Russian Military in Syria

In September 2015 Russian military forces intervened in Syria initially as part of a limited campaign against so-called Islamic State terrorists. This campaign turned into more substantive military support to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in his deadly fight with opposition groups, killing thousands of civilians in rebel-held areas. Operations came to an end with Assad’s fall in December 2024.

Airwars documented thousands of allegations of civilian harm from Russian strikes in Syria and produced research and reports on the conflict.

Airwars estimate of civilian deaths

4,431 – 6,522

Locally reported civilian deaths from declared or likely Russian Military actions in Syria for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by the Russian Military. These originate from 4,977 separate alleged incidents.

1,174 – 1,440
children likely killed
647 – 782
women likely killed
6,672
likely injured
3,500
named victims

Russian Military estimate of civilian deaths

0

Confirmed civilian deaths, from Russian Military actions in Syria, originating from 0 separate incidents of civilian harm.

civilians confirmed injured
Alleged deaths
15,841 – 25,260
Locally reported civilian deaths from Russian Military actions in Syria.
4,977 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
4,431 – 6,522
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by Russian Military
1,380 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
739 – 861
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
466 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
10,557 – 17,748
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
3,115 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
114 – 129
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
16 seperate alleged incidents
4942 incidents
Order results by:
Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

17 December 2017

Incident Code

RS2801

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria
As many as 17 civilians were killed - including ten who were named - as well as 6 or more wounded, in internationally banned Napalm and Phosphorous airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the "air and artillery strikes" which were conducted in the vicinity.…

Summary

Published
17 December 2017
Civilians reported killed
10–17
Civilians reported injured
6
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 December 2017

Incident Code

RS2798

Location

معرشمشة, Mar Shamsha, Idlib, Syria
A number of civilians were reportedly wounded due to airstrikes on Mar Shamsha. Only two sources attributed blame to Russia while the others blamed the Syrian regime for the raids. According to Shbaballatamneh3, two civilians were wounded by Russian rockets. Qasioun on the other hand reported no civilian casualties. Smart News Agency reported that a…

Summary

Published
16 December 2017
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 December 2017

Incident Code

RS2799

Location

زور شمر, Zor Shamer, Raqqa, Syria
Four children (several from the same family) were killed when remnants of a cluster bomb exploded from a previous Russian raid on Zor Shamer on December 16th, according to local media. All sources blamed Russia for the raid. It is unclear when the initial strike occurred, however first reportage of these civilians deaths was 16th…

Summary

Published
16 December 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 December 2017

Incident Code

RS2797

Location

تل الضمان, Tal Al-Daman, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
In airstrikes which reportedly "targeted" a medical centre in Tal Al-Daman, Aleppo, one civilian was killed and others were wounded. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with most blaming Russia, while a few blamed the Syrian regime. One source didn't identify the warplanes responsible. Smart News Agency was the only local media…

Summary

Published
13 December 2017
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 December 2017

Incident Codes

CS1696 RS2796

Location

الجردي الشرقي, Al Jarthi al Sharqi, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to 33 named civilians including 16 children and six women died and at least 10 more were wounded in airstrikes on al Jarthi al Sharqi, according to local media. VDC-SY reported that the airstrike was conducted on the 12th of December, whereas our research shows it was in fact on the 13th of December.…

Summary

Published
13 December 2017
Civilians reported killed
11–33
Civilians reported injured
10
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

12 December 2017

Incident Code

RS2793

Location

الحمرا, Civilian convoy between the villages of Bouyoud and al Andreen in al Hamra district, eastern Hama, Hama, Syria
Between two and five civilians were wounded in an airstrike which struck a bus or car carrying civilians in Al-Hamra, local media said. Sources all attributed blame to Russia. The wounded were transferred to medical points. According to 'Al Latamna youth group' on Facebook, " two civilians were wounded in an air strike by Russian…

Summary

Published
12 December 2017
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident