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

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS1236 RS2350

LOCATION

زور شمر, Zor Shamer, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 22 civilians including as many as 11 children died in airstrikes on Zor Shamer, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. There were no reports of injured civilians. @eldorar, Syrian free army, Ahmad Shibli and the Smart News Agency pointed

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 22
(5–11 children2–4 women1 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
13 named, 7 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2354

LOCATION

قرية عياش , Ayyash village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that between 10 and 15 civilians died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Ayyash village. Multiple sources named the victims, 10 of whom were from the family of Khalaf Khader al-Faleh. The Violations Documentation Centre also listed five unidentified adult males as killed, reportedly from Aleppo. The majority of

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(7–10 children3–6 women)
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
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2352

LOCATION

معدانقرية النعمات, al Na’amat village, Maadan, Raqqa, Syria

Local sources reported that one named adult male civilian was killed and his son was wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on al Na’amat village. Both Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently and Ahmad Al Shibli blamed Russia for the civilian harm.

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2017

Incident Code

CS1234 RS2351

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

As many as 12 civilians died and dozens were injured in airstrikes and/or artillery shelling on Ma’adan, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia or event the Syrian regime were responsible. Baladi blamed artillery for the injury of “a number of civilians”, however, other sources –

Summary

First published
July 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2017

Incident Code

CS1229 RS2349

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

Three people were reportedly wounded following airstrikes in Ma’dan on the eastern border of Raqqa governorate. However it was contested as to who was responsible. One source, Shaam News Network, claimed that the airstrikes caused a “massacre” and that 12 civilians were killed. However it was at odds with nine other sources which reported the

Summary

First published
July 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 12
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1216 RS2346

LOCATION

الكشكية, Al Kashkiya, school building, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Seven civilians were killed – including five civilians believed to be from one family – and a number of others were injured in airstrikes on the village of Al Kashkiya in eastern Deir Ezzor.  However it was contested as to who was responsible. Four sources – Radio al Kul, Micro News, Smart News Agency and

Summary

First published
July 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(1–3 children1–2 women1 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, Unknown
Named victims
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2348

LOCATION

حقل الجفرة, Al Jafra [oil] field junction, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Nine civilians died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Al Jafra [oil] field junction, according to sources on the ground. Rozanafm said: “On Tuesday [July 17th], our correspondent in Deir al-Zour reported that a military aircraft believed to belong to the Syrian regime targeted a car carrying nine civilians on Al Jafra field

Summary

First published
July 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
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

July 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2347

LOCATION

عقيربات خالد هلال, Khaled Hilal village, Akeirbat district, Hama, Syria

Local media reported that a man and a woman died and others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khaled Hilal village. According to AadaAlSham, “two civilians were killed and others injured on Monday evening [July 17th] in air strikes by Russian warplanes on a village controlled by Daesh in the eastern Hama countryside. Field

Summary

First published
July 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1212 RS2343

LOCATION

الصبحة, Al Subha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three to six civilians died in airstrikes on al Subha village, local media reported, though it was unclear whether the Coalition or Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “five people were martyred and three of them were charred, as a result of shelling by aircraft. It’s

Summary

First published
July 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1 child)
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, Unknown
Named victims
7 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1211 RS2342

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, multiple locations, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 11 and 14 civilians – including several women and children – were killed and dozens others were wounded in airstrikes on Al Mayadin. However it was contested as to who was responsible. Sources either blamed Russia, the Syrian regime or the US-led Coalition. More than five sources made no claims with regards to responsibility. However,

Summary

First published
July 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 14
(1–3 children1–2 women1 man)
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, Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown
Named victims
11 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2345

LOCATION

حزة , Hazza, Damascus, Syria

As many as four children died and dozens more civilians were reported wounded in an airstrike on Hazza, according to sources on the ground. Most reports blamed the Assad regime, though there was also an allegation against Russia. According to Akhbaralaan, “Activists said that the warplanes of the Assad forces fired several rockets on residential neighborhoods

Summary

First published
July 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(3–4 children)
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

July 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2344

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians died and were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hajin, according to sources on the ground. The Euphrates Post reported: “”A launched air raids targeting Hajin village this morning [July 16th] with rockets targeting a house near the house of Hamadi al-Shawish. Another missile landed in front of the

Summary

First published
July 16, 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

July 15, 2017

Incident Code

CS1206 RS2341

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, al Arabaeen street and other areas, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least ten civilians – including at least one woman and two children – were killed and dozens more were wounded following airstrikes near two schools in the city of Al Mayadeen. However, local sources were conflicted as to who was responsible. Both Russia and the US-led Coalition were reportedly responsible. Syrian Network for Human

Summary

First published
July 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(2–4 children1 woman1 man)
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, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2340

LOCATION

Al Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were wounded by alleged Russian airstrikes on the neighborhood of downtown Hamidiya, local sources reported. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 15, 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

July 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2339

LOCATION

أم قيبة , Umm Qiba village, near al Sokhna, Homs, Syria

Three women were killed and other civilians injured in alleged Russian raids on the village of Um Qiba in the eastern Homs countryside, local sources reported. The Violations Documentation Center in Syria said those killed included two daughters of Mkaimen al-Shihetan and Faysal al-Shihatan.

Summary

First published
July 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2337

LOCATION

عين ترما,, Ain Tarma, Damascus, Syria

Alleged Russian or Syrian warplanes committed “a massacre” in the city of Ain Tarma, local sources reported, killing at up to 21 named civilians including women and children. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, there were up to 20 strikes on the town. Some reports also said that the town was hit by

Summary

First published
July 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 21
(1–2 children1–7 women5–10 men)
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
Named victims
20 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2333

LOCATION

مراط,, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Al Hassaka Rasd reported: “The Russian air force targets with several air raids the vicinity of Deir Ezzor military airport, brigade 137, the cemetery area and the town of Mrat Foukani”. Other sources mentioned an unspecified number of wounded civilians but didn’t identify who carried out the strikes.

Summary

First published
July 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2336

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Five civilians, including women and children, were wounded in alleged Russian attacks on the town of Akeirbat, east of Hama, Smart News Agency said. More than 50 air raids hit the town and the surrounding area according to local sources.

Summary

First published
July 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2335

LOCATION

المكيمين , Al-Mkimin, Hama, Syria

Two children were killed in an alleged Russian bombardment on the village of Al-Mkimin, local media reported. Hisham Sarhan Hisham Al Zubin was also reported dead by his cousin. Four others were wounded. Syria Newsdesk said the the bombing came after the regime forces failed to win back villages under the control of Daesh, “despite

Summary

First published
July 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children1 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
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2334

LOCATION

حماد عمر , Hammad Omar, Hama, Syria

Three civilians were killed and a young man injured in alleged Russian air strikes on the town of Hammad Omar, east of Hama, according to local reports. Alaraby reported that the raids occurred during battles between regime forces and ISIS. An opposition media activist told the Syria Newsdesk that the area was targeted “with more

Summary

First published
July 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2332

LOCATION

الغوطة الشرقية, Easter Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Local media reported that areas in Eastern Ghouta, specifically Hazza and Ein Tarma, were subject to heavy aerial shelling, killing up to four civilians and wounding “dozens”, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. @AJA_Syria cited al-Jazeera correspondent who reported “dozens of civilians, including women and children, were wounded

Summary

First published
July 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(3 men)
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2331

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamediya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to five civilians, hereof at least one girl and her father, were killed, and up to 24 were wounded following Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes in residential areas in Hamidiya neighbourhood, near Deir Ezzor, local media reported. It was, however, unclear whether the strike took place July 11th or 12th. The incident was first reported

Summary

First published
July 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2330

LOCATION

الجابرية, Jabriya, Hama, Syria

Two sources reported that nine civilians were killed and another six were wounded as a bakery in Jabriya village, Hama, was hit by airstrikes. Smart News Agency identified Russia as the likely culprit while al-Araby did not appoint blame, merely referring to “a military aircraft”. Both sources said that five of the victims were working in

Summary

First published
July 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2329

LOCATION

موحسن, Mohsen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In this single-source event, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “Russian or regime warplanes” carried out airstrikes in Mohsen on July 9th, killing a woman and wounding “others”. Currently, there are no further details available.

Summary

First published
July 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1173 RS2327

LOCATION

الموحسن, Muhassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman possibly died in an airstrike on Mohsen village, according to local media – though it’s currently unclear who was responsible for her death. None of the sources specifically blamed the Coalition, with many referring only to “warplanes” carrying out strikes on the Al-Zaeem roundabout and the perimeter of Al-Wasat School. However, Tt1463000 said

Summary

First published
July 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2328

LOCATION

الشميطية, Al-Shmetiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Alleged Russian-waged airstrikes killed one child and wounded two of his family members in al-Shmetiya village in Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Deir Ezzor 24’s correspondent reported that “a child was killed as a result of the night bombardment of the town of al-Shmetiya, west of Deir Ezzor, yesterday evening [July 8th], in addition to

Summary

First published
July 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

July 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2325

LOCATION

السخنة/ كدير, al-Sokhna/Kadir, Homs, Syria

According to local media, a family of three – a married couple and their child – was killed by Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes in Homs, though the exact location is unclear among the sources. Several sources reported the death of the three civilians, a man, a woman and their child, and many identified them by name.

Summary

First published
July 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(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

July 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2324

LOCATION

عقيبرات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes killed one child and wounded several others as the ISIS-held city of Akeirbat, Hama, was hit from the skies, local media reported. Smart News Agency was the only source reporting about the civilian harm caused by the airstrikes. The media reported; “a child was killed and others were injured in an air strike

Summary

First published
July 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

July 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2323

LOCATION

منزل الواوي في مراط, Wawi house, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One girl was killed and several other civilians were wounded following an alleged Russian airstrike in Wawi house, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. In this incident, the “al-Wawi home” in Al Saba’a district was reportedly hit, causing the death of one named girl and a number of civilians were left wounded. Mrat was reportedly struck

Summary

First published
July 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2322

LOCATION

مراط, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to three civilians, including one or two children, were killed and several were wounded following airstrikes launched by either Russia or the Syrian regime in Mrat, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Step News Agency reported that the Russian airforce  launched surface-to-surface missiles in multiple locations in Deir Ezzor, including Mrat. According to Free Deir

Summary

First published
July 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident