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 Date Publication Date

Incident Date

28 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1366

Location

Al Mansoura, Aleppo, Syria
المنصورة
According to local sources, two civilians, most likely children, were killed and up to another eight people injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Mansoura outside Aleppo. The vast majority of sources attributed the strike to Russia, though AleppoAMC and Syrianpc just mention “the air force”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
28 September 2016
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Incident Date

28 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1365

Location

Qadi Askar, Aleppo, Syria
Between two and four people were killed in airstrikes on Qadi Askar in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. AMC reported that two children were killed, while The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said "at least one child" had died, while AleppoAMC put the number at four. Most sources didn’t name the belligerent, though…

Summary

Published
28 September 2016
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Incident Date

28 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1369

Location

Al Ma'adi, Aleppo, Syria
المعادي
Between four and 17 civilians were reportedly killed in the Al Ma’adi neighbourhood in Aleppo - though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the result of Russian airstrikes or shelling by the Syrian regime. Syriansnews reported the attack as a joint action: “Seventeen civilians were killed on Wednesday [Sept 28th] and dozens were…

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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