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

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2447

LOCATION

العشارة شارع الحكمة , al Hikma street, Al-A'shara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An airstrike hit the town of Al-A’shara in Deir Ezzor on September 14th 2017. It is unclear if any civilians were killed; some sources including the Syrian Human Rights Committee reported the death of one girl, Rahef Hussein Al-Ali Ma’and, but others stated that she was only injured and that no civilians were killed. One

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 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
Unknown, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1481 RS2439

LOCATION

الميادين, Al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In what has been described as a massacre, between five and 45 civilians were killed and 14 to 90 were injured in alleged Russian, Syrian regime or Coalition airstrikes on the city of Al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor, described by local sources as the “most important stronghold for Daesh in the region”. An initial report from

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 45
(2–3 children1 woman6 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–90
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
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1478 RS2436

LOCATION

مظلوم, Mazloum village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to seven civilians including two women and a girl died in an airstrike on a school sheltering displaced people in Mazloum village, eastern Deir Ezzor, according to local media. Though local sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame, the village did appear to have been

Summary

First published
September 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(1 child3 women1 man)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2437

LOCATION

قرية الجنينة, Genina, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Sources on the ground reported that six civilians were killed and a further 10 were injured in an airstrike allegedly conducted by Russian forces on the village of Genina on September 13th 2017. According to the Smart News Agency, “Witnesses confirmed the killing of six civilians and wounding ten people this morning, air bomb likely

Summary

First published
September 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
10
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2428

LOCATION

بلدة ذيبان, Dhiban, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were killed allegedly by warplanes in the town of Dhiban in eastern Deir Ezzor Governorate at around 2am on 12th September 2017. Multiple sources confirmed that one man, Hassan al-Mazal, and one girl were killed in this airstrike. The girl was reported as the daughter of either Thamer al-Frikhan or Thamer al-Khalif al-Sari.

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1477 RS2431

LOCATION

Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two adult male civilians, one child and one woman were killed in airstrikes on Hatla, according to local media, though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition or Russia were to blame. The majority of sources, however, pointed to Russia. Munitions recovered at the scene appear to be Russian in origin. The Syrian Observatory

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
April 17, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child1 woman2–3 men)
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1476 RS2434

LOCATION

Khisham town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local reports documented four civilians killed in airstrikes on Khisham town,13 kilometres east of Deir Ghaza, eastern Deir Ezzor. Euphrates Post referred to “warplanes” and alleged that they targeted “the house of Awad al-Azar in the town of Khisham, opposite the divider, killing four people and wounding many civilians yesterday evening”, though they did not

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2432

LOCATION

قرية الجيعة, Al-Jaya'a, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Al-Jaya’a village in Deir Ezzor Governorate was hit by air strikes on September 12th 2017, reportedly killing one girl and injuring five civilians from the same family.  Multiple sources accused the Russian forces of carrying out these strikes. No further information was provided as to the identity of the girl killed or the members of

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2430

LOCATION

قرية المسرب, Al-Masrab, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Warplanes conducted airstrikes on an internally displaced persons camp by the Euphrates river in the village of Al-Masrab on September 12th 2017. Euphrates Post was the only source to report this event. The source reported civilian casualties, but the identities or number of those killed or wounded is unknown. No belligerent was directly blamed by

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
April 17, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
IDP or Refugee Camp
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2429

LOCATION

بلدة الطريف , bank of the Euphrates, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were injured when warplanes bombed the bank of the Euphrates in al Tareef in western Deir Ezzor Governorate on 12th September 2017, local media reported. Multiple sources, including the Syrian Human Rights Committee, identified the martyr as Ahmad Al Salama Al-Hamad. It is unclear which belligerent was responsible for

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2433

LOCATION

موحسن, Mohassein, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between one and three men were killed in airstrikes on Mohassein, local media reported. Sources all attributed the blame to Russia or “military aircraft”. Airwars researchers believe that Hamza Mahmoud al-Fathi al-Nasser was possibly a militant, however we are unclear so have left him in the death count. In addition to this, sources claim that

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–3 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2425

LOCATION

الخريطة , Al-Kharita, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four to six civilians were killed and several others were injured in an ‘aerial bombardment’ on the town of al-Kharita in Deir Ezzor Governorate on September 11th 2017. Sources claimed warplanes belonging either to Russian forces or the Syrian regime conducted these air raids on a camp for internally displaced people that was set up

Summary

First published
September 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(0–3 children0–3 women)
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2424

LOCATION

قرية الحوايج, al-Hawaij river crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes at al-Hawaij river crossing in Deir Ezzor killed between seven and 26 civilians and wounded between two and 24 others, according to sources on the ground. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. The civilians were reported to have been crossing from one side of the Euphrates to

Summary

First published
September 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 30
(1–5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–76
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
30 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2426

LOCATION

معبار حطلة , Hatla Crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian, Mousa ‘Abd al-Salam al-Kharabah, was killed in an airstrike on the Hatla crossing in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 11th 2017, according to local media. It is unclear who was responsible for the strikes. The Violation Documentation Centre in Syria blamed the ‘Syrian government and its militias’, but does not directly identify the

Summary

First published
September 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2427

LOCATION

مخيم الحوادي, al-Hawadi Camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Russian warplanes allegedly bombed the al-Hawadi camp for displaced persons in the town of Zaghir Shamiya in Deir Ezzor, killing between eight and 16 civilians on September 11th 2017. Women and children were among the slain. The initial bombs struck the tent of the Jassem al-Ahdi family, killing all members of the family, including four

Summary

First published
September 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 16
(4–5 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2017

Incident Code

R2279

LOCATION

وادي العذيب, Al-Atheeb Valley, Hama, Syria

Four civilians, including one woman, were killed when warplanes bombed an internally displaced persons camp in the al-Atheeb Valley near Akeirbat, in Hama Governorate. This attack on 10th September 2017 was suspected to have been carried out by Russian aircrafts. One of the survivors told RFS Media Office that the group of IDPs was stuck

Summary

First published
September 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 woman)
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

September 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2422

LOCATION

معبار الحويجة, بلدة البوليل, al-Hawayj crossings, al Boulial town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 15 and 39 civilians including up to nine children were killed and dozens more were wounded in a what local media called a ‘horrific massacre’ when alleged Russian airstrikes hit al-Huwayj crossings on the Euphrates river in the town of al-Boulial on September 10th 2017, local sources reported. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

Summary

First published
September 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
34 – 39
(2–9 children)
Civilians reported injured
12–20
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
22 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2421

LOCATION

موحسن , Mohsin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source, the Euphrates Post, reported: “The killing of Moheisen Yassin Sulaiman from the Bahuri neighborhood in the city of Mohsen as a result of raids by the warplane”.

Summary

First published
September 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2418

LOCATION

معدان, Ma’dan, Raqqa city, Raqqa, Syria

Warplanes bombarded the town of Ma’dan on September 9th 2017 resulting in ‘considerable material damage to property’, RFS News reported. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights was alone in alleging civilian harm, reporting that one civilian was wounded. This was part of a ‘large number of raids’ conducted by the Russians in the area, according

Summary

First published
September 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2417

LOCATION

ابو الظهور باريسا , Barissa village west of Abual Duhur, Idlib, Syria

A ballistic missile landed on the village of Barissa in the Idlib countryside, injuring six civilians, according to sources on the ground. Reports were conflicted as to whether the missile was fired by Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that this was part of a series of explosions in

Summary

First published
September 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2–6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2420

LOCATION

حطلة,, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source, the Euphrates Post, reported that unidentified warplanes struck two cars carrying families the town of Hatla shortly before, killing one of them. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
September 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2416

LOCATION

جب الجراح قرية الدرويشية , Al Darwishiyah village, near Jab al Jarrah, 89 km east of Homs city, Homs, Syria

Thirteen  civilians – including women and children – were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Al-Darwishiya in Jab Al-Jarrah, a village under the control of the Islamic State, on September 2nd, according the Smart News Agency. Multiple sources indicated coordination between regime forces and the warplanes. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights,

Summary

First published
September 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13
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

September 2, 2017

Incident Code

RS2414

LOCATION

الجابرية , Al-Jabriya, Homs, Syria

Three to four civilians were reportedly killed and others injured in an airstrike in Al-Jabriya in the eastern Homs countryside. Several sources, including the head of the local district, Ahmed Hamwi, accused Russian warplanes of carrying out the attack. Zaman Masdar reported that the shelling took place between the villages of Al-Abd, Hamdi Omar, Suha,

Summary

First published
September 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
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

September 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1435

LOCATION

Al Shmeitiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On September 1, 2017, up to seven civilians died in an airstrike on Al Shmeitiya, according to local media. While most sources didn’t identify the belligerent, two reports attributed the event to Russia. In three sequential reports the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted the deaths of between two and four civilians following airstrikes on

Summary

First published
September 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(1 woman2 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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2415

LOCATION

دير الزور , Deir Ezzor, Syria

“Russian criminal aircraft” were accused of carrying out between 80 and 100 air raids on Deir Ezzor governorate over the 24 hours prior to September 2nd. Multiple civilian casualties were reported, but the numbers are unclear. Almodon reported that “dozens” of civilians – men, women and children – were killed in the alleged Russian bombardment

Summary

First published
September 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

August 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1433

LOCATION

صغير شامية, Sagheer Shamiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On August 31, 2017, at least three civilians died in an airstrike on Zaghir Shamiya, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, Russia or the Syrian Regime were responsible for the event. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that between two and three people were killed

Summary

First published
August 31, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of injury / death
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), 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
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2413

LOCATION

صغير شامية, Saghir Shamiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In this single-source incident, the Smart News Agency reported that “five civilians from one family were killed on Thursday night [Aug 31st] in an air strike likely to be a Russian attack on the village of Zaghir Shamiya”. There are no further details currently available.

Summary

First published
August 31, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2412

LOCATION

عياش, Aayash, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to two civilians, hereof at least one woman, were killed and several more were wounded, local media reported, following alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes hitting the town of Ayyash, Deir Ezzor. The female victim was identified by name by several sources and @Soheb Al-Haskawi added that she was the wife of Salem Rajwan.

Summary

First published
August 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2411

LOCATION

الشميطية, Shumetiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that one civilian man, identified by name, was killed by alleged Russian airstrikes in Shumetiya, the countryside of Deir Ezzor. There were no reports about the number of wounded.  

Summary

First published
August 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

August 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2410

LOCATION

المشتل, al-Mashtal, Hama, Syria

Local media reported that “a number of civilians were killed and injured” following an alleged Russian airstrike in al-Masthal, Hama, that at the time was controlled by ISIS. According to 7al, the warplane hit a group of displaced people. Two sources attributed blame to Russia while one, 7al, did not identify the culprit.

Summary

First published
August 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident