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 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2763

LOCATION

الباغوز, Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A child died from his wounds following a shrapnel injury from a Russian air and artillery strike, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russian and Syrian regime raids. It is unclear which date the original strike occurred. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2741

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source reported that seven civilians, including two children, were killed in an airstrike undertaken by an “unknown” belligerent in Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, on November 18th. Smart News reported that “seven civilians, including two children, were killed and 20 others were wounded in an “unknown” aerial bombardment of a camp for displaced people in

Summary

First published
November 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2739

LOCATION

السوسة, Al-Sousse, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One male civilian was killed in airstrikes on Al-Sousse, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes. An image published shows the victim to be wearing military style dress and carrying a gun suggesting he may be a militant. Despite this, all sources reported he was a civilian. There were no reported injuries.

Summary

First published
November 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Rebel Forces
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2740

LOCATION

River crossing between al Duweir and Graneej, Deir Ezzor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Euphrates post reported:  “Military aircraft launched several air raids today [Nov 17th] targeting the crossing of the town of Al-Dweir River – the town of Graneej – which led to the destruction of all cars and river vessels and the wounding of a number of civilians”. Other sources said the regime carried out strikes, while

Summary

First published
November 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2738

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

Between three and four civilians were killed, and as many as 11 were wounded in air and artillery strikes on the popular market and residential homes in Arbeen. Sources blamaed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. According to local sources, there were between seven and 13 raids on the vicinity which caused

Summary

First published
November 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child1 woman4 men)
Civilians reported injured
11
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2737

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

As many as seven civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Harasta, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russian warplanes and Syrian regime artillery shelling for the strikes. One source reported that “missile targeted residential neighbourhoods in the city of Harasta”. Another added that “missiles carrying cluster

Summary

First published
November 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(1–5 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–25
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2736

LOCATION

السيال الغربي, Alsayyal Algharbi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and four civilian were killed, and an unspecified number of others were injured in airstrikes on Alsayyal Algharbi, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the airstrikes. Only one source reported the death of four civilians, while most others reported that two  adult male displaced brothers were

Summary

First published
November 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 men)
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2735

LOCATION

حسرات, Hasrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A man and two of his children were killed in airstrikes on Hasrat, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the airstrikes. Civilian homes were allegedly struck, which some sources claim killed an entire family. There were no reports of wounded and no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 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 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2734

LOCATION

محكان, Mahkan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Seven civilians from the same family were killed, and 20 to 24 others were wounded when Russian warplanes allegedly struck IDP tents in Mahkan, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russia for the raids. The victims included four children and three women, all from the same family. There are no other details at this

Summary

First published
November 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(4 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
20–24
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2733

LOCATION

حسرات, Hasrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed, including one named male, due to alleged Russian warplanes strikes, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes. There were no reports of wounded civilians.

Summary

First published
November 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2732

LOCATION

مخيم سوح الرفاعي,, Souh Al Rifa’i camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Twelve civilians were killed, and others were wounded in airstrikes on Souh Al Rifa’i camp for IDPs. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Initially reportage claimed that five children had been killed, however this umber rose 12 with an additional six children and a woman having been killed. There are

Summary

First published
November 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12
(11 children1 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
Named victims
12 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2731

LOCATION

صبيخان, Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least two civilians were killed and others were injured, following airstrikes on Sabikhan, according to local media. Both Russia and the Syrian regime were responsible, according to sources. Media suggested that a river crossing was targeted by the raids. “The shelling killed a civilian and injured others, mostly women and children, amid acute shortage

Summary

First published
November 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2730

LOCATION

العوينة, Al'A'waina, Idlib, Syria

As many as five children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on a gathering of IDP tents in Al’A’waina, local media reported. Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed Russia for the raids. Initially Syrian Network for Human Rights reported the death of only one child, however this rose to five later on. Tents were destroyed

Summary

First published
November 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1–5 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2729

LOCATION

الحزم, Hazem, Hama, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Hazem, local media reported. Both reports were Step News Agency, who blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Step reported that “The Russian warplanes launched several air raids targeting the villages of Hazm and Abu Ajwa in the eastern countryside of Hama, resulting in civilian casualties”.

Summary

First published
November 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2727

LOCATION

الاتارب, Atareb, Idlib, Syria

In a mass civilian casualty event, as many as 82 civilians were killed, and 340 more were wounded, when six surface rockets and three missiles struck a popular market in Atareb. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for these raids. According to sources, 100 shops as well as a police station were destroyed.

Summary

First published
November 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 82
(5–6 children3–7 women30 men)
Civilians reported injured
60–340
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
73 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2726

LOCATION

صبيخان, Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man was killed, and others were inured in shelling which struck Sabikhan. Neither sources named Russia as culpable, however Airwars understands Russian warplanes were bombing the vicinity at this period of time. Additionally, Smart News reported that “civilians were killed and others injured on Sunday by an airstrike likely to be carried out by

Summary

First published
November 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2725

LOCATION

السوسة, Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that as many as 23 civilians were killed in airstrikes which struck a river crossing in Soussa. Sources were conflicted as to who was culpable for the strikes, with some blaming Russia and others blaming the Syrian regime. Ghassan Alhaiawi put the numbers killed as high as 23. The named victims were

Summary

First published
November 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 23
(2 children1–2 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2714

LOCATION

ام مويلات, Um Mweylat, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were injured, due to “targeted” Russian airstrikes on a refugee camp in Um Mweylat. All sources either named Russia as culpable, or did not attribute blame to a belligerent. The raids were heavy, according to EdlibEMC1. No civilian deaths were reported. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2713

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al-Taman'a, Idlib, Syria

A man and a girl were killed, and six other civilians were wounded, in airstrikes which struck a farm in Al-Taman’a. Sources all either blamed Russia for the strikes, or did not attribute blame to a belligerent. @HomamAlHassan however blamed Syrian regime warplanes. The civilians were killed on a farm while while harvesting olive crops,

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2712

LOCATION

غريبة, Ghariba, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in airstrikes which “targeted” their home in the morning in Ghariba. Sources either blamed Russia for the strikes or did not attribute any blame to a belligerent. There was allegedly “widespread destruction” upon and in the surrounding vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2718

LOCATION

المراشدة, al Mrashda, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as 13 civilians were killed, including one young man, and dozens more civilians were injured, in airstrikes on al Mrashda, according to local media. Sources either attributed the blame to Russia, or unknown warplanes. The raids which were “believed to be Russian”, allegedly hit a water crossing. There were reportedly dozens or strikes,

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 13
(1 man)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2711

LOCATION

البقعان, Baq'an, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four men were killed in an airstrike which has been described by local media as a “violent bombardment”, by alleged Russian aircraft at a river crossing in Baq’an. Sources either blamed Russia for the strikes or named “warplanes”. According to sources “there are missing people” from the civilians fleeing the bombing. Four men were named

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 men)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2723

LOCATION

السوسة, Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two sources reported that an airstrike struck the town of Sousse, Deir Ezzor, though there were only weak reports of civilian harm. Deir Ezzor is being exterminated tweeted that a “Massacre [was] committed by the Russian occupation aircraft against civilians in the town of Sousse, where the aircraft targeted Al-Sayer residential complex.” Meanwhile, Justice for

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2722

LOCATION

سنجار, Sanjar, Idlib, Syria

As many as 12 civilians were wounded, one one woman was killed, in Russian phosphorous strikes on Sanjar, according to local media. Some sources reported on material damage only, with no casualties. Smart however reported that “12 civilians were wounded Saturday in an air strike on the village of Sara in Sinjar district (50 km

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2720

LOCATION

ابو حمام, Abo Hamam, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to sources, “at least 3 civilians, including a woman, killed as suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on Abo Hamam city in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern suburbs, on November 11”. Smart reported on the “killing one man and injuring others, in addition to a large destruction of private property .” The alleged Russian missile struck

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2719

LOCATION

al Ramadi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and seven civilians were killed in al Ramadi river crossing, by alleged Russian warplanes. Most of the sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. However, it is understood that Khafafeesh al Zalam is an ISIS run Twitter feed. There are some details of a number of wounded civilians. There are no other details

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2717

LOCATION

رملة, Ramla, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were injured in a continuation of blanket airstrikes Idlib, which struck Ramla. Sources blamed either Russia or the Syrian regime for the raids. “Um Muwaylat refugee camp, the villages of Sara’a, Sheikh Baraka and Ramleh in the eastern countryside” were all targeted in the raid. There are no details of

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2716

LOCATION

الشيخ بركة, Sheikh Baraka, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilian were injured in airstrikes which struck the village of Sheikh Baraka. Sources all blamed Russia for the strikes. “Um Muwaylat refugee camp, the villages of Sara’a, Sheikh Baraka and Ramleh” were all “targeted” in the raids. EdlibEMC1 described the raids as “heavy”, however there were no reports of civilian deaths.

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2715

LOCATION

صراع, Sara'a, Idlib, Syria

Twelve civilians were wounded, including five women and five children, due to alleged Russian airstrikes in Sara’a village. Sources all blamed either Russian warplanes or Syrian regime raids for the strikes. According to Smart News Agency, four of the victims were in a serious condition, and elderly. Local media additionally reported that “Russian air strikes

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2–12
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2724

LOCATION

معبر الخنيفيس النهري, Al Knfeis river crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was killed and others were wounded, including women and children, in airstrikes on Al Knfeis river crossing, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russian and Syrian regime warplanes. Many of the sources are carbon copies of one another and there are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident