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

1 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1086

Location

أبو الظهور, Abu al Duhur, Idlib, Syria
More than 10 civilians were killed in alleged airstrikes in Abu al Duhur, close to the location of a downed Russian warplane, according to multiple sources. Reports are conflicted as to whether Russian or Assad regime forces were responsible for the deaths. Syria Newsdesk reported that “Russian warplanes targeted with more than 30 raids the…

Summary

Published
1 August 2016
Civilians reported killed
14–16
Civilians reported injured
2–30
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

1 August 2016

Incident Code

RS1085

Location

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Three civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on Bab al Nairab on August 1st, 2016, according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. LCCSY reported that three civilians were killed and several others wounded “due to the targeting of Bab Nairab neighbourhood…

Summary

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

Incident Date

31 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1081

Location

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria
Four civilians died and seven others were wounded in airstrikes on Anadan, local sources said, though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Most of the sources, however, attributed the event to Russia. According to a Facebook post by Anadan Hospital, “Russian warplanes shelled the hospital with parachute…

Summary

Published
31 July 2016
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
7
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

31 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1082

Location

Jeb al Qebr, Aleppo, Syria
According to LCCSY, “Russian warplanes, along with Assad’s warplanes and helicopters, committed a massacre that claimed the lives of 16 people when they targeted the Medical Center the  Job_Qebba‬ neighborhood and houses in the ‪‎Ansari‬ and ‪Sukkari‬ neighborhoods with dozens airstrikes and barrel bombs”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
31 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
16
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1075

Location

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria
Between five and seven civilians died and dozens more were injured in an airstrike on Kafr Naha, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The majority of sources “Qasioun, Sadaaltwhed, Halab News, Alamawi, Jisr tv, Syrian Press Center) pointed towards Russia, with death counts varying between…

Summary

Published
30 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
5–7
Civilians reported injured
10–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1076

Location

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria
According to a single source, HNN, one civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Atarib. No further details are currently available.

Summary

Published
30 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident