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 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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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

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 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 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

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 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

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

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 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 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

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