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

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]

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

RS095

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Location

الدانا, Al Dana, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.21252, 36.76978 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were reported killed either at Al Dana, or on a road approaching the town.

No other details are presently available.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Translation: 4 martyrs as a result of Russian planes targeting the town of Al Dana in the northern Idlib countryside with vacuum missiles. (via alamawi)
  • translation: 4 Martyrs killed by Russian planes on Al Dana road in the north eastern countryside. (via moaazalabbas)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Al Dana (الدانا), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.21252, 36.76978. 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

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
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS096

Incident date

October 30, 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

At least 10 and as many as 13 civilians were reported killed and 40 injured following alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab.

According to Shaam News, “More than 10 civilians were killed in the city of Al Bab controlled by IS in addition to many injured. The aircraft targeted Al Rihawi mosque, Martta Square, Beith Al Shami neighbouhood and Sheikh Faress Mosuqe in the city centre which caused widespread destruction in shops and property.

Daesh propaganda footage shows heavy damage to a retail district.

The Syrian Observatory reported that the Al Bab strike – along with attacks on nearby Al Kalassa and Al Ferdous – between them killed “64 civilians including 28 children and 6 women.”

Among those reported injured was Hussein Badawi, head of the local civil defence. Baladi News was alone in attributing the attack to Assad regime forces.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 13
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    40
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Smoke rises above Al Bab Oct 30th following one of many reported Russian airstrikes (via White Helmets)
  • Breaking News for Al Bab facebook page showing the aftermath of the strike (via breaking Bab)
  • Aftermath of the strike (via White Helmets)
  • Translation: The death of 3 martyrs including a woman and her child by Russian planes on the town of Al bab in the eastern countryside. (via moaazalabaas)
  • translation: The martyrdom of 3 people including a woman and her child in an air raid on the city of al bab in eastern Aleppo countryside. (via hammoudday)

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
    10 – 13
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    40
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS097

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Location

تادف, Tadeef, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.34857, 37.531501 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to ten civilians – at least two of them young children – were alleged killed following a reported Russian strike on Tadeef. Some victims were later named

However neither the Syrian Observatory, Eldorar or Radio Alkul reported civilian deaths, instead describing between 12 and 15 injuries.

Both Al Araby and Syria News also reported the involvement of Assad regime aircraft in the attack.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Male child of Ahmad Al Ghabbash
Child male killed
Mohammad Khaled Al A’wad
8 years years old male killed
Daughter of Abd Al Haleem Shbeib
Age unknown female killed
Yahiya al Dalati
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 10
  • (1–3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–15
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

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
    4 – 10
  • (1–3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–15
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS092

Incident date

October 30, 2015

Location

الرستن‬, Ar Rastan, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.93, 36.74 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A woman and child (and possibly a third civilian) were killed in an alleged Russian morning airstrike at Ar Rastan.

According to the Union of Hama rebels, those killed were “an orphan and his grandmother“. They were later named by VDC.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Hamameh Abbas
Adult female Grand mother killed
Abdul Kareem Adnan al-Shaikh
Child male Grand son killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video showing the bodies of the grandmother and her grandchild (via Suhaib Al-Ali)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ar Rastan, for which the generic coordinates are: 34.93, 36.74. 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

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 – 3
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]