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 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1592

Location

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria
According to multiple local sources Russia carried out airstrikes on Anadan, northern Aleppo. The remaining sources did not identify a culprit and mentioned only "warplanes". Almaghrib Today said "there were no reports of civilian casualties", moreover all other sources but one did not report civilian deaths. LCCSY said five died and "a hospital was put…

Summary

Published
15 November 2016
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
0–5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1593

Location

كفرناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
Two civilians, a husband and wife, died in suspected Russian airstrikes on a hospital in Kafra Hamra, according to local media. Alarabiye reported that medical staff and patients were wounded in addition to the "killing of at least one civilian". A later report alleged two civilians were killed. A member of The White Helmets said…

Summary

Published
15 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1586

Location

مخبز شمسين, Shamseen Bread Factory, Aleppo, Syria
One civilian was killed and ten more injured when a Russian strike allegedly hit Shamseen bread factory in western Aleppo. @SCDaleppo said both of the kilns used for bread making were destroyed in the attack. In addition to the destruction of the bakery, sources alleged parts of the "Damascus highway" where the bakery was situated…

Summary

Published
15 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1594

Location

قرية المكرمية, Al Makramia , Homs, Syria
Multiple sources reported warplanes struck in the villages of Mukramiya and Talbisa in northern Homs, resulting in the death of two children. All sources attributed the attack to Russia or "warplanes". Alaraby blamed Russia for the attack and put the death toll at two - both children. The source also alleged a number of wounded. Syria…

Summary

Published
15 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1587

Location

كفر جالس, Kafr Jalis, Idlib, Syria
Up to six civilians died in a suspected Russian attack on Kafr Jalis village, north west of Idlib city. The majority of sources alleged Russia was the culprit - most of those that did not listed "warplanes" as responsible. One report by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the "warplanes" belonged to "the Syrian regime"…

Summary

Published
15 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–6
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1588

Location

حي الصالحين, Salheen, Aleppo, Syria
Five civilians died, including children, and up to fifteen civilians were wounded in suspected Russian attacks on Al Salheen neighbourhood of Aleppo. Most sources blamed Russia however one suspected the Syrian regime responsible. Missiles and artillery bombardment were reported by sources who did not name a culrpit. HNN reported 9 - 12 "unidentified" victims following…

Summary

Published
15 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Civilians reported injured
8–15
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident