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 DatePublication Date

Incident Date

25 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0940

Location

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria
According to local media, one woman was killed and up to ten other civilians were injured from an airstrike on Kafr Hamra. The majority of sources reported that the strike was Russian, however, the Blog Amin News said that it was carried out by the Syrian regime. The source also said that ‘Syrian children were…

Summary

Published
25 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

25 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0941

Location

الخربة‬, Al Khirba (al A'mika), Hama, Syria
Local sources reported the deaths of up to 11 civilians, including five children, in airstrikes on the two villages of Al Khirba and Al A’lkamiya. It is contested with the Syrian Regime by one source, Arabi21, however most sources, attributed the strike to Russia. LCCSY named five of the killed civilians, including four children.

Summary

Published
25 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
5–11
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

24 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0937

Location

‏الشيخ احمد‬, Sheikh Ahmad, Aleppo, Syria
Between two and three civilians including up to two children and one woman died in an airstrike on Sheikh Ahmad, according to local reports – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR), Halab Today and Syria2011 attributed the event to Russia.…

Summary

Published
24 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

24 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0938

Location

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria
According to a range of local media reports, between two and six civilians including up to two children and three women were killed and up to 45 civilians were injured in an airstrike on Urma al Kubra. There are conflicting statements as to whether the airstrike was conducted by the Syrian or the Russian regime.…

Summary

Published
24 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–6
Civilians reported injured
3–45
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

23 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0934

Location

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Four to six civilians from one family, including women and children, died following air strikes on the Qaterji neighbourhood of Aleppo, local media reported – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. A number of sources alleged the regime responsible, including the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Halab Today…

Summary

Published
23 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
4–6
Civilians reported injured
7–8
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

23 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0935

Location

معارة الارتيق, Maarat al Arteek, Aleppo, Syria
Local sources reported that six civilians died following alleged Russian airstrikes on Maarat al Artik, Aleppo. Activists told Shaam News Network, “swarms of Russian aircraft did not leave the atmosphere of the city of Aleppo during the night hours. There were more than 200 air raids carried out by seven warplanes simultaneously targeting Anadan and…

Summary

Published
23 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
6
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident