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

4,338 – 6,384

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 4,843 separate alleged incidents.

1,145 – 1,394
children likely killed
632 – 766
women likely killed
6,544
likely injured
3,435
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
15,282 – 24,392
Locally reported civilian deaths from Russian Military actions in Syria.
4,843 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
4,338 – 6,384
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by Russian Military
1,344 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
727 – 848
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
457 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
10,113 – 17,043
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
3,027 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
104 – 117
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
15 seperate alleged incidents
4809 incidents
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Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

28 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1367

Location

Al Balat, Aleppo, Syria
بلاط
Two civilians, possibly a woman and her child, were reported killed in an airstrike on the Al Balat neighbourhood in Aleppo. Most sources said that two people were killed. According to so_ria98, these were a mother and her child. Step News Agency reported: “The city of Aleppo today [Sept 29th] witnessed heavy shelling by Russian…

Summary

Published
28 September 2016
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Incident Date

28 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1368

Location

Al Bohij, Aleppo, Syria
البويهج
Two or three members of the White Helmets were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Bohij near Manbij, Aleppo. According to LCCSY, two civilians died in the attack.Qasioun, the Shaam News Network and Halab News said that three members of the Civil Defense were killed. Halab News identified the names of  all…

Summary

Published
28 September 2016
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Incident Date

27 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1364

Location

Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي المشهد
Between four and eight civilians died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. LCCSY reported that the neighbourhood was struck with phosphorus bombs, resulting in the death of "four or more people". Annahar gave the highest death toll of six civilians. Most…

Summary

Published
27 September 2016
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Incident Date

27 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1362

Location

Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria
كفر حمرة
Between one and two civilians were reportedly killed and six more wounded in Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Kafr Hamra north of Aleppo. Step News Agency reported: “Two people were killed and six injured following Russian raids on Kafr Hamra in the northern Aleppo countryside.” LCCSY reported that only one civilian was killed. Ghada12180130…

Summary

Published
27 September 2016
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Incident Date

27 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1363

Location

Al Shia Ar, Aleppo, Syria
الشعار
Between nine and 27 civilians including six children were reportedly killed and dozens more wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Shia’ar neighbourhood of Aleppo. LCCSF reported the lowest number: “Five martyrs and more than 15 wounded were reported among civilians due to Russian airstrikes targeting Al Shia’ar neighbourhood in the…

Summary

Published
27 September 2016
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Incident Date

26 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1358

Location

Khan Al Assal (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي خان العسل
Between one and three civilians were reported killed as a result of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes in Khan Al Assal, a village west of Aleppo. LCCSY reported: “One dead and a number of wounded civilians due to Russian aircraft targeting Khan Al Assal in the western countryside with cluster bombs.” Later, it also…

Summary

Published
26 September 2016
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