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

27 May 2017

Incident Code

RS2252

Location

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria
The Smart News Agency reported airstrikes on ‘civilian homes’ in Akeirbat which killed one civilian and wounded three others, including one woman. This was believed to have been part of a larger series of airstrikes on one town and four village under the control of the Islamic State, Smart News said.

Summary

Published
27 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 May 2017

Incident Code

RS2253

Location

عقيربات دكيلةالعلباويجروح, Jarouh, Al-'Albawi and Dikila, Hama, Syria
Between four and five civilians were killed and several others were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes in eastern Hama Governorate, according to sources on the ground. Smart News reported that the warplanesshelled the villages of Jarouh, Al-'Albawi and Dikila, in the area of ​​Aqirbat.’ The strikes also resulted in the burning of…

Summary

Published
27 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27–28 May, 2017

Incident Code

RS2254

Location

القسطل, al Qastal village, Hama, Syria
Three civilians were killed and four others wounded in an aerial ‘bombardment’ of the village of Al Qastal in Hama Governorate on the 27th or 28th of April 201, according to local media The wounded sought treatment at hospitals in Deir Al-Zour. The casualties included women and children, but their identities are unknown. Sources laid…

Summary

Published
27 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
4
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 May 2017

Incident Code

RS2250

Location

العقيربات حمادة عمر, Hamada Omar near Al Akeirbat, Hama, Syria
Three civilian deaths and several injuries were reported as a result of airstrikes on the village of Hama Omar in Hama Governorate on the 26th of May 2017, an area under the control of the Islamic State (Daesh). It is unclear who was to blame for these airstrikes; sources pointed at the Russians and the…

Summary

Published
26 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 May 2017

Incident Code

RS2251

Location

الخضيرة, Al-Khdeira, Hama, Syria
Two civilians were reportedly killed in the village of Al-Khdeira in an ‘aerial bombardment’. It is unclear which belligerent was responsible for the airstrikes; the Syrian Press Monitor blamed the Russians, while the others accused the Syrian regime. The identity of the victims remains unknown.

Summary

Published
26 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

25 May 2017

Incident Code

RS2248

Location

الترن, al Tarn, Raqqa, Syria
At least one civilian was killed and others were wounded in three alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the village of al Tarn near the village of Dibsi Faraj in the western Tabaqa countryside of Raqqa, according to local sources and activists. Conflicting reports were given as to who was responsible for the airstrikes.…

Summary

Published
25 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident