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

4,431 – 6,522

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 4,977 separate alleged incidents.

1,174 – 1,440
children likely killed
647 – 782
women likely killed
6,672
likely injured
3,500
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
15,841 – 25,260
Locally reported civilian deaths from Russian Military actions in Syria.
4,977 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
4,431 – 6,522
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by Russian Military
1,380 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
739 – 861
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
466 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
10,557 – 17,748
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
3,115 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
114 – 129
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
16 seperate alleged incidents
4942 incidents
Order results by:
Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

28 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1367

Location

بلاط, Al Balat, Aleppo, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1368

Location

البويهج, Al Bohij, Aleppo, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1362

Location

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
6
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1363

Location

الشعار, Al Shia Ar, Aleppo, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
9–27
Civilians reported injured
15–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1364

Location

حي المشهد, Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
4–8
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1357

Location

حي المشهد, Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
LCCSY reported four dead civilians as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo. It added that “some people were wounded.” Currently there is no more information available.

Summary

Published
26 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident