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

15 May 2017

Incident Code

RS2229

Location

رسم الطويل, Rasim Al-taweel, Homs, Syria
An unspecific number of civilians were killed and wounded in an aerial bombardment on Rasim Al-taweel, according to local sources. All sourced either blamed Russia for the strikes, or did not attribute blame. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 May 2017

Incident Code

RS2231

Location

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria
An entire family of displaced peoples from Palmyra were killed - and an unspecific number of civilians were wounded - following an airstrike on Akeirbat, local media reported. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids.  Initially reporting suggested than an unspecific amount of civilians had been killed, however, on May 22nd three sources put…

Summary

Published
15 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
8
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

14 May 2017

Incident Code

RS2228

Location

Soha, al Silmiya district, Hama, Syria
A man and his three year old child were killed and others were wounded  following an airstrike on Soha. Both sources blamed Russia for the airstrike. According to the Smart News Agency, the vicinity was under the control of ISIS. Additionally, those injured were in a serious condition and were transferred to hospitals. There are…

Summary

Published
14 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 May 2017

Incident Code

RS2227

Location

الحويقة, Haweiqa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between two and three civilians were killed and seven others were wounded in an airstrike on Haweiqa. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with allegations against both the Syrian regime and Russia. RFS Media Office reported that "two children were killed and two others were wounded when Russian warplanes targeted Al Hawaiqa…

Summary

Published
13 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
2–7
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 May 2017

Incident Code

RS2226

Location

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in up to six alleged Russian airstrikes on Hatla, according to sources on the grounds. Sources mostly all blamed Russia, except a handful who didn't identify the culprit. Women and children were reportedly killed and wounded in the raids. However, according to the Smart News Agency,…

Summary

Published
13 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
0–2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 May 2017

Incident Codes

CS802 RS2224

Location

مزرعة القادسية, Al Qadissiya, Raqqa, Syria
As many as three civilians died in an airstrike on Al Qadissiya village - including one adult male - according to local sources. There were reports of multiple strikes on the village. The allegations were against both the Coalition and Russian warplanes. A number of other sources didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. Only one source…

Summary

Published
11 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident