Russian Military in Syria

Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

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Incident Code

RS1375 CS319

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

البصيرة, al Basira, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.15618, 40.42716 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between four to 20 civilians were reported killed and 12 or more injured after an alleged Coalition, Russian or Assad regime strike at al Basira, according to local media.

A photograph published by Euphrates Post showed what appeared to have been a major strike in a built up area of the town. And a video showed significant damage to a civilian neighbourhood, with a vegetable market also reportedly hit.

Most sources blamed the Assad regime, with Step News suggesting a far higher death toll: “Military regime aircraft today targeted a market in the town of al Basira resulting in a massacre of more than 20 people were killed.”

Ara news said 15 civilians were killed by Russia. Al Jazeera also pointed to Russia.

The Syrian Observatory said 10 died at al Basira in unidentified strikes. And Shaam News was also unable to blame the perpetrator.

Eldorar news made no mention of casualties – but said the Coalition had bombed al Basira bridge that day, “which is the last bridges in the eastern countryside linking the villages of the province, north of the Euphrates and villages south.”

In their May 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 20
  • (3 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Image of the contested airstrike targeting al-Basira, 30th September 2016. (via Euphrates)
  • Euphrates post tweets a photo of one of the warplane raids on al Basira. 30th September 2016
  • DE24 reports the death of one man and injury of others following warplane shelling on al Basira. 30th September 2016

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU299912
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020

  • Sept. 30, 2016, in Al Basira, Syria via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3055/CS319 37SFU299912

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition reported from September 30 2016: ‘On Sept. 30, coalition military forces conducted 23 strikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 12 strikes using attack, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets'
Al-Basira however did not appear on the list of locations that it reportedly targeted.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 20
  • (3 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1374

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

الشيخ فارس, al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.228731, 37.177649 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between six and 14 civilians died including up to seven children and four women with dozens more wounded in airstrikes with “bunker busting” missiles on the residential neighbourhood of Al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. The majority of sources attributed this incident to Russia, though one report said that the Assad regime was responsible.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least 14 civilians including seven children and four women died due to suspected Russian warplanes firing missiles on Al Shaikh Fares area in Al Hollok neighborhood in Aleppo city, September 30, 2016.”

A number of other sources, including @Mamoun_sy and @SYR_REV_NEWS, put the death toll lower, at six civilians with up to 20 more injured. Sources tweeted images of wounded children.

According to Qasioun, “Russian fighter jets bombed buildings in the neighbourhood of Sheikh Fares with two bunker busting missiles, causing the collapse of residential buildings over the heads of residents.” The source said that seven civilians died in the attacks.

A number of reports didn’t identify the culprit. For example, Syrian Press Center reported that “aircraft launched a series of aerial bombardments targeting the Sheikh Fares neighbourhood on Friday, killing six civilians and injuring dozens, and leaving a whole family under the rubble.”

Microsyria reported the same details but was alone among sources in blaming the regime.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 14
  • (7 children4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child victim of the strikes, carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime, on al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, 30th September 2016.(via @Mamoun_sy)
  • Injured child caused by the strikes, carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime, targeting al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, 30th September 2016. (via SN4HR)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 14
  • (7 children4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1373

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

الزيتونات, al Zaitouniat, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.19885, 37.155762 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Sixteen or 17 civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al Zaitouniat neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to local media.

Smo-sy reported: “five civilians were killed and others were wounded in the Al Zaitouniat area in the Halak district today [Sept 30th], following Russian bombardment raids.”

Several sources mentioned the use of bunker busters which caused heavy damage to buildings in the neighbourhood.

Thiqanewsagency wrote on Twitter that ten people were killed. Meanwhile, Halab News reported the highest death count of 17 victims.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Nour
4 years old male killed
Nidal Ismail Ismail
Age unknown male killed
Mohammad Al Dibo al Dibo
17 years old killed
Bakri al Dibo al Mohammad,
60 years old male killed
Yahia al Sattouf
Age unknown female killed
Mahmoud Illo
35 years old male killed
Dibo Qassem
50 years old male killed
Abd al Salam Mhanna
38 years old male killed
Mhanna Mhanna
20 years old female killed
Abu al Laith
30 years old male killed
Abu Hsaib
30 years old male killed
Hussein Haj Hasan
50 years old male killed
Fatima Darwish
10 years old female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16 – 17
  • (2–4 children1 woman7 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • The alleged Russian airstrikes on Zaytounat district of Aleppo caused massive destruction, 30th September 2016. (via Smart News Agency)
  • Aftermath of the alleged Russian airstrikes on Zaytounat district of Aleppo, 30th September 2016. (via Thiqa News Agency)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16 – 17
  • (2–4 children1 woman7 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1372

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

كفر زيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Geolocation

35.374143, 36.601896 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on Kafr Zita in Hama – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime.

Syria News Desk reported: “Two civilians were killed yesterday evening [Sept 30th] due to the Russian warplanes targeting the city of Kafr Zita which neighbours Al Lataminah and is under the control of the opposition. The strike also led to the destruction of three houses and other physical damage.”

However, All4Syria attributed the attack to the Syria regime, stating that chlorine gas had been used: “More than 20 civilians were suffocated on Saturday in the attack by helicopter gunships using an explosive drum containing chlorine gas on agricultural land surrounding the town of Kfar Zeita in the northern suburb of Hama.”

Smart News also reported 20 civilians injured as a result of a chlorine gas attack.

Atif24osman posted an image of an alleged bunker buster strikes on Twitter.

N_workMediaHoms said the town was hit by barrel bombs from regime helicopters.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hassan Hamada Al-A’raj
Age unknown male killed
Ali Sulaiman Al Bakour
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Footage showing the warplanes striking at the town of Kafr Zita, Hama, 30th September 2016. (via ECS)
  • Destruction caused by the contested airstrike, which reportedly contained bunker busters, Kafr Zita, Hama, 30th September 2016. (via @atif24Osman)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1371

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

كقر بطنا, Kafr Batna, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.514529, 36.374577 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between eight and nine civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Kafr Batna in Eastern Ghouta.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at three including one woman with “others” wounded. According to Enabbaladi, “nine people, including seven children, were killed as a result of the targeting of a residential area in the city.”

KafrbatnaCity2011 identified eight victims by name while one more victim who couldn’t be identified.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Sidra Abdel-Alim,
Child female killed
Mohammed Abdul-Alim
Child male killed
Jojo Abdul Alim
Child killed
Ola Abdul-Alim
Child killed

The victims were named as:

Abdul Razzaq al-Haristani
Age unknown male killed
Khayr Muta’a
Age unknown female killed
Maryam Derkzali
Age unknown female killed
Ngham Rabie
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 9
  • (4–7 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • A girl is being carried away from the destruction caused by the contested bombs in Kafr Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Skynewsarabia)
  • Injured or killed civilian is being carried away in the aftermath of the contested strikes targeting Karf Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Enabbaladi)
  • An injured boy is being carried away follwing the contested airstrikes that targeted Kafra Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Eldorar)
  • Chaotic aftermath in the town of Katna Bar follwing the contested airstrikes, 30th September 2016. (via Eldorar)
  • An injured child is being carried away follwing the contested airstrikes that targeted Kafra Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Eldorar)
  • Aftermath after the contested airstrikes that targeted Kafra Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Eldorar)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Footage of the contested strikes on Kafr Batna showing the widespread destruction and injury it caused, 30th September 2016. (via Step News)
  • Aftermath of the contested strikes targeting Kafr Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Douma.Revolution.2011)
  • Aftermath of the contested strikes targeting Kafr Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Douma.Revolution.2011)
  • Aftermath of the contested strikes targeting Kafr Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Douma.Revolution.2011)
  • Aftermath of the contested strikes targeting Kafr Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Douma.Revolution.2011)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 9
  • (4–7 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1369

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

الهلّك, al Halak, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.231951, 37.170997 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and seven civilians died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on Aleppo’s Al Halak neighbourhood, according to local media.

Syrian Press Center reported both strikes by the regime and Russia: “The regime army positioned in al-Midan area targeted residential houses in the al-Hallak district on Saturday [Sept 30th] with mortars and heavy artillery, killing one civilian and injuring five others.”

In another report it added: “Russian aircraft launched a series of airstrikes with concussion bombs targeting the Halak district of Aleppo, killing three civilians and injuring more than 15 others.”

The highest death count of seven – including three children – was given by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Syriamubasher said that media activist Laith al-Halabi was among the victims.

Khaleedalkhteb posted on Twitter that a church was largely destroyed by the strikes.

Shahedalep1 reported the use of bunker busters.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Laith al-Halabi
Adult male media activist killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 7
  • (3 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of the strikes on al-Halak, Aleppo, carried out by either Russian or Syrian regime warplanes, 30th September 2016. (via @Khaleedalkhteb)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians in the rubble caused by the contested airstrikes on al-Halak, Aleppo, 30th September 2016. (via Aleppo AMC)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 7
  • (3 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1370

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

جسرين, Jesrin, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.5112138, 36.3881891 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between three and four civilians including one woman died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Jesrin in Eastern Ghouta, according to sources on the ground.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed the event to the Syrian regime, putting the death toll at three. Meanwhile, SCDrifdimashq reported that four people were killed and others injured.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights accused Russia of conducting the strikes, though a report by Syria News Desk said both the regime and Russia were involved.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Al-Karash
Age unknown male killed
Said Al Nabki
Age unknown male killed
Maysa Al-Tayer
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Footage of the contested strikes on the town Jesrin in Eastern Ghouta, 30th September 2016. (via Qasioun News Agency)
  • Footage of the contested strikes targeting the town Jesrin in Eastern Ghouta, 30th September 2016. (via @mahe35)
  • Aftermath of the contested strikes on Jesrtin, Ghouta, 30th Septmeber 2016. (via White Helmets)
  • Photo of injured civilian, most likely from the incident in Jesrin, Ghouta, however the source does not provide specific details regarding location (via White Helmets)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1368

Incident date

September 29, 2016

Location

تير معلة, Teir Ma'ala, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.802214, 36.709353 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One child, Abdulmalik al-Ahdab, was reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Teir Ma’ala near Homs.

Syria News Desk wrote that “A 15-year-old boy was killed and other civilians were wounded in the late hours of the night yesterday [Sept 29th] by the Russian warplanes targeting the village of Teir Ma’ala.”

Most sources agreed that the strikes were conducted by Russia. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, however, said they were Syrian regime strikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdulmalik al-Ahdab
15 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Footage of the destruction caused by the contested airstrikes on Teir Ma’ala, Homs, 29th September 2016. (via @SyrianNews2)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    15-year old Abdulmalik al-Ahdab was reportedly killed as a result of Russian or regime airstrikes in Teir Ma’ala in northern Homs countryside, 29th September 2016. (via SN4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An attempt to revive Abdul Malik al-Ahdab's body from the rubble, following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Teir Ma’ala, Homs, 29th September 2016. (via SyriaRev)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]