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
Order results by:
Incident Date Publication Date

Incident Date

25 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1351

Location

Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
القاطرجي
Between one and nine civilians were reportedly killed in Russian or Syrian regime air raids on the Al Qaterji neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Halab News and Alwatan reported one unidentified person dead. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that two people as a result of “government helicopters dropping barrel…

Summary

Published
25 September 2016
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Incident Date

25 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1350

Location

Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
الصاخور
Between one and 15 civilians were killed in either Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Sakhour neighbourhood of Aleppo, local media reported. Microsyria reported 15 civilians were killed in the raids. According to Almesryoon, civilian infrastructure was struck by Russian jet, including “popular markets and bakeries”. Hassannkanjo wrote on Twitter: “Russian aviation targets…

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

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

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

24 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1344

Location

Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
الفردوس
According to local reports between three and 19 people including two children and one woman were killed in airstrikes on the Al Ferdos neighbourhood of Aleppo. Up to dozens more were reported wounded. While most sources blamed Russia, the involvement of the Syrian regime can’t be ruled out, as according to the Shaam News Network,…

Summary

Published
24 September 2016
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