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

2 August 2017

Incident Codes

CS1322 RS2385

Location

قرية التبني, Al Tabani, Shihah junction and other locations, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to 20 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on the village of Al Tabani, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Coalition were to blame. Rami asssaf, @Ahmad_Zahlan and @HAMZH7711 blamed the Coalition, with @Ahmad_Zahlan reporting that white phosphorus had been used. However, the majority…

Summary

Published
2 August 2017
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
12–20
Civilians reported injured
12–36
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 August 2017

Incident Codes

CS1322a RS2386

Location

زور شمر, Zor Shamer, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian was killed in an airstrike in Zor Shamer, Raqqa, according to local media sources - though it was not clear who was responsible. Most sources attributed responsibility to Russian forces, though one reported that Coalition aircraft conducted the strike. DeirEzzor24, reported that "Coalition aircraft targeted the area south of Hsaywa, Zor Shamer". Syrian…

Summary

Published
2 August 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

1 August 2017

Incident Codes

CS1313 RS2383

Location

مقلة, Muqla, banks of Euphrates, Raqqa, Syria
Several civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on boats on the Euphrates river near the village of Makla, according to local media – though it was unclear whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame for the casualties. According to Sound and Picture, “Coalition aircraft targeted civilian boats along the banks of the…

Summary

Published
1 August 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 August 2017

Incident Codes

CS1316a RS2384

Location

الخميسية, Al-Khamesiya, Raqqa, Syria
A "number" of civilians were killed and wounded in an airstrike in al Khamissiya, east of Raqqa City - though it was not clear who was responsible. Some sources attributed responsibility to the Coalition, some to Russia and some to Assad's regime. Raqqa24 reported that there was "mass destruction" in al Khamissiya from Coalition aircraft…

Summary

Published
1 August 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

31 July 2017

Incident Code

RS2381

Location

رسم العوايد, Rasim Awaed, Hama, Syria
On July 31, 2017, three civilians were reportedly killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian and or Syrian regime raids in Rasim Awaed, near Akirbat town in Hama, according to local media.  Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Baladi News blamed the Syrian regime, while all others attributed blame to Russia.…

Summary

Published
31 July 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

31 July 2017

Incident Code

RS2382

Location

دبلان, Dablan, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One woman was killed from injuries sustained in the morning of July 31st, following an airstrike on Dablan. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. None explicitly blamed Russian warplanes, however there was Russian bombing in and around the vicinity at the time of the strike. Other sources blamed "military aircraft" or "unknown"…

Summary

Published
31 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident