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)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure
text search
4805 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

RS1345

Incident date

September 25, 2016

Location

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1807701, 37.167263 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between eight and ten civilians including a child were reported killed in Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes in the Al Salheen neighbourhood of Aleppo.

According to Al Jazeera, “ten people died in airstrikes with cluster bombs on the Salheen neighborhood in the city of Aleppo.”

Baladi News said that barrel bombs were used which could point at the Syrian regime as the perpetrator of the attack.

According to Almadenah, several people were injured.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Nour Arab
Child killed
Abdallah Aziza
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 10
  • (1 child)
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

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 – 10
  • (1 child)
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1344

Incident date

September 25, 2016

Location

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1995518, 37.1815538 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and nine civilians were reportedly killed in Russian or Syrian regime air raids on the Al Qaterji neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground.

Halab News and Alwatan reported one unidentified person dead.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that two people as a result of “government helicopters dropping barrel bombs”.

Microsyria, on the other hand, said that a massacre in Al Qaterji by Russian warplanes claimed the lives of seven martyrs.” Syrian Press Center reported the same number.

Several sources added that a number more people were wounded.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 9
  • 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 (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Dust rises above the street in Al Qaterji following alleged Russian airstrikes, September 25th (via @skynewsarabia)

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 – 9
  • 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 (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1343

Incident date

September 25, 2016

Location

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.2179122, 37.1892357 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and 15 civilians were killed in either Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Sakhour neighbourhood of Aleppo, local media reported.

Microsyria reported 15 civilians were killed in the raids.

According to Almesryoon, civilian infrastructure was struck by Russian jet, including “popular markets and bakeries”.

Hassannkanjo wrote on Twitter: “Russian aviation targets the Al Sakhour neighbourhood  with internationally banned phosphorous bombs.”

However, Almadinco and Allsory_alhor cited the use of barrel bombs which could indicate Syrian regime involvement.

Moreover, according to the Smart News Agency, “regime Warplanes targeted the Al Sakhour and Bustan Ak Kaser neighbourhoods with missiles, but these did not explode”.

Additionally, the use of “internationally banned phosphorous bombs” – allegedly dropped by Russia – was noted by in a tweet by @Hssankanjo.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mustapha Fares
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 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 (21) [ collapse]

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 – 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 (21) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1342

Incident date

September 25, 2016

Location

ارض الحمرا, Al Arad al Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.229216, 37.208977 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and nine civilians were reportedly killed in Russian airstrikes on the Al Arad, Al Hamra neighbourhood in Aleppo.

According to Al Jazeera and many other reports, the strike was on a vegetable market.

Most sources including Halab News and Alwatan reported that one woman died from injuries sustained in the strikes.

Alaraby reported a higher death toll: “Five dead in the Al Arad Al Hamra neighborhood.”

Syrian Press Center provided an even higher number, referring to a “massacre – carried out by Russia – which claimed nine lives.

According to Mazenaloush, “Russian cluster bombs rained down on Al Arad Al Hamra north of Aleppo, causing a horrific massacre that left dozens dead and wounded.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 9
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–10
  • 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 (27) [ collapse]

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
    1 – 9
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–10
  • 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 (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1341

Incident date

September 25, 2016

Location

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1529125, 37.075864 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and 17 civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al Ansari neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to sources on the ground.

Most sources said around 17 people were killed, while Araby reported that only one civilian died.

Several sources, such as Step News and Smart News, claimed cluster bombs were used in two or three strikes.

Baladi added that number of civilians were wounded.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 17
  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (15) [ collapse]

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
    1 – 17
  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1340

Incident date

September 25, 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 four and five civilians from the same family were reportedly killed in either Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Halak neighbourhood of Aleppo.

Sources like LCCSY, HNN and Islammemo reported that the strikes were conducted by Russian warplanes. Syrian Press Center added that cluster bombs and phosphorus were used.

However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, Youm7 and Qasioun blamed the Syrian regime for the attack. Almodon added that barrel bombs were dropped on the neighbourhood.

Alwatan provided the lowest estimate of casualty numbers: “Three civilians, including a woman, were killed in bombing by Russian warplanes in Al Halak neighbourhood in the city of Aleppo.”

Alaraby said five people were killed and also mentioned the use of outlawed weapons: “Five people from one family were killed, due to the targeting of their home in the Al Halak neighborhood with cluster bombs.”

Various sources mentioned that several people were injured.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Mustapha Yasser Hassan
19 years old killed
Colin Hamza Mustapha
40 years old killed
Mustapha Ahmad Mustafa
40 years old killed
Mansh Zbeir Mustapha
40 years old killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (1 woman3 men)
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

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
    4 – 5
  • (1 woman3 men)
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1339

Incident date

September 24, 2016

Location

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.180995, 37.151892 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local reports between three and 19 people including two children and one woman were killed in airstrikes on the Al Ferdos neighbourhood of Aleppo. Up to dozens more were reported wounded. While most sources blamed Russia, the involvement of the Syrian regime can’t be ruled out, as according to the Shaam News Network, “Russian and Assad enemy planes continue their intense air strikes on the city of Aleppo and its countryside using all kinds of clonic weapons and phosphorous and cluster spatial and explosive barrels” – including on Al Ferdos.

Zamanmasdar was among several sources that gave the lowest death count of three.

But Syrians News, Syria2011, the Shaam News Network, Qasioun and Al Buraq said that as many as 19 people died – though these sources didn’t all name the culprit.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights added that a woman was killed in the attack: “At least four people including a woman died due to alleged Russian warplanes firing missiles on Al Ferdos neighbourhood in Aleppo city.” In a subsequent report, it added that two children also died – and raised the death count to “eight, at least”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Fahd Ashtar
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 19
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • A demolished building in Al Ferdos, the impact of alleged Russian attacks on September 24th (via Smart)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The White Helmets remove civilians from the rubble in Al Ferdos. The human cost of alleged Russian shelling, September 24th (via Erem)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian carried away from destruction in Al Ferdos following suspected Russian attacks, September 24th (via Arem)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The White Helmet rescue team finds victims under the rubble in Al Ferdos - the impact of alleged Russian shelling, September 24th (via Arem)
  • A local person or White Helmet member searches through the rubble in Al Ferdos following alleged Russian shelling, September 24th (via Erem)
  • A street in Al Ferdos reveals evidence of alleged Russian shelling on September 24th (via SHRC)
  • Aleppo_neighborhoods_rupture_by_Russian_and_Syrian_forces_en (1)

    A report entitled 'Aleppo neighbourhoods rupture by Russian and Syrian forces' details the events at Al Halak on September 25th (PDF via SN4HR) [English]

  • Aleppo_neighborhoods_rupture_by_Russian_and_Syrian_forces (1)

    A report entitled 'Aleppo neighbourhoods rupture by Russian and Syrian forces' details the events at Al Zabadia on September 25th (PDF via SN4HR) [Arabic]

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 – 19
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1338

Incident date

September 24, 2016

Location

حي طريق الباب, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.207438, 37.1990204 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between eight and 18 civilians  – six or seven of whom were reportedly from the same family – were killed in airstrikes in the Tareeq al Bab neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to local media. While the majority of sources attributed the event to Russia, both the Shaam news Network and LCCSY, referred to “Russian and Assad warplanes” carrying out strikes in Aleppo on this date, including on Tareeq al Bab, meaning that regime involvement can’t definitively be ruled out. Additionally, a large number of sources didn’t name the culprit.

Zamanmasdr reported the lowest number of people killed: “four martyrs in the neighborhood Tareeq al Bab.”

Most sources including the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR), The Shaam News Network and LCCSY, however, reported the number of casualties around seven and nine.

According to SN4HR, the seven killed included five children and one woman. In a later report it gave some more details on the location, stating that on “Saturday 24 September 2016 at dawn, fixed-wing warplanes, we believe are Russian, fired missiles that targeted residential buildings on the road leading to Al Qaterji neighborhood from Tareaq Al Bab neighborhood”.

HNN reported names and professions of those killed, LCCSY tweeted the same information.

Shahba Press also reported that a nurse and his wife and children were killed, adding that the strike hit “one of the most important water pumping lines”.

Smart News provided the highest number with 18 people reportedly killed in the strike.

Almadenah reported the use of phosphorus bombs.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mohammad Nour Hamadi
Age unknown male Nurse killed
Umm Abdallah
female Midwife killed
The six children of Mohammad and Umm
killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 18
  • (6 children1 woman1 man)
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

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 – 18
  • (6 children1 woman1 man)
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]