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

14 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1007

Location

حي طريق الباب, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Shuhada’a Al-Aqsa Mosque was struck in east Aleppo and destroyed following an airstrike carried about by both Russian and Syrian regime warplanes, local media reported. The raid occurred in the morning of July 14th, according to the White Helmets. Between seven and ten civilians including an entire family were reportedly killed. Smart News and Shahba News…

Summary

Published
14 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
7–10
Civilians reported injured
11–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1006

Location

الليرامون, Bleilramoun, Aleppo, Syria
Three civilians including two children died in either an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Aleppo’s Baleirmoon neighbourhood, local media reported. According to Syrian Newsdesk, “Assad regime and Russian warplanes targeted Bleilramoun neighbourhood which is under opposition control north west of the city of Aleppo with several raids.” The Syrian Network For Human Rights blamed…

Summary

Published
13 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1003

Location

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Alleged Russian airstrikes killed three civilians including two children in Aleppo’s Ferdos neighbourhood, local media reported. Sources said that warplanes continued to fly around the area after their airstrike. Syrian PC and Smart News Agency blamed Russian warplanes for the shelling in Al Ferdos. According to Sinn News, two women were also killed in the attack.…

Summary

Published
13 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–5
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1005

Location

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria
Up to 21 civilians died and as many as 55 more were wounded in a major civilian casualty event in Al Rastan, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Syrian Press Center reported a Russian warplane carried out the raid, using missiles.…

Summary

Published
13 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
16–21
Civilians reported injured
30–55
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1004

Location

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria
A Russian “vacuum missile attack” allegedly caused huge destruction in the local market of Ariha. Residential housing was reportedly also been damaged as a result of the airstrike. Many of the reports differed in the numbers given, however, it is most likely that up to 22 civilians were killed. There was only one mention of…

Summary

Published
13 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
16–22
Civilians reported injured
20
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

12 July 2016

Incident Code

RS1002

Location

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria
One civilian died and others were wounded in an airstrike on Hraitan, local sources reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. Anadan Media Centre blamed Russia for the shelling, as didMasar Press, Shahba Press, Shebah News Agency, and several other local sources. However, Hawra News pointed…

Summary

Published
12 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident