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
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Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

30 April 2016

Incident Code

RS0791

Location

Al Jneina, Deir Ezzor, Syria
الجنينة
Local sources reported up to 20 civilian casualties and 24 injured following alleged Russian airstrikes targeting al-Jneina, Deir ez-Zour. According to Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently, “Muhiy al Razouk and his three children” died in a Russian airstrike on Al Jneina. LCSSY also named the victim and said two of his relatives were killed and…

Summary

Published
30 April 2016
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Incident Date

29 April 2016

Incident Code

RS0787

Location

Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي بستان القصر
Between three and seven civilians including two children died in raids on Bustan al Qasr, according to local sources. All sources but one blamed the regime – though Shaam News Network mentioned Russian and regime warplanes. In a video issued by Shaam News Network a White Helmet member says that “there were four barrels thrown…

Summary

Published
29 April 2016
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Incident Date

29 April 2016

Incident Code

RS0786

Location

Al Ma'adi (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
المعادي
Shaam News Network reported that “as usual warplanes and helicopters continue to fly over the city of Aleppo for the 8th consecutive day bringing people death and destruction. Russian and Assad’s planes launched dozens of raids with vacum missiles and barrel bombs“. They recorded one death in Al Ma’adi. In a tweet by TRTalarabeya both…

Summary

Published
29 April 2016
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Incident Date

29 April 2016

Incident Code

RS0788

Location

Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
الصاخور
Local sources reported about continued airstrikes in al-Sakhour, Aleppo, that killed up to five civilians, including one child and wounded up to four. Sources were constesting regarding the cultprit, pointing to both the Assad regime and Russia. Shaam News Network, reported “For the eighth day in a row Assad’s and Russian aircraft continue to pour…

Summary

Published
29 April 2016
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Incident Date

29 April 2016

Incident Code

RS0789

Location

Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
القاطرجي
Up to five people, including a woman and child, were killed in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Al Qaterji on April 29th 2016. Shaam News Network, reported “For the eighth day in a row Assad’s and Russian aircraft continue to pour their lava on residential neighborhoods in the city of Aleppo, causing dozens…

Summary

Published
29 April 2016
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Incident Date

29 April 2016

Incident Code

RS0784

Location

Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
الفردوس
Between six and 12 civilians died in airstrikes on Fardous according to local sources. While most reports said this was the work of the regime, others also alleged possible Russian involvement. Baladi News published a video showing the first scenes of what they said was a strike by the regime. At 1:55 into the video,…

Summary

Published
29 April 2016
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