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

26 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1058

Location

Al Sokhna, Aleppo, Syria
A single source, the Shaam News Network, reported that “in the eastern countryside Russian planes launched raids targeting the town of al Sokhna and various positions around it, which led to civilian martyrs and wounded.” There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
26 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1059

Location

Jel al Omar, Homs, Syria
Local media reported that a woman and her two daughters died and the father was badly injured in an airstrike on Jel al Omar. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Arabstoday pointed towards Russia, though the Syrian Press Center didn’t identify the warplane responsible. There are no other details available at this time.

Summary

Published
26 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1060

Location

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria
One civilian died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayan, according to local sources. Alaraby and LCCSY blamed Russia, however, most sources referred only to “warplanes”. Halab Today named one victim, but did not apportion blame. 

Summary

Published
26 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1061

Location

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria
Local media reported that one child was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Adadan, July 26th 2016. Thiqa News Agency released footage showing the use of cluster bombs in the raid. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. According to Anadan Media "Civil defense forces try to rescue the wounded due to Russian…

Summary

Published
26 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1056

Location

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria
Up to five civilians died in Kafr Hamra, local media said. Most sources blamed Russia, however, some others (Sada_Altawhed, Shahed_Alep, Syrian Press Center) reported artillery shelling as well as airstrikes. Additionally, some reports did not identify the warplanes responsible. According to Qasioun, “Russian warplanes carried out more than 20 raids in Kafr Hamra, killing five…

Summary

Published
26 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–5
Civilians reported injured
2–20
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

25 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1052

Location

Arbeen, Aleppo, Syria
Up to five civilians died and as many as 15 were wounded in airstrikes on Arbeen, local sources said – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime carried out the attacks. Alsharq and Qary blamed Russia and put the death toll at four. Alitihad Press and Shahba also attributed the event to Russia,…

Summary

Published
25 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Civilians reported injured
10–15
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident