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

17 October 2017

Incident Codes

CS1645 RS2642

Location

Abu Kamal, Al Masriya roundabout, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between eight and nine civilians died in an airstrike on the al Masriya roundabout in Abu Kamal, according to local media – though sources at the time were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia was responsible. In September 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted:…

Summary

Published
17 October 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
8–9
Civilians reported injured
12–36
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2643

Location

البوليل, Al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A man was killed in an air and artillery strike on Al-Bouleil, according to local media. Sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, or did not attribute blame to any belligerent. According to local media, the bombardments were heavy and occurred during the night. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2644

Location

الرويضة, Al-ruweida, Idlib, Syria
According to local media "A number of civilians were injured as a result of the targeting of a number of air raids by the Russian airliner on the village of Ruwaydeh in the south-eastern Idlib countryside." Footage published by the White Helmets shows wounded civilians being treated in the aftermath of what they described was…

Summary

Published
18 October 2017
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2640

Location

السعلو, Sa'lo, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In a missile strike which allegedly hit a school in Sa'lo, between five and 11 civilians were killed, and ten civilians were injured, local media reported. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the alleged strikes, with only one source, The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), blaming unspecified airstrikes.  Despite sources…

Summary

Published
15 October 2017
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
5–11
Civilians reported injured
10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2638

Location

الطيبة, Al-Taybah, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Two sources reported that death of a man and his wife as a result of Russian airstrike. Both sources published exactly the same post: "The death of Khalifa Ali al-Azzawi / Abu Kawan and his wife as a result of the bombing of Russian airliners to their home and [they are] still under the rubble."…

Summary

Published
15 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2641

Location

الحسينية, Al-Husayniya, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Four civilians were killed, and others were wounded in air and artillery strikes in Al-Husayniya. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the strikes. 7al News, who blamed the Syrian regime, reported on material damage in the aftermath due to civilian houses being struck.  According to Smart News Agency, "warplanes likely to be…

Summary

Published
15 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident