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

9 July 2017

Incident Code

RS2326

Location

موحسن, Mohsen, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In this single-source event, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that "Russian or regime warplanes" carried out airstrikes in Mohsen on July 9th, killing a woman and wounding "others". Currently, there are no further details available.

Summary

Published
9 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

8 July 2017

Incident Code

RS2325

Location

الشميطية, Al-Shmetiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Alleged Russian-waged airstrikes killed one child and wounded two of his family members in al-Shmetiya village in Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Deir Ezzor 24's correspondent reported that "a child was killed as a result of the night bombardment of the town of al-Shmetiya, west of Deir Ezzor, yesterday evening [July 8th], in addition to…

Summary

Published
8 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

8 July 2017

Incident Codes

CS1173 RS2324

Location

الموحسن, Muhassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One woman possibly died in an airstrike on Mohsen village, according to local media – though it’s currently unclear who was responsible for her death. None of the sources specifically blamed the Coalition, with many referring only to “warplanes” carrying out strikes on the Al-Zaeem roundabout and the perimeter of Al-Wasat School. However, Tt1463000 said…

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 July 2017

Incident Code

RS2321

Location

منزل الواوي في مراط, Wawi house, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One girl was killed and several other civilians were wounded following an alleged Russian airstrike in Wawi house, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. In this incident, the "al-Wawi home" in Al Saba’a district was reportedly hit, causing the death of one named girl and a number of civilians were left wounded. Mrat was reportedly struck…

Summary

Published
5 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 July 2017

Incident Code

RS2322

Location

عقيبرات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria
Alleged Russian airstrikes killed one child and wounded several others as the ISIS-held city of Akeirbat, Hama, was hit from the skies, local media reported. Smart News Agency was the only source reporting about the civilian harm caused by the airstrikes. The media reported; "a child was killed and others were injured in an air strike…

Summary

Published
5 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 July 2017

Incident Code

RS2323

Location

السخنة/ كدير, al-Sokhna/Kadir, Homs, Syria
According to local media, a family of three - a married couple and their child - was killed by Russian or Assad-waged airstrikes in Homs, though the exact location is unclear among the sources. Several sources reported the death of the three civilians, a man, a woman and their child, and many identified them by name.…

Summary

Published
5 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident