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 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS160

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

The VDC and Aleppo Eyewitness reported that two named non-combatant men were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Al Bab. However, Syrian Martyrs and the Damascus Centre for Human Rights blamed the Assad regime. Other sources simply blamed ‘warplanes.’  

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS157

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

A 27-year old civilian male named reported killed in Hraytan following a Russian or Assad regime airstrike. Seven civilians were additionally said to have been injured. While Halab News and Hraytan’s residents blamed the attack on Russia, the VDC said Mr Qinti died as a result of a regime airstrike (“air forces shelling.”)  

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7
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

RS158

LOCATION

قبر الأنكليزي, Kabr al Inglizi, Aleppo, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reports that one adult male non-combatant was killed in alleged Russian warplane strikes on Qabr al Inglisi. The Free Syrian Army, which also named the victim, said he originally came from Anadan.  

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS155

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

An alleged Russian midnight raid on Saraqib destroyed a bakery in the town. The Idlib Media Centre complained that “this oven is for baking, it’s not the headquarters of the rebels.” While The Syrian Observatory and Idlib Media Centre reported unspecified casualties, the Syrian News Desk put the toll at one civilian killed, with six

Summary

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

Incident Code

RS156

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

The Syrian Observatory reported that four non-combatants were killed and ten people were injured (four seriously) in three alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun. A video filmed in the immediate aftermath shows devastated civilian houses, with at least ten injured adults and children. A second video (below) shows the moment the airstrike hits Khan Sheikhoun.

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2 women1 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2015

Incident Code

RS154

LOCATION

أورم الجوز, Urum Al Joz, Idlib, Syria

According to The Syrian Observatory, Russian warplanes allegedly bombed Orme al Joz killing up to four civilians. While the Observatory reported unspecified casualties, VDC named one adult male fatality. The Syrian News Desk cited local media activist Khaled Al Idilbi as saying “that Russian warplanes targeted with two raids residential sites within the town of

Summary

First published
November 17, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 men)
Civilians reported injured
4
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 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS152

LOCATION

التمانعة, At Tamani'ah, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed, and two men travelling with her badly injured when alleged Russian warplanes struck a car carrying displaced people on the road leading to Al Tamaanah in Idlib governorate. One of the men may later have died. Smart News has published an interview with an eyewitness: “At 09:30 this morning exactly an

Summary

First published
November 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS153

LOCATION

الميسر, Myassar, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were killed – an uncle and nephew – and two or more people injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the  Myassar neighbourhood of Aleppo. Local media activist Hassan al Ahmad posted an image of the dead boy with the comment: “This is how Syria’s children are being killed as if their blood is

Summary

First published
November 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS151

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Five non-combatants – including a woman and child – were reported killed and more than five people injured in an alleged Russian airstrike targeting the town of Khan Shaikhoun. The Shaam News Network said three civilians were killed in the raid, while the Union of Hamas rebels reported that four people died. The VDC put

Summary

First published
November 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 woman3 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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS150

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

News media reported that three or four children were killed – and more than 20 injured in Russian warplanes allegedly struck the Abu Alaa Al Ma’ari Elementary School for Boys in Ma’art Al-Nu’man. One video appears to show Russian aircraft over the city that day. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the warplanes

Summary

First published
November 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(3–4 children)
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 14, 2015

Incident Code

RS148

LOCATION

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Center and The Syrian Network for Human Rights, five or six civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Kafr Hamra. SN4HR reported that Russian warplanes shelled the neighbourhood of Jamye’at Al Sabbath. Additionally, they stated that a tailoring factory belonging to the Syrian Organization of Human Care and

Summary

First published
November 14, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(6 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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 14, 2015

Incident Code

RS149

LOCATION

باريشا, Barisha, Idlib, Syria

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that alleged Russian warplanes targeted the village of Barisa and the Abo Al Dohor area and reported losses, but did not provide any details. No further information is available at the present time.

Summary

First published
November 14, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 14, 2015

Incident Code

RS147

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

One adult male a doctor – was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hraytan, according to the Violations Documentation Center. The Syrian Network for Human Rights also stated that alleged Russian warplanes launched three rockets on the Asia Industrial Pharmaceutical Factory in the northern suburbs of Aleppo, which caused the fire of warehouses

Summary

First published
November 14, 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 13, 2015

Incident Code

RS146

LOCATION

خنيفيس, Khnefes, Homs, Syria

According to the Violations Documentation Center and Al Qaryatayn, one adult male named was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khnefes near Palmyra. His Facebook martyr’s page noted: “We celebrate the life of the martyr Khaled Saleh Al Darweesh [Al Arabiya], Abou Sleiman, who died on Friday following the oppressive Russian planes raids on

Summary

First published
November 13, 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 13, 2015

Incident Code

RS145

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

The Violations Documentation Centre reported that one adult male was killed as a result of alleged shelling by Russian warplanes. Mr al Rajab’s status is contested, with some reports claiming he was an opposition fighter. The pro-regime site Hama News Network said he was a field commander with the FSA, for example.    

Summary

First published
November 13, 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 12, 2015

Incident Code

RS143

LOCATION

بينين, Benin, Idlib, Syria

Up to four non-combatants, including two children, were killed and 10 injured in alleged Russian nighttime airstrikes on Benin. The Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that phosphorous weapons may have been used in two strikes, which burned 500m of agricultural land. Additional strikes then targeted an olive pressing facility and a bakery in Bayneen.

Summary

First published
November 12, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children2 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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 12, 2015

Incident Code

RS144

LOCATION

الغارية, Al Ghariya, Daraa, Syria

Seven non-combatants were reported killed – including one child and a woman – in alleged Russian (or possibly Syrian) airstrikes and Assad ground artillery attacks on Eastern Al Ghariya. Shaam News reported that warplanes hit a school, noting that Assad’s forces also targeted the town with artillery shells following the raids. The Syrian Network blamed

Summary

First published
November 12, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child1 woman5 men)
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 12, 2015

Incident Code

RS142

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

One civilian man was reported killed when Russian warplanes allegedly launched several airstrikes using vacuum missiles. The Union of Hama Rebels later claimed there were 15 Russian raids on the town that morning.  

Summary

First published
November 12, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS141

LOCATION

حي الحلوانية, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that one 13-year-old child was killed – and five other non-combatants injured – when Russian warplanes allegedly launched rockets on the Tareeq Al Bab neighbourhood in Aleppo. According to the Network, relief warehouses for the Muslim Youth Commission were destroyed in the raid. The Aleppo Media Centre reported

Summary

First published
November 10, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS139

LOCATION

خان طومان, Khan Tomam, Aleppo, Syria

According to the VDC, one adult male civilian was killed in an alleged strike by Russian warplanes. The victim name has been published by local media activist. A major battle appears to have taken place in the town, with the FSA reporting that one of its commanders was killed. And almost all sources blamed Russia

Summary

First published
November 10, 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 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS140

LOCATION

الرحيبة, Al Rahiba, Damascus, Syria

The White Helmets reported that one adult male civilian was killed, and several others injured in an alleged bombing by Russian warplanes. However, the VDC blamed the Assad regime for the death.  

Summary

First published
November 10, 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS138

LOCATION

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reported one male child has a following an alleged strike by Russian warplanes. Local reporters and activists also reported that Russia had attacked the town.    

Summary

First published
November 10, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS137

LOCATION

مخيم أوبين, Ubin IDP Camp, Latakia, Syria

A major airstrike on an IDP camp close to the Turkish border killed up to eight civilians and injured a further ten, according to reports. While most blamed the Assad regime, JBC News claimed Russia was responsible. All said powerful Russian-made munitions were used in the attack. The camp – home to 5,000 internally displaced

Summary

First published
November 9, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS136

LOCATION

مهين, Mahin, Homs, Syria

The Violations Documentation Center reported the death of four non-combatants, including three children, following alleged shelling by Russian warplanes, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that three civilians including two children died in the strike. VDC has published the four victims by names.    

Summary

First published
November 8, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 children1 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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS133

LOCATION

البوابية, Bawabiyah, Aleppo, Syria

According to multiple sources, one man was killed and at least five non-combatants were injured by alleged Russian warplanes targeted the village of Buwaybiyah in southern Aleppo countryside.  

Summary

First published
November 8, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS134

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

According to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least one civilian was killed and 10 injured, in dozens of alleged airstrikes by Russian warplanes. The Observatory said it expected the death toll to rise, as some people were left in a critical condition. A victim was later named by the VDC. The Syrian Network

Summary

First published
November 8, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS135

LOCATION

الصوانة, Al Sawana, Homs, Syria

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that three civilians, including two children, were killed in an alleged raid by Russian warplanes. According to the Network, the non-combatants were targeted as they were leaving the town of Maheen in Homs, leading to some reporting confusion with the following incident. The SNHR released the three victim

Summary

First published
November 8, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(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
Unknown
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS131

LOCATION

أم صحريج, Umm Sahrij, Hama, Syria

One female non-combatant was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on a mosque in Umm Sahrij, according to the Coordination of Syrian Revolution in Eastern Hama, and The Union of Hama Revolutionaries [links presently disabled.] All4Syria also reported that “The village of Umm Sahreej in the eastern Hama countryside suffered a Russian airstrike which

Summary

First published
November 8, 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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2015

Incident Code

RS132

LOCATION

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

According to multiple sources, at least ten non-combatants died, and 30 were injured by alleged Russian warplanes struck the popular market in the centre of Ma’arat Al Numan. The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime for the alleged raids, but a member of The White Helmets, who came to the scene, told SN4HR Russian

Summary

First published
November 8, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 12
(10–12 men)
Civilians reported injured
30
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
11 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS129

LOCATION

دير حافر‎, Dayr Hafir, Aleppo, Syria

A series of massive airstrikes on Dayr Hafir – allegedly by both Assad regime and Russian forces – led to some civilian casualties according to reports. According to Shaam News, “Dayr Hafer was hit with more than 40 rockets launched by rocket launchers and more than ten air strikes in addition to helicopters throwing their

Summary

First published
November 7, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
1 named
View Incident