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

16 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1163

Location

العمال, Al Omal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Ten named civilians died and up to dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on the Nour bakery in the Al Omal neighbourhood, local media reported. The majority of sources blamed Russia – though several pointed to the Assad regime. LCCSY, the Shaam News Network and Syrian Press Center were among local outlets attributing the event…

Summary

Published
16 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
10
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1154

Location

الرحيبة, Al Rahiba, Damascus, Syria
Four named civilians died and up to 20 more were wounded in strikes on the northern neighbourhood of Al Rahiba town, Damascus, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the regime were to blame for the casualties. According to Syria News Desk, “Russian warplanes launched five raids on al Rahiba town…

Summary

Published
15 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
20
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1155

Location

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria
Two or three civilians including several children died and up to ten more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Atarib, according to local media. Syrian News Desk was among sources putting the death toll at two – with “ten others injured”. However, LCCSY – who blamed Russia – reported that three died including…

Summary

Published
15 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
3–10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

14 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1152

Location

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria
Three named civilians including a baby girl died and several more were wounded in a strike on Talbissa, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. The Shaam News Network reported that “a baby girl died as a result of warplanes carrying out…

Summary

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

Incident Date

14 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1153

Location

إدلب, Idlib, Idlib, Syria
Between three and nine civilians including up to three children died and as many as 20 more were wounded in airstrikes in Idlib city, said sources on the ground. The majority of reports attributed the event to Russia, though one said that regime helicopters also participated in the assault. Some others sources didn’t identify the…

Summary

Published
14 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–9
Civilians reported injured
2–20
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1151

Location

معراته, Maratah, Idlib, Syria
A child and a woman were reportedly killed and up to 10 more civilians injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maratah, local media said. According to LCCSY, “Russian warplanes raided the El Shaheed Farooq school for basic education in the town of Maratah in the south-west countryside of Gabal al-Zawiah. Idlib. The raid led…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
3–10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident