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

11 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1266

Location

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Up to eight civilians including three children died and as many as dozens more were wounded in airstrikes in Aleppo’s Al Salheen, neighbourhood according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Smart News Agency, Umayya and Step News Agency were among sources blaming…

Summary

Published
11 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
5–8
Civilians reported injured
8–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1263

Location

Umm Jeene, Aleppo, Syria
According to Qasioun, “three civilians were killed and others wounded due to Russian warplanes shelling in both Um Jeene and Al-Hootah villages in the western countryside of Aleppo.” The Step News Agency also put the death toll at three and blamed Russia.

Summary

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

Incident Date

10 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1253

Location

Idlib, Idlib, Syria
In a major civilian casualty incident, up to 65 civilians (of which 52 were named) including at least 10 children and 11 women from multiple families died and as many as 100 more were injured in airstrikes on Idlib city, which reportedly centred on a popular vegetable market in the city. The majority of reports…

Summary

Published
10 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
52–65
Civilians reported injured
24–100
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1254

Location

Jisr al-Shughur, Idlib, Syria
Between two and three civilians including a girl died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Jisr al Shoughour, local media reported – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. According to Baladi, “10 people were injured due to regime warplanes shelling with…

Summary

Published
10 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
17–23
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1251

Location

Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
One civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Bab al Nairab neighbourhood, according to a single source. Halab Today reported a Russian strike killed one civilian. However, both Syriansnews and Buraq media said that there had been no civilian casualties, and did not identify the culprit of the strike.

Summary

Published
10 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1255

Location

Salahuddin, Aleppo, Syria
Up to 10 civilians including three named children from the same family died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Salahudeen neighbourhood, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed Russia, though a report by Buraq media which cited the use of “explosive barrels” in the attack means…

Summary

Published
10 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–10
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident