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 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1659 RS2670

LOCATION

السيال, Al Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Several civilians – including a woman and a child – reportedly died in an airstrike on al Sayyal, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or Russia. Al Hall pointed towards the Coalition, putting the death toll at two with nine more

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
9
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2665

LOCATION

الغبرة, Al-Ghabra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two men were killed and “dozens” more civilians were killed in an airstrike on Al-Ghabra, according to local media. Sources mostly blamed Russia, however a few blamed “warplanes” – not identifying a culprit. Al Araby reported that ” al-Ghubra [is] in the vicinity of the city of Albuqmal at the Syrian-Iraqi border in the far

Summary

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

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1656 RS2666

LOCATION

السيال, Abu Kamal, Al Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and six civilians died in an airstrike on the home of Mohammed al-Shabib Abu Jassim, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, the Iraqi air force, Syrian regime or Russia were to blame. According to Eldorar, “The sources said that in conjunction with the artillery

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1–2 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
18
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, Iraq Irregular Forces
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2667

LOCATION

عشاير, Ashayer, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as five civilians were killed following an airstrike on Ashayer, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming Russia while others attributed blame to the Syrian regime. Two mothers and two daughters were killed, as well as another unidentified child. According to media, “House of

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2–3 children2 women)
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, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1657 RS2668

LOCATION

البصيرة, Al Busayrah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two named civilians died and up to 23 others were wounded in an airstrike on al Busayrah according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. Baladi, Jisr TV and Sharqiya Voice all blamed the Coalition. Euphrates Post reported “the martyrdom of the young

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–23
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2580

LOCATION

البوليل, Al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between ten and 18 civilians were killed, including at least one woman, during aerial shelling of al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, local sources reported, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. Many sources reported simultaneously about airstrikes in both the towns of al-Bouleil and Toub that day, reporting a total of

Summary

First published
October 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 18
(1 woman3 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

October 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2664

LOCATION

الطيانة, Tayaneh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source reported that “Russian warplanes targeted the village of Al Tayana with more than 6 raids, resulting in the death of a man and several civilian casualties and damage to property.” There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
October 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS1652 RS2663

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A family of up to six civilians died in airstrikes on Al Soussa town, according to local media. While most sources said that Russia was to blame, two alleged that the Coalition was responsible. One other source pointed towards the Syrian regime. The majority of sources (Al Latamna Youth Gathering, Al Jisr, Baladi, Eldorar, Step

Summary

First published
October 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(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
View Incident

Incident date

October 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2662

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between seven and ten civilians were killed – including two children, a woman and two men, and “dozens” more were injured, following airstrikes on Hamidiya. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most blamed Russian warplanes, however one blamed the Syrian regime, and another reported that Russian and “other planes” bombed the vicinity.

Summary

First published
October 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
(2 children1 woman1–2 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, Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2660

LOCATION

سنجار, Sanjar, Idlib, Syria

A father and son were both killed in a raid which struck their home in Sanjar, completely destroying it, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes, which allegedly occurred between midnight and 5am. Images published show a dead girl as well as a dead boy. Additionally, one source reported that

Summary

First published
October 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children1 man)
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2661

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An elderly man was reportedly killed following an airstrike on Abu Kamal at noon on October 28th. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most blamed Russian warplanes, however some did not attribute blame, while Syrian Network for Human Rights said that the Syrian regime was responsible. The strike reportedly “targeted the perimeter

Summary

First published
October 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2659

LOCATION

الصبحة, Sabha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A brother and sister were killed, alongside two others, in an airstrike on Sabha, according to sources on the ground. Only one source placed the blame on Russia (Syrian Network for Human Rights), while the other sources blamed “shelling”, without attributing blame. DeirEzzor24 reported that the victims were struck and killed “during their displacement to

Summary

First published
October 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(2 children)
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2658

LOCATION

مخيم الفكة, Al-Fakka camp, Idlib, Syria

Several civilians were wounded following alleged Russian airstrike on Al-Fakka camp, local media said. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. There were no reports of civilians deaths. Images showed material damage to tents and property. One local source, Syrian Reporter, said that the strikes were “intensive and continuous” – and blamed Russian occupation

Summary

First published
October 25, 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

October 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2657

LOCATION

بياعية الدناش, Baya'eyat Al-Danash, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One child was killed, and between one and five other civilians were injured, following airstrikes on Baya’eyat Al-Danash, Aleppo, local media reported. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes, however one local source did not attribute blame to any belligerent. Initial reporting suggested that two women were injured and a child was killed. But

Summary

First published
October 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–5
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 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2654

LOCATION

العرضي, Al-Aradi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four children from one family were killed in an air and/or artillery strike on the residential neighbourhood of Al-Aradi in Deir Ezzor city, according to local media. Sources mostly all reported that Russia was to blame, however Sharqiya voice blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia. As many as 12 to 24 civilians were allegedly

Summary

First published
October 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(4 children0–1 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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2655

LOCATION

السميرية, Al-Sumairiya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was wounded in air and artillery strikes on Al-Sumairiya, in the countryside of Aleppo, local media reported. Sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, or did not attribute any blame. There were no reported civilian deaths. According to sources and images published, a popular market was struck. Shops were destroyed and there

Summary

First published
October 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

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 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

RS2653

LOCATION

جب السكر, Jib Al-Sukkar, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were killed and as many as two others were injured – including a mother and sister – following airstrikes on Jib Al-Sukkar, lovcal media reported. All Sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Thamer died and his “mother Faheeda Al-Ali and his sister” were also injured following the “Russian bombardment of the village

Summary

First published
October 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

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