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

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
Education, Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
5–50
Civilians reported injured
2–150
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

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

4 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0851

Location

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Up to 30 civilians died in multiple airstrikes on Al Qaterji, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responisble. Multiple reports by LCCSY attributed the incident to Russia, while the Syrian Network for Human Rights also blamed Moscow for firing missiles on “residential homes near…

Summary

Published
4 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–30
Civilians reported injured
15–30
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

4 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0852

Location

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria
Five children from the same family died in an airstrike on As Suknhah, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. LCCSY said that “five children were killed and others injured on the outskirts of al Sokhna in the eastern countryside following raids by Russian warplanes…

Summary

Published
4 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
2–14
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

4 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0853

Location

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria
A family of five died in an airstrike on the village of Kafr Halab, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The White Helmets reported that a family of five died and several other civilians were injured alleged Russian strikes on Kafr Halab. It…

Summary

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