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

RS1356

Location

Salahuddin, Aleppo, Syria
صلاح الدين
Between three and six civilians were reported killed and 20 more injured in alleged Russian airstrikes in Salahudin in Aleppo. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported "four civilians (three children and their mother) died when alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on Salahudin neighborhood in Aleppo city.” Thiqanewsagency and Almawi, among others, reported a lower…

Summary

Published
25 September 2016
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Incident Date

25 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1348

Location

al Halak, Aleppo, Syria
الهلّك
Between four and five civilians from the same family were reportedly killed in either Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Halak neighbourhood of Aleppo. Sources like LCCSY, HNN and Islammemo reported that the strikes were conducted by Russian warplanes. Syrian Press Center added that cluster bombs and phosphorus were used. However, the Syrian…

Summary

Published
25 September 2016
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Incident Date

25 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1345

Location

Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
الأنصاري
Between one and 17 civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al Ansari neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Most sources said around 17 people were killed, while Araby reported that only one civilian died. Several sources, such as Step News and Smart News, claimed cluster bombs were used in two…

Summary

Published
25 September 2016
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Incident Date

25 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1349

Location

Al Arad al Hamra, Aleppo, Syria
ارض الحمرا
Between one and nine civilians were reportedly killed in Russian airstrikes on the Al Arad, Al Hamra neighbourhood in Aleppo. According to Al Jazeera and many other reports, the strike was on a vegetable market. Most sources including Halab News and Alwatan reported that one woman died from injuries sustained in the strikes. Alaraby reported…

Summary

Published
25 September 2016
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Incident Date

24 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1334

Location

Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي بستان القصر
Between seven and 25 civilians were reportedly killed and up to 75 more injured in airstrikes on the Bustan Al Qasr neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The majority of sources attributed the event to Russia. The Syrian Network for Human…

Summary

Published
24 September 2016
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Incident Date

24 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1335

Location

Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي المشهد
Between six and eight civilians including five children and one woman were reportedly killed in an airstrike in the Al Mashhad neighbourhood in Aleppo. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. Most sources seven civilians died in the attack. The Syrian Network for Human Rights elaborated on the location…

Summary

Published
24 September 2016
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