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

December 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2775

LOCATION

الحسرات, Hasrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian man was killed and three others were wounded in air and artillery strikes in Hasrat, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the strikes, with some attributing blame to Russia, while one source blamed the Syrian regime. Some sources did not identify the culprit. The brother of

Summary

First published
December 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2774

LOCATION

الطواطحة, Tawatha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between five and seven civilians were killed on airstrikes which struck Tawatha water crossing, according to local media. Almost all sources blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes, with others not attributing blame to a belligerent, but reporting on “warplanes” having been sighted. Media reported that “two SU-25 fighters” were sighted in the vicinity. Marsad Al

Summary

First published
December 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(0–1 women5 men)
Civilians reported injured
14
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS1687 RS2771

LOCATION

درنج, Daranj, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to five civilians died, and 14 were wounded in an airstrike on Daranj, local media said, though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or Russia. In January 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “Coalition aircraft engaged ISIS fighters operating a mortar position firing

Summary

First published
November 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 child1 woman2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
14
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2770

LOCATION

الجلاء, al-Jalaa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One male civilian was killed and several left wounded in an alleged Russian air raid in the crossing of al-Jalaa, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. The male civilian fatality was reported and identified him by name by multiple sources. Syrian Human Rights Committee added that “others” were left wounded and reported how the city had

Summary

First published
November 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS2769

LOCATION

العباس و هجين, al-Abbas and Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one and as many as three civilians were killed in an airstrike in the al-Abbas/ Hajeen crossing in al Bukamal, local sources reported, though it was unclear who was to blame. Step News Agency put the death toll at three while the others reported one male fatality, identified by name in multiple reports.

Summary

First published
November 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2773

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One male child was killed in airstrikes on Abu Kamal. Sources all attributed the blame to Russian warplanes. The Violations Documentation Centre said the victim died on November 28th. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2768

LOCATION

البقعان, Baq'an, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 10 and 15 civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Baq’an, local media reported. Sources attributed the blamed to both Russian and Syrian regime raids. The raids struck the Al-Baka`an river crossing, according to sources. A source reported that “the aircraft bombed a passageway on the West Bank of the

Summary

First published
November 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(5 men)
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 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2767

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A child was killed due to alleged Russian shelling on Abu Kamal, local media reported. Only two sources reported on the incident, and both blamed Russia. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2766

LOCATION

العباس و هجين, Al-abbas-Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians including two brothers were killed in airstrikes on Al-abbas-Hajeen, according to local media. Sources all attributed the blame to Russia except Syrian Network for Human Rights who blamed the Syrian regime. The raids allegedly struck al-a`bbas water tunnel, leading to three deaths and four wounded civilians. There are no other details at this

Summary

First published
November 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
4
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1684 RS2765

LOCATION

درنج, Daranj, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five civilians died in an airstrike on Daranj, according to local media, though it was unclear who was responsible, with sources blaming the Coalition, the Syrian regime and one pointing towards Russia. A number of other sources didn’t apportion blame. Euphrates Post and Deir Ezzor named five victims as killed by unidentified “warplanes”: Rami Assaf,

Summary

First published
November 26, 2017
Last updated
March 23, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2764

LOCATION

الشعغة, Al-Sha'fa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 15 and 65 civilians were killed, in what has been described by local media as a massacre on the residential neighbourhood in Al-Sha’fa. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Sources were conflicted as to how many casualties there were. The highest toll being 65, however many sources also reported 15

Summary

First published
November 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 65
(21 children9 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
42 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2758

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Possible Russian warplanes struck the city of Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, killing at least one civilian, local media reported. MasarPress, who blamed Russian warplanes, reported how Hajeen village and the crossing of the village of Abbas al-Nahari east of Deir al-Zour were struck by several raids, killing a total of four civilians. The report did not,

Summary

First published
November 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

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 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2757

LOCATION

السيال, al-Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to local sources, at between seven but and as many 21 civilians, including 12 children and three women, were killed as alleged Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes in a camp for displaced people in al-Sayyal, Deir Ezzor. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR) reported that “suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on gathering of

Summary

First published
November 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 21
(12 children3 women)
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 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2760

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were injured in airstrikes which struck a camp for displaced people in Khan Sheikhoun, local media reported. Sources all attributed blame to the Russia. Sources have reported that rockets were fired onto the vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
November 25, 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 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2755

LOCATION

المشهد, al-Marshad, Idlib, Syria

In this single-source event, Step News Agency reported that an alleged Russian warplane had carried out an airstrike in al-Mashhad, the southern eastern Idlib countryside, resulting in the injury of “a number of civilians.” As of now, no further information is available.

Summary

First published
November 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2759

LOCATION

العباس, al Abbas river crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

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.

Summary

First published
November 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
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

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 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

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

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

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 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

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 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

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 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