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

October 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2652

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A male child was killed, and his brother was injured, when alleged Russian or regime warplanes “targeted” and struck their home in Abu Kamal. According to local media, the civilian housing was targeted and the roof of their home fell in, killing one child and wounding another – his brother. Marsad Al Hasaka reported that

Summary

First published
October 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2651

LOCATION

الغبرة, Al-Ghabra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A family of three was killed – including a father, mother and daughter – and one other civilian was injured, following an airstrike on Al-Ghabra, local media reported. Sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, or did not attribute any blame. Deirezzor24 reported that there was extensive damage to property in the aftermath of

Summary

First published
October 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
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
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2650

LOCATION

الشحيل, Al-Shaheel, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four civilians including two children died following air and artillery strikes on Al-Shaheel, according to local media. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes which “targeted residential homes”, however some did not attribute blame. Three of the civilians who died were a mother and her two children. An elderly man was also later reported

Summary

First published
October 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2649

LOCATION

مويلح شمالية, Muweleh Shimaliya, Hama, Syria

An entire family of four were killed when an airstrike hit their home in the night in Muweleh Shimaliya, local media said. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. It is unclear whether this strike occurred on the 19th or 20th of October. Images suggest it occurred during the night. Other civilians were reportedly

Summary

First published
October 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2648

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al-Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In what some sources referred to as “a massacre”, more than 36 civilians were reportedly killed and dozens more injured when an airstrike struck a river crossing at Al-Baghouz. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes however some either did not attribute blame or blamed “unidentified warplanes”. As many as six families were identified by local media.

Summary

First published
October 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 36
(2 children3 women3 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
15 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2647

LOCATION

الربضة, Rabda, Hama, Syria

A man was killed and an unspecified number of civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Rabda, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, most attributing blame to Russia, however the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the “Russian-Syrian alliance”. The reports remained unspecific regarding the number of wounded civilians.

Summary

First published
October 19, 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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2646

LOCATION

الرويضة, Al-ruweida, Idlib, Syria

According to local media “A number of civilians were injured as a result of the targeting of a number of air raids by the Russian airliner on the village of Ruwaydeh in the south-eastern Idlib countryside.” Footage published by the White Helmets shows wounded civilians being treated in the aftermath of what they described was

Summary

First published
October 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1645 RS2645

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Al Masriya roundabout, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between eight and nine civilians died in an airstrike on the al Masriya roundabout in Abu Kamal, according to local media – though sources at the time were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia was responsible. In September 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted:

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–36
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1645a RS2643

LOCATION

الغبرة, Al-Ghabra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airstrikes struck a residential neighbourhood and popular market in Al-Ghabra – according to local media. As many as four civilians were killed and others were injured. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the airstrikes, some attributing blame to Russian warplanes while others blamed the Syrian regime.  Some sources attributed blame to

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1–2 children1–2 women1 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, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2644

LOCATION

البوليل, Al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A man was killed in an air and artillery strike on Al-Bouleil, according to local media. Sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, or did not attribute blame to any belligerent. According to local media, the bombardments were heavy and occurred during the night. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

October 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2640

LOCATION

الطيبة, Al-Taybah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two sources reported that death of a man and his wife as a result of Russian airstrike. Both sources published exactly the same post: “The death of Khalifa Ali al-Azzawi / Abu Kawan and his wife as a result of the bombing of Russian airliners to their home and [they are] still under the rubble.”

Summary

First published
October 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2639

LOCATION

السعلو, Sa'lo, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a missile strike which allegedly hit a school in Sa’lo, between five and 11 civilians were killed, and ten civilians were injured, local media reported. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the alleged strikes, with only one source, The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), blaming unspecified airstrikes.  Despite sources

Summary

First published
October 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(1–2 children2–3 women4 men)
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
Named victims
11 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2642

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two adult males were reportedly killed when a river crossing in Hajeen was struck by Russian warplanes. Only one source blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, the rest did not attribute blame to a belligerent. Reporting suggests that Farid Mohiy al-Jijan died a few days later from, wounds he had sustained in the attack. There

Summary

First published
October 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2641

LOCATION

الحسينية, Al-Husayniya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four civilians were killed, and others were wounded in air and artillery strikes in Al-Husayniya. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the strikes. 7al News, who blamed the Syrian regime, reported on material damage in the aftermath due to civilian houses being struck.  According to Smart News Agency, “warplanes likely to be

Summary

First published
October 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2637

LOCATION

كفرومة, Kafrouma, Idlib, Syria

As alleged Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes against a rebel-held headquarters in Kafrouma, Idlib, several civilians were left wounded, local media reported. Aawsat news cited Syrian activists who said that a Russian aircraft hit the headquarters of the “Faylaq Al Sham” of the Free Syrian Army, killing and wounding dozens in their ranks. This reporting

Summary

First published
October 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

October 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2636

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

In this single-source event, Idlib Media Center reported that several civilians were left wounded after alleged Russian warplanes had struck the city of Khan Sheikhoun with C8 missiles in the afternoon of October 14th, 2017. Currently, there are no further details.  

Summary

First published
October 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

October 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2635

LOCATION

بقرص, Baqras, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airstrikes and/or artillery shelling killed one civilian man, local media reported, as the town of Baqras, Deir Ezzor, was subject to attack, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. While several sources reported the death of one man identified by name, reports were conflicted in terms of who and what

Summary

First published
October 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

October 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2634

LOCATION

البوليل, al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilian brothers were reportedly killed and several other civilians wounded as alleged Russian warplanes struck al-Bouleil village east of Deir Ezzor, local media reported. The two victims were identified by name and photos by multiple sources, who all agreed that Russia was responsible. Abu Ayman al-Ali, an activist from the eastern village of Deir

Summary

First published
October 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2633

LOCATION

الحجر الاسود, Al-Hajar Al-Aswad, Damascus, Syria

Up to five civilians were killed and as many as 12, including women and children, were wounded, following airstrikes in al-Hajr al-Aswad neighbourhood south of Damascus, local sources reported. While most sources blamed the Assad regime there were also allegations against Russia. Zaman al-Wasl’s correspondent said that the airstrikes killed a whole family, in addition

Summary

First published
October 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
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

October 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2632

LOCATION

ذيبان, Dhiban, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to four civilians, including one woman, were killed and several more were wounded, following an airstrike and/or artillery attack on Dhiban, Deir Ezzor, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were to blame. While some sources reported the death of two civilians, several sources reported a

Summary

First published
October 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 woman3 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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2017

Incident Code

R2475

LOCATION

صبيخان, Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between nine and 16 civilians, possibly including a child and women, were killed and as many as “dozens” more were left wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes striking in Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. @olay6663 reported that the village had been subject to “intensive raids since early morning,” and most sources reported that the raids

Summary

First published
October 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 16
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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

October 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2626

LOCATION

شنان, Shanan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported the death of two civilians, one child and one adult man, following the bombing of the al-Shanan – al-Tayana crossing in Deir Ezzor, though none of the sources identified the responsible party. This incident is likely to be the same as another reported incident (R2468) where strikes hit the al-Qouriya – al-Tayana

Summary

First published
October 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS1620 RS2629

LOCATION

المجاودة, Al Mjawda, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to local sources, up to 12 civilians were killed in an airstrike on the town of Mjawda. Local sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing blame to Russia, while others attributed blame to the US-led Coalition. Both the Violations Documentation Center and Euphrates Post identified eight victims of the

Summary

First published
October 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 12
(1–4 children2–3 women1 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS1619 RS2624

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Thirteen civilians reportedly died, including seven children and five women, following an attack on Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor. Local sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing blame to the US-led Coalition, while others blamed Russia. At present, the culpable party remains unclear. The majority of sources alleged or suspected that

Summary

First published
October 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 14
(6 children6 women1 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2630

LOCATION

التح, Toh, Idlib, Syria

Airstrikes, allegedly carried out by either the Syrian regime or Russia in Tah village on the southern countryside of Idlib, wounded several civilians, including women, local media reported. Multiple sources reported that the airstrikes, taking place on the night of Wednesday, October 11th, caused significant civilian harm, but didn’t result in any fatalities. HalabTodayTV noted

Summary

First published
October 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2628

LOCATION

العباس, Al-Abbas, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least three and as many as 20 civilians were killed and several wounded as Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes struck a water-crossing between-Abbass village and Hajeen city in al Abbas village, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. The highest number of fatalities was reported by Al Qouriya Media Centre, who referred to the incident as a

Summary

First published
October 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 20
(1 child7 men)
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
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2627

LOCATION

الطيبة, al-Taybah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed in airstrikes in al-Taybah in Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though sources didn’t identify the culprit. One of the two sources reporting from the incident merely reported  airstrikes, not  civilian harm, while the other, Euphrates Post, reported the death of two named civilians. While no belligerent was associated with the incident

Summary

First published
October 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2625

LOCATION

القورية, Qouriya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least 20 and as many as 40 civilians, including women and children, were killed and “dozens” were left wounded following alleged Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes on the border crossing between the towns of al-Qouriya and al-Tayana, multiple local media reported. Referred to as a “massacre”, several sources reported a death toll between 30 and

Summary

First published
October 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 40
(1 child2 women5 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
19 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2623

LOCATION

صبيخان, Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to four civilians, including one woman and two children, were killed and several were wounded following aerial and ground shelling of Sabikhan village, Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Without identifying the culprit, Euphrates Post reported that Sabikhan

Summary

First published
October 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(2 children1 woman2 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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2622

LOCATION

الحسينية, Al-Husayniya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to three civilians, including two female children, were killed and several were left wounded following airstrikes striking the village of Al-Husayniya, Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though it was unclear who carried out the strikes. Several sources reported the death of two children. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported “two female children were

Summary

First published
October 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children)
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
View Incident