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 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2761

LOCATION

مسرابا, Masraba, Damascus, Syria

In what has been described as a massacre, between seven and 34 civilians were killed and as many as 80 were wounded in airstrikes on Masraba, according to local media. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. One source reported that as many as 15 children were killed. Another put the

Summary

First published
November 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 34
(3–15 children1 woman12 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–80
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
19 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2754

LOCATION

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

In this incident, described by some as a “massacre”, up to 37 civilians, including children, women, and entire families were killed and dozens were wounded as Russia or the Assad regime carried out aerial shelling of Souh Al Rifa’i camp for displaced people in Deir Ezzor, local media reported. The local reports differed to a

Summary

First published
November 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
21 – 37
(2–12 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–24
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
37 named, 6 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2753

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One named civilian was killed by airstrikes striking in the Al-Abbas river crossing, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, several media reported, though no-one identified the culprit. The victim was identified by name and photo by multiple sources, though no further information about the strike was provided. However, the same victim, Haj Abdul Karim al-Aran (al-Jameel), was also reported killed

Summary

First published
November 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Iraq Government Forces, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2751

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al-Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were killed by airstrikes, possibly supplemented by artillery shelling, in Al-Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though the apportion of blame was unclear. While all reports agreed that three civilians were killed in this event, they disagreed in terms of cause and responsibility. While Step News Agency, Violations Documentation Center Syria and Masar Press

Summary

First published
November 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Iraq Government Forces, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2752

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian was wounded as alleged Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes in Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, local media reported. According to Smart News Agency and Fresh News, both citing sources on the ground, the warplanes launched four airstrikes, striking the headquarters of “Al Ezza Army” which belongs to the Free Syrian Army. While both reported that

Summary

First published
November 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2749

LOCATION

الجرذي, al-Jarthi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to five civilians including one child and two women were killed and many were left wounded as Russian or Assad warplanes struck al-Jarthi, Deir Ezzor, possibly supplemented by artillery shelling, local media reported. Reports spanned from three to five civilian fatalities. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR) reported that one girl and two women

Summary

First published
November 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1 child2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2750

LOCATION

حسرات, Hasrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In what was described as a “massacre”, alleged Russian airstrikes killed least eight but as many as 17 civilians, including at least two girls, many from the same families, and wounded dozens as the town of Hasrat, Deir Ezzor, was struck, local media reported. Euphrates Post reported that “a massacre committed by warplanes killed a

Summary

First published
November 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 17
(2 children4 men)
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
18 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2762

LOCATION

ابوحردوب, Abou Hardoub, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were killed and others were injured in air and artillery strikes on Abou Hardoub, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Local media reported that house of Oweid Al Dulan struck. He was killed as well as two members of his family There are no other

Summary

First published
November 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 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 belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2747

LOCATION

صحيان, Sahiyan, Idlib, Syria

In this single-source event, Smart News Agency, reported that three civilians were left slightly wounded as an aircraft, “likely to be Russian”, carried out air raids on the highway in the town of Sihan, south of Idlib. The strikes reportedly struck a highway restaurant. Currently, there are no further details available.

Summary

First published
November 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1679 IRS001

LOCATION

القريا, Al Quoriya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed by a drone strike in al Qouriya, local media said, though neither source has said who was responsible. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “two men were killed and another was wounded after being targeted by a drone in the al-Quriyah area”. Sharqiya Voice provided some more detail,

Summary

First published
November 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military, Iranian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2746

LOCATION

القورية, Qouriya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians, a father and son, were killed and at least another two were wounded as an unidentified drone struck in Qouriya, Deir Ezzor, local sources reported. In the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights general reporting from the Euphrates River, the media reported that “two men were killed and another were wounded after being targeted

Summary

First published
November 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2744

LOCATION

زملكازملكا, Zamalka, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Possible Russian airstrikes hit Zamalka, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported, resulting in three civilian injuries. Several media reported that Zamalka was subject to aerial shelling. According to @Hamza42129319, the town was hit by four raids. However, only Smart News Agency reported that the strikes had caused civilian harm: “Three wounded [civilians] by warplanes likely to

Summary

First published
November 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2745

LOCATION

السوسة السوسة, al Soussa, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Step News Agency reported that “many civilians were wounded to varying degrees” by alleged Russian strikes on al Soussa. According to Euphrates Post on November 20th, there was “Intense displacement of people in the towns of al-Baghouz, al-Safafna, al-Marashda and al-Soussa in the Albukamal countryside due to the continuous aerial and artillery shelling around

Summary

First published
November 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2743

LOCATION

مديرا, Madyara village, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Up to seven civilians, including four children and one woman, were killed while as many as dozens were wounded, local media reported, following Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes in Madyara village, aastern Ghouta, Damascus. While the death toll spanned from five to seven, most reported six civilian fatalities. For example, The Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
November 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(4 children1 woman1 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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

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

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 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

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 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 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 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 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 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

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

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

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

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