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

5 June 2016

Incident Codes

CS224a RS0858

Location

شعيب الذكر, Shai'eeb al Zakar, Raqqa, Syria
Five civilians including three children died in an airstrike on airstrike on Shai’eeb al Zakar, according to local sources though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible, with one report saying that the warplanes were thought to have belonged to the US-led Coalition. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently blamed a…

Summary

Published
5 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0856

Location

Babis, Aleppo, Syria
Up to two non-combatants were killed in an airstrike on Babis, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. LCCSY reported that one civilian died and six others were wounded in a Russian strike on the town. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights,…

Summary

Published
5 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
6
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0854

Location

Al Castillo road, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
One civilian died and several others injured in an airstrike on the Al Castillo road in Aleppo, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Shaam News Network reported one death, but referred to “warplanes” and “Assad regime raids”. However, Qasioun reported that…

Summary

Published
5 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 June 2016

Incident Code

RS0855

Location

Karam al Jabal (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Between five and eight civilians died including a child and two women in an airstrike on Karam al Jabal, according to local sources. Only LCCSY blamed Russia, putting the death toll at seven. A report by the Shaam News Network referred to “warplanes” and then “Assad regime raids”. According to the Syrian Network for Human…

Summary

Published
5 June 2016
Civilians reported killed
5–8
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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

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