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

29 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2770

Location

الجلاء, al-Jalaa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One male civilian was killed and several left wounded in an alleged Russian air raid in the crossing of al-Jalaa, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. The male civilian fatality was reported and identified him by name by multiple sources. Syrian Human Rights Committee added that "others" were left wounded and reported how the city had…

Summary

Published
29 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2768

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One male child was killed in airstrikes on Abu Kamal. Sources all attributed the blame to Russian warplanes. The Violations Documentation Centre said the victim died on November 28th. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
28 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2767

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A child was killed due to alleged Russian shelling on Abu Kamal, local media reported. Only two sources reported on the incident, and both blamed Russia. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
28 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2769

Location

البقعان, Baq'an, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between 10 and 15 civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Baq'an, local media reported. Sources attributed the blamed to both Russian and Syrian regime raids. The raids struck the Al-Baka`an river crossing, according to sources. A source reported that "the aircraft bombed a passageway on the West Bank of the…

Summary

Published
28 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
10–15
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2766

Location

العباس و هجين, Al-abbas-Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three civilians including two brothers were killed in airstrikes on Al-abbas-Hajeen, according to local media. Sources all attributed the blame to Russia except Syrian Network for Human Rights who blamed the Syrian regime. The raids allegedly struck al-a`bbas water tunnel, leading to three deaths and four wounded civilians. There are no other details at this…

Summary

Published
27 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
4
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2765

Location

الشعغة, Al-Sha'fa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between 15 and 65 civilians were killed, in what has been described by local media as a massacre on the residential neighbourhood in Al-Sha'fa. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Sources were conflicted as to how many casualties there were. The highest toll being 65, however many sources also reported 15…

Summary

Published
26 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
15–65
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident