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 date

November 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2703

LOCATION

الكمشة, Al-Kamshe, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man was killed and “dozens” were allegedly injured in an airstrike which bombarded houses between al Foqani and al Jowani roundabouts. Only one source blamed Russia, and the other two did not attribute any blame. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that a man was killed and others were injured, as a result of

Summary

First published
November 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2702

LOCATION

الشويط, Al-Showeit, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Russian warplanes “targeted the village of Al-Showeit” with more than eight raids, injuring several civilians. Details reported that civilian housing was damaged in the raids. Explosive barrels also allegedly struck the vicinity. There were no reported deaths. No other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2700

LOCATION

السيال, Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five civilians were killed, including an entire family of four, in an airstrike on the village of Sayyal. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. Enabbaladi reported that specific warplanes were not identified “but activists from the city confirmed the social networking sites that the raids belong to the Russian aircraft accompanying the operations

Summary

First published
November 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(2 children1 woman1 man)
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2696

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three children were killed due to air and artillery strikes in Abu Kamal. Sources reported that both Russia and the Syrian regime were to blame. It is clear that the raids were either Russian or Syrian regime and artillery shelling was also used in the raid. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2695

LOCATION

البقعان, Al-Baq'an, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that three civilians were killed, and seven others were wounded, in airstrikes which struck the river crossing in Al-Baq’an. Sources either named Russia as culpable, or reported “unknown warplanes” were to blame. According to Al Hall, Russian shelling “targeted the river crossing in the village of Baqan, killing three civilians and wounding

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2694

LOCATION

الهري, Harri, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as eight civilians were reportedly killed, and 13 others were wounded, in airstrikes on Harri. Sources all blamed Russia for the strikes. Al Hall reported that “Russian warplanes targeted civilian houses in Al-Harri town with more than six raids, killing eight civilians, including women and children, injuring more than 13 others and causing

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(0–2 children0–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
13
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2693

LOCATION

رسم الحمام, Rasim Al-Hamam, Hama, Syria

A girl was killed and others were injured in airstrikes on Rasim Al-Hamam. Sources all blamed Russia. RFS Media Office reported that “Russian warplanes and the air force launched a series of intensive air raids on the eastern villages of Hama, targeting the villages of “Al-Balil, Um Treika, Al-Harjan, Jab Al-Safa, Tal Al-Halawa, Qasr bin

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2692

LOCATION

تل الضمان, Tal Al-Daman, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

In a similar fashion, to the previous raid in Buweita (RS2691) “a civilian and a woman were killed by an air bombardment on the town of Tel Al-Daman”, however this time Tal Al-Daman School was damaged. Sources blamed bot the Syrian regime and Russia for these raids. Smart News Agency was the only source to

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2691

LOCATION

البويطة, Buweita, Aleppo , Aleppo, Syria

A man and a child were killed in airstrikes on village of Al-Bawiyyatah in the town of Tal Al-Daman. Sources all attributed the blame to Moscow. Sources are conflicted as to whether the child was male or female – VDC amongst others reporting the child was female – while others reported the child was male.

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2690

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that “a civilian was wounded by a bombardment of warplanes likely to be Russian, targeting the vicinity of the radio tower on the western outskirts of Saraqib.” High explosive Russian rockets were allegedly used in the raid. There were no reports of civilian deaths and no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2689

LOCATION

معرشورين, Ma'ar Shoreen, Idlib, Syria

Civilians and members of the Civil Defence were injured due to airstrikes which struck  the village of Ma’ar Shoreen. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. Witnesses told Smart News Agency that “that five raids by aircraft likely to be Russian, on civilian homes in the village, wounded two civilians and damaged property.” Ambulances

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2688

LOCATION

تل حلاوة, Tal Halawa refugee camp, Idlib, Syria

According to local media, a girl was killed and five others were wounded, in an airstrike on Tal Halawa refugee camp in Al Saboura, according to local media. Sources both blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. Civilian homes were also “targeted” by the warplanes. Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that one girl was killed

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2687

LOCATION

ابو الظهور, Abu Alduhur, Idlib, Syria

A family of three were buried by rubble resulting in the death of both mother and father, when an airstrike hit their home in Abu Alduhur, according to local media. Sources all attributed blame to Russian warplanes. As many as five civilians were reportedly injured, according to @SyriaCivilDefe. As many as eight raids struck civilian

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2686

LOCATION

المتوسطة, Mutawasita, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed and four others were injured in airstrikes which hit al Mutwasta, according to local media. The sources have attribute the blame to Russia. One source reported that “the explosion of a mine during the dismantling of the remnants of a previous bombing by the Russian occupation airliner in the village of

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2017

Incident Code

RS2685

LOCATION

رسم العبد, Rasim Al-Abid, Idlib, Syria

One child was killed, and others were wounded, due to alleged Russian airstrikes on a refugee camp in Rasim Al-Abid. Many sources blamed Russia, while the others blamed “unknown warplanes” for the strikes. Some later research showed that sources attributed blame to Syrian regime planes too. While Smart News Agency reported that “Civilian killed by

Summary

First published
November 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS1666 RS2697

LOCATION

الصبحة, Al Subha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians including two brothers died in airstrikes on al Subha, local media said – though it was unclear who was responsible. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the US-led Coalition. According to Al Sharq News “intense” raids by the Coalition were occurring in the area. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
November 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
13
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2684 CS1666a

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abo Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as four civilians were killed in Russian airstrikes according to local media, as well as a report by the Russian Ministry of Defence. However, one source reported “We do not know whether the bombing is Russian or Coalition”. Many other sources blamed the International Coalition for the strikes. Some sources blamed Iraqi airstrikes,

Summary

First published
November 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2683

LOCATION

دوير, Dweir, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A woman and her three children were killed in an airstrike on Dweir, according to local media. Most sources blamed Russia for the strikes, however others reported it was a “military aircraft” – not attributing blame to a belligerent. The first source reported that only two children were killed, however a later source reported three

Summary

First published
November 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2–3 children1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2682

LOCATION

صبيخان, Sebikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as three people were killed in shelling on a displaced persons camp and Mosque in Sebikhan in Sabikhan desert, according to local media. One source blamed the Syrian regime for the airstrikes, however the others blamed “renewed Russian shelling”. Step News Agency reported that there were unspecified numbers of dead and wounded. Syrian

Summary

First published
November 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 woman)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2680

LOCATION

عشاير, Ashayer, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as four civilians were killed – including a man, his wife and daughter – in alleged Russian or Syrian regime raid strikes on Ashayer, according to local media. Some media reported that “warplanes” fired missiles – therefore not attributing blame to a belligerent. Syrian Network for Human Rights – who blamed the Syrian

Summary

First published
November 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–2 children1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2681

LOCATION

معيزلية, Ma'izilya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as 13 civilians were killed, including a family of five, and others were injured, following airstrikes on Al-Rifai camp for displaced peoples in Ma’izilya. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible, with most blaming Russia, however Syrian Network for Human rights was among a few who blamed the Syrian regime. Many sources

Summary

First published
November 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 13
(10 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown
Named victims
15 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2679

LOCATION

الجلاء, Al-Jalaa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six to seven civilians were killed – including three children and a woman – following airstrikes on Al-Jalaa, according to local media. Some sources blamed Russia, while the other did not attribute blame. Four out of the six civilians killed were reportedly from one family, however, Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “6 civilians

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2678

LOCATION

ابو حية, Abo Hayya, Hama, Syria

A 15-year-old boy was killed, and five civilians were wounded, following alleged Russian airstrikes on Abo Hayya, according to local media. All sources blamed Russian warplanes. Alaraby specified that “Russian warplanes launched seven raids on the village of Al-Rihan and shelled the village of Abu Hayya in al-Hamra district in the eastern province’s countryside, killing

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2677

LOCATION

كفر سجنة, Kafr Sajneh, Idlib, Syria

Four children were killed, including triplets, in an explosion which allegedly was the result of remnants from a cluster bomb from a previous Russian raid, according to local media. Sources mostly blamed Russia, however Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the “Syrian-Russian alliance”. Local media reported that “Three children were killed in the agricultural land

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 children)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2676 CS1665B

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al-Baghoz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and six civilians were killed, and some others were wounded, following airstrikes on Al-Baghoz. Local media blamed both the Iraqi Army and Russia – but it is unclear who was to blame. An entire family of six were allegedly killed in the raid. Smart Mews reported that “aircraft likely to be Russian launched

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(2–3 children1 man)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2675

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abo Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian was killed and many more were wounded following an alleged Russian raid on Abu Kamal, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russia for the strikes. Al Mayadeen News reported that “The Russian Defense Ministry announced that a group of aircraft “To-22 M3” of the Russian air force struck the sites of the

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2674

LOCATION

السويعة, Suw'eiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six civilians from one family were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes which struck the village of Al-Suwayea, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. The victims were named, and according to media, “dozens” of civilians were wounded. Bukmalna, who named the victims, reported that “the flight targeted a civilian house”.

Summary

First published
November 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1663

LOCATION

باغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four or more civilians died in an airstrike on al Baghouz, according to local media. While most sources pointed towards the Coalition, one said that it was unclear whether Russia had been responsible. The US-led alliance later admitted killing five civilians in the event. According to Al Hal, “Coalition forces also raided al-Bagouz village in

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1661 RS2672

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen - al Zir area, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man died and his child was wounded in a casualty event in the al Zir area in Hajeen town, local media reported – though it was unclear whether the casualties were caused by an airstrike or a rocket. Additionally, sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1662 RS2673

LOCATION

المراشدة, Al Mrashda river crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to five civilians died in an airstrike on the al Mrashda river crossing in Deir Ezzor, local media said – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, Syrian regime or Russia were responsible. According to Al Hall, the Coalition “targeted the water crossing in the town of Al Mrashda in rural

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 child1 man)
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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident