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

5 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1538

Location

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria
Nine civilians were killed, including one woman with artillery and airstrikes which struck the town of Dara Izza. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights,  Abu Bakr Al Sedeeq Mosque was the main target. The airstrikes ultimately rendered the mosque inoperable due to serous damage to both the exterior and interior. Some sources only…

Summary

Published
5 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
9
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1534

Location

الميدعاني, Al Midani , Damascus, Syria
One civilian was killed and others were injured in airstrikes that struck Al Midiani town in Eastern Ghouta, Damascus. According to multiple sources, a series of three air raids were launched by warplanes - with LCCSY specifying the use of thermobaric missiles. An image posted by @SCDrifdimashq shows a victim of the airstrikes being carried…

Summary

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

Incident Date

4 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1531

Location

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria
Between two and five civilians were killed, including two to three children, and others were wounded, including one child, from airstrikes against the city of Al Atarib. Included in the wounded was a child that had to have their leg amputated from the explosion. Once source reported that as many as five children were killed…

Summary

Published
4 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–5
Civilians reported injured
1–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

4 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1532

Location

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria
Between eight and 15 civilians, including women and children, were killed and between 20 and 25 civilians were wounded in airstrikes launched against the town of Kafr Naha in western Aleppo. Local sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the airstrikes. According to Mohammed Haj Hussein, a local media and civil defence correspondent, airstrikes…

Summary

Published
4 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
8–15
Civilians reported injured
20–25
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

3 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1528

Location

ميزناز, Miznaz, Aleppo, Syria
Between eight and 10 civilians, including seven children and one woman, were killed and at least 12 were wounded from thermobaric missile airstrikes targeting the village of Minaz. However, local sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the airstrikes. Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed Syrian regime planes to blame, while most other…

Summary

Published
3 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
8–10
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

3 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1529

Location

قرية الموزرة, Al Mozra, Idlib, Syria
At least two civilians were killed and several more were wounded from airstrikes launched against the village of Al Mozra - however local sources are conflicted as to who was responsible for the raids. The Local Coordination Committee Syria and @ShahbaPress identifying Russian planes as conducting airstrikes while Syrian Network for Human Rights and @abokantar…

Summary

Published
3 November 2016
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident