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

4 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0852

Location

As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria
السخنة
Five children from the same family died in an airstrike on As Suknhah, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. LCCSY said that “five children were killed and others injured on the outskirts of al Sokhna in the eastern countryside following raids by Russian warplanes…

Summary

Published
4 June 2016
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Incident Date

4 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0851

Location

Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
القاطرجي
Up to 30 civilians died in multiple airstrikes on Al Qaterji, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responisble. Multiple reports by LCCSY attributed the incident to Russia, while the Syrian Network for Human Rights also blamed Moscow for firing missiles on “residential homes near…

Summary

Published
4 June 2016
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Incident Date

3 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0850

Location

Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria
حريتان
The Shaam News Network reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. It said that this coincided with “violent artillery shelling“, killing one civilian in the Hraytan neighbourhood. Anadanmedia, Abdullahzaidan, Jisr TV, Shahba Press, Qasioun and Radio Akul all blamed Russia.

Summary

Published
3 June 2016
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Incident Date

3 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0849

Location

Anadan, Aleppo, Syria
عندان
Two civilians died in an air or artillery strike on Anadan, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. The Shaam News Network, reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. They said that this coincided…

Summary

Published
3 June 2016
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Incident Date

3 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0847

Location

Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي بستان القصر
One civilian died and at least one was injured in an air or artillery strike on Bustan al Qasr, according to locals sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Shaam News Network, reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its…

Summary

Published
3 June 2016
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Incident Date

3 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0848

Location

Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria
كفر حمرة
Between one and five civilians died in an air or artillery strike on Kafr Hamra, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. The Shaam News Network, reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. It…

Summary

Published
3 June 2016
View Incident