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

11 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1569

Location

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Anadan, Aleppo. There are no reports on any injured civilians. All four sources blamed Russian warplanes for the event. However, a single source claimed that the victim was killed on the 9th of November 2016, whereas the others report he was killed on…

Summary

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

Incident Date

11 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1572

Location

كفر داعل, Kafr Dael, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
Between four and ten civilians were killed and up to 30 more were wounded, some critically, in airstrikes targeting Kafr Dael, Aleppo, described as "systematic bombing" by one report. According to sources, two of the victims were from the same family. There is confusion as to who is the blame for the alleged raids, with…

Summary

Published
11 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
4–10
Civilians reported injured
12–30
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1570

Location

افتريس, Iftrees, Damascus, Syria
A child was killed and several other civilians wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Iftrees, sources on the ground reported. According to @Doumarevolutio1, there was an aerial bombardment which consisted of two raids on the town. All sources point to Russian warplanes. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
11 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1563

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria
Between four and nine civilians were killed, including up to four children and two women, and dozens more were injured in alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Douma, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the airstrikes, with some attributing the blame to Russia, others to the Syrian regime,…

Summary

Published
10 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
4–9
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1564

Location

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria
Three civilians - a girl and two women - died and several more were wounded, following an air or artillery strike on Saqba - though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. Syrian Press Center reported that surface rockets were used in the attack, with other sources reporting…

Summary

Published
10 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1565

Location

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria
One civilian was killed in an airstrike on Al Atarib - however sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or Syrian regime warplanes were responsible. Additionally, some sources did not attribute blame at all. One source reported that phosphorous bombs and missiles were used. @HalabNewsN even specified the use of C5 missiles. However, @Thiqanewsagency argued that warplanes…

Summary

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