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

25 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1054

Location

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria
A family reportedly died in As Sukhnah, local media reported – though it was unclear whether they were killed in a Russian airstrike or an action by the Syrian regime. Syriamubashar was among a number of sources which blamed Russia, reporting that “one person was killed and others wounded due to Russian warplanes shelling in…

Summary

Published
25 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

25 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1053

Location

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
A single source, LCCSY, reported that “Russian warplanes targeted Deir Hafer, Haritan and Anadan cities and Kafr Hamra and Maarat Arteeq towns in the northern suburbs [of Aleppo] with vacuum and cluster missiles, which led to casualties among civilians.” No further details are currently available.

Summary

Published
25 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

25 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1055

Location

حي المشهد, Al Mashad (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Up to 20 civilians died in Al Mashad, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether they were killed by Russian airstrikes or Syrian regime barrel bombs. Alaraby, blaming Russia, put the death toll at five non-combatants, with a dozen more wounded. But Syria News Desk said that as many as…

Summary

Published
25 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
5–20
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

24 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1048

Location

Hakim hospital, Al Shiaar neighbourhood, Aleppo, Syria
One child died in an airstrike on Hakim hospital, a specialist children’s hospital in Aleppo - and reportedly the last remaining in the city. Sources alleged the hospital was targeted or struck twice in 12 hours. But it was not clear who was responsible, with sources pointing to both Russia and the Syrian regime.  A…

Summary

Published
24 July 2016
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

24 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1049

Location

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Up to three civilians died and many more were wounded in an airstrike on Al Marja, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime for the death of one child – and published an image of the victim.…

Summary

Published
24 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Civilians reported injured
3–10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

24 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1050

Location

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria
Up to 22 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on civilian homes and the main market in Al Atarib, according to local media – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Many sources alleged that both parties carried out tens of strikes. LCCSY, for example, said…

Summary

Published
24 July 2016
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
6–22
Civilians reported injured
12–65
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident