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

16 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2467

Location

الأزغير, Al'azghir, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between seven and nine civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Al'azghir, according to local media. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
16 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
7–9
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 September 2017

Incident Codes

CS1499 RS2464

Location

Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to five civilians, including two women and two children, died following airstrikes on residential areas of Al Kornish, Al Mayadin, according to multiple local sources. At present it is unclear who was responsible as the majority of sources did not identify the aircraft. Russia was blamed by four reports, the US-led Coalition was accused…

Summary

Published
16 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

16 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2468

Location

اللطامنة, Al Latamina, Hama, Syria
Two civilians were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Al Latamina, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russian warplanes and the Syrian regime for the raids. Some sources reported that there were no casualties. There were several strikes with shells, artillery and RPG's. One source reported that there was some material damage.

Summary

Published
16 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2461

Location

الصعوة, Al Sa'wa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three civilians were killed and several others were wounded when warplanes bombed a camp for displaced persons near the village of al-Sawa in Deir Ezzor Governorate on September 15th 2017. All three victims were identified by the Syrian Press Center and Marsad al Hasaka. It is not known which belligerent was behind this airstrike.  

Summary

Published
15 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 September 2017

Incident Codes

CS1495 RS2460

Location

السوا, Al Sa'awa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three to six civilians died and several others were wounded in alleged Russian or US-led Coalition airstrikes on an IDP camp in the village of Al Sa’wa in the western suburb of Deir Al Ghazur, according to local sources. The location is disputed, as Sharqiya24 and Deirezzor24 cited “the water crossing” as the location and…

Summary

Published
15 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
IDP or Refugee Camp, Transportation (Bridge)
Civilians reported killed
3–6
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

15 September 2017

Incident Codes

CS1496 RS2459

Location

شميطية, Shumaytiyah, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One woman, died after unidentified warplanes conducted a raid on the town of Shumaytiyah (شمیطیة) in rural west Deir Ezzor, local sources said. There is limited information on the incident, Airwars will update the entry when new information arises. Additionally, Deir Ezzor 24 and Asharq Asouri named two adult males as killed at a refugee camp…

Summary

Published
15 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident