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 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 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

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 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

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

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

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 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

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 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 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

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

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

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 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 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

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 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 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 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

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

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 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 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

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 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 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

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