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

25 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1346

Location

Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي الصالحين
Between eight and ten civilians including a child were reported killed in Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes in the Al Salheen neighbourhood of Aleppo. According to Al Jazeera, “ten people died in airstrikes with cluster bombs on the Salheen neighborhood in the city of Aleppo.” Baladi News said that barrel bombs were used which could…

Summary

Published
25 September 2016
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Incident Date

25 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1347

Location

Douma, Damascus, Syria
دوما
Various sources reported that an unspecified number of civilians were wounded in air or artillery strikes on Douma in Eastern Ghouta – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. According to LCCSY, Russia conducted five strikes. The source said there had been casualties but didn’t…

Summary

Published
25 September 2016
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Incident Date

25 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1352

Location

al Zabadia, Aleppo, Syria
الزبدية
Between two and five civilians died in the Al Zabadia neighbourhood of Aleppo. While most sources blamed Russia, there was also an allegation against the Syrian regime. LCCSY reported: “Two martyrs and ten wounded were reported as Russian warplanes carried out cluster bomb attacks on the Zabadia neighborhood.” Syrian Press Center reported a higher death…

Summary

Published
25 September 2016
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Incident Date

25 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1353

Location

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria
Between three and seven civilians were reportedly killed in Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Maysar neighbourhood of Aleppo. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the strikes were conducted by the Syrian regime: “At least four victims died in government helicopters dropping barrel bombs on Al Maysar neighbourhood in Aleppo city.”…

Summary

Published
25 September 2016
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Incident Date

25 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1354

Location

Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي المشهد
Three civilians were killed in the Al Mashhad neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local media. Reporting was conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian Regime was responsible. LCCSY reported: “Aleppo: Three martyrs and some wounded as Russian warplanes bombarded Mashhad neighborhood.” Thiqanewsagency reported that a bus was hit with cluster bombs in the strikes.…

Summary

Published
25 September 2016
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Incident Date

25 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1355

Location

Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي طريق الباب
Between ten and 18 civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Tareeq al Bab neighbourhood of Aleppo. IranArabSpring also reported the death of one man as a result of cluster bombs and posted a picture of him. LCCSY reported ten civilians dead and others wounded. Syrian Press Center added that…

Summary

Published
25 September 2016
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