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

13 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1269

Location

البزاعة, Bazaa, Aleppo, Syria
Between one and three civilians including two children died and up to 20 more were wounded in airstrikes on Bazaa village, according to local media. The majority of sources attributed the event to Russia – though there was also one allegation against the Syrian regime. LCCSY, Syrian Network for Human Rights and Syrian Press Center…

Summary

Published
13 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Civilians reported injured
18–20
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1270

Location

Al Sakhina, Homs, Syria
Six civilians including women and children died in an alleged Russia airstrike on a refugee camp in the al Sakhuna area, south of Palymyra, local media reported. According to the Step News Agency, “Russia’s military aircraft committed a new massacre against people in a camp for the displaced from the towns of Palmyra and al…

Summary

Published
13 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

12 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1267

Location

إدلب, Idlib, Idlib, Syria
A mother and her two female children were killed and several more civilians wounded in airstrikes on western neighbourhoods of Idlib city, local media said. All but two sources blamed Russia. Baladi and MapnewsAR reported Regime warplanes were responsible. According to MapnewsAR, as many as ten civilians died in the strikes. According to the Shaam…

Summary

Published
12 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

12 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1268

Location

معرة مصرين, Maarat Misreen, Idlib, Syria
Up to 15 civilians (10 of whom were named) died and as many as 35 more were wounded in airstrikes on Maarat Misreen, local media reported. The majority of sources blamed the Syrian regime for the event – though there were also allegations against Russia. Syria News Desk – who blamed Moscow – provided the…

Summary

Published
12 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
10–15
Civilians reported injured
12–35
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1264

Location

الحامدية, Al Hamdiya, Idlib, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Hamdiya village, sources on the ground reported. According to Shahba, “Many civilians were wounded due to Russian warplanes shelling in Al-Hamediya village in southern Idlib”. Step News added that “Russian planes targeted the edges of al Hamdiya village south of Maarat al…

Summary

Published
11 September 2016
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1265

Location

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
According to Syria News Desk, “seven civilians were killed and dozens wounded in an initial toll following Russian warplane shelling on a vegetable market in al Ferdos neighbourhood in the centre of Aleppo city.” LCCSY also reported that Russia shelled al Ferdos, but made no mention of civilian harm.  

Summary

Published
11 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident