Russian Military in Syria

Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

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Incident Code

RS2770

Incident date

November 29, 2017

Location

الجلاء, al-Jalaa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.632043, 40.830081 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One male civilian was killed and several left wounded in an alleged Russian air raid in the crossing of al-Jalaa, Deir Ezzor, local media reported.

The male civilian fatality was reported and identified him by name by multiple sources.

Syrian Human Rights Committee added that “others” were left wounded and reported how the city had been struck by several air strikes.

Both Violations Documentation Center Syria and Smart News Agency identified Russia as responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hasan Hamad al-Aboud al-Hamada al-Maghlatani
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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
    Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between November 4th - 20th 2017.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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
    Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2769

Incident date

November 29, 2018

Location

العباس و هجين, al-Abbas and Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

At least one and as many as three civilians were killed in an airstrike in the al-Abbas/ Hajeen crossing in al Bukamal, local sources reported, though it was unclear who was to blame.

Step News Agency put the death toll at three while the others reported one male fatality, identified by name in multiple reports.

There were no reports of injuries.

While Step News Agency blamed Russia, the remaining reports did not apportion blame, merely referring to “warplanes”.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Sameer Nayef al-Zaaiter
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Unknown

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between November 4th - 20th 2017.

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Unknown

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2773

Incident date

November 28, 2017

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.466049, 40.907593 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One male child was killed in airstrikes on Abu Kamal.

Sources all attributed the blame to Russian warplanes.

The Violations Documentation Centre said the victim died on November 28th.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Bilal al-Jarba
8 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2768

Incident date

November 28, 2017

Location

البقعان, Baq'an, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.62772, 40.861717 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 10 and 15 civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Baq’an, local media reported. Sources attributed the blamed to both Russian and Syrian regime raids.

The raids struck the Al-Baka`an river crossing, according to sources.

A source reported that “the aircraft bombed a passageway on the West Bank of the Euphrates River near the village of Ramadi (Baka’an) of Albuqmal district (120 km east of the city of Deir al-Zour) on Tuesday, as residents tried to move to the eastern bank of the” Islamic State ” killing ten civilians and injuring dozens of others, amid acute shortage of medical staff and medicines.”

One list of victims has over 100 names, therefore it is almost impossible to tell which victims belong to this incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hashem Hsain al-Affas al-Hake
Adult male killed
Burjus Hmood Asman al-Hake
Adult male killed
Obaida Amer Maouloud al-Najm
Adult male killed
Ahmad al-Abd al-Ameer
Adult male killed
Hawas Hsain al-Affas al-Hake
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 15
  • (5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A victim of a raid on Baq'an, 28th Nov 2017. (via News Mari)
  • A victim of a raid on Baq'an, 28th Nov 2017. (via Albukamalcry)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 15
  • (5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2767

Incident date

November 28, 2017

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.466049, 40.907593 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A child was killed due to alleged Russian shelling on Abu Kamal, local media reported.

Only two sources reported on the incident, and both blamed Russia.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Bilal al-Jarba
8 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2766

Incident date

November 27, 2017

Location

العباس و هجين, Al-abbas-Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Three civilians including two brothers were killed in airstrikes on Al-abbas-Hajeen, according to local media. Sources all attributed the blame to Russia except Syrian Network for Human Rights who blamed the Syrian regime.

The raids allegedly struck al-a`bbas water tunnel, leading to three deaths and four wounded civilians.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Malek Dahham Dakhil
Adult male killed
Raouf Dahham Dakhil
Adult male killed
Abd Talal Hussein Al-Lok
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Victim of airstrikes in Al-abbas-Hajeen, 27th Nov 2017. (via Marsad Alhasaka)
  • Victim of airstrikes in Al-abbas-Hajeen, 27th Nov 2017. (via Marsad Alhasaka)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1684 RS2765

Incident date

November 26, 2017

Location

درنج, Daranj, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.918333, 40.581389 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians died in an airstrike on Daranj, according to local media, though it was unclear who was responsible, with sources blaming the Coalition, the Syrian regime and one pointing towards Russia. A number of other sources didn’t apportion blame.

Euphrates Post and Deir Ezzor named five victims as killed by unidentified “warplanes”:

Rami Assaf, reportedly a lawyer, alleged that the Coalition carried out the strike, killing the above victims.

Al Jazeera, Al Araby, the Smart News Agency and Zamanalwasl also blamed the Coalition, putting the death toll at four, as did the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who said that dozens more were injured.

However, the RFS Media Office pointed toward Russia.

While the Coalition has publicly reported no strikes on Syria that day, the SDF took control of the town shortly afterwards. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, however, attributed the event to the regime.

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The incident was first reported on November 26, 2017 at 1:00 am by .

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ahmed Fahim Al-Hamoud Al-Najres
Age unknown male via Deir Ezzor 24 killed
Abdul Rahman Ali Al-Najres
Age unknown male via Deir Ezzor 24 killed

The victims were named as:

Ali Al Mohammed Al-Ahmad “nicknamed Mullah Rabah"
Age unknown male via Deir Ezzor 24 killed
Uday Khalid Al Ibrahim
Age unknown male via Deir Ezzor 24 killed
Fadi Ghannam Al-Hamoud Al-Najres.
Age unknown male via Euphrates post killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Daranj (درنج), for which the coordinates are: 34.918333, 40.581389.  Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 34.91833, 40.58139

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Daranj, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU4445465128
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022

  • Nov. 26, 2017, near Daranj, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 2548/S1484 37SFU4445465128

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 25th-26th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, five strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed four ISIS vehicles and a headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2764

Incident date

November 26, 2017

Location

الشعغة, Al-Sha'fa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 15 and 65 civilians were killed, in what has been described by local media as a massacre on the residential neighbourhood in Al-Sha’fa. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime.

Sources were conflicted as to how many casualties there were. The highest toll being 65, however many sources also reported 15 – 18, 37 and 51, as some examples.Ten people from one family were included in the death toll, as well as 21 children and nine women.

Dozens of civilians were reportedly wounded, according to local media.

The extensive destruction of civilian homes and shops were reported, including the house of Antar Alsamal, the house of Zubair and the Al-Fandi Commercial Complex.

Thirteen refugees from the family of Aldbs and Bnt Khadir Al’antar  were amongst those killed.

BBC News published a report saying that Russia denied the raids.

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Alaa Ahmed Al-Zubair
Age unknown killed
The daughter of Alaa Khalid Al - Zubair
Age unknown killed
The mother of Alaa Khalid Al Zubair
Age unknown killed
Ahmed Khaled Al-Zubair
Age unknown killed
daughter of Khader Al-A’ntar
Age unknown killed
Maouloud Abdul Razzaq al-Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Bashir Maouloud Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Bara’aa Nader al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Jarir Maouloud al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Nour Adel Al Sahab
Age unknown killed
Ismail Jareer Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Maouloud Jarir Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Ammar Maouloud Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Abdul Razzaq Maouloud Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Muntaha Maouloud al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
daughter of Nadir Nasser al-Jubeir
Age unknown killed
The second daughter of Nader Nasser Al-Jubeir
Age unknown killed
Nader Abdul Razzaq Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Nusra A’nan al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Mohamed Nader Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Kafaa Maouloud al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Anas Mohammed Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Nader Mohammed Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Yousef Nader Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Hana Rachid Aldibs
Age unknown killed
daughter of Joseph Nader Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Abdullah Nader Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
The wife of Abdullah Nader Shaaban
Age unknown killed
the son of Abdullah Nader Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Ibrahim Nader Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Hussein Nader Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Bashir Fakhri Al-Issa
Age unknown killed
Ammar Fakhri Bashir Al-Issa
Age unknown killed
Omar Fakhri Bashir Al-Issa
Age unknown killed
Bakr Fakhri Bashir Al-Issa
Age unknown killed
Osman Fakhri Bashir Al-Issa
Age unknown killed
Nader Nasser Al-Jubeir
Age unknown killed
Ahmed Nawar Marwah Al-Issa
Age unknown killed
Khaled Matloub Al-Zaher
Age unknown killed
Khaled Matloub al Zaher’s wife
Age unknown killed
Khaled Matloub al Zaher’s daughter
Age unknown killed
Khaled Matloub al Zaher’s son
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 65
  • (21 children9 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via @7UFCmSxd0IUBffH)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via Euphrates)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via Ahemd Orabi)
  • Victims of the airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via asharqasouri)
  • Victims of the airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via asharqasouri)
  • Victims of the airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via Euphrates)
  • Victims of the airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via Euphrates)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 65
  • (21 children9 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (31) [ collapse]