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 DatePublication Date

Incident Date

14 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0907

Location

Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria
كفر حلب
Between three and seven civilians died in an airstrike on Kafr Halab, according to local sources. The majority of reports attributed the incident to Russia, however, two said that this was the work of the Syrian regime. Accordng to @ShahbaPress – who pointed towards Russia – two children were included in the dead. However, @syriahadath and @QasiounNewsAR blamed…

Summary

Published
14 June 2016
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Incident Date

14 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0903

Location

Various locations in Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
A single source, the Shaam News Network, reported that “Russian planes launched raids on the villages of Zeitan, al Zirba, Al Karassi, Khan Tuman, Al I’ss, Jib Kass and Aleppo – Damascus road – leading the fall of civilian martyrs and wounded.” No further details are currently available.

Summary

Published
14 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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Incident Date

13 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0901

Location

Idlib, Idlib, Syria
إدلب
Five or six civilians died and dozens more were injured in an airstrike on idlib, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime – or possibly both parties. An initial report by The Shaam News Network said that Russian warplanes targeted the “medical…

Summary

Published
13 June 2016
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Incident Date

13 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0902

Location

Al Ma'adi (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
المعادي
Between one and four civilians died in an airstrike on Al Ma’adi, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime was to blame. Among the sources blaming Russia were LCCSY and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. According to SN4HR, at least three civilians including two children…

Summary

Published
13 June 2016
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