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 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2415

LOCATION

دير الزور , Deir Ezzor, Syria

“Russian criminal aircraft” were accused of carrying out between 80 and 100 air raids on Deir Ezzor governorate over the 24 hours prior to September 2nd. Multiple civilian casualties were reported, but the numbers are unclear. Almodon reported that “dozens” of civilians – men, women and children – were killed in the alleged Russian bombardment

Summary

First published
September 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 24
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1435

LOCATION

Al Shmeitiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On September 1, 2017, up to seven civilians died in an airstrike on Al Shmeitiya, according to local media. While most sources didn’t identify the belligerent, two reports attributed the event to Russia. In three sequential reports the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted the deaths of between two and four civilians following airstrikes on

Summary

First published
September 1, 2017
Last updated
June 20, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(1 woman2 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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2413

LOCATION

صغير شامية, Saghir Shamiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In this single-source incident, the Smart News Agency reported that “five civilians from one family were killed on Thursday night [Aug 31st] in an air strike likely to be a Russian attack on the village of Zaghir Shamiya”. There are no further details currently available.

Summary

First published
August 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1433

LOCATION

صغير شامية, Sagheer Shamiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On August 31, 2017, at least three civilians died in an airstrike on Zaghir Shamiya, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, Russia or the Syrian Regime were responsible for the event. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that between two and three people were killed

Summary

First published
August 31, 2017
Last updated
June 27, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of injury / death
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), 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
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2412

LOCATION

عياش, Aayash, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to two civilians, hereof at least one woman, were killed and several more were wounded, local media reported, following alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes hitting the town of Ayyash, Deir Ezzor. The female victim was identified by name by several sources and @Soheb Al-Haskawi added that she was the wife of Salem Rajwan.

Summary

First published
August 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2411

LOCATION

الشميطية, Shumetiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that one civilian man, identified by name, was killed by alleged Russian airstrikes in Shumetiya, the countryside of Deir Ezzor. There were no reports about the number of wounded.  

Summary

First published
August 29, 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

August 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2410

LOCATION

المشتل, al-Mashtal, Hama, Syria

Local media reported that “a number of civilians were killed and injured” following an alleged Russian airstrike in al-Masthal, Hama, that at the time was controlled by ISIS. According to 7al, the warplane hit a group of displaced people. Two sources attributed blame to Russia while one, 7al, did not identify the culprit.

Summary

First published
August 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2409

LOCATION

الطريف, Al-Tariff, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian man was killed and several were injured following Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes that hit al-Tariff, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. All sources reported about the death of one civilian, who was identified by name by Step News and @DeirEzzor24. In addition to this, several civilians were reported wounded. Sources described how the strikes inflicted

Summary

First published
August 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2408

LOCATION

النعيمية, Al-Na'imiya, Hama, Syria

Two sources reported that alleged Russian airstrikes had killed one woman and her three-months-old child as strikes were launched in the village of al-Na’imiya, Hama. Both sources attributed blame to Russia and while both reported the death of the woman and her child, @AhmadShbli was the only one identifying them by name and age.

Summary

First published
August 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2407

LOCATION

ابو الفشافيش, Abo Al-Fashafeesh, Hama, Syria

In what was described as a “massacre”, alleged Russian airstrikes killed up to 17civilians and wounded several more in the village of Abo al-Fashafeesh, eastern Hama, local media reported. Sources reported between seven and eight victims, however, none of these was identified by gender, age or name. Enab Baladi cited the local council of the district

Summary

First published
August 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 17
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 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2406

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman was killed in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Deir Ezzor city, local media reported. The wording of all the sources was exactly the same, reporting “the martyrdom of Mrs. Nawal al-Khadr as a result of the Russian air raids that hit the city of Deir al-Zour.” However, half the sources reported that

Summary

First published
August 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1412

LOCATION

Deir Ezzor, Syria

A woman was named as killed in an airstrike on Deir ez-Zor, though sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for her death. The majority of sources blamed either Russia or the regime, however, Hasaka Rasd and Euphrates Post did not apportion blame.  

Summary

First published
August 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS1408

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On August 23, 2017, six members of the Lafi family were among up to 11 civilians reported killed in air raids on the city of Mayadin, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, the Syrian regime or even Russia were responsible. Although Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported

Summary

First published
August 23, 2017
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(1–3 children1–3 women1 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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

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 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2401

LOCATION

غنيمان, Ghneiman, Hama, Syria

A single source reported that civilians were killed and wounded in an airstrike “mostly likely to be Russian” in Ghneiman. The source did not specify the number of casualties. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 22, 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 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2405

LOCATION

ابو الفشافيش, Abo Al-Fashafeesh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed and several wounded as alleged Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes in the village of Abu al-Fashafish, Hama, local media reported. Baladi News reported “two civilians were killed and others wounded when a Russian air strike hit eastern Hama countryside on Thursday morning [Aug 24th].” Baladi News’ correspondent added that the warplanes

Summary

First published
August 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2402

LOCATION

رويضة, Ruweida, Akeirabat, Hama, Syria

In what has been described by local media as a “massacre”, 50 – 70 civilians were killed, following airstrikes which reportedly struck an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Ruweida, Akeirabat in Hama. Sources were conflicted as to whom was to blame. Some sourced blamed the Syrian regime for the raids, while most blamed Russian

Summary

First published
August 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
50 – 70
(2 children2 women)
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
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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