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 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2321

LOCATION

ابو دالية, Abu Daliya, Hama, Syria

Several civilians were left wounded after warplanes belonging to Russia or the Syrian regime carried out airstrikes in Abu Daliya, Hama, local media reported. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR) reported that “Syrian- Russian alliance warplanes fired missiles on the mosque of Abu Dali village in Hama governorate eastern suburbs, severely destroying it and

Summary

First published
July 4, 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2320

LOCATION

كنامات, Kinnamat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that a number of civilians were wounded by alleged Russian airstrikes in Kinnamat neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor. Besides from the wounded, the incident also inflicted great destruction, Sharqiya Voice reported. DeirEzzor24 reported the use of rocket-propelled grenades while Sharqiya Voice reported that “bunker-busting missiles” had been used. All sources attributed blame to Russia.

Summary

First published
July 4, 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 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2319

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

One woman and a child were killed and up to five were left wounded, local media reported, in alleged Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes in Douma, Damascus. Without identifying a culprit, Enab Baladi reported that four air raids had struck residential areas in Douma, leading to the death one one adult woman and one male child,

Summary

First published
July 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2318

LOCATION

الطابية جزيرة, Tabiya Jazera, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed and another five were wounded as alleged Russian warplanes carried out an air raid on an oil refinery in the village of Tabiya Al-Jazyra, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. All sources reported that the two victims were working at the oil refinery and that the strike was carried out by Russia.

Summary

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

July 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2317

LOCATION

السخنة, al-Sukhna, Homs, Syria

In this single-source event, Step News Agency reported: “a number of air raids targeted the vicinity of the city of Sukhna and some of its neighbouring villages in the eastern Homs countryside, resulting in civilian injuries”, without identifying the responsible. This event is very likely related to the airstrikes in al-Dahek, al-Sukhna, on the previous day,

Summary

First published
July 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2316

LOCATION

الضاحك, al-Dahek, Homs, Syria

Four civilians from the same family, including children and women, were killed and several were wounded as airstrikes, allegedly carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime, struck the village of al-Dahek, on the countryside of al-Sukhna, Homs, local media reported. The Violations Documentations Center identified four victims; one child, two women and one adult

Summary

First published
July 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1–2 children1–2 women1 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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2315

LOCATION

مخيم الحقاف, Hakaf Camp, Al Suwayda, Syria

In this incident, described as a “massacre”, between ten and 20 civilians, including children and women, were killed and several were wounded as Russian or Assad-waged warplanes carried out several airstrikes on Hekaf Camp, Sweida, local media reported. Several airstrikes reportedly hit on the afternoon of July 2nd Haqaf camp in Sweida, which is home to displaced

Summary

First published
July 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 20
(3 children6 women7 men)
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
16 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2314A

LOCATION

حطلة , Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to four civilians were killed and as many as 11 were wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes in Hatla, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Deir Ezzor24 reported that the “warplanes launched several raids” leading to “many” civilian casualties, while most sources reported between two and three fatalities. Two male victims are identified by name.  However,

Summary

First published
July 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–11
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2314

LOCATION

رسم العوابد, Rasim Al-Awabid, Hama, Syria

An alleged Russian airstrike killed up to four civilians, including two children and wounded several as the village of Rasim Al-Awad in Hama was struck from the air, local media reported. Most sources reported the death of two male children. @AlkhaleejOnline’s correspondent reported that “two children were killed and a number of wounded in an air

Summary

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

Incident date

July 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1137 RS2313a

LOCATION

المجاوده, Majawdeh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and a number of others were injured following airstrikes on Majawdeh, roughly 85km southeast of Deir Ezzor. However responsibility was contested. The victim was identified by a number of sources, which also reported that his wife and daughter were injured. The Syrian Human Rights Committee reported that the wife

Summary

First published
July 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
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, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2313

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One man was seriously injured and his father was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Deir Ezzor, according to sources on the ground. It was reported that “a young man from Deir al-Azur was hit by Russian-made cluster munitions and is now desperately in need of treatment. Name: Daoud Makhlaf Yassin. Daoud was severely

Summary

First published
June 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2312

LOCATION

جديدة بكارة, Jadida Bakara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One adult male died, and ” a number of others” were wounded, in an airstrike on Jadida Bakara desert, according to local media. Almost all sources blamed Russian shelling for the civilian casualties, however, two sources did not apportion blame. Euphrates Post reported that “Hammadi Aboud al-A’tish (civilian) was killed in a military air strike

Summary

First published
June 29, 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

June 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1118 RS2311

LOCATION

دبلان, Dablan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 60 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Dablan, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the event, with allegations against the Coalition, Russia and the Syrian regime. The pro-regime source, Damas Press, put the death toll at 40 and blamed the

Summary

First published
June 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
21 – 60
(5 children2–5 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–60
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
22 named, 7 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1112 RS2308

LOCATION

Al Lattoum village, Homs, Syria

One child died and several members of his family were injured in an airstrike on Al Lattoum village, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition (against which there was just one allegation), Russia or the Syrian regime. Alsoukhnaalhadath reported the death of

Summary

First published
June 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2310

LOCATION

المربعات, Al-Marba'at, Nabi’ al Sakher, Quneitra, Syria

Between four and eight civilians were killed – reportedly from one family – and others were wounded, when airstrikes struck Al-Marba’at town, local media said. According to sources, up to three children, a woman, and a man were killed in the raids. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the strikes. Some

Summary

First published
June 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
(3 children1–4 women1–4 men)
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2309

LOCATION

السخنة, Al-Sokhna , Homs, Syria

An unspecific number of civilians were killed and wounded in an airstrike on Al-Sokhna – according to local media. Only one source blamed Russia, and the others blamed unidentified warplanes for the raids. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “the warplanes bombarded areas in the northern outskirts of the city of Sokhna in the

Summary

First published
June 28, 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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2307

LOCATION

السخنة, Al-Sokhna , Homs, Syria

An unspecific number of civilian casualties were reported in airstrikes on Al-Sokhna,  according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Syrian News reported that “Russian aircraft launched air raids Tuesday [Tuesday 27th]  on the city of Al-Sokhna and the outskirts of Homs in eastern Homs”. But the Syrian Observatory for Human

Summary

First published
June 27, 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, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2306

LOCATION

ابو قاطور, Abu Qator, Homs, Syria

A single source reported that “activists pointed out that the raids targeted a prison near the village of Abu Qatour, belonging to the area of Jab Jarrah (about 55 km east of Homs), killing six members of the organisation and wounding four prisoners [civilians] who were transferred to hospitals in Deir Ezzor province.” The source

Summary

First published
June 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2305

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

There were reports of unspecific numbers of civilian casualties in Akeirbat following airstrikes on the vicinity. @MasarPressNet attributed blame to “warplanes” who “launched several raids on Akeirabat”. However, the Step News Agency reported that “Russian warplanes launched several raids targeting the area of Akeirbat and its environs in the eastern suburb of Hama [with] reports

Summary

First published
June 24, 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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS1055 RS2300

LOCATION

طيبة, Al Taybeh, Homs, Syria

One male baby was named as a victim of an airstrike on Raqqa by some local sources. However, this appears to have been a reporting error – with the child in fact likely to have been killed in a Russian, regime or Coalition airstrike on al Taybeh, east of Palmyra. MC Palmyra added that members

Summary

First published
June 22, 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
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2296

LOCATION

الجنينة, Al-Ginena, Al Hussan and Al Baghiliya villages, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source, the Smart News Agency, reported that an unspecified number of civilians were wounded by alleged Russian warplanes on an airstrike in Al-Ginena, Al Hussan and Al Baghiliya villages. The source reported that “the aircraft bombed civilian houses in the villages of Al-Geneina, Hussan and Baghiliya (6 km west of Deir Al-Zour city),

Summary

First published
June 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

June 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2299

LOCATION

الشيخ ياسين, Sheikh Yassin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as 10 civilians were killed, and 10 more were wounded, following in alleged Russian airstrikes on Sheikh Yassin. Sources all blamed Russian aircraft for the raids. According to sources, the vicinity was struck shortly before 2.30am, at “break-fast” during Ramadan. A residential neighbourhood was partially destroyed in the attack with RPG shelling, and

Summary

First published
June 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 10
(3–4 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
10
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

June 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2298

LOCATION

داعل, Dael, Daraa, Syria

Two adult males were killed, and as many as 30 civilians were wounded, following air and artillery shelling on Dael, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some blaming Russia, others blaming the regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to the “Syrian-Russian alliance”. Images show wounded civilians being

Summary

First published
June 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–30
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

June 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2297

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

An unspecific number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on the area of Akeirbat, including – according to Enabbaladi – the village of Abu Ramal. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. While most blame Russia, only one blamed the Syrian regime. According to sources, as many as

Summary

First published
June 21, 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

June 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1046 RS2295

LOCATION

خشام, Khasham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 16 civilians, including several women and children, were killed and dozens more injured in airstrikes on Khasham village in Deir Ezzor governorate. However, it was not clear who was responsible with allegations lodged against the Coalition, the Russian air force and the Syrian government. In total, five sources alleged that the Coalition was

Summary

First published
June 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 16
(4 children2 women1 man)
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, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2294

LOCATION

جبل ركبة المرزوق, Rakbat Al Marzouk Mountain, Homs, Syria

The Smart News Agency reported that four civilians were killed – including a woman and a child – and seven others were injured, following an airstrike on Rakbat Al Marzouk Mountain. Smart News reported on this incident twice, and blamed Russia in both instances. It added that the vicinity was under the control of ISIS.

Summary

First published
June 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2293

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalaka, Damascus, Syria

At least two civilians were wounded following air and artillery strikes on the residential neighbourhood of Zamalaka, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some sources attributing blame to Russia while others blamed the Syrian regime. Douma.Revolution published a video showing a man who was trapped under the rubble

Summary

First published
June 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2292

LOCATION

السخنة, Sokhna, Homs, Syria

A single source, the Step News Agency, reported that “a number of air raids targeted the vicinity of Sukhna town, destroying two cars and causing injuries in the area.” There were no details of any civilian deaths, or any other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2291

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed, and several others were wounded, following an airstrike on Akeirbat, local media reported. Both sources blamed Russian military aircraft for the strikes. @radioalsham reported that a woman was killed and several others were wounded, while the Step News Agency reported that two civilians were killed as well as

Summary

First published
June 18, 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
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

June 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2290

LOCATION

حمادي عمر, Hamadi Omar, Hama, Syria

Two children were killed and three other civilians were wounded – including a woman – following an airstrike on Hamadi Omar, local media reported. Both sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strike. According to both the Smart News Agency and the local source, Adyb.alhwrany, the town was under ISIS control when the strikes took place. 

Summary

First published
June 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
3
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