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

11 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2723

Location

المراشدة, al Mrashda, Deir Ezzor, Syria
As many as 13 civilians were killed, including one young man, and dozens more civilians were injured, in airstrikes on al Mrashda, according to local media. Sources either attributed the blame to Russia, or unknown warplanes. The raids which were "believed to be Russian", allegedly hit a water crossing. There were reportedly dozens or strikes,…

Summary

Published
11 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–13
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2718

Location

الشيخ بركة, Sheikh Baraka, Idlib, Syria
An unspecified number of civilian were injured in airstrikes which struck the village of Sheikh Baraka. Sources all blamed Russia for the strikes. "Um Muwaylat refugee camp, the villages of Sara’a, Sheikh Baraka and Ramleh" were all "targeted" in the raids. EdlibEMC1 described the raids as "heavy", however there were no reports of civilian deaths.

Summary

Published
11 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2719

Location

رملة, Ramla, Idlib, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were injured in a continuation of blanket airstrikes Idlib, which struck Ramla. Sources blamed either Russia or the Syrian regime for the raids. "Um Muwaylat refugee camp, the villages of Sara’a, Sheikh Baraka and Ramleh in the eastern countryside" were all targeted in the raid. There are no details of…

Summary

Published
11 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11–12 November, 2017

Incident Code

RS2720

Location

al Ramadi, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between two and seven civilians were killed in al Ramadi river crossing, by alleged Russian warplanes. Most of the sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. However, it is understood that Khafafeesh al Zalam is an ISIS run Twitter feed. There are some details of a number of wounded civilians. There are no other details…

Summary

Published
11 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–7
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2721

Location

ابو حمام, Abo Hamam, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to sources, "at least 3 civilians, including a woman, killed as suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on Abo Hamam city in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern suburbs, on November 11". Smart reported on the "killing one man and injuring others, in addition to a large destruction of private property ." The alleged Russian missile struck…

Summary

Published
11 November 2017
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 November 2017

Incident Code

RS2727

Location

سنجار, Sanjar, Idlib, Syria
As many as 12 civilians were wounded, one one woman was killed, in Russian phosphorous strikes on Sanjar, according to local media. Some sources reported on material damage only, with no casualties. Smart however reported that "12 civilians were wounded Saturday in an air strike on the village of Sara in Sinjar district (50 km…

Summary

Published
11 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
12
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident