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 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

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 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 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 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 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

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

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2378

LOCATION

رسم العوايد, Rasim Awaed, Hama, Syria

On July 31, 2017, three civilians were reportedly killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian and or Syrian regime raids in Rasim Awaed, near Akirbat town in Hama, according to local media.  Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Baladi News blamed the Syrian regime, while all others attributed blame to Russia.

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
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

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

RS2376

LOCATION

دبلان, Dablan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman was killed from injuries sustained in the morning of July 31st, following an airstrike on Dablan. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. None explicitly blamed Russian warplanes, however there was Russian bombing in and around the vicinity at the time of the strike. Other sources blamed “military aircraft” or “unknown”

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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, Unknown
Named victims
5 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2373

LOCATION

الخميسية, Al-Khamesiya, Raqqa, Syria

A shepherd was killed during the bombing on the outskirts of a “camp” – most likely for internally displaced people – in Al-Khamesiya. Sources all attributed blame to Russia for the strikes. A source states that “the house of Fawaz al-Hamdan was bombed, and the house of Mohammed al-Ghafili, and Beit Hamoud al-Dashar… [as well

Summary

First published
July 30, 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

July 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS1296

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six civilians died and 10 more were wounded in airstrikes on Abu Kamal, according to local sources. While the majority of reports blamed the US-led Coalition for the airstrikes, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it was unclear whether the Coalition or Russia were responsible. The Coalition later confirmed having unintentionally killed three

Summary

First published
July 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS1297

LOCATION

الميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On July 29, 2017, several civilians were reportedly wounded in an airstrike on the main road to Al-Mayadin garage, local media reported, though it was unclear whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were responsible for the incident. Radio AlKul reported that “several civilians were injured by flying cluster bombs near the garage in Al Mayadin”.

Summary

First published
July 29, 2017
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1291

LOCATION

ميادين, Mayadin, Al Masaken, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian died and several others were wounded in airstrikes on Al Mayadin, according to local media – though it is unclear whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. According to Euphrates Post, “The International Alliance launched several air raids around 7am targeting the Al Masaken area near the mosque of Othman bin

Summary

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

Incident date

July 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2372

LOCATION

مراط, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were killed and an unspecified number were wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes on Mrat town in Deir Ezzor countryside, local media reported. Only two sources attributed their blame to Russia, while others did not attribute blame. One named “military aircraft”. The strikes “targeted the house of Denous al-Besha’an” causing three civilian deaths, according

Summary

First published
July 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2371

LOCATION

أوتايا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria

An unspecific number of civilians were killed, and as many as five were injured, including four women and an adult male, following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime air and artillery strike on Otaya, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some blamed the Syrian regime for the raids, while

Summary

First published
July 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS1282

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 48 civilians died and 40 were injured in alleged air and artillery strikes by the Coalition and the SDF in Raqqa, according to local media. However, sources did not specify the locations for these deaths and these are therefore general numbers. Additionally, one source Watan reported that there had been Russian actions in

Summary

First published
July 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
48
Civilians reported injured
40
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 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1276

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Between 29 and 36 civilians died in air and artillery strikes in Raqqa over the previous 24 hours, according to local sources. Most reports blamed the Coalition – though one also said that Russia had carried out strikes in the city. It should be noted that the numbers given in these reports are general numbers

Summary

First published
July 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
29 – 36
Civilians reported injured
50
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 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1277

LOCATION

بلدة الطيبة, Al Tayba, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 15 civilians including nine people from the same family died and dozens more were injured in airstrikes near Taybah in Mayadin, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the Coalition or Russia were to blame. The Step News Agency, Smart News Agency and Zamanalwasl were among sources pointing

Summary

First published
July 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 15
(4–5 children2–5 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1273

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that 18 civilians had died and up to 50 had been wounded in the last 48 hours – however, sources were conflicted as to whether the deaths were caused by the US-led Coalition or Russia. It should also be noted that these are general numbers and Airwars has not yet been able

Summary

First published
July 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18
Civilians reported injured
12–50
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 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2369

LOCATION

البوحمد, Bouhamad, Raqqa, Syria

Seven civilians were killed, and 15 others were wounded, following an airstrike on Bouhamad, which was described by local media as a “massacre”. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with most attributing the blame to Russian warplanes, however Baladi News attributed blame to the Syrian regime.  Seven civilians were named as killed.

Summary

First published
July 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2367 CS1268a

LOCATION

الخميسية, Al-Khamesiya, Raqqa, Syria

A mother and child were killed in an airstrike on the neighbourhood of Al-Khamesiya. Although sources explain it was a mother and child, the mother was 17 years old, so Airwars have classified her as a child.  Most sources blamed Russian aircraft for this event, however, the wording of a Baladi report suggested that the

Summary

First published
July 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident