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 DatePublication Date

Incident Date

16 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1163

Location

Al Omal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
العمال
Ten named civilians died and up to dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on the Nour bakery in the Al Omal neighbourhood, local media reported. The majority of sources blamed Russia – though several pointed to the Assad regime. LCCSY, the Shaam News Network and Syrian Press Center were among local outlets attributing the event…

Summary

Published
16 August 2016
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Incident Date

15 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1154

Location

Al Rahiba, Damascus, Syria
الرحيبة
Four named civilians died and up to 20 more were wounded in strikes on the northern neighbourhood of Al Rahiba town, Damascus, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the regime were to blame for the casualties. According to Syria News Desk, “Russian warplanes launched five raids on al Rahiba town…

Summary

Published
15 August 2016
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Incident Date

15 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1155

Location

Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria
الأتارب
Two or three civilians including several children died and up to ten more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Atarib, according to local media. Syrian News Desk was among sources putting the death toll at two – with “ten others injured”. However, LCCSY – who blamed Russia – reported that three died including…

Summary

Published
15 August 2016
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Incident Date

14 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1152

Location

Talbisah, Homs, Syria
تلبيسة
Three named civilians including a baby girl died and several more were wounded in a strike on Talbissa, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. The Shaam News Network reported that “a baby girl died as a result of warplanes carrying out…

Summary

Published
14 August 2016
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Incident Date

14 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1153

Location

Idlib, Idlib, Syria
إدلب
Between three and nine civilians including up to three children died and as many as 20 more were wounded in airstrikes in Idlib city, said sources on the ground. The majority of reports attributed the event to Russia, though one said that regime helicopters also participated in the assault. Some others sources didn’t identify the…

Summary

Published
14 August 2016
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Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1141

Location

Harbanush, Idlib, Syria
حربنوش
Between nine and 12 civilians including up to nine children died in an airstrike on Harbanush, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. According to Orient News, 11 civilians including seven children died in a Russian strike. Sky and Ahmed Shlar also pointed towards Moscow.…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
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