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 Date Publication Date

Incident Date

19 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1026

Location

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
What has been described as a ‘bombardment’ on Bab al Nairab reportedly killed six civilians, including an unborn child. – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Qasioun filmed as an explosive barrel was thrown on the neighbourhood, which is also located very close to an airport.…

Summary

Published
19 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
6
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

19 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1025

Location

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria
In a major civilian casualty event, 23 named civilians died and up to 50 more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on an industrial area in Al Atareb, Aleppo. There were no allegations against the Assad regime. Death counts rose as reports emerged. Jisrtv reported seven killed, while Enab Baladi put the figure at “more…

Summary

Published
19 July 2016
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
23
Civilians reported injured
20–50
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1023

Location

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria
In multiple alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes which struck residential buildings, in Aleppo’s Al Maysar neighbourhood, a family of five and an elderly man were reportedly killed. BBC reported that “according to opposition source, Russian warplanes launched extensive shelling in Kafr hamra and Al-Maysar.” AMC News blamed the Assad regime for the strike, while…

Summary

Published
18 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
7
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1022

Location

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria
Various sources reported that airstrikes on a residential area in Kafr Hama, Aleppo, killed up to three civilians, including one boy. BBC Arabic filed a report which read, “according to opposition source, Russian warplanes launched extensive shelling in Kafr Hamra”. Meanwhile, al Jazeera reported that both Russian and Assad regime warplanes were launching missiles in the…

Summary

Published
18 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1021

Location

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Up to 11 civilians including three children died and 15 more were wounded in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike which destroyed a four-story residential building in Aleppo’s Al Qaterji neighbourhood, local media reported. According to BNN, earth missiles and cluster bombs were both used in the airstrike. Smart News blamed Russian warplanes for…

Summary

Published
18 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
6–11
Civilians reported injured
15
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

17 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1019

Location

الخالدية, Khalidiya, Aleppo, Syria
According to a single source, LCCSY, two civilians died in three alleged Russian strikes in Aleppo’s Al Khalidiya neighbourhood. No further details are currently available.

Summary

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