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

May 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2245a

LOCATION

مناطق الحماد, Al Hammad, Homs, Syria

At least one civilian was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes against the the Al Hammad areas of Homs, local media reported. All local sources that reported on the incident, including the Violations Documentation Center, identified Russian planes as responsible for the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
May 18, 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

May 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2244

LOCATION

رسم الحمام , Rasim al Hamam, Aleppo, Syria

At least five civilians were killed, including two children, and others were wounded in more than five alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the town of Rasim al Hamam in Eastern Aleppo, according to local sources. The majority of sources, including Smart News and Syrianoor, reported that Russian planes were responsible for carrying out

Summary

First published
May 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2244a

LOCATION

الحويقة, Al Hwaighe, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one civilian, an adult male, was killed and others were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the neighborhood of Al Hwaighe in Deir Ezzor, local media reported. According to @AhrarDeirezzor, the civilian was killed after he left the mosque and other members of his family were also injured. The majority of local sources,

Summary

First published
May 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

May 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2243

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Six civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in an air and artillery strike on Hamouriya, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible, with some attributing blame to Russia, while others pointed to the Syrian regime. According to Qasıoun, a guided missile struck an old Mosque in the town.

Summary

First published
May 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children1–2 women1–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
11–24
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2242

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

A child died from his wounds on May 21st from an air and artillery strike on Saqba,  according to local sources. As many as four civilians were reportedly wounded in this raid. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributed blame to Russia, while others pointed to the Syrian regime. An image

Summary

First published
May 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2241

LOCATION

سوحا, Soha , Homs, Syria

Between 13 and 15 civilians were killed – and as many as 30 were wounded – following an airstrike on a bakery in Soha. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. All sources blamed Russia, except Syrian News Desk, which blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. Sources reported that ten out of

Summary

First published
May 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 15
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2240

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

An entire family of displaced peoples from Palmyra were killed – and an unspecific number of civilians were wounded – following an airstrike on Akeirbat, local media reported. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids.  Initially reporting suggested than an unspecific amount of civilians had been killed, however, on May 22nd three sources put

Summary

First published
May 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(1 child4 women3 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
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2239

LOCATION

رسم الطويل, Rasim Al-taweel, Homs, Syria

An unspecific number of civilians were killed and wounded in an aerial bombardment on Rasim Al-taweel, according to local sources. All sourced either blamed Russia for the strikes, or did not attribute blame. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
May 15, 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

May 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2238

LOCATION

سوحا, Soha , Hama, Syria

Two brothers were killed and others civilians were wounded – according to one source – following an airstrike on Soha. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some reported that Russia was to blame, and others attributed blame to the Syrian regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to the “Russian-Syrian alliance”.

Summary

First published
May 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 children0–1 men)
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2017

Incident Code

RS2237

LOCATION

سوحا, Soha, al Silmiya district, Hama, Syria

A man and his three year old child were killed and others were wounded  following an airstrike on Soha. Both sources blamed Russia for the airstrike. According to the Smart News Agency, the vicinity was under the control of ISIS. Additionally, those injured were in a serious condition and were transferred to hospitals. There are

Summary

First published
May 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
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

May 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2235

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in up to six alleged Russian airstrikes on Hatla, according to sources on the grounds. Sources mostly all blamed Russia, except a handful who didn’t identify the culprit. Women and children were reportedly killed and wounded in the raids. However, according to the Smart News Agency,

Summary

First published
May 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

May 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS2234

LOCATION

الحويقة, Haweiqa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed and seven others were wounded in an airstrike on Haweiqa. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with allegations against both the Syrian regime and Russia. RFS Media Office reported that “two children were killed and two others were wounded when Russian warplanes targeted Al Hawaiqa

Summary

First published
May 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children1 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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS802 RS2230

LOCATION

مزرعة القادسية, Al Qadissiya, Raqqa, Syria

As many as three civilians died in an airstrike on Al Qadissiya village – including one adult male – according to local sources. There were reports of multiple strikes on the village. The allegations were against both the Coalition and Russian warplanes. A number of other sources didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. Only one source

Summary

First published
May 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
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2231

LOCATION

التح, Al-Tah, Idlib, Syria

Three children were injured when the remnants of a cluster bomb exploded in Al-Tah, local media said. Sources reported that the cluster bomb was left from a previous Russian airstrike. There are no more details at this time.

Summary

First published
May 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 11, 2017

Incident Code

RS2229

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Three or four civilians were killed – three from one family – and others were wounded, when an airstrike hit a residential neighbourhood, farm and water-tank in Akeirbat, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some sources such as Baladi news, blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes, while the Syrian Network for

Summary

First published
May 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child1 woman1 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
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2226

LOCATION

شعيب الذكر, Shua'ib Al Zikr, Raqqa, Syria

A single source reported that Russian warplanes allegedly targeted Shua’ib Al Zikr with cluster bombs, killing five civilians and injuring nine. According to Smart, the vicinity was under the control of ISIS. There are no other details at this time.  

Summary

First published
May 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2228

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between one and five people died – indulging one adult male – following an airstrike on Dier Ezzor. Others were also wounded, however there were no specific numbers reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some attributed blame to the Syrian regime, however most blamed Russia. DeirEzzor24 was the only source to

Summary

First published
May 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(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

May 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS2227

LOCATION

سمومة, Samouma, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between 11 and 14 civilians were killed – from two families – and others were wounded, following an airstrike on Samouma, Aleppo, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the strikes. Some sources attributed blame to the Syrian regime, including the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, however most blamed

Summary

First published
May 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 14
(6–10 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
13 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2224

LOCATION

حي الحميدية, Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One adult male and as many as five children was killed, in airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Hamidiya. Up to four civilians were also wounded. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing blame to Russia, while others blamed the Syrain regime. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the

Summary

First published
May 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 6
(4–5 children1 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

May 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2223

LOCATION

العريضي, Al A'ridi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between five and six civilians were killed, and others were wounded, following an airstrike on the residential neighbourhood of Al A’ridi, local media reported. Sources all agreed that Russian warplanes were to blame for the raids. According to @Huthaifamu94, this was the third massacre which had occurred in Deir Ezzor on the 9th of May 2017.  Although the

Summary

First published
May 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(3 children1–3 women3 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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2222

LOCATION

اللاطوم, Al Latoum, Homs, Syria

Between five and nine civilians were killed, and “dozens” were wounded, following an airstrike in Al Latoum, according to local media. Sources all attributed blame to Russian warplanes, with the exception of the Syrian Network for Human Rights who blamed the “Syrian-Russian alliance”. Sources reported that huge fires broke out and many people became displaced

Summary

First published
May 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(3–8 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4–24
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2221

LOCATION

رسم الفالح, Rasim Al Faleh, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and 32 civilians were killed – including women and children – and dozens were injured, in an airstrike on Rasim Al Faleh, Aleppo, according to local media. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for he raids. Sources were conflicted as to how many civilians were killed in the strikes. Almost all sources reported that 16

Summary

First published
May 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 32
(11–13 children3–13 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
35 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS783 RS2219

LOCATION

دبسي فرج, Dibsi Faraj, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian died and four more were wounded in an airstrike on Dibsi Faraj village, local sources said – though reports were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. The journalist Ahmad al Shibl reported the Coalition had been “targeting the main road between Dibsi Faraj and Dibsi

Summary

First published
May 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS782 RS2218

LOCATION

دبسي عفنان, Dibsi Afnan, Raqqa, Syria

Two adult male civilians died – as well as one additional child casualty – and up to a dozen or more were wounded in an airstrike on the village of Dibsi Afnan, according to local media. Most sources blame Russia, while some alleged that the regime was responsible – though more than three commentators also

Summary

First published
May 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 child2 men)
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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Democratic Forces
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2220

LOCATION

كفر زيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

A young man was killed in Kafr Zita, however there is confusion as to how he died. VDC reported that he was victim of Russian troops, and they listed him as from Kafr Zita, but do not specify where he was killed.  There are no reports of others civilian casualties or wounded. Other sources reported that he

Summary

First published
May 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2217

LOCATION

الكناوية, Al-Kinawiya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Twelve civilians were killed, and others were wounded, following an airstrike which targeted a residential neighbourhood in Al-Kinawiya, Aleppo, according to reports from the ground. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raid. According to sources, women and children were killed. Additionally, a local source, @majd12347651, reported that the civilians were internally displaced persons.  Homes were

Summary

First published
May 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12
(2 children2 women)
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 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2216

LOCATION

الطيبة, Tayba, Homs, Syria

A single source reported that a child and two other civilians were killed, and two members of ISIS were wounded, following an airstrike on Tayba.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
May 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

May 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2215

LOCATION

الطيبة, al-Tayba, Homs, Syria

In this single source event, an aircraft “likely to be Russian”, carried out airstrikes in the vicinity of al-Taybeh village, Homs, killing two civilians and wounded another three, Smart News Agency reported. There are currently no further details available.  

Summary

First published
May 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 5, 2017

Incident Code

RS2214

LOCATION

شنداخيان جنوبي, Shandakhiyat Janoubi, Homs, Syria

In this single-source event, an alleged Russian airstrike killed four civilians, including one woman, and seriously wounded another three in Shandakhiyat Janoubi, Homs, Smart News Agency reported. Smart News added that the wounded were taken to hospitals in Deir Ezzor, which at the time was controlled by ISIS. There are currently no further details available.

Summary

First published
May 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2213

LOCATION

زرزور, Zarzour, Idlib, Syria

Up to three civilians were left wounded following an alleged Russian airstrike in al-Wafa’a Camp, near Zarzur, Idlib, local media reported. RFS Media Office reported that “three civilians were seriously wounded today [May 3rd], following an air strike carried out by a Russian UAV, targeting “Al-Wafa’a Camp” near the village of Zarzur in the countryside

Summary

First published
May 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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