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

21 June 2017

Incident Code

RS2297

Location

داعل, Dael, Daraa, Syria
Two adult males were killed, and as many as 30 civilians were wounded, following air and artillery shelling on Dael, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some blaming Russia, others blaming the regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights pointed to the "Syrian-Russian alliance". Images show wounded civilians being…

Summary

Published
21 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
12–30
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

21 June 2017

Incident Code

RS2298

Location

الشيخ ياسين, Sheikh Yassin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
As many as 10 civilians were killed, and 10 more were wounded, following in alleged Russian airstrikes on Sheikh Yassin. Sources all blamed Russian aircraft for the raids. According to sources, the vicinity was struck shortly before 2.30am, at "break-fast" during Ramadan. A residential neighbourhood was partially destroyed in the attack with RPG shelling, and…

Summary

Published
21 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
5–10
Civilians reported injured
10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 June 2017

Incident Codes

CS1046 RS2293

Location

خشام, Khasham, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to 16 civilians, including several women and children, were killed and dozens more injured in airstrikes on Khasham village in Deir Ezzor governorate. However, it was not clear who was responsible with allegations lodged against the Coalition, the Russian air force and the Syrian government. In total, five sources alleged that the Coalition was…

Summary

Published
20 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
13–16
Civilians reported injured
12–50
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

20 June 2017

Incident Code

RS2294

Location

زملكا, Zamalaka, Damascus, Syria
At least two civilians were wounded following air and artillery strikes on the residential neighbourhood of Zamalaka, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some sources attributing blame to Russia while others blamed the Syrian regime. Douma.Revolution published a video showing a man who was trapped under the rubble…

Summary

Published
20 June 2017
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 June 2017

Incident Code

RS2292

Location

جبل ركبة المرزوق, Rakbat Al Marzouk Mountain, Homs, Syria
The Smart News Agency reported that four civilians were killed - including a woman and a child - and seven others were injured, following an airstrike on Rakbat Al Marzouk Mountain. Smart News reported on this incident twice, and blamed Russia in both instances. It added that the vicinity was under the control of ISIS.…

Summary

Published
20 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
7
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 June 2017

Incident Code

RS2289

Location

Hamadi Omar, Hama, Syria
Two children were killed and three other civilians were wounded - including a woman - following an airstrike on Hamadi Omar, local media reported. Both sources blamed Russian warplanes for the strike. According to both the Smart News Agency and the local source, Adyb.alhwrany, the town was under ISIS control when the strikes took place. …

Summary

Published
18 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident