on the town of Al Rahiba. However the VDC reported the death of an unnamed civilian male “due to regime`s army forces shelling.” And the Free Syrian Army noted only that an

Summary

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

Incident date

November 18, 2015

Incident Code

RS165

LOCATION

الكركات, Al Karkat, Hama, Syria

The Union of Hamas Rebels reported that one child who was killed – and two or more people injured – in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Al Karat. The VDC also named the boy, who it said had died “Due to the Russian air forces shelling of Karakat village.” The Syrian News Desk

Summary

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

Incident date

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS163

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian factory worker was killed and two injured in an alleged Russian missile strike on the Atlas Factory for cotton in Hayyan, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Violations Documentation Centre. The VDC published an image (right) of the unnamed victim. In a separate report, it has also listed 35-year old from

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS161

LOCATION

الموحسن, Muhassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six or more non-combatants, including three children, were reported killed in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Mohassan. There were claims the death toll may have been as high as 10. While most sources blamed Russia, the Syrian Network later reported that “government warplanes shelled Al Mouhassan city in eastern Deir Al Zour suburbs

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 10
(3 children1 man)
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
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS162

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Russian vacuum missiles allegedly targeted a key bakery in Al Atarib, taking it completely out of service. Reports said the bakery served more than 100,000 people (apparently confirmed by activists). There were no reports of casualties, but the Syrian Network for Human Rights said the bakery was the “greatest in the western region of Aleppo suburbs“,

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS159

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

A seven-year-old boy was reported killed and five of his family members injured, following an alleged Russian airstrike at Kafr Halab or nearby. A second child may also have died. Location reporting for this event remains confused. Chicken sheds were reported destroyed and civilian deaths alleged at Kafr Halab; near Kafr Daryan; and in the

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
4–5
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