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

18 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1171

Location

Hosseineh, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Two civilians died in an airstrike on Hosseinieh village, according to one source – though it was unclear whether the strike had been carried out by Russia or the regime. According to @DeryNews, “Russian warplanes targeted ‎Hosseinieh cluster bombs, sparking several fires civilian homes and agricultural land”. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported…

Summary

Published
18 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

17 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1167

Location

إدلب, Idlib, Idlib, Syria
Fifteen named civilians were among those killed in multiple airstrikes on Idlib, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible – though the event was referred to as a “horrific massacre” in several reports. Dozens more civilians were said to have been wounded. A popular market, “the…

Summary

Published
17 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
20–28
Civilians reported injured
12–30
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

17 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1164

Location

Arbeen, Aleppo, Syria
At least two children died and up to dozens more civilians were wounded in airstrike on Arbeen – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to Halab Today TV, a 12 year old boy was killed and four others were injured in the Russian raids. The…

Summary

Published
17 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–6
Civilians reported injured
6–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

17 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1165

Location

طريق الباب, Tareeq Al Bab neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians died in airstrikes on Aleppo’s Tareeq Al Bab neighbourhood, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. @DamasCoordinate and @ShahbaPress blamed Russia. Arabic.cnn reported that both Russia and the regime had carried out strikes. A number of other sources…

Summary

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

Incident Date

17 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1166

Location

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Between three and six civilians including women and children died and up to 12 more were wounded in airstrikes on al Qaterji, local media reported. The victims included the 10-year-old child  who later died from injuries sustained in the attack. His brother, Omran Daqmeesh, was also wounded when the strike hit the family home –…

Summary

Published
17 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–6
Civilians reported injured
2–12
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1158

Location

الراموسة, Al Ramousa, Aleppo, Syria
Up to 20 civilians including three children died and as many as dozens more were wounded in air and artillery strikes on a convoy or vehicles or a bus carrying civilians on the al Ramousah road south of the city of Aleppo. It was unclear who was responsible for the event: many sources blamed Russia,…

Summary

Published
16 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
17–20
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident