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

RS106

Incident date

November 1, 2015

Location

جبالا, Jbala, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.572778, 36.556667 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One child was reported killed and two or more non-combatants injured following an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Jbala.

While the Syrian Observatory blamed Russia, both the Idlib Media Centre and Al Kul Radio said the attack was the work of the Assad regime.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

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
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The video shows the airstrike carried out in Jbala village, dated on Nov 1st, 2015.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village Jbala (جبالا), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.572778, 36.556667. 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

In its report for military actions on October 31st-November 2nd 2015, the Kremlin made no mention of strikes in Idlib governorate.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Syrian Regime

While the Syrian Observatory blamed Russia, both the Idlib Media Centre and Al Kul Radio said the attack was the work of the Assad regime.

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
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS107

Incident date

November 1, 2015

Location

معرتماتر, Ma’ar Tamater, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.570000, 36.548889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A child named as Ahmad Ali al-Yousef was reported killed following an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Ma’artamater.

The Violations Documentation Center and Syrian Observatory blamed Russia. The pro-regime Shaam Times – citing “military sources” – confirmed that unspecified aircraft had supported ground operations at Ma’artamater. And the Damascus Centre for Human Rights blamed the Assad regime.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • a Raid by warplanes targeting the village of Ma’artamater in the southern Idlib countryside on 1/11/2015

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village Ma’ar Tamater (معرتماتر), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.570000, 36.548889. 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

In its report for military actions on October 31st-November 2nd 2015, the Kremlin made no mention of strikes in Idlib governorate.

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)
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS103

Incident date

October 31, 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

The White Helmets were among those reporting multiple civilian fatalities after a series of alleged Russian airstrikes on Douma. “Since the morning until now, more than 15 strikes,” the civil defence group posted. Syria Reporter published what it said was an image of two Russian aircraft operating over the city that day.

The dead were later named

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Khaldoun Houssam Al Rheibani
Child male killed
Yussuf Khaled Khabiya
Age unknown male killed
Yasser Hassan Kabkab
Age unknown male killed
Ahmad Yasser Blaleh
Age unknown male killed
Waleed Deeb M’ekeh
Age unknown male killed
Yunis Mohammad Naji
Age unknown male killed
Three unidentified women
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 9
  • (1–3 children3 women)
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • warplanes flying over Douma

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

The Russian MoD issued no report for the period October 28th-30th 2015. A monthly summary was issued on the evening of October 30th.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 9
  • (1–3 children3 women)
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS104

Incident date

October 31, 2015

Location

الحميدية, Hamidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3301466, 40.1456308 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four named civilians were killed in a reported Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Hamidiya. The Violations Documentation Center named the victims, all adult males.

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Adult male killed
Adult male killed

The victims were named as:

Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4 men)
  • 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]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

In its report for military actions on October 31st-November 2nd 2015, the Kremlin made no mention of strikes in Dayr ez Zawr governorate.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4 men)
  • 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

RS098

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Location

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1923129, 37.1477151 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

During a wave of Russian or Assad regime strikes near Aleppo, up to 25 civilians were reported killed – 17 of them said to be children – at Al Kalassa. Some reports placed the strike at Wadi al Arayes, though casualty reports make clear these are the same event.

According to Shaam News, “Another 15 civilians, including children, and dozens injured, in addition to the destruction of more than 10 houses in a raid on the Russian Aviation on Al Kalassah neighborhood.”

Radio Alkul reported that “field hospitals in Aleppo are calling for blood donations after the arrival of dozens of wounded following the Russian strike.”

The attack was described by some as the first by Russia on Aleppo itself. As Enabaladi noted, “There were conflicting reports about the origin of the missile which targeted the neighborhood. Locals assumed it is Russian as this is the first time they see this level of destruction, with five buildings completely destroyed.” However Aleppo Media Centre – while attributing other strikes in the vicinity that day to Russia – insisted the attack was the work of the Assad regime.

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Wardeh Tinno
9 years years old female killed
Ali Tinno
7 years years old male killed
Mohammad Tinno
Child male baby killed
Ammoun Tinno
50 years years old male killed
Baddour Tinno
9 years years old female killed

Family members (2)

Janna Yasseen
5 years years old female killed
Sadra Yasseen
8 years years old female killed

Family members (3)

Ali Hassan Abd Al Qader
10 years years old male killed
Badriyah Hassan Abd Al Qader
12 years years old female killed
Mohammad Hassan Abd Al Qader
7 years years old male killed

Family members (3)

Ridah Ziyad Assi
9 years years old male killed
Mohammad Assi
11 years years old male killed
Mohammed Yahya al Assi
Child male killed

Family members (2)

Aisha Abbass
35 years years old female killed
Mahmoud Abbas
22 years years old male killed

The victims were named as:

Waleed Habboush
3 years years old male killed
Hussein Samer al Hassan
3 years years old male killed
Hajer Ahmad Ameen
5 years years old female killed
Siham Jirban
9 years years old female killed
Unknown child from Al Idilbi family
Child male
Unknown, 70 years old
Age unknown killed
five unnamed members of Al Nahlawi family
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 26
  • (18 children3 women)
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Title: Shaam, Aleppo Al Kalassa neighbourhood, the search for victims after a massacre committted by Russian planes. Harrowing scenes. 30/10/2015 (via SNN)
  • Title: Shaam, Aleppo, Al Kalassa neighbourhood. The search for victims under the rubble following a raid by warplanes. (via SNN)
  • The civil defense team pulling victims from under the rubble. Ten people have been pulled out alive so far. Al Kalassa 30/10/2015 (via Civil Defence)
  • The civil defense team pulling victims from under the rubble. Ten people have been pulled out alive so far. Al Kalassa 30/10/2015 (via Civil Defence)
  • The civil defense team pulling victims from under the rubble. Ten people have been pulled out alive so far. Al Kalassa 30/10/2015 (via Civil Defence)
  • Title: Shaam, Aleppo, Al Kalassa neighbourhood. The search for victims under the rubble following a raid by warplanes. (via SNN)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

The Russian MoD issued no report for the period October 28th-30th 2015. A monthly summary was issued on the evening of October 30th.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 26
  • (18 children3 women)
  • 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

RS099

Incident date

October 30, 2015

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

Up to 15 civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on the Aleppo district of Fardous.

According to Shaam News, “A further 15 civilians were killed in Al Ferdous neighborhood after a Russian plane targeted it with several vacuum missiles – in addition to about five martyrs in Salah al-Din neighborhood.”

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Adult male killed
Mahmoud Qoja
Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

Ridah Ziyad Assi
9 years years old male killed
Mohammad Assi
9 years years old male killed

The victims were named as:

12 years years old male killed
10 or 16 years old years old male killed
28 years years old male killed
24 years years old male killed
Adult male killed
Child male killed
Founoun Radwan
Age unknown female killed
Samiha Halabia
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 15
  • (6 children4 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Translation: a video showing the aftermath of Russian raids on Al Ferdous neighbourhood the evening of Friday 30/10/2015 which led to the death of 4 people and the wounding of 10 others. (via Halab News Network)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

The Russian MoD issued no report for the period October 28th-30th 2015. A monthly summary was issued on the evening of October 30th.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 15
  • (6 children4 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS100

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Location

حي كرم النزهة, Karem al Nuzha, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.17029, 37.15008 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to six civilians were reported killed in the village of Karem el Nuzha on the outskirts of Aleppo, in an alleged Russian airstrike.

Smart News said six died in the attack. An eyewitness later told the local news agency: “We came over, and in this corner there was a corpse, body parts of a young man called Khaled and here there was another civilian. they were all civilian, the bombs fell on civilians. Here too there was an old man, him and his car they went along with his cousin. A missile fell here in the middle of the road and there are houses on both sides. Over here there was a family. two little girls and their mother. The mother and one of the girls were martyred and we pulled one out alive. Just look at the destruction. that’s what happened here.”

Five of the victims were later named.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Age unknown female killed
50 years years old male killed
20 years old male killed
Khaled
Age unknown male killed
Female child
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (1 child1 woman2 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Remains of apartment destroyed in alleged Russian strike, Oct 30th 2015 (via Step News )
  • photos showing the aftermath of the raid by Russian warplanes on Karam Al Nuzha neighbourhood (via Step News )
  • photos showing the aftermath of the raid by Russian warplanes on Karam Al Nuzha neighbourhood (via Step News )
  • photos showing the aftermath of the raid by Russian warplanes on Karam Al Nuzha neighbourhood (via Step News )
  • photos showing the aftermath of the raid by Russian warplanes on Karam Al Nuzha neighbourhood (via Step News )
  • photos showing the aftermath of the raid by Russian warplanes on Karam Al Nuzha neighbourhood
  • photos showing the aftermath of the raid by Russian warplanes on Karam Al Nuzha neighbourhood (via Step News )
  • photos showing the aftermath of the raid by Russian warplanes on Karam Al Nuzha neighbourhood (via Step News )

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

The Russian MoD issued no report for the period October 28th-30th 2015. A monthly summary was issued on the evening of October 30th.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (1 child1 woman2 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS101

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Location

حي ‫‏صلاح الدين, Salahudin (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1874206, 37.1204853 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as five civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian strike at Salaheddin. According to the White Helmets “The civil defence rushed to the scene and pulled out five bodies including children. Several wounded were rescued.

Smart News later published footage showing significant damage to residential apartments. One eyewitness named as Amer told the channel “we were bombed by the Russian planes and we lost two martyrs and five are wounded. We don’t have Free Syrian Army or anyone, we’re all civilian here.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 5
  • (1–2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • A child rescued from scene of alleged Russian airstrikle at Salaheddin, October 30 (via White Helmets)
  • Rescuers following an alleged Russian airstrike at Salaheddin, October 30 (via White Helmets)
  • The civil defence rushed to the scene and pulled out 5 bodies including children. Several wounded were rescued. (via White Helmets)
  • photo of the aftermath of the strike (via SNN)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

The Russian MoD issued no report for the period October 28th-30th 2015. A monthly summary was issued on the evening of October 30th.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 5
  • (1–2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (4) [ collapse]