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

29 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2570

Location

كفرجالس, Kafr Jalis, Idlib, Syria
A five-month-pregnant woman and her unborn child were killed in airstrikes, likely by Russian warplanes, on Kafr Jaless on the morning of September 29th, a local source, the Smart News Agency, reported. Smart also reported the wounding of other civilians as a result of the airstrike. According to one of the villagers, the targeted house…

Summary

Published
29 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

29 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2568

Location

البوليل, Al-Boleil, Deir Ezzor, Syria
As a result of multiple air raids over the town of al-Boulil on September 29th, 20 civilians were killed and dozens were wounded, according to local sources. The raids were reportedly carried out by the Russian military. Most of the deceased were seated in a bus when a rocket exploded close to it, wrecking the…

Summary

Published
29 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Residential, Vehicle (Bus)
Civilians reported killed
19–20
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

29 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2560

Location

الهبيط, Al-Habit, Idlib, Syria
Three airstrikes using cluster bombs, likely by Russian warplanes, were the cause of three civilian deaths (of whom two were women) and the wounding of ten others, according to Smart News Agency. The cluster bombs were allegedly dropped on the town of Al Habeet, 35 km south of Idlib. However Alghadalsory reported that the warplane…

Summary

Published
29 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

29 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2571

Location

اورم الكبرى, Orme Al Kubra, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
Two consecutive air raids using cluster munition and thermobaric rockets struck the town of Orme Al Kubra near Aleppo, resulting in the deaths of between three to five persons and the injuring many others, according to local media. Russian or regime warplanes were reported to have been to blame. The Syrian Network for Human Rights…

Summary

Published
29 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3–5
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

29 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2569

Location

Al Atarib, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
A child was killed in an airstrike, likely to be Russian, on the city of Al Atareb, according to multiple local sources. While the vast majority of sources blamed Russia, there were also several reports that the regime were also active over the area.

Summary

Published
29 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

29 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2561

Location

خان العسل, Khan Al-Assal, Aleppo , Aleppo, Syria
Local reported that an air raid struck the village of Khan Al Asal, resulting in injuries of a woman and a child. Smart News attributed the airstrike to Russian warplanes. However other sources said that the regime was also active in the area.

Summary

Published
29 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident