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

12 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2633

Location

الحجر الاسود, Al-Hajar Al-Aswad, Damascus, Syria
Up to five civilians were killed and as many as 12, including women and children, were wounded, following airstrikes in al-Hajr al-Aswad neighbourhood south of Damascus, local sources reported. While most sources blamed the Assad regime there were also allegations against Russia. Zaman al-Wasl's correspondent said that the airstrikes killed a whole family, in addition…

Summary

Published
13 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–5
Civilians reported injured
2–12
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

12 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2630

Location

شنان, Shanan, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local sources reported the death of two civilians, one child and one adult man, following the bombing of the al-Shanan - al-Tayana crossing in Deir Ezzor, though none of the sources identified the responsible party. This incident is likely to be the same as another reported incident (R2468) where strikes hit the al-Qouriya - al-Tayana…

Summary

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

Incident Date

12 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2631

Location

صبيخان, Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between nine and 16 civilians, possibly including a child and women, were killed and as many as "dozens" more were left wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes striking in Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. @olay6663 reported that the village had been subject to "intensive raids since early morning," and most sources reported that the raids…

Summary

Published
12 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
9–16
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2628

Location

العباس, Al-Abbas, Deir Ezzor, Syria
At least three and as many as 20 civilians were killed and several wounded as Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes struck a water-crossing between-Abbass village and Hajeen city in al Abbas village, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. The highest number of fatalities was reported by Al Qouriya Media Centre, who referred to the incident as a…

Summary

Published
11 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–20
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 October 2017

Incident Code

RS2629

Location

التح, Toh, Idlib, Syria
Airstrikes, allegedly carried out by either the Syrian regime or Russia in Tah village on the southern countryside of Idlib, wounded several civilians, including women, local media reported. Multiple sources reported that the airstrikes, taking place on the night of Wednesday, October 11th, caused significant civilian harm, but didn't result in any fatalities. HalabTodayTV noted…

Summary

Published
11 October 2017
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 October 2017

Incident Codes

CS1619 RS2623

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Thirteen civilians reportedly died, including seven children and five women, following an attack on Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor. Local sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing blame to the US-led Coalition, while others blamed Russia. At present, the culpable party remains unclear. The majority of sources alleged or suspected that…

Summary

Published
11 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
13–14
Civilians reported injured
6
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident