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

10 April 2017

Incident Code

RS2097

Location

دارة عزة, Dira’t Izza, Aleppo, Syria
An alleged airstrike hit the village of Dira’t Izza causing severe destruction. Some sources attributed the strike to Russian warplanes, whereas others alleged they were conducted by the Syrian regime. One civilian was reportedly killed. A total of 15 other civilians were reportedly injured. According to the Syrian Civil Defence team, they managed to pull…

Summary

Published
10 April 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–15
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 April 2017

Incident Code

RS2106

Location

كفرناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria
Multiple airstrikes struck the towns of Ouweijal and Kafr Naha in western Aleppo, causing an unspecified number of wounded civilians. All sources attributed the strike to Russian warplanes. Some sources alleged that phosphorus and cluster munitions were used. Multiple civilians were reported wounded and fires were caused.  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
10 April 2017
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 April 2017

Incident Code

RS2098

Location

السخنة, Al-Sukhna, Homs, Syria
Smart News reported that an airstrike struck the village of Al-Sukhna, causing the deaths of three people and wounding others. The strikes were thought to be conducted by Russian warplanes.  One of those killed was a woman and another was reportedly a member of ISIS, although it is not clear whether or not this person…

Summary

Published
10 April 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 April 2017

Incident Code

RS2099

Location

قسطون, Qastoun village, Hama, Syria
One civilian was reported injured in airstrikes, thought to be Russian, on Qastoun village in Hama. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
10 April 2017
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 April 2017

Incident Code

RS2100

Location

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria
Local sources reported that heavy shelling on Akeirbat in Hama killed as many as 34 civilians. One source attributed the airstrikes to Russian warplanes, while the other blamed the Syrian regime.  The reports varied significantly, as one source reported 34 civilians were killed, including 11 children, while another source only reported that multiple civilians were…

Summary

Published
10 April 2017
Civilians reported killed
34
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 April 2017

Incident Code

RS2101

Location

جسر الشغور, Jisr Al-Shoughour, Idlib, Syria
Sources reported the Syrian Civil Defence were struck in a suspected Russian airstrike during raids on the outskirts of Jisr Al-Shoughour in western Idlib. Three civilians were reportedly injured, including a Syrian Civil Defence volunteer. One source alleged the use of phosphorus bombs. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
10 April 2017
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident