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 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 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 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

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

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 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 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

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

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 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

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

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

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 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

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

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 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2619

LOCATION

الميادين, al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three male victims, reportedly cousins, were killed and several other civilians were injured in alleged Russian or Assad regime strikes on al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Several sources reported the death of the three named victims. One of these was the Facebook account, Ahmad Abush, who listed the three victims and referred to them as

Summary

First published
October 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 10, 2017

Incident Code

R2463

LOCATION

الظافرية, Al-Zaferiya village, Hama, Syria

Multiple media reported that three civilians, including two women, were killed and up to ten more were wounded following aerial shelling of the village of al-Zafriya, Hama, though it was unclear among the sources who carried out the strikes. Multiple sources reported from the incident, echoing the same thing; namely that three civilians were killed

Summary

First published
October 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2621

LOCATION

صبيخان, Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to two civilians were killed and several were left wounded following alleged Russain airstrikes on a water-crossing in Sabikahn, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Several sources reported that Russian-waged missiles had struck an “airfield waterway” or a “water-crossing”, reportedly to hinder the escape of people in the village, who were fleeing by boat, as

Summary

First published
October 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
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

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

Incident date

October 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2618

LOCATION

الطيانة, Al-Tayaneh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was reportedly killed by airstrikes on the town of Al-Tayaneh, Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though it was unclear who was to blame. Activists on the ground told Smart News Agency that “the aircraft bombarded a crossing on the Euphrates River in the town of al Tayana connecting the eastern and western banks,

Summary

First published
October 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2617

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and five civilians were left wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes in the city of Khan Sheikhoun, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. While the reports varied from two to five wounded, all sources, who identified a culprit, agreed that Russian was responsible. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported: “Two warplanes carried out strikes

Summary

First published
October 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2612

LOCATION

القورية, Al-Qourya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five civilians, including one child and one woman, were reportedly killed and several others wounded in alleged Russian strikes on city of Al-Qourya, Deir Ezzor, according to sources on the ground. The strikes reportedly killed two adult brothers and another male family member, as well as a mother and her child, while the father was

Summary

First published
October 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 woman3 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
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2614

LOCATION

الميادين, al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One named civilian man was killed by alleged Russian airstrikes striking al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Multiple sources, including the victim’s son, Mamoun Ridawi, reported the death of the victim, Mohammed Hamoud al-Ridawi.  All the sources, who identified the culprit, attributed blame to Russia. Euphrates Post additionally reported that the Russian Ministry of Defense

Summary

First published
October 8, 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 8, 2017

Incident Code

R2459

LOCATION

العشارة, Al-Ashara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russia or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Al-Ashara, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Only one source, Sharqiya Voice, reported the death of two civilians, while the remaining sources merely reported about aerial bombardment, which @Deirfree called “hysterical” . One source, @obaidahalabdull, attributed blame to the Assad regime while @Deirfree

Summary

First published
October 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2608

LOCATION

معبر في الميادين, Crossing in the al Mayadeen area, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In this single-source event, one civilian man was reported killed by alleged Russian airstrikes in the crossing in the Al Mayadeen area of Deir Ezzor, Al Mayadeen Facebook page reported. The Al Mayadeen Facebook page mentioned the death of Mahmud Hamwi as it was listing victims from alleged Russian strikes in different parts of al-Mayadeen

Summary

First published
October 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2609

LOCATION

معبر مائي, Water Crossing between Al Mawsa and Al-Mashrada, and Al A’rkoub, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians, possibly children, were killed by unidentified warplanes in the river-crossing between the town of Al-Sawsa and Al-Mashrada, and Al A’rkoub in Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Two sources reported the death of two civilian men, referring to both as “the son of” and  “the young son”, suggesting that they both were children, though

Summary

First published
October 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2610

LOCATION

العشارة, Al-A'shara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least three and as many as 30 civilians, including one child and woman, were killed in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on the town of Al-A’shara, Deir Ezzor, located media said. Several sources reported the death of three named civilians, one child and two adult siblings, one man and one woman. Multiple other

Summary

First published
October 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 30
(1 child1 woman1 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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2606

LOCATION

الطاحونة, al Tahouna neighbourhood, al Tayba, Al Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to five civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded following airstrikes on Al-Tahoona. Sources all attributed blame to Russian warplanes. Two out of three sources reported that three women were killed in the airstrikes, however the third reported that two children and a woman were killed. Airwars has therefore assessed that the death

Summary

First published
October 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(2 children1–3 women)
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

R2459a

LOCATION

خشام, Khasham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian, identified by name, was killed by airstrikes striking in Khasham, Deir Ezzor, local media reported – though it was unclear who carried out the strike. Violations Documentation Center attributed blame to “Russian warplanes” while the two remaining sources referred to “warplanes”. There are currently no further details.

Summary

First published
October 7, 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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident