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 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2740

Location

السوسة, Al-Sousse, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One male civilian was killed in airstrikes on Al-Sousse, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes. An image published shows the victim to be wearing military style dress and carrying a gun suggesting he may be a militant. Despite this, all sources reported he was a civilian. There were no reported injuries.

Summary

Published
17 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
0–1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2738

Location

حسرات, Hasrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A man and two of his children were killed in airstrikes on Hasrat, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the airstrikes. Civilian homes were allegedly struck, which some sources claim killed an entire family. There were no reports of wounded and no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
16 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2739

Location

السيال الغربي, Alsayyal Algharbi, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between two and four civilian were killed, and an unspecified number of others were injured in airstrikes on Alsayyal Algharbi, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the airstrikes. Only one source reported the death of four civilians, while most others reported that two  adult male displaced brothers were…

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2736

Location

حسرات, Hasrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Two civilians were killed, including one named male, due to alleged Russian warplanes strikes, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes. There were no reports of wounded civilians.

Summary

Published
15 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2737

Location

محكان, Mahkan, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Seven civilians from the same family were killed, and 20 to 24 others were wounded when Russian warplanes allegedly struck IDP tents in Mahkan on November 15, 2017, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russia for the raids. The victims included four children and three women, all from the same family. There are no…

Summary

Published
15 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
IDP or Refugee Camp, Residential
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
20–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

14 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2732

Location

الحزم, Hazem, Hama, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Hazem, local media reported. Both reports were Step News Agency, who blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Step reported that "The Russian warplanes launched several air raids targeting the villages of Hazm and Abu Ajwa in the eastern countryside of Hama, resulting in civilian casualties".…

Summary

Published
14 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident