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

8 December 2017

Incident Code

RS2785

Location

ثروت, Tharwat, Hama, Syria
Two civilians were "lightly wounded" in airstrikes on Tharwat village in eastern Hama governorate, according to local media. There were no reports of any civilian deaths. Both sources blamed Russian missiles for the attack which reportedly occurred 58 km east of Hama city. According to Smart News, the wounded civilians were transported to a medical…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 December 2017

Incident Code

RS2789

Location

الزرزور, Al-Zarzoor village in the vicinity of Alkhwain village in the Idlib countryside, Idlib, Syria
As many as nine civilians were killed and three others were wounded in airstrikes on Al-Zarzoor, according to local media. All sources blamed Moscow except for Barada News who attributed blame to the Syrian regime. One source reported that Russia bombed the vicinity four times. Initial reporting suggested that only five civilians had been killed…

Summary

Published
8 December 2017
Civilians reported killed
5–9
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

8 December 2017

Incident Code

RS2786

Location

مخيم البارودية, Baroodiya refugee camp in the village of Jib al-Sukkar in the eastern countryside of Hama., Hama, Syria
An adult female was killed in an airstrike which "targeted" Baroodiya refugee camp in the village of Jib al-Sukkar in the eastern countryside of Hama, local media said. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. Five civilians were reportedly wounded in the raids. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
8 December 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

8 December 2017

Incident Code

RS2788

Location

جب ابيض, Jib Abyad village, Aleppo, Syria
A woman was reportedly killed in airstrikes which struck Jib Abyad, Aleppo after midnight. Local media was conflicted as to who was to blame, with Syrian Network for Human Rights blaming the "Russian-Syrian alliance", while most others blamed Moscow. Most sources reported on the "the martyrdom of a woman and the injury of a man"…

Summary

Published
8 December 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

6 December 2017

Incident Code

RS2783

Location

السيال, Al-Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One man was killed and between eight and nine civilians were injured in airstrikes on Al-Sayyal river crossing, according to local media. All sources attributed blame to Moscow. @asharqasouri reported that Dr. Sayed Ahmed Kadouri was injured in the bombing and was transferred to a hospital where he received medial attention. Qasioun News gave the…

Summary

Published
6 December 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–8
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

6 December 2017

Incident Code

RS2784

Location

ابو الظهور, Abu Zuhur, Idlib, Syria
Two to three civilians were reportedly wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes which struck civilian homes, a bakery and a school in Abu Zuhur. According to sourced, a bakery, a school and various civilian houses were destroyed in the raids. Footage of the aftermath shows buildings burning down. Initial reporting by Zamanalwasl reported that the strikes…

Summary

Published
6 December 2017
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident