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

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:

Abdul Rahman Mufleh al-Nu'man
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
Official source

"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

RS2701

Incident date

November 5–7, 2017

Location

فيضة الجب, Faidat Al-Jib, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.726941, 40.300598 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Six civilians were reportedly killed in airstrikes which struck an IDP camp in Faidat Al-Jib. Sources blamed Russian warplanes, according to local media.

Initial reporting suggested two had been killed – a mother and son. Later on local media reported that the toll had reached six. All victims were named by the sources.

It was reported by Al Haal that 13 civilians were wounded, including children.

“The Russian warplanes launched several air raids yesterday targeting tents sheltering displaced people in the area of “Faydah Jab” in al Shouweit desert which led to the amputation of the feet of Mahmoud Hanan and the death of his 10-year-old son. They are from the town of Mahkan.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

Wife of Hamid Ajil al-Hammadi
Adult female killed
Son of Hamid Ajil al-Hammadi
Child male killed
Mrs Fatima Ajil al-Hammadi wife of Daham Abboud al-Saytah
Adult female killed
Wife of Darman Saleh
Adult female killed
Daughter of Darman Saleh
Child female killed
The daughter of Hammadi the good Durman
Child female killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (3 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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 (11) [ 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
    6
  • (3 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1666 RS2697

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Location

الصبحة, Al Subha, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.2970537, 40.2363968 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 and Al Natek , they were killed by regime warplanes. Al Hall however blamed Russia, reporting that planes carried out “more than eight raids, killing two displaced men from the town of Mosul and injuring 13 others in additional to demolishing a large number of houses”.

DeirEzzor24 reported “the Deir Ezzor Military Council and the forces of SDF took control of the village of Subha in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor”.

A third victim was later named by Marsad al Sharqiya. The source said that he died as a result of shelling. He was also named by SPC, which blamed the Coalition for his death.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Hammadi Turk Al Ghadhban
Age unknown male brothers, named by Euphrates Post killed
Aboud Turki Al Ghadhban
Age unknown male brothers, named by Euphrates Post killed

The victims were named as:

Nu’man Hamoud al-Hunaidi
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Brothers Aboud Turki Al - Ghadhban Al - Hado and Mohamed Turki Al-Ghadban Al-Hado were killed in a strike on Sabha, Nov 6th (via Ali Aldawla)
  • Brothers Aboud Turki Al - Ghadhban Al - Hado and Mohamed Turki Al-Ghadban Al-Hado were killed in a strike on Sabha, Nov 6th (via Ali Aldawla)
  • Brothers Aboud Turki Al - Ghadhban Al - Hado and Mohamed Turki Al-Ghadban Al-Hado were killed in a strike on Sabha, Nov 6th - one of them depicted here (via Albolil tribe-public figure)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Brothers Aboud Turki Al - Ghadhban Al - Hado and Mohamed Turki Al-Ghadban Al-Hado were killed in a strike on Sabha, Nov 6th (via B.N.N.)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incidents mention the village of Al Subha (الصبحة) for which the coordinates are: 35.2970537, 40.2363968

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 5th-6th: “Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three ISIS missiles. Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed an ISIS line of communication and a fighting position.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Sunday 5 November: Two flights of Typhoon FGR4s, armed with Paveway IVs, flew similar missions over eastern Syria. One flight eliminated a mortar team near the border town of Abu Kamal, whilst the second pair of Typhoons successfully conducted four phased attacks against a tunnel complex near Al Mayadin.‘

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Civilian casualty statements

Russian Military
  • 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..

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2680

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Location

عشاير, Ashayer, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.511944, 40.903333 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 regime – reported that four civilians, including two children and a woman were killed. They later named a man as killed, adding he was killed alongside his wife and daughter.

Other local sources informed Al-Arab Al-Jadeed, that a civilian, his wife and daughter were killed by a “Russian air strike targeting their house in the village of Ashayer”.

They added this was renewed Russian shelling.

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Abdullah Mohammad al Salbi al Dablan
Adult male killed

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Abdullah Mohammad al Salbi al Dablan, killed in an airstrike on Ashayer, 4th November 2017. (via SN4HR)

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
    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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2681

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Location

معيزلية, Ma'izilya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.620672, 40.454355 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 also reported sighting “unknown military warplanes”.

Initial reporting suggested only three were killed including a mother and child, however it was later reported by Euphrates Post that the death toll had risen to 12. Most of the victims were named.

“Dozens” were allegedly wounded, however this remains unspecified. Bukamalna, however did name two injured victims.

On the 27th, Euphrates Post reported that another man had died due to his injuries sustained in the raid. Allegedly 11 members of his family were killed at the time of the strike.

The hospitals in the vicinity were – according to Smart News – reportedly out of service. Additionally, the wounded were in a serious condition therefore the number of victims was expected to rise.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Daughter of Abed Al Abdullah Al Osman Al Mashhadani
Child female killed
Daughter of Abed Al Abdullah Al Osman Al Mashhadani
Child female killed

Family members (7)

Woman from Nihad Awad al-Hiba al-Bassis family
Adult female killed
Child of victim 1
Child killed
Child of victim 2
Child killed
Child of victim 3
Child killed
Child of victim 4
Child killed
Child of victim 5
Child killed
Child of victim 6
Child killed

The victims were named as:

Daughter of Nasser Al-Abdullah Al-Asman Al-Mashhadani
5 years old female killed
Mohammed Al - Mahmoud Al - Taha
Child male killed
Son of Ibn Al-Awad Al-Bassis
Age unknown male killed
Saad Fahmi al-Kassar
Age unknown male rom the town of Al-Sayyal, died later due to wounds sustained killed
Ali Al-Hamad
Age unknown injured
The wife of Hussein Al - Hamad
Age unknown injured

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown

Sources (13) [ 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

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2682

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Location

صبيخان, Sebikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.85305, 40.59987 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 Network for Human Rights reported that “Syrian regime warplanes fired missiles on a mosque in Sbaikhan city in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern suburbs, partially damaging its building and furniture, on November 5, 2017.” They did not report any civilian casualties.

The Observatory and @EuphratesPost also reported that there was no civilian harm.

The final source reported on the deaths of three civilians in the raid. They reported Russia as culpable.

One woman was reported to have been killed by @mohamad_mt.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (7) [ 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

  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2683

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Location

دوير, Dweir, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.76714, 40.650959 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 had died.

There were no reports of any wounded civilians.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (5) [ 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
    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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2759

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Location

العباس, al Abbas river crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A single source reported that Russian warplanes struck “Hajeen village and the crossing of the village of Abbas al-Nahari east of Deir al-Zour, [with] several raids, killing 4 civilians.”

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]