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

June 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2277

LOCATION

حريشة, Harisha, Hama, Syria

A single source reported that “warplanes – likely to be Russian – launched a phosphorous bomb attack on the village of Al-Huraisha, near Aqirbat (about 67 km east of Hama), killing three civilians from one family, including a child.” There were no reports of wounded and no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2276 CS946a

LOCATION

عياش , Ayyash, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four airstrikes were reported in Ayyash, southwest of Deir Ezzor city, by local media. The sources reported dozens of wounded and that one of the wounded, Thiab al-Rajwan, later died in hospital of the wounds sustained when his house was bombed. Sources were conflicted on who was to blame, with reports pointing to Russia, the

Summary

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

Incident date

June 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2274

LOCATION

عقيربات , Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

A woman and her child – both named – died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Akeirbat, according to local media. According to the Facebook group ‘Local council of Akeirbat and its countryside’, “\our air raids on the village of Akeirbat by Russian aircraft led to the martyrdom of a woman and her daughter as

Summary

First published
June 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2275

LOCATION

جب الجراح غنيمان, Ghneiman village, Jeb al Jrah district, 55 km east of Homs, Homs, Syria

Four civilians died, including a woman and a child, and six other non-combatants were wounded in an airstrike on Ghneiman in Homs, according to local media. Only one source, the Smart News Agency, pointed to Russia as the “likely” culprit; the other reports didn’t apportion blame of this event. According to the Smart News Agency,

Summary

First published
June 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child1 woman)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS928

LOCATION

طريق السده ا, Al Sadda road, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 9 and 10 civilians died in an airstrike on a van or small bus near the Al Sadda road, Al Quriya, Deir Ezzor, according to local media. While most sources blamed the Coalition (which confirmed targeting a vehicle in the province on the day), one outlet alleged that Russia was responsible. Sound and Picture,

Summary

First published
June 7, 2017
Last updated
March 24, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 10
(4 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–10
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
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2273a

LOCATION

عقيربات حماده عمر, Hamada Omar, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

One child died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Hamada Omar, according to sources on the ground. Most sources blamed Russia, though Orient said that the regime had also carried out strikes on Hamada Omar. @almntserbalaah and Shahbapress said that a child was killed, while Shahbapress

Summary

First published
June 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
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 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2271

LOCATION

طفس , Taftas town, Daraa, Syria

Local sources reported the killing of between four and 14 civilians, including children, and the wounding of up to 31 more in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on civilian areas of the city of Tafas. Some sources reported that two more civilians succumbed to their wounds after treatment in medical facilities. The Syrian Network

Summary

First published
June 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 14
(1–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–31
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
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2272

LOCATION

عقيربات , Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that air raids, likely to be Russian, stuck the town and surrounding farms of Akeirbat in eastern Hama. @HalabTodayTV reported the use of phosphorus munitions. Three civilians, including one woman, were reported killed and four others were reportedly taken to hospital for treatment of their wounds.

Summary

First published
June 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4
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 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2273

LOCATION

عقيربات أبو حواديد , Abu Huwadid village near Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Between ten and 15 civilians died, including ten or 11 from the Bakhour family, in an alleged Russian airstrike on their home in Abu Huwadid village near Akeirbat, according to sources on the ground. Sources attributed the blame to Russia. The Local council of Akeirbat and its countryside on Facebook said that the only survivor

Summary

First published
June 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(3–5 children1–4 women6 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2269a

LOCATION

طهماز , Tahmaz, Hama, Syria

An internally displaced man was killed due to airstrikes on Tahmaz, according to local media. Some sources reported that Russian warplanes were responsible for the airstrike, while others reported it was attributable to the Syrian regime. Hosain Obaid al-Asaad had fled from Akeirbat. Some other civilians were allegedly wounded. There are no other details at

Summary

First published
June 4, 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 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2269b

LOCATION

حمادة عمر , Hamada Omar, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported the killing of Roz Mohammad al-Ibraheem, an adult female, by warplanes, likely to be Russian, in the village of Hamada Omar in rural Hama. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2269

LOCATION

رسم العالي, Rasim Al Aa’li village, Akeirbat area, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that an alleged Russian warplane struck the village of Rasim Al Aa’li in the Akeirbat region in eastern Hama by warplanes, killing three civilians and injuring three civilians.  Smart News reported that a woman and two children were killed and that another three civilians were wounded, some of whom were in critical

Summary

First published
June 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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

Incident date

June 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS2270 CS919a

LOCATION

موحسن , Mohsen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported the killing of Mohamad Amla Al Fals Abu Ammar and his daughter Wafa Amla Al Fals on Sunday June 4th, as warplanes struck his residence in the village of Muhasan in rural Deir Ezzor. Some sources also mentioned the wounding of other members of his family. The sources disagreed on the nationality

Summary

First published
June 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2268

LOCATION

رسم الطويل , Rasim Al-Tawil in Jab Al Jarah, Homs, Syria

Smart News reported that civilian housing in the village of Rasim Al-Tawil was struck by an aerial bombardment of warplanes, likely to be Russian. Three civilians were reported killed and five others were reported wounded, amongst them women and children. There are no other details at this time.  

Summary

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

June 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2265

LOCATION

معرة النعمان , Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, Idlib, Syria

A nine year old girl was killed, and another girl was wounded, due to the explosion of cluster bomb remnants, dropped earlier by an airstrike, according to local media. The bomb dropped earlier, the date is unspecified, was likely to be Russian. The girls were reportedly playing close to the remnants, in the town of

Summary

First published
June 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2266

LOCATION

طيبة, Tayba, Homs, Syria

Local sources reported the ‘Bazaar’ market of Tayba in rural Homs to be struck by an airstrike, likely to be Russian. The airstrike reportedly killed seven civilians and wounded “dozens” more. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2267

LOCATION

السخنة, Al-Shokhna, Homs, Syria

Warplanes, likely to be Russian, were reported by multiple sources to have struck the ‘Souq Al Khamis’ market of Al-Shukhna, according to local media. Al-Shukhna was under ISIS control at the time of the incident. Most sources reported the death of five civilians and the wounding of 17 others. There are no other details at

Summary

First published
June 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
Civilians reported injured
6–17
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

May 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2263

LOCATION

عقيربات , Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Civilians were reportedly killed and others wounded in ‘intensive’ airstrikes on Akeirbat allegedly conducted by Russian and Syrian warplanes on the 31st of May, a local source reported to Smart News. Rozana Radio, however, reported that there were no civilian casualties in the strikes that landed on the villages of Abu Habilat, Al Harrdana, Abu

Summary

First published
May 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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

May 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2264

LOCATION

كفر زيتا , Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria

One or twochildren were injured by when the remnants of an alleged Russian cluster bomb dropped in a previous strike exploded in Kafr Zeita on may 31st 2017. 2011 Madardaily said that one child was injured, while other sources put the number at two.

Summary

First published
May 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

May 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2196

LOCATION

سرج,, Sarja, Idlib, Syria

On April 28th, Alhuralhalabi reported “the death of a woman injured by a previous Russian air raid on the village of Sarja in the southern countryside of Idlib.” According to RFS Media Office, “Huda Ahmed Haj Musa was martyred from the town of Sarja in Jebel al-Zawia in rural Idlib because of the injuries she

Summary

First published
April 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2260

LOCATION

عقيربات , Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

The Smart News Agency reported airstrikes on ‘civilian homes’ in Akeirbat which killed one civilian and wounded three others, including one woman. This was believed to have been part of a larger series of airstrikes on one town and four village under the control of the Islamic State, Smart News said.

Summary

First published
May 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2261

LOCATION

عقيربات دكيلةالعلباويجروح , Jarouh, Al-'Albawi and Dikila, Hama, Syria

Between four and five civilians were killed and several others were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes in eastern Hama Governorate, according to sources on the ground. Smart News reported that the warplanesshelled the villages of Jarouh, Al-‘Albawi and Dikila, in the area of ​​Aqirbat.’ The strikes also resulted in the burning of

Summary

First published
May 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
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

May 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2262

LOCATION

القسطل, al Qastal village, Hama, Syria

Three civilians were killed and four others wounded in an aerial ‘bombardment’ of the village of Al Qastal in Hama Governorate on the 27th or 28th of April 201, according to local media The wounded sought treatment at hospitals in Deir Al-Zour. The casualties included women and children, but their identities are unknown. Sources laid

Summary

First published
May 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2258

LOCATION

العقيربات حمادة عمر , Hamada Omar near Al Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Three civilian deaths and several injuries were reported as a result of airstrikes on the village of Hama Omar in Hama Governorate on the 26th of May 2017, an area under the control of the Islamic State (Daesh). It is unclear who was to blame for these airstrikes; sources pointed at the Russians and the

Summary

First published
May 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 26, 2017

Incident Code

RS2259

LOCATION

الخضيرة , Al-Khdeira, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly killed in the village of Al-Khdeira in an ‘aerial bombardment’. It is unclear which belligerent was responsible for the airstrikes; the Syrian Press Monitor blamed the Russians, while the others accused the Syrian regime. The identity of the victims remains unknown.

Summary

First published
May 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2255

LOCATION

الترن, al Tarn, Raqqa, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and others were wounded in three alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the village of al Tarn near the village of Dibsi Faraj in the western Tabaqa countryside of Raqqa, according to local sources and activists. Conflicting reports were given as to who was responsible for the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
May 25, 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2256

LOCATION

دبسي عفنان, Debsi Afnan, Raqqa, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed and a woman was wounded in two alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the town of Debsi Afnan in the western Raqqa countryside, according to local activists and sources. In reporting the estimate of two killed, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently acknowledged that it was the initial

Summary

First published
May 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
1
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

May 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2257

LOCATION

الفار, Al Far, Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Al Far in the eastern Aleppo countryside, sources on the ground reported. According to multiple local sources, the air bombardment on the town included the use of cluster bombs. The majority of sources, including Step News Agency

Summary

First published
May 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

May 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2254

LOCATION

محيميدة, Mheimediya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and five civilians, including one to two children and one woman, were killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the village of Mheimidiya in the western suburb of Deir Ezzor, according to local sources. Three of the civilians killed were reportedly from the Mohammed al-Abar family and

Summary

First published
May 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2251

LOCATION

الطيبة, al Teeba, Homs, Syria

At least three civilians were killed and five others, including women and children, were injured in alleged Russian raids against the town of al Teeba near Palmyra according to a local source. Smart News Agency was the only source to report on this incident and at this time we have no other details.

Summary

First published
May 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident