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

RS1149

Location

قبطان الجبل, Qibtan al Ghabal, Aleppo, Syria
Five named civilians died and up to dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Qebtan al-Jabal, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll at three, including one girl, and…

Summary

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

Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1140

Location

حي بستان القصر, Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
One female civilian died in an air or artillery strike on Bustan al-Qaser, according to local media – though sources didn’t apportion blame for the attack. According to @HalabTodayTV, there were both “air and artillery strikes” on the area. @ShahbaPress reported that a girl was killed and “several” other civilians wounded.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1141

Location

حربنوش, Harbanush, Idlib, Syria
Between nine and 12 civilians including up to nine children died in an airstrike on Harbanush, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. According to Orient News, 11 civilians including seven children died in a Russian strike. Sky and Ahmed Shlar also pointed towards Moscow.…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
9–12
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1142

Location

الصناعة, Hai al Sinaa, Idlib, Syria
Between six and nine civilians died and up to 20 more were injured in an airstrike on Hai al-Sinaa, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Radio Al Kul was one of several sources attributing the event to Russia. It put the death toll at…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
6–9
Civilians reported injured
2–20
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1150

Location

تفتناز, Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria
Up to seven civilians including women and a child died and as many as 12 more were wounded in an airstrike on Taftanaz, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. RFS Media Office reported: “Russian aviation has committed a second massacre…

Summary

Published
13 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–7
Civilians reported injured
10–12
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

12 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1137

Location

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria
Two male children were killed and several more wounded, including women and children, from airstrikes targeting the town of Dara Azza. Local sources, including Halab Today and @AleppoNN, identified Russian planes as responsible for the airstrikes. However, DMC published footage showing “the moment explosive barrels” – a weapon known to be used by the Assad…

Summary

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