Conflicts

Russian Military in Syria
U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Codes

CS1046 RS2293

Location

خشام, Khasham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3020098, 40.2914143
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: July 23, 2025

(Previous Incident Codes: S913R2155RS2295)

Up to 16 civilians, including several women and children, were killed and dozens more injured in airstrikes on Khasham village in Deir Ezzor governorate. However, it was not clear who was responsible with allegations lodged against the Coalition, the Russian air force and the Syrian government.

In total, five sources alleged that the Coalition was responsible, four sources said Bashar al Assad’s government was to blame, three said Russia was responsible and six sources did not reach a final conclusion apportioning blame.

A number of reliable sources – including Smart News Agency, Euphrates Post, Radio al Kul and Baladi News – reported that phosphorous munitions were used in the attack, likely to be a contributing factor to the high casualty rates.

Several sources also reported that after the initial strike, the aircraft returned and struck a house where civilians had taken cover during the original attack.

Several victims were identified by name, but many others who were killed remained unidentified, sources reported.

DeirEzzor24 reported that of the wounded, several were critically ill and suffered from amputations, burns and maiming.

Radio al Kul reported similar injuries and said the death toll was likely to rise with 15 of 50 or more injured in a life-threatening condition.

Key Information

Country
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Contested
Civilians reported killed
13–16
4 Children, 2 Women, 1 Man
Civilians reported injured
12–50

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Khasham (خشام), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.3020098, 40.2914143. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

U.S.-led Coalition Assessment
Suspected belligerent
U.S.-led Coalition
U.S.-led Coalition position on incident
Not yet assessed
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
The Coalition has not publicly reported any strikes in Deir Ezzor for June 19th-21st..
Syrian Regime Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Regime
Syrian Regime position on incident
Not yet assessed
Russian Military Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Russian Military position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media From Sources (2)