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 Code

CS1661 RS2672

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

هجين, Hajeen - al Zir area, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

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 Russia. 

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights pointed towards the Coalition.

Baladi, however, said “the town was hit by a number of rockets which killed a man and wounded others.”

The Our Bukamal Facebook page reported “the death of Turki Hamad Al Hawamah by shelling on Hajeen and the injury of his child”. It added that the shelling targeted “the house of Sawadi al-Habadi and the house of Khudair al-Salbi and the led to the injury of Ibn Khudair al-Salbi. The shelling also focused on the public street close to the shops of Al-Omair.”

Baladi News was the only source to attribute blame to Russian warplanes.

Euphrates Post published a video (see below), showing panic and screaming at the moment that warplanes reportedly struck. The voice over refers to “indiscriminate shelling”.

The incident occured at 12:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Adult male killed
Son of Turki al-Hamad al-Hawam
Child male injured

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • "Indiscriminate shelling", footage showing panic and screaming from civilians as they attempt to run from the airstrikes which have targeted their homes. 2nd November 2017. (via Euphrates)
  • Turki Hamad Al-Hawam and his son, he was killed and his son injured in an alleged airstrike on the Al Zir area in Hajin on November 2nd 2017 (via Hajin and around Hajin Facebook post).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Hajin (هجين) for which the coordinates are: 34.6897222, 40.83. Sources mention Al Zir (الزر) area, “the house of Sawadi al-Habadi and the house of Khudair al-Salbi and the led to the injury of Ibn Khudair al-Salbi. The shelling also focused on the public street close to the shops of Al-Omair.”

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 26, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 2nd-3rd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication. Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1662 RS2673

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

المراشدة, Al Mrashda river crossing, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.492215, 40.918247 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 Bu Kamal also, killing one man and three children and wounding four others, most of them in critical condition”.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it was “unknown” whether the planes belonged to the Coalition.

However, Baladi said that Russia was. It said that five people died and others were wounded. Alaraby also pointed towards Moscow.

But the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime, putting the death toll at four.

A number of other sources didn’t identify the warplanes that carried out the attack.

The incident was first reported on November 2, 2017 at 10:30 am by .

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Adult male from al-Safafneh killed
Child male from al-Safafneh killed

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Sulayman Taraki Al Khalaf Al-Dablan, killed in an alleged airstrike on the Al Mrashda river crossing on November 2nd 2017 (via Amin Al Mashhadani).

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a river crossing in the village of al Mrashda (المراشدة) for which the coordinates are: 34.5099691,40.9314306 The coordinates for the village’s main river crossing are: 34.492215,40.918247 Destroyed ferry and vehicles can be seen on a satellite image from Nov. 13, 2017 Airwars does not have the rights to publish the image.

  • Mrashda (المراشدة) village river crossing

    Date taken:
    May 21, 2011

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 26, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 2nd-3rd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication. Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS 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

  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1663

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

باغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.41036, 40.96066 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 the same countryside, killing four civilians and injuring more than 20 others, mostly women and children”.

Euphrates Post also blamed the Coalition, reporting that “there were four deaths and a number of wounded, with a whole family are still under the rubble, following a terrible massacre as a result of air strikes believed to be by the International coalition”. The source named victims.

It was reported that “a number of charred bodies and a whole family who are still under the rubble at the home of Eid al-Daham.”

Al Bukamal is Being Slaughtered reported a bombing on “the house of Riad Mohammed al-Daham al-Rahbi.” It proceeded to say: “We received news that they had in their house a guest Saleh Obeid al Khalaf al Marsoumi and he died under the rubble with the family.”

However, according to Al Bukamal news, it was “unknown whether the bombing was by Russia or the Coalition.”

It should also be noted that on November 3rd and 4th, locals reported that they had come under attack from “Iraqi shelling.”

In its November 2018 casualty report the Coalition admitted responsibility for five deaths, noting that ” Coalition aircraft conducted multiple airstrikes targeting identified ISIS personnel and equipment. Unfortunately, during one of the strikes, five civilians were unintentionally killed.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Sulaiman Saleh al Obeid al Khalaf
Adult male killed
The child Hassan Ali al-Aboud
Child male killed
Ali Saleh al-Obeid
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Suleiman Al - Saleh Al - Obeid, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Baghous, November 2nd 2017. (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 34.4111111, 40.9611111

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    near Al-Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU802094
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018
  • On Nov. 2, 2017, near Al-Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report Coalition aircraft conducted multiple airstrikes targeting identified ISIS personnel and equipment. Unfortunately, during one of the strikes, five civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 2nd-3rd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication. Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2679

Incident date

November 3–4, 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

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 from the same family, including 3 children and a woman, displaced from al Sukkariya village in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern suburbs, killed as suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on al Jala’”.

While Syrian Observatory reported that “3 children were killed in shelling by warplanes on areas in Al-Jalaa village”.

There is confusion as to the date of the strike, which occurred between the 3rd and 4th. Sources mostly differ on the date therefore Airwars have assessed it to have occurred between these dates.

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Rahman Mufleh Al-Nu'man
Adult male killed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Abdul Rahman Mufleh Al-Nu'man, killed in airstrikes on 4th November 2017. (via Shabab)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2674

Incident date

November 3, 2017

Location

السويعة, Suw'eiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.43415, 40.93473 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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”.

According to Syrian Network for Human Rights, missiles were fired on the vicinity.

Almodon reported that “Russian air and missile bombardments have killed more than 15 civilians in the villages of Suwayyah and Marashdeh from the countryside of Bu Kamal and wounded at least 20 others in the past 24 hours, in addition to the destruction of dozens of homes.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members

The victims were named as:

Masha’an Al - Hamad Al - Hassan
Age unknown killed
Salem Masha’an Hassan
Age unknown killed
The daughter of Masha’an Salim al - Hassan
Age unknown killed
Child from the family of Masha’an Salem Al Hassan
Child killed
Child from the family of Masha’an Salem Al Hassan
Child killed
The wife of the son of Masha’an Salim al - Hassan
Adult female killed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The house which was struck by alleged Russian warplanes, 3rd November 2017. (via DeirEzzor24)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2675

Incident date

November 4, 2017

Location

البوكمال, Abo 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 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 organisation “Daash” in the area of ​​Albuqmal in the Syrian province of Deir al-Zour. MOSCOW – A group of Russian air force T-22M3 aircraft on Saturday fired blows at the Da’ash site in the Al-Boukamal area of ​​the Syrian province of Deir al-Zour, the Russian Defence Ministry said.”

It also added that, “Long-range T-22M3 bombers, after taking off from Russian territory and flying through the airspace of Iraq and Iran, launched a massive air strike at terrorist sites in the area of ​​the town of Albuqamal in Deir al-Zour,” the ministry said in a statement. The targets hit were weapons depots and ammunition belonging to terrorists, as well as command centres for formative groups.”

According to @EuphratsPost, this was the firth day in a row that “Russian strategic bombers targeted the city of Albu Kamal and its countryside”.

The Russian Department of Defence released a press release on the same day, November 4th, confirming the strike.

In addition, the strike reportedly occurred in the morning.

Sources claim there were dozens or dead and wounded, however it is more likely this is an overall figure from the daily strikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • The moment airstrikes hit Abo Kamal, 4th November 2017. (via Al Mayadeen)
  • Propagandist footage of "Long-range T-22M3 bombers, after taking off from Russian territory and flying through the airspace of Iraq and Iran, launched a massive air strike at terrorist sites in the area of ​​the town of Albuqamal in Deir al-Zour". (via Syrian news center)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

"On November 4, the Tu-22M3 scrambled from Russian airfield, flew over Iraq and Iran and delivered an air strike on terrorists' objects near Abu Kamal in Deir ez-Zor province.

The Su-30SM fighters covered the Russian long-range aircraft.

The strike targeted armament and ammunition depots, and ISIS command centres.

The objective control has confirmed all the targets to have been engaged.

Having accomplished the combat mission, all the Russian aircraft returned back to home station."

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2676 CS1665B

Incident date

November 4, 2017

Location

الباغوز, Al-Baghoz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.43221, 40.99226 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 several raids on the village of Albaguz (126 km east of the city of Deir al-Zour), killing two civilians”.

Whereas Al arabi al jadid reported that “Six civilians were killed and others wounded by Iraqi air strikes on the village of Al-Bagouz in the vicinity of the city of Abu Kamal in eastern Syria on Saturday evening [Nov 4th].”

It should be noted that the Coalition informed Airwars that some Iraqi strikes are included in Coalition strikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Son of Hammoud al-Sulayman Al Khalil
Age unknown male killed
Son of Ali Al Khalil
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2677

Incident date

November 4, 2017

Location

كفر سجنة, Kafr Sajneh, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.52447, 36.590051 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 in the vicinity of the town of # Kafarsgana, as a result of the explosion of cluster bombs from the remnants of previous Russian air raids in addition to the injury of another person, while they were with their family in olive picking.”

The children were reported to have been born in 2012, making them five years old.

In addition to this, another child was killed alongside them – he was displaced from Halfaya.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Child male born in 2012 killed
Child male born in 2012 killed
Child male born in 2012 killed

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Three children who were killed in an explosion from remnants of cluster bombs, Kafr Sajneh, 4th November 2017. (via AlhasakaArabea)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The death of a child due to airstrikes, 4th November 2017. (via @KLO6sD6c7rzi1x8)
  • Three children who were killed in an explosion from remnants of cluster bombs, Kafr Sajneh, 4th November 2017. (via Al hayat News)

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
    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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]