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

7 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2700

Location

عبيان, Obiyan, Hama, Syria
One elderly man from Ebayyan village was reportedly killed in an airstrike on Obiyan. Sources reported that Russian warplanes were to blame for the man's death. Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that "Mohammad al Ali, age 50, from Ebayyan village affiliated to al Saboura county in Hama governorate eastern suburbs, killed as suspected Russian…

Summary

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

Incident Date

7 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2702

Location

ابو خنادق, Abu Khanadeq, Hama, Syria
Abu Khanadeq IDP Camp was bombed causing an unspecified number of injured civilians on November 7, 2017. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Members of the Civil Defence inspected the site in the aftermath of the raids. Some material damage occurred however there were no reports of civilian deaths. There…

Summary

Published
7 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
IDP or Refugee Camp
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2703

Location

السيال, Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Five civilians were killed, including an entire family of four, in an airstrike on the village of Sayyal. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. Enabbaladi reported that specific warplanes were not identified "but activists from the city confirmed the social networking sites that the raids belong to the Russian aircraft accompanying the operations…

Summary

Published
7 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2701

Location

الشويط, Al-Showeit, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Russian warplanes "targeted the village of Al-Showeit" with more than eight raids, injuring several civilians. Details reported that civilian housing was damaged in the raids. Explosive barrels also allegedly struck the vicinity. There were no reported deaths. No other details at this time.

Summary

Published
7 November 2017
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2704

Location

الكمشة, Al-Kamshe, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One man was killed and "dozens" were allegedly injured in an airstrike which bombarded houses between al Foqani and al Jowani roundabouts. Only one source blamed Russia, and the other two did not attribute any blame. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that a man was killed and others were injured, as a result of…

Summary

Published
7 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

6 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2690

Location

تل حلاوة, Tal Halawa refugee camp, Idlib, Syria
According to local media, a girl was killed and five others were wounded, in an airstrike on Tal Halawa refugee camp in Al Saboura, according to local media. Sources both blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. Civilian homes were also "targeted" by the warplanes. Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that one girl was killed…

Summary

Published
6 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident