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

12 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0900

Location

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria
A mother and four or more of her children were among those killed in an airstrike on Maarat al Numan, local media reported – the majority of sources blamed the Syrian regime for the attack, though some sources attributed the event to Russia. The Shaam News Network blamed Moscow, reporting: “The city of Maarat al…

Summary

Published
12 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
6–8
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0890

Location

كلجبرين‬, Kaljibrin, Aleppo, Syria
One child died and other civilians were injured in an airstrike on Kaljibrin, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. However, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the regime was responsible. They didn’t list any fatalities, but they…

Summary

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

Incident Date

11 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0896

Location

قباسين, Qabasin, Aleppo, Syria
Between six and ten civilians died and dozens more were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Qabasin, according to local media. According to the Shaam News Network, “Activists said Russian warplanes targeted a popular market crowded with civilians in the city of Qabasin, north of Al Bab city in the eastern Aleppo countryside, leaving six…

Summary

Published
11 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
6–10
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0897

Location

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria
Up to six civilians including a member of the White Helmets and a child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hraytan, according to local sources. LCCSY said that four non-combatants were killed in a Russian raid. @azazmedia2011 was among sources who said that Russia used phosphorous bombs. The Shaam News Network also put the death toll…

Summary

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

Incident Date

11 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0891

Location

‏عينجارة‬, Anjara, Aleppo, Syria
Two children were killed in airstrikes on Anjara, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted and confused as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian Regime. LCCSY initially reported that the strikes were Russian, killing two children and wounding other civilians when homes were targeted with cluster bombs. However,…

Summary

Published
11 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0892

Location

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria
Between three and eight non-combatants including two children, a woman and a member of the White Helmets died and dozens more were injured in raids on Orm al Kubra, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY reported that four civilians including…

Summary

Published
11 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–8
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident