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

August 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2404

LOCATION

الشميطة, Shumita, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to four civilians, including a woman and two children, were killed and several other civilians were left wounded, following airstrikes carried out in Shumita, Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. Besides three victims, hereof two children, identified by name, many sources reported

Summary

First published
August 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2400

LOCATION

الشميطة و المسرب, Shumita and Masrab, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Civilians were killed and wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Shumita and Masrab, according to local media. The number of dead and wounded was unspecific. However, Deirezzor24 reported that there were ten killed and others wounded, “as a result of the bombing of the air force to the city of the

Summary

First published
August 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

August 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2399

LOCATION

حواجي دياب, Hawaji Diab, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four civilians were killed, including two women, and others were wounded, following airstrikes – with the use of cluster bombs – on Hawaji Diab. Sources all blamed Russia for the raids on the neighbourhood, except Alghad who blamed the Syrian regime. Smart News reported that “Militants said Russian warplanes targeted civilian houses on Tuesday night

Summary

First published
August 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2398

LOCATION

ميادين, Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Smart News Agency reported that “five civilians were killed and dozens were wounded” in an airstrike on Al Mayadin on August 21st. The source didn’t identify who carried out the strike but noted that “activists launched a campaign of solidarity with them [the victims]. They condemned the daily bombardment of the International Coalition aircraft,

Summary

First published
August 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2396

LOCATION

مخيم الخريطة, Al-Kharita camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source reported that “three citizens were killed in Deir Ezzor Province, by bombing [may or may not be Russian] which, targeted a camp for displaced people from Al-Sukhnah, in Al-Kharita Desert in the western countryside of Deir Ezzor”. The source was unclear as to whether the warplanes were Russian or not, but did

Summary

First published
August 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2395

LOCATION

الهداج, Al Hadaj, Hama, Syria

Syr rev news tweeted that “a civilian was killed and four others were injured as a result of a military air strike targeting a car carrying displaced people in Al Hadaj village in the eastern suburb of Hama”. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least 5 civilians, most of whom are from

Summary

First published
August 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2394

LOCATION

حمادة عمر, Hamada Omar, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that four or five civilians were killed, including four young men from the same family, and others were injured, following an airstrike on Hamada Omar. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raid. According to the Shaam News Network, “Activists said four young men from the al-Haj Ahmad Saad al-Din al-Hamoud family

Summary

First published
August 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(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 belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2393

LOCATION

ابو شهري, Abo Shahri, Raqqa, Syria

Between five and seven civilians from one family were killed, including three women and three children, following airstrikes on Abo Shahri. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, except the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who blamed Russian and Syrian regime shelling. There were no reports of any injured civilians. According to the Syrian

Summary

First published
August 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(3 children3 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2392

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were injured in an air or artillery strike on Hamidiya. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some blamed the Syrian regime, while others blamed Russia for the raids. Euphrates Post tweeted later that there were some ” civilian casualties” without specifying a number.  Halab Today called the raid a Russian

Summary

First published
August 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1379 RS2390

LOCATION

زباري, Al Zabari, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian male was killed in an airstrike on Al-Zabari, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, the Syrian regime or Russia was to blame for the raids. There were no reports of wounded civilians. Sharqya Voice, Saud Sbekhan and Alarby blamed the Coalition. But according to the

Summary

First published
August 16, 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1378 RS2389

LOCATION

صبيخان, Subikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources said that up to six civilians were killed and up to ten more wounded in airstrikes on the town of Subikhan in the countryside of Eastern Deir Ezzor. It was unclear which party was culpable for this civilian casualty event. At present, two out of sixteen sources hold the US-led Coalition responsible, two

Summary

First published
August 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
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
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2391

LOCATION

حسيا, Hasya, Hama, Syria

A single source reported that “Russian warplanes targeting several vehicles carrying displaced people in the area of #Hassia area #Aqirbat [with] news of martyrs and wounded among the displaced.” There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

August 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2387

LOCATION

السخنة, Sokhna, Homs, Syria

A single source reported that “Russian warplanes launched several raids targeting the vicinity of the city of Sukhna and # Hamaima rural Homs east, resulting in casualties and material in the ranks of the # organisation of the state.” There were no specific numbers reported, or any other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

August 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2388

LOCATION

حسيا, Hasya, Hama, Syria

A single source reported that “in the countryside of Hama, the Russian warplanes targeted several cars carrying displaced people is Hasya. There were reports of dead and wounded civilians amongst those struck.” There are no specific numbers. No other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

August 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2386

LOCATION

ابو شهري, Abo Shahri, Raqqa, Syria

A father and son were killed in airstrikes on Abo Shahri and the countryside in the surrounding vicinity. There were no reports of wounded civilians.  All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. According to Baladi “Russian aircraft and aircraft launched intensive raids, targeting the town (Ma’adan) with rockets and explosive bombs, as well as

Summary

First published
August 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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

August 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2385

LOCATION

حمادة عمر, Hamada Omar, Hama, Syria

An unspecific number of civilians were wounded due to an aerial bombardment of Hamada Omar and the surrounding vicinity, according to local media. All the sources either attributed blame to Russia or did not attribute any blame. There are no reports of civilian fatalities. AE News reported that ” warplanes continude intensive shelling since yesterday

Summary

First published
August 13, 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

August 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2384

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man was killed, and others were reportedly wounded, following an airstrike on Hatla. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the strikes. some blaming the Syrian regime, while others attributed blame to Moscow. Baladi even blamed “unknown warplanes” for the raids. Jisirtv described the bombardment as a missile attack, while others

Summary

First published
August 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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2382

LOCATION

حماده عمر, Hamada Omar, Hama, Syria

A number of civilians were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike in Hamada Omar, according to local media sources. It was not clear how many civilians were injured in the attack, but several of the sources mention how a mosque and a number of civilian homes were destroyed. Idlib Media Centre added that the Russians

Summary

First published
August 9, 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

August 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2383

LOCATION

سوحا, Suha, Hama, Syria

A man was killed, and several others were wounded, following airstrikes on Suha – according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. Baladi reported that the victims home was “targeted” with high explosive rockets.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

August 6, 2017

Incident Code

CS1339

LOCATION

دوار البكرة, Al Mayadin, al Bakra roundabout, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian girl  was reported killed after air strikes during the night, near Ali Bin Abi Taleb mosque in Deir Ezzor. At present there is a single allegation in a Smart report against the US-led Coalition, though this is contested in a Facebook post by Free Deir Ezzor which attributed the strikes to “Russian criminal

Summary

First published
August 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2017

Incident Code

R3211

LOCATION

بداما , Bdama, Idlib, Syria

One child was killed when a cluster bomb dropped in a previous airstrike exploded in Bdama, local media reported. EdlibEMC said that the bomb was dropped by Russia, though the other sources didn’t identify the culprit. It was not clear when the munitions was dropped.

Summary

First published
August 5, 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

August 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS1330

LOCATION

منطقة المنجم, Al Munjem area, Al Tabani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Multiple local sources reported that a minimum of four people were killed in an air raid in al Tabani. One report from Smart totalled the number of victims at seven. The majority of sources asserted that the strikes were carried out by Russian forces, or as reported by Step news agency, ‘#russian-owned’ aircraft. According to

Summary

First published
August 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS1329

LOCATION

حمرة بويتية, Hamra Buweitiya, Raqqa, Syria

Local sources have reported that on August 4, 2017, between three and six civilians were reportedly killed in an aerial bombardment on Al-Buweitaya in the western suburb of Deir Ezzor. Some sources have alleged that the US-led Coalition was responsible, however, other sources attributed the attack to the regime, and some to Russia. According to

Summary

First published
August 4, 2017
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1322 RS2381

LOCATION

قرية التبني, Al Tabani, Shihah junction and other locations, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 20 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on the village of Al Tabani, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Coalition were to blame. Rami asssaf, @Ahmad_Zahlan and @HAMZH7711 blamed the Coalition, with @Ahmad_Zahlan reporting that white phosphorus had been used. However, the majority

Summary

First published
August 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 20
(3 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–36
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

August 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1322a RS2380

LOCATION

زور شمر, Zor Shamer, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike in Zor Shamer, Raqqa, according to local media sources – though it was not clear who was responsible. Most sources attributed responsibility to Russian forces, though one reported that Coalition aircraft conducted the strike. DeirEzzor24, reported that “Coalition aircraft targeted the area south of Hsaywa, Zor Shamer”. Syrian

Summary

First published
August 2, 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1313

LOCATION

مقلة, Muqla, banks of Euphrates, Raqqa, Syria

Several civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on boats on the Euphrates river near the village of Makla, according to local media – though it was unclear whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame for the casualties. According to Sound and Picture, “Coalition aircraft targeted civilian boats along the banks of the

Summary

First published
August 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1316a RS2379

LOCATION

الخميسية, Al-Khamesiya, Raqqa, Syria

A “number” of civilians were killed and wounded in an airstrike in al Khamissiya, east of Raqqa City – though it was not clear who was responsible. Some sources attributed responsibility to the Coalition, some to Russia and some to Assad’s regime. Raqqa24 reported that there was “mass destruction” in al Khamissiya from Coalition aircraft

Summary

First published
August 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1309 RS2377

LOCATION

دبلان, Dablan, Ta'as, area behind the mosque, Deir Ezzor, Syria

More than five civilians were wounded in an airstrike on a water tank behind the mosque in the Ta’as area of Dablan, according to local media – though only once source said that the Coalition was responsible, with others not apportioning blame. According to Euphrates Post, “The military aircraft launched several simultaneous air strikes with

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
5
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, Unknown
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1305 RS2375

LOCATION

العشارة, Al A'shara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Al A’shara, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or Russia. According to sources, the residential neighbourhood was struck with cluster bombs – believed to be Russian. Fresh Syria pointed at the Coalition, while

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1304 RS2374

LOCATION

قرية الكشمة, Al Kasham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Ten civilians were reported injured in airstrikes on Al Kasham village according to local media – though it was unclear who was responsible, with allegations against the Coalition, Russia and the Syrian regime. According to Euphrates Post, one male also died in a Russian strike on the village. The source also named the following two civilians

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident