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
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Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1146

Location

Al Jeineh, Aleppo, Syria
الجينة
Up to nine civilians including children and a woman died and as many as dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Al Jeineh, local media said – though it was unclear whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Many reports mentioned the use of cluster bombs in the attacks. Syria News…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
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Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1147

Location

Arab Said, Idlib, Syria
عرب سعيد
Between three and 13 civilians died and up to dozens more were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on a fuel market in Arab Said, according to local media. The majority of victims were reportedly so badly burnt that it was impossible to identify them. The lowest death count was give by Radio…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
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Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1148

Location

Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria
الأتارب
Between three and eight civilians died a several more were wounded in an airstrike on Atarbib, according to local media. While at least two sources blamed Russia, one pointed towards the regime, and many others didn’t identify the culprit. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, Radio Al Kul and Halab Today blamed Russia. According to…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
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Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1149

Location

Qibtan al Ghabal, Aleppo, Syria
قبطان الجبل
Five named civilians died and up to dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Qebtan al-Jabal, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll at three, including one girl, and…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
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Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1140

Location

Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي بستان القصر
One female civilian died in an air or artillery strike on Bustan al-Qaser, according to local media – though sources didn’t apportion blame for the attack. According to @HalabTodayTV, there were both “air and artillery strikes” on the area. @ShahbaPress reported that a girl was killed and “several” other civilians wounded.  

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
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Incident Date

12 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1135

Location

Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria
كفر حمرة
Airstrikes reportedly destroyed a Pediatrics and Gynecology hospital on 12th August 2016 in Kafr Hamra. At least three civilians were killed, and seven or more wounded, mostly members of a medical staff, women, or children. Some of the personnel working in the hospital were affected; both a nurse and an ambulance driver were killed in…

Summary

Published
12 August 2016
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