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

1 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1210

Location

Hussaynah, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between two and ten civilians including a woman and her child died in an alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Hussaynah, according to local media. Alamawi, Euphrates Post, Mkmoam123, Alnaba and Alsharqia24 all blamed Russia. Euphrates Post put the death toll as high as 10.

Summary

Published
1 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

1 September 2016

Incident Code

RS1211

Location

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria
The Violations Documentation Centre named one child killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Deir Ezzor. Euphrates Post also named the child and blamed Russia for his death. A number of other sources didn’t identify the “warplanes” responsible.

Summary

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

Incident Date

31 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1207

Location

إدلب, Idlib, Idlib, Syria
Up to three civilians including a child and a woman died and as many as 19 others were injured in strikes on Idlib, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. One source reported the use of regime warships in the attacks, while several…

Summary

Published
31 August 2016
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
10–19
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

31 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1208

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria
One child, named as 15-year-old child died and up to nine others were wounded in an airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, local media reported. However, it was unclear who was responsible: most sources didn’t apportion blame – though others pointed to Russia and the Assad regime. According to @SyrianArwad, “Russian and Syrian warplanes launched air raids…

Summary

Published
31 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–9
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

31 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1206

Location

الباب, Serbs, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria
Two children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Serbs, Al Bab, local sources reported. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “two children died when alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on Sarbas village related to Al Bab area in Aleppo governorate, August 31.” Halab Today and @ALAMAWI also pointed to Russia. The Violations…

Summary

Published
31 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1204

Location

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Between two and five civilians including between one and two children and a woman were killed and as many as dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Salheen, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russian warplanes or explosive barrels dropped from Assad regime helicopters caused the casualties. The lowest death…

Summary

Published
30 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–5
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident