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 Date Publication Date

Incident Date

6 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0865

Location

‏العشارة‬, Al Asharah, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between 17 and 35 civilians including eight children and two women died and up to 40 others were injured in airstrikes on a popular market and a mosque in Al Asharah town and the Al Hannoush neighbourhood, according to multiple local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was an attack by Russia…

Summary

Published
6 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
17–35
Civilians reported injured
10–45
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0862

Location

الموحسن, Muhassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria
The Shaam News Network reported that several civilians had been killed and wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mohassan in Deir ez-Zor. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that “warplanes” had carried out raids in the area, but neither identified them nor provided casualty figures.

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0861

Location

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria
One civilian died in an airstrike on Sarmin, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY reported that one civilian died and several more were injured by Russian warplanes. Baladi was among other sources that pointed towards Russia, but provided…

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0860

Location

إدلب, Idlib, Idlib, Syria
Between five and 50 non-combatants including two women died and up to 150 more were injured in multiple airstrikes on different targets in the city of Idlib, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime. LCCSY attributed the incident to Russia, with…

Summary

Published
5 June 2016
Infrastructure
Healthcare, Education
Civilians reported killed
5–50
Civilians reported injured
2–150
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0859

Location

هورة الجريات, Horat al Jariyat, Raqqa, Syria
According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, two civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Horat al Jariya. The Shaam News Network also blamed Russia, but did not provide casualty numbers. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at three but didn’t identify the warplanes responsible.

Summary

Published
5 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0857

Location

Bei'deen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Two civilians died in an airstrike on Bei’deen, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. LCCSY, reported that two civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike. Alamawi, Shahba Press also said that Russia was responsible But  Arabstoday and…

Summary

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