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

6 December 2016

Incident Code

RS1764

Location

زردنا, Zardana, Idlib, Syria
Between one and three civilians were killed during an airstrike on Zardana, Idlib, according to local media reports - though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Idlib Media Centre, who stated that one woman died in the attack, reported that it was because of a "missile launched by Russian occupation…

Summary

Published
6 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

6 December 2016

Incident Code

RS1758

Location

حي قاضي عسكر, Qadi A’skar neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
Between two and eight civilians were killed in an airstrike on Qadi Askar, according to local media - though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible for the event. Halab Today reported that "the regime forces and sectarian militias supporting it" engaged in "intensive aerial bomardment and clashes in the neighbourhood…

Summary

Published
6 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–8
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 December 2016

Incident Code

RS1746

Location

Idlib city, Idlib, Syria
On December 5, 2016, at least 16 civilians were killed and between 15 and 24 were wounded in an aerial bombardment which struck Idlib city. It is unclear who was to blame, with most sources attributing blame to Russia, and some sources blaming the Syrian regime. Smart News reported that according to two activists, the…

Summary

Published
5 December 2016
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
16
Civilians reported injured
15–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 December 2016

Incident Code

RS1740

Location

Marjah, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
As many as nine civilians from the same family were killed, and some were wounded, in an alleged Russian raid on Marjah, Aleppo. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the attack. Although one source reported that four were killed, most others suggested it was a family of nine who were killed. According to the Syrian Network…

Summary

Published
5 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
4–9
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 December 2016

Incident Code

RS1741

Location

الانصاري, Al Ansari, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
A single source reported that five unidentified civilians were killed "following Russian enemy raids on Al Ansari neighbourhood".  There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
5 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 December 2016

Incident Code

RS1742

Location

جسر الحج, Jisr al Haji area, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
Three civilians were killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Jisr al Haji area, Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Halab News Network first tweeted that the Syrian regime were to blame for using both artillery shells and rocket launchers on the vicinity. It later posted on their Facebook page that three civilians…

Summary

Published
5 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident