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 10, 2017

Incident Code

CS1670

LOCATION

Al Shafa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

It was locally reported that the following six civilians died in an airstrike on Al-Sha’afa water crossing. Most sources didn’t say who was responsible, referring to ‘raids’ and ‘bombing by aircraft.’. However, Khafafeesh al Zalam reported that Russia carried out raids on a nearby town on November 11th, killing two civilians.

Summary

First published
November 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
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
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2710

LOCATION

السكرية, Sukkariya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In what has been described as a “massacre” by local sources, 11 to 44 civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded, by warplanes which struck a camp for displaced people in Sukkariya. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. Most sources reported that civilians were killed, however Baladi News put the toll as

Summary

First published
November 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 44
(15 children3 men)
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
44 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2709

LOCATION

مخيم قصر علي, Qasir Ali Camp, Hama, Syria

An unspecifiied number of civilians were injured in airstrikes which struck Qasr Ali Camp in Al-Hamra district in the eastern suburb of Hama. Both sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. There were no reports of civilian deaths. However, @7ama_east reported that “A Russian military bombardment targeting a camp near the village of Qasr Ali

Summary

First published
November 10, 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 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2708

LOCATION

الرهجان, Al-Rahjan, Hama, Syria

Twelve members of the militant group “Hayat Tahrir Al Sham” – also known as al-Qaeda – were reportedly killed in airstrikes on Al-Rahjan. A woman was also reportedly killed. Smart News Agency said that “warplanes are likely to be Russian bombed a vehicle belonging to the organisation  during the transfer of members to change shifts

Summary

First published
November 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2707

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A man and his daughter were killed in airstrikes which “targeted residential areas” in Hajeen. Two out of three sources blamed Russian airstrikes, and the third source reported that “warplanes” were to blame. Some civilians were also reportedly wounded. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2706

LOCATION

رملة, Ramla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Several civilians were wounded in airstrikes at various locations in Aleppo including the villages of Al-Sayyala, Maizliya and Ramla and other areas in the southern countryside of Aleppo. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia. Smart News Agency – who reported Russia as culpable for the raids – was the only source to report

Summary

First published
November 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1668

LOCATION

حريزة, Harizah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to seven civilians died in an airstrike on the village of Harizah, local media said – though they were unclear whether the Coalition or Russia were to blame. The US-led alliance reported no strikes in Syria that day. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “six civilians died in a bombing on the

Summary

First published
November 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(1 man)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1669 RS2705

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians including one woman died in an airstrike on Abu Kamal, according to local media. Sources mostly attributed the blame to the Coalition, however most reports published during from this period reported Russian and Syrian regime raids. The Centcom Daily Summary reported there were no Coalition strikes in Syrian or Iraq on November 8th

Summary

First published
November 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2704

LOCATION

القورية, Al-Qourya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A father and son were killed following an airstrike on the river crossing at Al-Qourya. Members of their family were also allegedly injured in the strike. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible. Euphrates Post blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes, however Smart News Agency reported that the Syrian regime was culpable for the

Summary

First published
November 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2698

LOCATION

عبيان, Obiyan, Hama, Syria

One elderly man from Ebayyan village was reportedly killed in an airstrike on Obiyan. Sources reported that Russian warplanes were to blame for the man’s death. Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “Mohammad al Ali, age 50, from Ebayyan village affiliated to al Saboura county in Hama governorate eastern suburbs, killed as suspected Russian

Summary

First published
November 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2701

LOCATION

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

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

Summary

First published
November 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2699

LOCATION

ابو خنادق, Abu Khanadeq, Hama, Syria

Abu Khanadeq IDP Camp was bombed causing an unspecified number of inured civilians. Sources lamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Members of the Civil Defence inspected the site in the aftermath of the raids. Some material damage occurred however there were no reports of civilian deaths. There are no other details

Summary

First published
November 7, 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 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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
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
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 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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
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
January 18, 2022
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