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
Order results by:
Incident Date Publication Date

Incident Date

13 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1005

Location

Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria
الرستن‬
Up to 21 civilians died and as many as 55 more were wounded in a major civilian casualty event in Al Rastan, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Syrian Press Center reported a Russian warplane carried out the raid, using missiles.…

Summary

Published
13 July 2016
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Incident Date

13 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1004

Location

Ariha, Idlib, Syria
أريحا
A Russian “vacuum missile attack” allegedly caused huge destruction in the local market of Ariha. Residential housing was reportedly also been damaged as a result of the airstrike. Many of the reports differed in the numbers given, however, it is most likely that up to 22 civilians were killed. There was only one mention of…

Summary

Published
13 July 2016
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Incident Date

12 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1002

Location

Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria
حريتان
One civilian died and others were wounded in an airstrike on Hraitan, local sources reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. Anadan Media Centre blamed Russia for the shelling, as didMasar Press, Shahba Press, Shebah News Agency, and several other local sources. However, Hawra News pointed…

Summary

Published
12 July 2016
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Incident Date

12 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1001

Location

Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي السكري
One civilian male died and 10 or more others were wounded in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Sukkari neighbourhood, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. Orient blamed Russian warplanes for using both missiles and cluster bombs, while both Smart…

Summary

Published
12 July 2016
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Incident Date

12 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1000

Location

Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria
كفر حمرة
In an airstrike which was reported to be both Russia and the Syrian regime, one child was alleged killed. The incident took place in Kafra Hamra. The Syrian Newsdesk blamed Russia for “five raids” which not only killed a child, but also left 12 “seriously wounded”. Syrian Pulse, however, reported that there were more than 15…

Summary

Published
12 July 2016
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Incident Date

12 July 2016

Incident Code

RS0997

Location

Kabr al Inglizi, Aleppo, Syria
قبر الأنكليزي
A man named was killed in an an alleged Russian airstrike on Qabr Inglisi, according to local media. LCCSY and Smart News blamed Russia. Smart News reported the death of two people in this raid, but the other has victim has not been identified. There is no other information on this raid.

Summary

Published
12 July 2016
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