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

1 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2667

Location

الغبرة, Al-Ghabra, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Two men were killed and "dozens" more civilians were killed in an airstrike on Al-Ghabra, according to local media. Sources mostly blamed Russia, however a few blamed "warplanes" - not identifying a culprit. Al Araby reported that " al-Ghubra [is] in the vicinity of the city of Albuqmal at the Syrian-Iraqi border in the far…

Summary

Published
1 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

1 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2668

Location

عشاير, Ashayer, Deir Ezzor, Syria
As many as five civilians were killed following an airstrike on Ashayer, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming Russia while others attributed blame to the Syrian regime. Two mothers and two daughters were killed, as well as another unidentified child. According to media, "House of…

Summary

Published
1 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

1 November 2017

Incident Codes

CS1656 RS2665

Location

السيال, Abu Kamal, Al Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between three and six civilians died in an airstrike on the home of Mohammed al-Shabib Abu Jassim, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, the Iraqi air force, Syrian regime or Russia were to blame. According to Eldorar, “The sources said that in conjunction with the artillery…

Summary

Published
1 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–6
Civilians reported injured
18
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 November 2017

Incident Codes

CS1657 RS2666

Location

البصيرة, Al Busayrah, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Two named civilians died and up to 23 others were wounded in an airstrike on al Busayrah according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. Baladi, Jisr TV and Sharqiya Voice all blamed the Coalition. Euphrates Post reported “the martyrdom of the young…

Summary

Published
1 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4–23
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

30 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2663

Location

الطيانة, Tayaneh, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A single source reported that "Russian warplanes targeted the village of Al Tayana with more than 6 raids, resulting in the death of a man and several civilian casualties and damage to property." There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
30 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2664

Location

البوليل, Al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between ten and 18 civilians were killed, including at least one woman, during aerial shelling of al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, local sources reported, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. Many sources reported simultaneously about airstrikes in both the towns of al-Bouleil and Toub that day, reporting a total of…

Summary

Published
1 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
10–18
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident