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 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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
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

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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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

Incident date

June 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2289a

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A man was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the residential neighbourhood of Hamidiya, local media reported. There were no wounded civilians reported. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 17, 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

June 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2289

LOCATION

فجر, Fajir, Hama, Syria

A woman and two children were killed, and five others were wounded, in an airstrike on Fajir, local media reported. Sources all blamed Russian military aircraft for the raids.  According to Radio.Fresh, the wounded were transferred to hospital in the aftermath.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 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

June 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2288

LOCATION

الطيبة, Al-Tayba, Homs, Syria

Six civilians were killed when military aircraft struck oil tankers in the neighbourhood of Al-Tayba, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. While most sources blamed Russia for the strikes. JisirTV pointed to the Syrian regime.  According to the Smart News Agency, the six civilians who were killed were drivers

Summary

First published
June 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
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 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2287

LOCATION

عين قريع, Ain Qurei, Idlib, Syria

A man was killed, and two other civilians were wounded, when remnants of a cluster bomb exploded in Ain Qurei left by a previous raid, sources on the ground reported. Sources all blamed a previous Russian raid for the remnants left in the vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2286 CS1105a

LOCATION

مراط, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an airstrike which hit Mrat, as many as 11 civilians were killed – including six from one family – and dozens more were wounded, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most attributed blame to the Syrian regime, while Souriyati, blamed the Coalition. Others also blamed Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
June 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 11
(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
Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2285 CS1005

LOCATION

السيد عايد, Al-Sayed Alyed in Hatla village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and seven civilians were killed, and an unspecific number of others were wounded, following the bombing by military aircraft on Al-Sayed Alyed. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some attributed blame to the Syrian regime, while others blamed Russia. Many sources also reported on “military aircraft” thus, not attributing any

Summary

First published
June 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(4 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, US-led Coalition
Named victims
8 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2284

LOCATION

النعيمية, Al-Nu'aymeya, Hama, Syria

Eight civilians were killed, and an unspecific number were wounded, following an aerial bombardment on civilian homes in Al-Nu’aymeya, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame – some attributed blame to the Syrian regime and others to Russia. Baladi reported that “the area lacks medical points and even trained medical

Summary

First published
June 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2283

LOCATION

اللج, Al-Laj, Hama, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded and killed when warplanes struck a camp for displaced peoples in the village of Al-Laj, local media reported. All three sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. Women and children were reportedly included in the numbers of wounded and killed. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 14, 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

Incident date

June 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2283a

LOCATION

طفس, Tafas , Daraa, Syria

Eight to 12 internally displaced civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded, following an air and artillery airstrike on a residential area in Tafas, local media reported. According to sources, the raids struck the courtyard of Martyr Kiwan middle school which was being used to house internally displaced peoples from Etman. Sources were conflicted

Summary

First published
June 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 12
(1–5 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
10 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2282

LOCATION

عزالدين, Izzedin, Homs, Syria

A male child was killed, and between one and two other civilians were wounded, following the explosion of remnants left by a previous airstrike on Izzedin, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some blamed a previous Russian raid, while others blamed the Syrian regime. The sources, however, do agree

Summary

First published
June 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2281

LOCATION

العلباوي, Al A'lbawi, Hama, Syria

A single source, the Smart News Agency, reported that “a number of civilians were killed and wounded by shelling of warplanes likely to be Russian to a village controlled by the Islamic State Organisation, east of Hama city, central Syria”. It added that, “the aircraft bombed civilian houses in the village of Al-Albawi, east of

Summary

First published
June 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children)
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2280

LOCATION

حطلة و الصالحية, Hatla and Salihiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as three civilians were killed – including one man – and some others were injured, following an airstrike on the towns of Hatla and Salihiya. Sources mostly all blamed Russia, however some remained impartial and did not attribute blame. According to the Smart News Agency, the strike hit “Al Salhiya roundabout at the

Summary

First published
June 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2279

LOCATION

رويضة, Ruweida, Hama, Syria

Three civilians were killed – and others were wounded – following an aerial bombardment on Ruweida. Sources either attributed blame to Russian warplanes, or reported the sighting of unidentified warplanes. The Smart News Agency is the only source to specifically report that three “drivers” were killed in the raids. Others state that there were an

Summary

First published
June 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS938 RS2278

LOCATION

جديد عكيدات, Jadid Akeidat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as eight civilians, as well as six named which including medical personnel died, and others were wounded in an airstrike on Jadid Akeidat village, Deir Ez-Zour, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, the Syrian regime or Russia were responsible for the attacks. Sources reported

Summary

First published
June 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
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
5 named
View Incident

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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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

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
December 15, 2024
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 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
December 15, 2024
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

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
December 15, 2024
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 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
December 15, 2024
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