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

4 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1225

Location

داعل, Dael, Daraa, Syria
One named civilian died in an airstrike on Da’el, according to local sources – though it was unclear whether the death was caused by a Russia or Syrian regime airstrike or by regime artillery. Sources reported that both Russian and regime aircraft were operating in the area. Akhbar Alan blamed a regime airstrike while SyrianMubasher…

Summary

Published
4 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–5
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

3 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1219

Location

فيلون, Filon, Idlib, Syria
Two civilians died and several others were wounded in an airstrike on Filon in Idlib governorate, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Both Halab Today and LCCSY attributed the event to Russia. However, Assabeel blamed the regime. Syrian News…

Summary

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

Incident Date

3 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1220

Location

إدلب, Idlib, Idlib, Syria
Two civilians were killed and several more were wounded in an airstrike on Idlib city, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Radio Alkul and the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime, putting the death…

Summary

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

Incident Date

3 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1221

Location

خان السبل, Khan al Subbul, Idlib, Syria
Up to five civilians died and as many as 20 were wounded in airstrike on Khan Al-Subbul in Idlib governorate, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. In one report, LCCSY blamed the regime but then appeared to…

Summary

Published
3 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–5
Civilians reported injured
12–20
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

2 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1217

Location

طياني, Al Tayanneh, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Five or six civilians including up to four children and three women died and at least a dozen more were wounded in airstrikes on Al Tayaneh, according to local media. The majority of sources attributed the event to Russia, though two blamed the Syrian regime and others didn’t apportion blame. DeirEzzorradio, Abdulrahmanhajj and Derynews blamed…

Summary

Published
2 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
5–6
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

2 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1218

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria
Up to four civilians including at least one woman and her child died in an airstrike on Douma, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. The majority of sources, including Qasioun, the Smart News Network, the Syrian Press Centre and…

Summary

Published
2 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–4
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident