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

14 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1583

Location

قرية مشمشان, Mishmshan village, Jisr al Shoughour countryside, Idlib, Syria
An 80-year-old woman died and two or three other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Mishmshan village. Halab Today TV reported: "A Russian raid using cluster bombs and rockets struck the village of Mishmishan in the countryside of Jisr al Shoughour which led to the death of a woman and…

Summary

Published
14 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1576

Location

دوما, Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria
One named civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Douma, according to sources on the ground. @mahe35 and LCCSY reported that one civilian was killed in a Russian strike. One victim was named by @yasserdouma. It should be noted that while two sources attributed the civilian harm to Russia, the remainder didn't identify the…

Summary

Published
13 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1579

Location

عفرين, Afrin, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
Between five and 12 civilians were killed, and up to 50 more were wounded in an airstrike which struck a food convoy in Afrin, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the raids. Some held Russia accountable, others reported the warplane was unidentifiable, and one source blamed Turkey. Images…

Summary

Published
13 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
5–12
Civilians reported injured
24–50
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1580

Location

كفرناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
A father, son and the sister of the father were killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Kafr Naha, Aleppo - although sources were conflicted as to who was responsible - with some sources not even identifying the aircraft. According to reports, residential buildings were stuck and many of them were badly damaged…

Summary

Published
13 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1575

Location

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
Between one and two civilians were killed in al alleged Russian airstrike on Darat Izza. All sources blame Russian warplanes for the strikes. According to sources, cluster bombs, parachute missiles and rockets were launched on the town. Additionally, reports suggest there was much material damage. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
13 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1581

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria
Five civilians - a woman and her four children - died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun. Most sources blamed the Assad regime, though there were also allegations against Russia. According to SMO, "Russian occupation aircraft on Sunday carried out a horrific massacre in the town of Khan Sheikhan in the village…

Summary

Published
13 November 2016
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
10–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident