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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Russian Military
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Incident Code

RS2246a

Incident date

May 19, 2017

Location

الكناماتا لحويقة, al Kanamat and al Huweika neighborhoods, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.342102, 40.14576 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least two civilians were killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian and/or regime airstrikes against the al Kanamat and al Huweika neighborhoods of Deir Ezzor, local media reported. No specific numbers were given for casualties but both sources identified that more than one civilian was killed and injured.

According to Shaam Network, Russian planes carried out airstrikes while Assad regime forces struck the neighborhoods with artillery shells.

The @Sharqiya_voice twitter account said that the al Huweika neighborhood was under the control of ISIS at the time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (2) [ collapse]

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

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2245

Incident date

May 18, 2017

Location

أبو رمال, Abu Ramal , Hama, Syria

Geolocation

35.05412, 37.39913 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least four civilians, including a woman, were killed and three others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Abu Ramal in the Al Silmiya District of eastern Hama, according to sources on the ground.

The civilians that were killed were members of the same family and those that were injured were in critical condition at the time of reporting.

Tasikyet Shabab Alassi identified Russian planes as responsible for the airstrikes and was the only source to report on this incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2245a

Incident date

May 18, 2017

Location

مناطق الحماد, Al Hammad, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.72807, 36.716309 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Province/governorate level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one civilian was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes against the the Al Hammad areas of Homs, local media reported. All local sources that reported on the incident, including the Violations Documentation Center, identified Russian planes as responsible for the airstrikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali Mohammad Jadoe al-Aseer
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image of Ali Mohammad Jadoe al-Aseer, who was killed in an airstrike on Al Hammad on May 18, 2017 (via VDC)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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

RS2244

Incident date

May 17, 2017

Location

رسم الحمام , Rasim al Hamam, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

35.41304, 37.15712 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least five civilians were killed, including two children, and others were wounded in more than five alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the town of Rasim al Hamam in Eastern Aleppo, according to local sources.

The majority of sources, including Smart News and Syrianoor, reported that Russian planes were responsible for carrying out the airstrikes. However, @AJA_Syria published a contradictory report, identifying regime planes as to blame for the airstrikes.

According to Baladi News, the five civilians that were killed were members of the same family (Hassan Aliawi Al Shekh’s family).

Some of those that were injured were in critical condition at the time of reporting, which was expected to increase the death toll. In addition to the human cost, the airstrikes also caused considerable damage to houses and property.

Aljazeera reported that at the time, the area that was struck was under control of the Islamic State.

 

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

One member from Hassan Aliawi Al Shekh's family
Child killed
One member from Hassan Aliawi Al Shekh's family
Child killed
One member from Hassan Aliawi Al Shekh's family
killed
One member from Hassan Aliawi Al Shekh's family
killed
One member from Hassan Aliawi Al Shekh's family
killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (2 children)
  • 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 attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military

Sources (11) [ collapse]

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (2 children)
  • 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 attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2244a

Incident date

May 17, 2017

Location

الحويقة, Al Hwaighe, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.342102, 40.14576 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one civilian, an adult male, was killed and others were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the neighborhood of Al Hwaighe in Deir Ezzor, local media reported.

According to @AhrarDeirezzor, the civilian was killed after he left the mosque and other members of his family were also injured. The majority of local sources, including Violations Documentation Center, identified Russian planes as responsible for the airstrikes while the remaining sources did not identify who was responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul al-Hakim Al Alloush
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Image of Abdul al-Hakim Al Alloush, killed in airstrikes against Al Hwaighe on May 17, 2017 (via AhrarDeirezzor Facebook)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2241

Incident date

May 16, 2017

Location

سوحا, Soha , Homs, Syria

Geolocation

35.000015, 37.401581 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 13 and 15 civilians were killed – and as many as 30 were wounded – following an airstrike on a bakery in Soha. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. All sources blamed Russia, except Syrian News Desk, which blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime.

Sources reported that ten out of the 15 casualties were civilians who were working at the bakery early in the morning. 7al news added that the bakery alone was hit by two raids. However, overall up to seven strikes were reported in the vicinity.

@HamahNow reported that the causalities were “mostly women and children”. 

Tustar news calls the building that was struck by the raids Almayawimin, which out researchers believe was the name given to the bakery. 

Smart news reported that few other details were discovered from the incident.

The incident occured around dawn.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 15
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–30
  • 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]

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 specific strikes between May 1st - 31st 2017.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 15
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–30
  • 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

RS2242

Incident date

May 16, 2017

Location

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.519286, 36.382427 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Tawfiq al-Khatib
Child male died due to his wounds on the 21st killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child injured due to an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Saqba, 6th May 2017. (via SN4HR)

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 specific strikes between May 1st - 31st 2017.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2243

Incident date

May 16, 2017

Location

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.528464, 36.389472 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Six civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in an air and artillery strike on Hamouriya, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible, with some attributing blame to Russia, while others pointed to the Syrian regime.

According to Qasıoun, a guided missile struck an old Mosque in the town. Footage shows the ruins of the building in the aftermath. It was later declared inoperable by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Multiple sources such as Al Jazeera alleged that as many as three missiles hit the vicinity. 

@akhbar said that the raids were conducted by “Assad forces with short-range land-to-ground missiles”. They are not the only source to make this allegation.

More footage shows children being pulled from the rubble of buildings which were struck in the raid. During the film, another airstrike hits the vicinity causing more panic and chaos.

@SyrianCoalition reported two women and two children were killed in the strikes, whereas other sources report as many as four men. 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Fatima Ramadan
10 years old female killed
Israe Eisa
10 years old female killed
Mariam Eisa
30 years old female killed
Amer Hijazi
21 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (2 children1–2 women1–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    11–24
  • 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 (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • The exact moment after an airstrike hit a Mosque and the surrounding area in Hamouriya, 16th May 2017. (via Qasıoun news agency)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children are pulled from the rubble during rescue operations in the aftermath of an airstrike on Hamouriya, 16th May 2017. (via Syrian Civil Defence in Rural Damascus)
  • Another airstrike hits the vicinity while rescue operations are taking place. 16th May 2017, Hamouriya. (via Syrian Civil Defence in Rural Damascus)

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 specific strikes between May 1st - 31st 2017.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (2 children1–2 women1–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    11–24
  • 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 (22) [ collapse]