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

6 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2699

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three children were killed due to air and artillery strikes in Abu Kamal. Sources reported that both Russia and the Syrian regime were to blame. It is clear that the raids were either Russian or Syrian regime and artillery shelling was also used in the raid. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the…

Summary

Published
6 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

6 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2695

Location

رسم العبد, Rasim Al-Abid, Idlib, Syria
One child was killed, and others were wounded, due to alleged Russian airstrikes on a refugee camp in Rasim Al-Abid. Many sources blamed Russia, while the others blamed "unknown warplanes" for the strikes. Some later research showed that sources attributed blame to Syrian regime planes too. While Smart News Agency reported that "Civilian killed by…

Summary

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

Incident Date

6 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2696

Location

المتوسطة, Mutawasita, Idlib, Syria
Two civilians were killed and four others were injured in airstrikes which hit al Mutwasta, according to local media. The sources have attribute the blame to Russia. One source reported that "the explosion of a mine during the dismantling of the remnants of a previous bombing by the Russian occupation airliner in the village of…

Summary

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

Incident Date

6 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2689

Location

ابو الظهور, Abu Alduhur, Idlib, Syria
A family of three were buried by rubble resulting in the death of both mother and father, when an airstrike hit their home in Abu Alduhur, according to local media. Sources all attributed blame to Russian warplanes. As many as five civilians were reportedly injured, according to @SyriaCivilDefe. As many as eight raids struck civilian…

Summary

Published
6 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 November 2017

Incident Codes

CS1666 RS2681

Location

الصبحة, Al Subha, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three civilians including two brothers died in airstrikes on al Subha, local media said – though it was unclear who was responsible. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the US-led Coalition. According to Al Sharq News “intense” raids by the Coalition were occurring in the area. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights…

Summary

Published
5 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
13
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2685

Location

معيزلية, Ma'izilya, Deir Ezzor, Syria
As many as 13 civilians were killed, including a family of five, and others were injured, following airstrikes on Al-Rifai camp for displaced peoples in Ma'izilya. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible, with most blaming Russia, however Syrian Network for Human rights was among a few who blamed the Syrian regime. Many sources…

Summary

Published
5 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3–13
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident