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

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1143

Location

شاميكو, Shamico, Aleppo, Syria
Between five and ten civilians died and more were wounded in airstrikes on Shamico, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the regime were responsible. According to Syria News Desk, “nine civilians were killed and others wounded at dawn today [Aug 13th], a result of Russian warplanes carrying out six raids…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilians reported killed
5–10
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1144

Location

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Up to 20 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in air and artillery strikes on the Fardous neighbourhood of Aleppo, local sources reported. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible – though several blamed both parties. According to Sky News and the Step News Agency, the raids took…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–20
Civilians reported injured
15–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1145

Location

تفتناز, Taftanez, Idlib, Syria
Up to 11 civilians including one named women, and children, died and as many as 25 more were wounded in an airstrike on Taftanaz, local media reported. Reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. RFS media office and Halab Today TV were among sources that blamed…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–11
Civilians reported injured
10–25
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1146

Location

الجينة, Al Jeineh, Aleppo, Syria
Up to nine civilians including children and a woman died and as many as dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Al Jeineh, local media said – though it was unclear whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Many reports mentioned the use of cluster bombs in the attacks. Syria News…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
7–9
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1147

Location

عرب سعيد, Arab Said, Idlib, Syria
Between three and 13 civilians died and up to dozens more were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on a fuel market in Arab Said, according to local media. The majority of victims were reportedly so badly burnt that it was impossible to identify them. The lowest death count was give by Radio…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–13
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1148

Location

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria
Between three and eight civilians died a several more were wounded in an airstrike on Atarbib, according to local media. While at least two sources blamed Russia, one pointed towards the regime, and many others didn’t identify the culprit. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, Radio Al Kul and Halab Today blamed Russia. According to…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–8
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident