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

12 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2729

Location

صبيخان, Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One man was killed, and others were inured in shelling which struck Sabikhan. Neither sources named Russia as culpable, however Airwars understands Russian warplanes were bombing the vicinity at this period of time. Additionally, Smart News reported that "civilians were killed and others injured on Sunday by an airstrike likely to be carried out by…

Summary

Published
12 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2715

Location

البقعان, Baq'an, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Four men were killed in an airstrike which has been described by local media as a "violent bombardment", by alleged Russian aircraft at a river crossing in Baq'an. Sources either blamed Russia for the strikes or named "warplanes". According to sources "there are missing people" from the civilians fleeing the bombing. Four men were named…

Summary

Published
11 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2716

Location

غريبة, Ghariba, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in airstrikes which "targeted" their home in the morning in Ghariba. Sources either blamed Russia for the strikes or did not attribute any blame to a belligerent. There was allegedly "widespread destruction" upon and in the surrounding vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
11 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2725

Location

التمانعة, Al-Taman'a, Idlib, Syria
A man and a girl were killed, and six other civilians were wounded, in airstrikes that struck a farm in al-Taman'a. Sources all either blamed Russia for the strikes, or did not attribute blame to a belligerent. @HomamAlHassan, however, blamed Syrian regime warplanes. The civilians were killed on a farm while harvesting olive crops, according…

Summary

Published
11 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
6
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2717

Location

ام مويلات, Um Mweylat, Idlib, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were injured, due to "targeted" Russian airstrikes on a refugee camp in Um Mweylat. All sources either named Russia as culpable, or did not attribute blame to a belligerent. The raids were heavy, according to EdlibEMC1. No civilian deaths were reported. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

11 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2726

Location

صراع, Sara'a, Idlib, Syria
Twelve civilians were wounded, including five women and five children, due to alleged Russian airstrikes in Sara'a village. Sources all blamed either Russian warplanes or Syrian regime raids for the strikes. According to Smart News Agency, four of the victims were in a serious condition, and elderly. Local media additionally reported that "Russian air strikes…

Summary

Published
11 November 2017
Civilians reported injured
2–12
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident