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

24 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2655

Location

تل الرمان, Tal Al-Rumman, Hama, Syria
A child was killed and two women were wounded by airstrikes on Tal Al-Rumman on October 24, 2017, local media reported. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. One source reported there were a number of injured civilians, but did not specify a number, however Smart News alleged two women were wounded in the…

Summary

Published
24 October 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

24 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2656

Location

بياعية الدناش, Baya'eyat Al-Danash, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
One child was killed, and between one and five other civilians were injured, following airstrikes on Baya'eyat Al-Danash, Aleppo, local media reported. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes, however one local source did not attribute blame to any belligerent. Initial reporting suggested that two women were injured and a child was killed. But…

Summary

Published
24 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

22 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2654

Location

العرضي, Al-Aradi, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Four children from one family were killed in an air and/or artillery strike on the residential neighbourhood of Al-Aradi in Deir Ezzor city, according to local media. Sources mostly all reported that Russia was to blame, however Sharqiya voice blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia. As many as 12 to 24 civilians were allegedly…

Summary

Published
22 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
4–8
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

22 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2653

Location

السميرية, Al-Sumairiya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
One civilian was wounded in air and artillery strikes on Al-Sumairiya, in the countryside of Aleppo, local media reported. Sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, or did not attribute any blame. There were no reported civilian deaths. According to sources and images published, a popular market was struck. Shops were destroyed and there…

Summary

Published
22 October 2017
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

21 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2650

Location

الغبرة, Al-Ghabra, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A family of three was killed - including a father, mother and daughter - and one other civilian was injured, following an airstrike on Al-Ghabra, local media reported. Sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, or did not attribute any blame. Deirezzor24 reported that there was extensive damage to property in the aftermath of…

Summary

Published
21 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

21 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2651

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A male child was killed, and his brother was injured, when alleged Russian or regime warplanes "targeted" and struck their home in Abu Kamal. According to local media, the civilian housing was targeted and the roof of their home fell in, killing one child and wounding another - his brother. Marsad Al Hasaka reported that…

Summary

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