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
4802 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

RS336

Incident date

December 31, 2015

Location

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.586273, 37.04739 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians including a woman and child were reported killed at a camp for displaced people in A’zaz.

Radio Al Kul reported that “Three civilians were killed and tens injured, among them many children in critical condition, by Russian airstrikes on A’zaz and a refugee camp on the outskirts of the town.”

The three victims were named by the VDC as was one Unidentified – adult male.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Jameele Hasan
Adult female killed
Ayesha Azwar
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–12
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • An interview with local civilians in the aftermath of the raid. (via, A'zaz Media Office)
  • An interview with local civilians in the aftermath of the raid. (via, North Press)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia does not appear to have published a strike summary for December 30th-31st 2015.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–12
  • 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

Incident Code

RS337

Incident date

December 31, 2015

Location

الهداج, Hedaj, Hama, Syria

Geolocation

35.09813, 37.68171 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One adult male civilian, Shayesh Hamdo al-Ahmad, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hedaj, according to the Violations Documentation Center.

No additional details are presently known.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Shayesh Hamdo al-Ahmad
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Hedaj (الهداج), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.09813, 37.68171. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Unknown
Official source

Russia does not appear to have published a strike summary for December 30th-31st 2015.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS334

Incident date

December 30, 2015

Location

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.5655244, 38.2873535 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One adult male, named by the Violations Documentation Center as media activist Yousef Abo Bilal, (aka Abu al-Homsi Joshua) was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike.

While the VDC lists Hamidiya neighbourhood in Homs, Yousef Abo Bilal actually died in Palmyra. His non-combatant status is also questioned.

As Enabbaladi notes: “Activists from the city of Homs mourned media activist Abu Bilal al-Homsi, who died in an air raid on the city of Palmyra in Homs on Wednesday 30th December. He wrote as activist Abu al-Homsi Joshua through his personal Facebook page… Abu Bilal had announced [in 2014] his pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State.“

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Yousef Abo Bilal
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (1 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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Yousef Abo Bilal, killed by a contested Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, SNN)
  • Yousef Abo Bilal, killed by a contested Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Enab Baladi)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia does not appear to have published a strike summary for December 30th-31st 2015.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (1 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS330

Incident date

December 30, 2015

Location

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.20253, 40.37126 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three to six civilians including two women and three to four children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Buliyal, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Network for Human Rights.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that three non-combatants – including two women and a child – died when Russian warplanes allegedly fired missiles on Al Buliyal.

But according to the Violations Documentation Center three children died in the raid.

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Muna Khalaf al-Slaiman
Child female killed
Aya Khalaf al-Slaiman
Child female killed

The victims were named as:

Murhaf Faraj al-Delli
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (3–4 children2 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Buliyal (البوليل ), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.20253, 40.37126. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Unknown
Official source

For December 28th-30th 2015, Russa has stated that “In the course of last two days, since December 28, aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 121 combat sorties engaging 424 terrorists’ objects in the Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Hama, Homs, Damascus, Daraa, Raqqah and Deir ez-Zor provinces.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (3–4 children2 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS331

Incident date

December 30, 2015

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.5714804, 36.4033699 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported killed and “dozens” wounded in airstrikes on Douma, according to the Shaam News Network – though the Network did not state whether Russia or the Assad regime was responsible.

The White Helmets told SNN that aircrafts bombed the city with about 12 rockets which led to the death of two civilians. It said the death toll was likely to increase due to the large number of casualties, adding that some people were still trapped under rubble due to widespread destruction caused by the raids.

According to SNN, Assad regime artillery also targeted residential buildings and facilities with a number of shells – though an associated smoke plume appears to indicate an aerial missile or bomb attack.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–24
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Footage suggests December 30th attack on Douma was an airstrike. (via, Orient News)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

For December 28th-30th 2015, Russa has stated that “In the course of last two days, since December 28, aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 121 combat sorties engaging 424 terrorists’ objects in the Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Hama, Homs, Damascus, Daraa, Raqqah and Deir ez-Zor provinces.”

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
    6–24
  • 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

Incident Code

RS332

Incident date

December 30, 2015

Location

خان السبل, Khan Subul, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.754949, 36.756941 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One adult male, Bahaa Mohammad al-Sabouh (pictured) was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khan Subul.

Step News said that “Russian planes launched several air raids on the town of Khan Subul and Mount Shahshabo from the southern countryside of Idlib, resulting in one civilian death in Khan Subul and several injuries among civilians.”

However the status of the victim is contested, with Sana and other pro-regime media outlets claiming that Bahaa al-Sabouh wasa leader with the militant  Jabhat el Nusra group.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Bahaa Mohammad al-Sabouh
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 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 attacker
    Russian Military

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

For December 28th-30th 2015, Russa has stated that “In the course of last two days, since December 28, aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 121 combat sorties engaging 424 terrorists’ objects in the Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Hama, Homs, Damascus, Daraa, Raqqah and Deir ez-Zor provinces.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS333

Incident date

December 30, 2015

Location

معر زيتة, Marzita, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.55783, 36.57137 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One adult male civilian was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Marzita, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

According to the SOHR one man from Ma’ra al-Nu’man died from wounds sustained in alleged Russian airstrikes targeting Marzita.

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdulateif Mohammad al-Tanari
Adult male killed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Marzita (معر زيتة), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.55783, 36.57137. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Unknown
Official source

For December 28th-30th 2015, Russa has stated that “In the course of last two days, since December 28, aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 121 combat sorties engaging 424 terrorists’ objects in the Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Hama, Homs, Damascus, Daraa, Raqqah and Deir ez-Zor provinces.”

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS329

Incident date

December 29, 2015

Location

الشيخ مسكين‎, Sheikh Miskeen, Dara'a, Syria

Geolocation

32.827948, 36.158664 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two adult civilian men named as Abdullateef Abdul Ghani al-Omari (pictured) and Kamal Al Khaswan were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Sheikh Miskeen.

Smart News said the air raids were linked to a major ground offensive: “Russian occupation planes carried out dozens of air strikes on Tuesday morning at Sheikh Miskeen in the Dara’a countryside, in an attempt to provide air cover for the forces of al-Assad and his militias, which are trying to break into the city. Our reporter quotes the Syrian Commission for the Media as saying that Russian planes carried out 18 raids this morning targeting neighborhoods of the city, which led to massive destruction to homes and infrastructure, though there were no reports of injuries as yet.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdullateef Abdul Ghani al-Omari
Adult male killed
Kamal Al Khaswan
Adult male killed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Abdullateef Abdul Ghani al-Omari, killed by an alleged Russian raid. (via, VDC)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

For December 28th-30th 2015, Russa has stated that “In the course of last two days, since December 28, aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 121 combat sorties engaging 424 terrorists’ objects in the Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Hama, Homs, Damascus, Daraa, Raqqah and Deir ez-Zor provinces.”

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]