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 Code

RS267

Incident date

December 12, 2015

Location

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.136728, 36.829274 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 14 and 20 civilians, including three women and two children, were killed and between two and 12 injured in airstrikes on Al Atarib, according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime.

The Shaam News Network initially reported that four non-combatants, including one child and one woman died and several were wounded when Russian warplanes allegedly carried out three raids on Al Atarib, completely destroying five houses and three shops. But a subsequent report put the death toll at at least 10, with “many wounded“, adding that some civilians were still stuck under the rubble. Both of these sources stated that Russian warplanes were responsible for the attacks.

The Union of Hama Rebels listed 14 non-combatants killed, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll lower at three with no less than 12 wounded.

The White Helmets also listed 14 killed but did not state who the planes belonged to – neither did Halab News Network, who posted a video showing the aftermath of the attack, referring only to “bombing by warplanes“.

But the Syrian Network for Human Rights produced two reports which said that Assad regime was responsible. The initial report put the number killed at four, including one woman and one child, but a second report said that the death toll had risen to 14, including one women and two children.

16 victims were named by the Violations Documentation Centre.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Abdulla Kashto
Adult male killed
Adnan Kashto
Adult male listed under Taibet Al Imam but in notes it says he was displaced from there but was killed in Atareb. killed
Mwafaq Kashto
Adult male listed under Taibet Al Imam but in notes it says he was displaced from there but was killed in Atareb. killed

Family members (5)

Mohammad Eid al-Shoun
Adult male killed
Saeid al-Shoun
Adult male killed
Abdul Razak al-Shoun
Adult male killed
Khaled Saeid al-Shoun
Adult male killed
Nour Udai al-Shoun
Child female killed

The victims were named as:

Omar Abdulla Aaroub
Adult male killed
Hasan Mohammad Saeed
Adult male killed
Miriam Hantash
Adult female killed
Hanaa Jwaid
Adult female killed
Abdul Kader Abdul Wahab Abyan
Child male killed
Abdulla Kadro
Adult male killed
Nour al-Badawi
Adult female killed
Hassan Omar Rashid
Age unknown Named by the White Helmets. killed
Abdullah Al Kaddour
Age unknown male Named by the White Helmets. killed
Abdul Razak Razzouk from Tibat Al Imam
Age unknown male Named by the White Helmets.
Mohammad al-Arour
Adult male listed under Orme but in notes it says he was killed in Atareb. killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14 – 20
  • (2 children3 women13–14 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–12
  • 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 (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • The White Helmets removed the body of a child from the rubble following an alleged Russian airstrike on Atareb, December 12th (via, The White Helmets)
  • The aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian Regime airstrikes. (via, Halab News Network)
  • Adnan Kashto, adult male, killed in a contested airstrike. (via, VDC)
  • Mwafaq Kashto, adult male, killed in a contested airstrike. (via, VDC)
  • Video footage showing the extent of destruction to the local infrastructure in Atarib. (via, Qasioun News Network)
  • Trying to salvage what is left following the airstrikes on Atarib. (via, White Helmets)
  • What is left of some local shops in Ararib. (via, SNN)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia is not known to have publicly released any information relating to its airstrikes in Syria between December 9th and December 14th 2015.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14 – 20
  • (2 children3 women13–14 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–12
  • 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 (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS268

Incident date

December 12, 2015

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.53366, 40.95819 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Twelve civilians – most of which were women and children – were killed and several injured in an airstrike on Al Soussa – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. One source also blames the Coalition.

The Shaam News Network initially reported that 10 non-combatants – most of them from the same family – died when Russian warplanes struck. But the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed regime warplanes, and put the death toll at nine.

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (12)

Samirah al-Turky
Adult female Named by VDC killed
Son of Samiraal-Turky
Child male Named by VDC killed
Sara al-Turky
Adult female Named by VDC killed
Son of Sara al-Turky
Child male Named by VDC killed
Fatima al-Turky
Adult female Named by VDC killed
Khawla al-Turky
Adult female Named by VDC killed
Daughter of Khawla al-Turky
Child female Named by VDC killed
Amira al-Turky
Adult female Named by VDC killed
Daughter of Faysal al-Turky
Child female Named by VDC killed
Tahani al Turki
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured
The wife of Faisal Al Turki
Age unknown female Listed by Syria2011 injured
Mubarak al Turki
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured

The victims were named as:

Joza al-Thani
Adult female Named by VDC killed
Daughter of Khawla al-Obaid
Child female Named by VDC killed
Abdullah al-Mohammad al-Ewaid
Adult male Named by VDC killed
Manar al Ibrahim al Mheissan
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured
Abd al Aziz al Hamed
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured
Abir al Hamed
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured
Shaimaa al Khaled al Hussein
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured
Jamila al Ibrahim
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured
The son of Rifa’at al Thani.
Child male Listed by Syria2011 injured
Son of Omar al Hussein 1
Child male Listed by Syria2011, one of them in a critical condition injured
Son of Omar al Hussein 2
Child male Listed by Syria2011, one of them in a critical condition injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (5 children6 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–20
  • 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, US-led Coalition

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • A house targeted by airstrikes has been destroyed. (via, Syrian revolution forum)
  • Part of the damaged infrastructure in Al Soussa village. (via Syrian Revolution Forum)
  • An image taken almost immediately after the airstrike fell. (via, Deir Ezzor is slaughtered silently)
  • Although this video is no longer available, this screengrab shows part of the aftermath of the airstrike. (via, Syrialander)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia is not known to have publicly released any information relating to its airstrikes in Syria between December 9th and December 14th 2015.

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
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (5 children6 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–20
  • 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, US-led Coalition

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS269

Incident date

December 12, 2015

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.371972, 37.51631 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were reported killed and 20 injured in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Al Bab. Up to 10 ISIL militants were also reported killed.

Media activist Nassim Al Shamali said Russian warplanes launched several raid with cluster bombs on Daesh-occupied Al Bab, targeting al Noveaute street, Dowar al Manshie and several other areas. He said four of the 20 injured were in a critical condition and that the death toll would likely rise.

Halab News also reported three deaths including 27-year old Abdul-Qader al-Issa. But it only blamed Mr al-Issa’s death on Russia, saying that two further unnamed victims died after an airstrike by the Syrian regime.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul-Qader al-Issa
27 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 man)
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia is not known to have publicly released any information relating to its airstrikes in Syria between December 9th and December 14th 2015.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 man)
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS270

Incident date

December 12, 2015

Location

سقبا, Sakba, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.51926, 36.38376 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between four and five non-combatants were killed in airstrikes on Sakba, according to multiple sources.

The Shaam News Network reported that two civilians died in two alleged Russian strikes on the town. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported unspecified losses also due to alleged Russian attacks.

However, footage of the attack from two separate sources appears to show Syrian Air Force MiG23s.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Husni al-Memari
Age unknown male named by VDC killed
Issam Rada
Age unknown named by VDC killed
Redwan Mohammad Ali al-Senn
Age unknown named by VDC killed
Majed al-Sheikh Khaleel
Age unknown named by VDC killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (15) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Injured civilians carried from the wreckage in Sakba. (via, Yusuf al Bustani tweet)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mohammad Husni al Memari, also known as Abu Sakhr. 12th December 2015. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Majed al Sheikh, 12th December 2015. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Issam Rada, 12th December 2015. (via, SNN)
  • Ambulances rush into the vicinity, moments after the raids fell. (via, Abu al Fida’a Eastern Ghouta)
  • The aftermath of the airstrike in Sakba. (via, Saquaba Revolution)
  • The exact moment the airstrike hit Sakba. (via, Abu al Fida’a Eastern Ghouta)
  • Warplanes in the skies about Sakba. (via. Saquaba Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian casualty following airstrikes on Sakba. (via, Saquaba Revolution)
  • Chaos following the airstrikes on Sakbah. (via, The White Helmets)
  • A video catching the exact moment in which the airstrike hit Sakba. (via, Syrian Revolution Coordinators Union)
  • More footage of the moment the airstrike struck. (via, Anas al Khloe, with a Syrian Rebels Gathering logo on screen)
  • The impact of the airstrike. (via, Jobar News)
  • The aftermath of the airstrike in Sakba. (via, Radiio al Kuhl)
  • Destroyed infrastructure following airstrikes in Sakba. (via, Kafr Batna Coordinators Facebook)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia is not known to have publicly released any information relating to its airstrikes in Syria between December 9th and December 14th 2015.

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 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS261

Incident date

December 11, 2015

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged Russian air raid on the village of al Baghouz in eastern Deir Ezzor led to at least three deaths including a child.

According to area blogger al Hussein al Hashimi “a raid on the village of al Baghouz targeting the home of Raheel al Majoul led to the death of Ibrahim al Majoul. His brother is in a serious condition.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ibrahim al Majoul
Age unknown killed
Abu Kamal Majid Ibrahim or Majid Ibrahim al Raheel
13 years old male killed
Saber al Raheel
Age unknown killed
Raheel al Majoul
Age unknown male Brother of Ibrahim al Majoul, in a serious condition. injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • (1 child)
  • 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 attacker
    Unknown

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Abu Kamal Majid Ibrahim or Majid Ibrahim al Raheel, a child killed on 11th December 2015. (via, Deir ezzor is being slaughtered silently)
  • Moments after the village of al Baghouz is placed under attack. (via, Sheitat)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the sheep market in the village of Al Baghouz (الباغوز), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.4641667, 40.9452778. 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

Russia is not known to have publicly released any information relating to its airstrikes in Syria between December 9th and December 14th 2015.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • (1 child)
  • 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 attacker
    Unknown

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS262

Incident date

December 11, 2015

Location

هجين, Hajeen, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6897222, 40.83 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One child was reported killed and another civilian injured in an alleged Russian airstrike at Hajeen.

No additional details are presently known.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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]

  • News report on the event. (via, Jisir TV)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia is not known to have publicly released any information relating to its airstrikes in Syria between December 9th and December 14th 2015.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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]

Incident Code

RS263

Incident date

December 11, 2015

Location

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.538143, 36.364331 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two male civilians were reported killed in either a Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Arbeen. The town’s local medical committee reported “Dozens of injured received by the hospital in Arbeen after the outskirts of the town of Arbeen, Zamalka and other eastern Ghouta towns were targeted by warplanes that are still targeting public places and civilians.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hasan Maysour Shroosh
Adult male named by the VDC, who they said were victims of unspecified ‘warplane shelling’ killed
Mohammad Ziad al-Khateeb
Adult male named by the VDC, who they said were victims of unspecified ‘warplane shelling’ killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • Medics tend to wounded from Russian or Assad regime strikes on Arbeen, December 11th 2015 (via Arbeen Medical Committee)
  • The exact moment that the alleged Russian airstrike fell onto Arbeen. (via, Baladi News)
  • The exact moment that the alleged Russian airstrike fell onto Arbeen. (via, Baladi News)
  • White Helmets run to the scene to rescue trapped civilians. (via, White Helmets)
  • White Helmets working on a patient inside a medical facility. (via, The Medical Committee in the town of Arbeen)
  • Graphic photograph of an injured man receiving medical help. (via, The Medical Committee in the town of Arbeen)
  • An injured man in Arbeen. (via, The Medical Committee in the town of Arbeen)
  • An injured child as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes. (via, The Medical Committee in the town of Arbeen)
  • Graphic image of a seriously injured man. He is also covered in dust. (via, The Medical Committee in the town of Arbeen)
  • A graphic image of a man receiving medical treatment. (via, The Medical Committee in the town of Arbeen)
  • Another image of a member of the White Helmets helping an injured man. (via, The Medical Committee in the town of Arbeen)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Arbeen, for which the generic coordinates are: 33.538143, 36.364331. 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

Russia is not known to have publicly released any information relating to its airstrikes in Syria between December 9th and December 14th 2015.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS256

Incident date

December 11, 2015

Location

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Geolocation

35.37425, 36.6033 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One male child, Khaled Nihad al-Nuna , was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Zita, according to the Union of Hama Rebels and the Violations Documentation Centre.

Reporting remains confused, with multiple alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Zita between December 9th and 12th which resulted in a likely total of six civilian deaths.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Khaled Nihad al-Nuna
Child male killed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A video showing the moment the alleged Russian airstrikes fell on Kafr Zita. (via, The Media Office for the revolution in Hama)
  • Image of the deceased Khaled Nihad al-Nuna. (via, VDC)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia is not known to have publicly released any information relating to its airstrikes in Syria between December 9th and December 14th 2015.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]