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
4808 incidents
Order results by:
Incident Date Publication Date

Incident Date

16 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0912

Location

Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
ﺣﻠﺐ
A single source, Shaam News Network, reported civilians killed and wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes on various locations in Aleppo. The report stated, “In the stricken city of Aleppo Russian aircraft and Assad’s helicopters have carried out raids on the neighborhoods of al Maysar, Bani Zeid, Altarab,  Bab al-Nairab, Alsakhur, Hanano residences, Al Hawooz roundabout,…

Summary

Published
16 June 2016
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Incident Date

16 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0913

Location

Castello Road, Aleppo, Syria
The Syrian news desk reported that three civilians were killed in an overnight offensive on Castello Road. The people killed were travelling down this road in a car, according to this source and others. The Syrian news desk reported that  victims had been unable to evacuate the area during the daytime ‘due to regime troops…

Summary

Published
16 June 2016
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Incident Date

15 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0911

Location

Castello Road, Aleppo, Syria
Between three and twelve civilians died in alleged aerial bombardment on the Al Castillo road, “the only entry point into the city” of Aleppo, as reported by HalabToday TV. Fifteen civilians were suspected wounded during the attack, news of which came amdist reports of various neighbourhoods affected, namely: al Maysar, Bani Zeid, Altarab,  Bab al-Nairab,…

Summary

Published
15 June 2016
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Incident Date

15 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0910

Location

Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria
كفر حلب
Between two and seven civilians including up to six children died in an airstrike on Kafr Halab, according to local reports, though it is unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. @Almntaseballah and @samir_maleh reported Russian raids on the town but didn’t mention civilian casualties. @shoaamd tweeted that a mother and her four children were…

Summary

Published
15 June 2016
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Incident Date

14 June 2016

Incident Codes

CS229 RS0908

Location

Al Ghouz, Aleppo, Syria
‏الغوز‬
A family of seven civilians died in an airstrike on the village of Al ghouz, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Coalition. Aleppo 24 reported that a suspected Russian cluster bomb raid was responsible. Other sources, including Al Mukhtassar, @ALAMAWI  and Nabd Syria all…

Summary

Published
14 June 2016
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Incident Date

14 June 2016

Incident Codes

CS230 RS0909

Location

Jisr Samouqa, Aleppo, Syria
‏السموقة‬
Three civilians died in an airstrike on the village of Samouqa, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the US-led Coalition. Aleppo24, @ALAMAWI, Al Mukhtassar and Nabd Syria blamed Russia. Aleppo 24 reported: “A family made up of 7 people killed and 3 other civilians killed…

Summary

Published
14 June 2016
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