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 4,842 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.
4,842 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.
3,026 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 Date Publication Date

Incident Date

25 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1052

Location

Arbeen, Aleppo, Syria
Up to five civilians died and as many as 15 were wounded in airstrikes on Arbeen, local sources said – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime carried out the attacks. Alsharq and Qary blamed Russia and put the death toll at four. Alitihad Press and Shahba also attributed the event to Russia,…

Summary

Published
25 July 2016
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Incident Date

24 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1051

Location

Karam Tahan, Aleppo, Syria
كرم الطحان
Up to five civilians including children died and more were wounded in an airstrike on Karam Tahan, local sources reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible for the casualties. According to Arabstoday, “four people were killed and three were injured due to three Russian warplanes raids in Karm…

Summary

Published
24 July 2016
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Incident Date

24 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1047

Location

Irbin, Damascus, Syria
عربين
Four civilians including three children died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Irbin in eastern Ghouta, local media reported – though the culprit remained unclear. According to Radio Al Kul, “Russian warplanes struck Douma, Harasta, Irbin and Hamoreya in Eastern Ghouta with missiles loaded with cluster bombs and killed four people and wounded tens more.”…

Summary

Published
24 July 2016
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Incident Date

24 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1046

Location

Yashnatra, Aleppo, Syria
Local media reported that Russian warplanes carried out strikes on Yashnatra town, leading to civilian casualties – though sources didn’t specify numbers. However, Arabstoday blamed the regime, reporting three civilians wounded. Other sources referred only to “warplanes”.

Summary

Published
24 July 2016
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Incident Date

24 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1050

Location

Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria
الأتارب
Up to 22 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on civilian homes and the main market in Al Atarib, according to local media – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Many sources alleged that both parties carried out tens of strikes. LCCSY, for example, said…

Summary

Published
24 July 2016
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Incident Date

24 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1049

Location

Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي ‏المرجة‬
Up to three civilians died and many more were wounded in an airstrike on Al Marja, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime for the death of one child – and published an image of the victim.…

Summary

Published
24 July 2016
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