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

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1490 RS2438

LOCATION

الزباري, Al Zabari, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two woman died and eight other civilians were wounded in an airstrike on a school which was housing displaced people in Al Zabari, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the Coalition or Russia carried out the strike. According to Syrian Press Center, “an air strike targeted a girls’ school

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
8
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

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1494 Rs2450

LOCATION

سعلو, Deir Ez-Zor, Sa'alu, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One female civilian, died in an alleged airstrike on the village of Sa’alu, according to local media. The US-led Coalition and Russia were both cited as culprit, amongst multiple references to unidentified aircraft. According to Qasioun, the Coalition bombed Sa’alu as part of an aerial offensive that targeted multiple villages in the east of Deir

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1480

LOCATION

IDP camp near Jadid Akeidat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A major civilian casualty incident allegedly took place at an IDP camp near Jadid Akeidat, Eastern Deir Ezzor countryside. Al Yaqeen reported about 100 displaced people were killed, mostly women and children, following an alleged aerial bombardment by the US-led Coalition at the camp (pictured). However this was contested – with Euphrates Post asserting that

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
100 – 120
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

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1482 RS2440

LOCATION

طابية شامية, Tabiyeh Shamieh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that five people were killed following airstrikes on Tabiyeh Shamieh, Deir Ezzor Governorate. Three of those who died were named in two separate reports from Euphrates Post. Sources said the location of the incident was the “water crossing” at Tabiyeh Shamieh. According to the Syrian Observatory some civilians were “permanently disabled” following

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 women2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1483 RS2441

LOCATION

خشام, Kisham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Ten to 12 civilians, mostly children and women, were reported killed following alleged airstrikes on Khishham, 15 km southeast of Deir Ezzor. The majority of sources accused Russian warplanes of committing the offence. However both the Regime and the US-led Coalition were also mentioned in reporting. Syrian Press Center reported that Russian warplanes used “cluster

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 12
(9–10 children1–2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1484 RS2442

LOCATION

جديد بكارة, Jadid Bakara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A major civilian casualty incident took place on the village of Jadid Bakara, Deir Ezzor Governorate. Reporting remains contested and various local sources have blamed Russia, the Regime and the US-led Coalition. Between 11 and 15 civilians died, “dozens” were reportedly wounded, and the death toll included at least one women and five children. The

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 15
(5 children1 woman5 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
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
8 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1485 RS2443

LOCATION

بقرص تحتاني, Bokros Tahtani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between seven and nine civilians died including three children and one woman and up to 17 others were wounded in airstrikes on the al Qasr area of Bokros Tahtani, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Step News Agency and

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(3 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
17
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
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1486 RS2445

LOCATION

البصيرة, Al Basira, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian died in an airstrike on al Basira, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, Russia or the regime were to blame. Reports said that the strikes hit to post office building. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Moen_dndil attributed the event to the Coalition. However,

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
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

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1481 RS2439

LOCATION

الميادين, Al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In what has been described as a massacre, between five and 45 civilians were killed and 14 to 90 were injured in alleged Russian, Syrian regime or Coalition airstrikes on the city of Al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor, described by local sources as the “most important stronghold for Daesh in the region”. An initial report from

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 45
(2–3 children1 woman6 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–90
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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2447

LOCATION

العشارة شارع الحكمة , al Hikma street, Al-A'shara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An airstrike hit the town of Al-A’shara in Deir Ezzor on September 14th 2017. It is unclear if any civilians were killed; some sources including the Syrian Human Rights Committee reported the death of one girl, Rahef Hussein Al-Ali Ma’and, but others stated that she was only injured and that no civilians were killed. One

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 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
Unknown, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1487 RS2446

LOCATION

مراط, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian died in an airstrike on Mrat, according to local media – though it was unclear who was to blame for this death. According to Syrianoor, “Activists confirmed that more than 100 civilians – mostly children and women – died during four massacres committed by Russian warplanes and international coalition aircraft in the city

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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

September 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1478 RS2436

LOCATION

مظلوم, Mazloum village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to seven civilians including two women and a girl died in an airstrike on a school sheltering displaced people in Mazloum village, eastern Deir Ezzor, according to local media. Though local sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame, the village did appear to have been

Summary

First published
September 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(1 child3 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2437

LOCATION

قرية الجنينة, Genina, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Sources on the ground reported that six civilians were killed and a further 10 were injured in an airstrike allegedly conducted by Russian forces on the village of Genina on September 13th 2017. According to the Smart News Agency, “Witnesses confirmed the killing of six civilians and wounding ten people this morning, air bomb likely

Summary

First published
September 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1476 RS2434

LOCATION

Khisham town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local reports documented four civilians killed in airstrikes on Khisham town,13 kilometres east of Deir Ghaza, eastern Deir Ezzor. Euphrates Post referred to “warplanes” and alleged that they targeted “the house of Awad al-Azar in the town of Khisham, opposite the divider, killing four people and wounding many civilians yesterday evening”, though they did not

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2428

LOCATION

بلدة ذيبان, Dhiban, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed allegedly by warplanes in the town of Dhiban in eastern Deir Ezzor Governorate at around 2am on 12th September 2017. Multiple sources confirmed that one man, Hassan al-Mazal, and one girl were killed in this airstrike. The girl was reported as the daughter of either Thamer al-Frikhan or Thamer al-Khalif al-Sari.

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
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

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2432

LOCATION

قرية الجيعة, Al-Jaya'a, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Al-Jaya’a village in Deir Ezzor Governorate was hit by air strikes on September 12th 2017, reportedly killing one girl and injuring five civilians from the same family.  Multiple sources accused the Russian forces of carrying out these strikes. No further information was provided as to the identity of the girl killed or the members of

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2433

LOCATION

موحسن, Mohassein, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between one and three men were killed in airstrikes on Mohassein, local media reported. Sources all attributed the blame to Russia or “military aircraft”. Airwars researchers believe that Hamza Mahmoud al-Fathi al-Nasser was possibly a militant, however we are unclear so have left him in the death count. In addition to this, sources claim that

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–3 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2429

LOCATION

بلدة الطريف , bank of the Euphrates, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were injured when warplanes bombed the bank of the Euphrates in al Tareef in western Deir Ezzor Governorate on 12th September 2017, local media reported. Multiple sources, including the Syrian Human Rights Committee, identified the martyr as Ahmad Al Salama Al-Hamad. It is unclear which belligerent was responsible for

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2424

LOCATION

قرية الحوايج, al-Hawaij river crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes at al-Hawaij river crossing in Deir Ezzor killed between seven and 26 civilians and wounded between two and 24 others, according to sources on the ground. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. The civilians were reported to have been crossing from one side of the Euphrates to

Summary

First published
September 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 30
(1–5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–76
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
30 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2425

LOCATION

الخريطة , Al-Kharita, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four to six civilians were killed and several others were injured in an ‘aerial bombardment’ on the town of al-Kharita in Deir Ezzor Governorate on September 11th 2017. Sources claimed warplanes belonging either to Russian forces or the Syrian regime conducted these air raids on a camp for internally displaced people that was set up

Summary

First published
September 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(0–3 children0–3 women)
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2426

LOCATION

معبار حطلة , Hatla Crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian, Mousa ‘Abd al-Salam al-Kharabah, was killed in an airstrike on the Hatla crossing in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 11th 2017, according to local media. It is unclear who was responsible for the strikes. The Violation Documentation Centre in Syria blamed the ‘Syrian government and its militias’, but does not directly identify the

Summary

First published
September 11, 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

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2427

LOCATION

مخيم الحوادي, al-Hawadi Camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Russian warplanes allegedly bombed the al-Hawadi camp for displaced persons in the town of Zaghir Shamiya in Deir Ezzor, killing between eight and 16 civilians on September 11th 2017. Women and children were among the slain. The initial bombs struck the tent of the Jassem al-Ahdi family, killing all members of the family, including four

Summary

First published
September 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 16
(4–5 children1–2 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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2017

Incident Code

R2279

LOCATION

وادي العذيب, Al-Atheeb Valley, Hama, Syria

Four civilians, including one woman, were killed when warplanes bombed an internally displaced persons camp in the al-Atheeb Valley near Akeirbat, in Hama Governorate. This attack on 10th September 2017 was suspected to have been carried out by Russian aircrafts. One of the survivors told RFS Media Office that the group of IDPs was stuck

Summary

First published
September 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 woman)
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

September 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2422

LOCATION

معبار الحويجة, بلدة البوليل, al-Hawayj crossings, al Boulial town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 15 and 39 civilians including up to nine children were killed and dozens more were wounded in a what local media called a ‘horrific massacre’ when alleged Russian airstrikes hit al-Huwayj crossings on the Euphrates river in the town of al-Boulial on September 10th 2017, local sources reported. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

Summary

First published
September 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
34 – 39
(2–9 children)
Civilians reported injured
12–20
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
22 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2417

LOCATION

ابو الظهور باريسا , Barissa village west of Abual Duhur, Idlib, Syria

A ballistic missile landed on the village of Barissa in the Idlib countryside, injuring six civilians, according to sources on the ground. Reports were conflicted as to whether the missile was fired by Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that this was part of a series of explosions in

Summary

First published
September 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2–6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2418

LOCATION

معدان, Ma’dan, Raqqa city, Raqqa, Syria

Warplanes bombarded the town of Ma’dan on September 9th 2017 resulting in ‘considerable material damage to property’, RFS News reported. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights was alone in alleging civilian harm, reporting that one civilian was wounded. This was part of a ‘large number of raids’ conducted by the Russians in the area, according

Summary

First published
September 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2420

LOCATION

حطلة,, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source, the Euphrates Post, reported that unidentified warplanes struck two cars carrying families the town of Hatla shortly before, killing one of them. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
September 9, 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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2421

LOCATION

موحسن , Mohsin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source, the Euphrates Post, reported: “The killing of Moheisen Yassin Sulaiman from the Bahuri neighborhood in the city of Mohsen as a result of raids by the warplane”.

Summary

First published
September 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2414

LOCATION

الجابرية , Al-Jabriya, Homs, Syria

Three to four civilians were reportedly killed and others injured in an airstrike in Al-Jabriya in the eastern Homs countryside. Several sources, including the head of the local district, Ahmed Hamwi, accused Russian warplanes of carrying out the attack. Zaman Masdar reported that the shelling took place between the villages of Al-Abd, Hamdi Omar, Suha,

Summary

First published
September 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
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

September 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2416

LOCATION

جب الجراح قرية الدرويشية , Al Darwishiyah village, near Jab al Jarrah, 89 km east of Homs city, Homs, Syria

Thirteen  civilians – including women and children – were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Al-Darwishiya in Jab Al-Jarrah, a village under the control of the Islamic State, on September 2nd, according the Smart News Agency. Multiple sources indicated coordination between regime forces and the warplanes. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights,

Summary

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