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

13 July 2017

Incident Code

RS2330

Location

المكيمين, Al-Mkimin, Hama, Syria
Two children were killed in an alleged Russian bombardment on the village of Al-Mkimin, local media reported. Hisham Sarhan Hisham Al Zubin was also reported dead by his cousin. Four others were wounded. Syria Newsdesk said the the bombing came after the regime forces failed to win back villages under the control of Daesh, “despite…

Summary

Published
13 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 July 2017

Incident Code

RS2332

Location

مراط,, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Al Hassaka Rasd reported: "The Russian air force targets with several air raids the vicinity of Deir Ezzor military airport, brigade 137, the cemetery area and the town of Mrat Foukani". Other sources mentioned an unspecified number of wounded civilians but didn't identify who carried out the strikes.

Summary

Published
13 July 2017
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 July 2017

Incident Code

RS2331

Location

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria
Five civilians, including women and children, were wounded in alleged Russian attacks on the town of Akeirbat, east of Hama, Smart News Agency said. More than 50 air raids hit the town and the surrounding area according to local sources.

Summary

Published
13 July 2017
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 July 2017

Incident Code

RS2333

Location

الغوطة الشرقية, Easter Ghouta, Damascus, Syria
Local media reported that areas in Eastern Ghouta, specifically Hazza and Ein Tarma, were subject to heavy aerial shelling, killing up to four civilians and wounding "dozens", though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. @AJA_Syria cited al-Jazeera correspondent who reported "dozens of civilians, including women and children, were wounded…

Summary

Published
13 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–4
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 July 2017

Incident Code

RS2327

Location

الجابرية, Jabriya, Hama, Syria
Two sources reported that nine civilians were killed and another six were wounded as a bakery in Jabriya village, Hama, was hit by airstrikes. Smart News Agency identified Russia as the likely culprit while al-Araby did not appoint blame, merely referring to "a military aircraft". Both sources said that five of the victims were working in…

Summary

Published
11 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
9
Civilians reported injured
6
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 July 2017

Incident Code

RS2328

Location

الحميدية, Hamediya, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to five civilians, hereof at least one girl and her father, were killed, and up to 24 were wounded following Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes in residential areas in Hamidiya neighbourhood, near Deir Ezzor, local media reported. It was, however, unclear whether the strike took place July 11th or 12th. The incident was first reported…

Summary

Published
11 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–5
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident