Conflict

Russian Military in Syria

Incident Code

RS2233

Location

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.519286, 36.382427
Accuracy: Town

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: July 23, 2025

(Previous Incident Codes: R2101RS2242)

A child died from his wounds on May 21st from an air and artillery strike on Saqba,  according to local sources. As many as four civilians were reportedly wounded in this raid. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributed blame to Russia, while others pointed to the Syrian regime.

An image of the injured child was published on the day of the strike by the Syrian Network for Human Rights, but it was later reported that he died from his wounds – which were extensive.

Similarly, sources reported that Civil Defence workers pulled injured civilians from the rubble and their wounds were severe therefore the death toll was likely to rise.

On the day of the strike itself there were no reported casualties.

Aksalsear reported that missiles were used in the raid, however, Aleitihadpress alleged that artillery and rocket fire were to blame.

Victims

Individuals

Child male died due to his wounds on the 21st killed

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Contested
Civilians reported killed
1
1 Child
Civilians reported injured
2–4

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Saqba (سقبا), for which the generic coordinates are: 33.519286, 36.382427. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

Russian Military Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Russian Military position on incident
Not yet assessed
Russian Military Strike Report
Russia has not reported any specific strikes between May 1st - 31st 2017.
Syrian Regime Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Regime
Syrian Regime position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media from Sources (1)