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

23 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0936

Location

‏الشيخ احمد‬, Sheikh Ahmad, Aleppo, Syria
Three to four civilians including one woman and two children died and an unknown number of others were wounded – reportedly mostly women and children – in airstrikes on Al Sheikh Ahmad village, Aleppo, according to local sources. All sources but one blamed Russia. A later report by Step News Agency said the death toll…

Summary

Published
23 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

23 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0933

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria
One woman died and other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab city, Aleppo governorate, local sources reported. According to  LCCYS, “The Russian warplanes used internationally-banned phosphorous bombs and vacuum missiles on Bab city and Mahdoum in the eastern suburb, resulting in the death of one woman and injury of other people”.…

Summary

Published
23 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

22 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0931

Location

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria
Two to four civilians died including, two children following alleged Russian raids on Hraitan, Aleppo governorate, according to local sources. The source, Orient, reported strikes caused significant material damage and “huge fires” in the town, resulting in several others wounded. @ALAMAWI’s report differed from most, it alleged one man dead, and one woman and a child…

Summary

Published
22 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–4
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

22 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0932

Location

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
Up to six civilians including three to four children were killed in Aleppo, according to multiple local sources. Aljazeera reported that a combined operation of the Regime forces and Russian fighter jets resulted in the loss of civilian life. The highest death toll, placed at six, was initially reported by Baladi, who alleged one child…

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0929

Location

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria
Two to three civilians died and dozens of others were reported wounded following alleged Russian strikes on the town Kafra Hamra, local media reported. A youtube video by Aldorar al-shyma reported the use of phosphorus bombs, a chemical weapon illegal under International Law, though the source did not apportion blame. [Video no longer available] HalabTodayTv…

Summary

Published
21 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

21 June 2016

Incident Codes

CS237 RS0930

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Up to 38 civilians including six children and three women were killed and up to 150 injured in airstrikes on Raqqa, according to multiple sources. While most alleged that Russia carried out the attack, the United States later admitted responsibility – though admitted only three civilians deaths: “June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during…

Summary

Published
21 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
23–38
Civilians reported injured
150
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident