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 4,843 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.
4,843 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.
3,027 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

22 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0932

Location

Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
ﺣﻠﺐ
Up to six civilians including three to four children were killed in Aleppo, according to multiple local sources. Aljazeera reported that a combined operation of the Regime forces and Russian fighter jets resulted in the loss of civilian life. The highest death toll, placed at six, was initially reported by Baladi, who alleged one child…

Summary

Published
22 June 2016
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Incident Date

22 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0931

Location

Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria
حريتان
Two to four civilians died including, two children following alleged Russian raids on Hraitan, Aleppo governorate, according to local sources. The source, Orient, reported strikes caused significant material damage and “huge fires” in the town, resulting in several others wounded. @ALAMAWI’s report differed from most, it alleged one man dead, and one woman and a child…

Summary

Published
22 June 2016
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Incident Date

21 June 2016

Incident Codes

CS237 RS0930

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
الرقة‎
Up to 38 civilians including six children and three women were killed and up to 150 injured in airstrikes on Raqqa, according to multiple sources. While most alleged that Russia carried out the attack, the United States later admitted responsibility – though admitted only three civilians deaths: “June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during…

Summary

Published
21 June 2016
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Incident Date

21 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0929

Location

Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria
كفر حمرة
Two to three civilians died and dozens of others were reported wounded following alleged Russian strikes on the town Kafra Hamra, local media reported. A youtube video by Aldorar al-shyma reported the use of phosphorus bombs, a chemical weapon illegal under International Law, though the source did not apportion blame. [Video no longer available] HalabTodayTv…

Summary

Published
21 June 2016
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Incident Date

20 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0928

Location

Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي طريق الباب
Between five and eight civilians including one child and up to four women died – and many more were wounded – in airstrikes on Tareeq al Bab, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Many local sources reported that between four and…

Summary

Published
20 June 2016
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Incident Date

20 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0927

Location

Kafr Bisin, Aleppo, Syria
‏كفر بسين‬
One woman died and several other civilians were injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Basin in Aleppo, according to local media. A Tweet by thiqanewsagency said that “rocket chemistry and phosphorous bombs” were used in the attack. HalabTodayTV also tweeted that stereochemistry had been used – it specified that these missiles were realised from Russian warplanes.…

Summary

Published
20 June 2016
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