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

31 May 2016

Incident Code

RS0828

Location

كفرتخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria
Activists told the Shaam News Network that “Sukhoi 24 warplanes” carried out strikes on Kafr Takharim, killing two children and wounding other civilians. In a later news roundup it said that the aircraft were “believed to be Russian”. A number of other news reports, including from Qasioun News, also blamed Russia. But the Syrian Network…

Summary

Published
31 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–6
Civilians reported injured
10–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 May 2016

Incident Code

RS0826

Location

الكوم, Al Kom, Homs, Syria
According to multiple local sources, Russian or regime airstrikes took place in Al Kom near the ancient city of Palmyra – killing at least five non-combatants. . The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime, putting the death toll at seven non-combatants, including two women and two children. Al Jisr also blamed the regime.…

Summary

Published
30 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
5–7
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 May 2016

Incident Code

RS0823

Location

منظومة شام الإسعافية, Sham Aiding system Idlib, Idlib, Syria
A single source, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, reported that “alleged Russian fixed-wing warplanes targeted the Sham Aiding system in Idlib city. As a result one civilian was killed and four vehicles belonging to Sham aiding system were damaged in addition to damages to the nearby buildings.” AH Relief – which published pictures of…

Summary

Published
30 May 2016
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 May 2016

Incident Code

RS0825

Location

الصاخور, Al Sakhour (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
A child was among at least three civilians killed – with others injured – in two alleged Russian airstrikes or regime artillery or helicopter strikes on the Al Sakhour neighbourhood of Aleppo. Shaam News Network published images from the neighborhoods of Al Sakhour and Tareeq al Bab following what it said were Russian strikes. According…

Summary

Published
30 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–18
Civilians reported injured
6–18
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 May 2016

Incident Code

RS0822

Location

اللطامنة, Ltamenah, Hama, Syria
Numerous sources, including LCCSY and Baladi News, reported that civilians had been wounded in an alleged Russian or regime strike on farms around Ltamenah city.  LCCSY and the Damascus Coordination Committee blamed Russia, while Radio Al Kul said the regime was responsible. All other sources only cited unidentified ‘warplane strikes.’  

Summary

Published
30 May 2016
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 May 2016

Incident Code

RS0824

Location

إدلب, Idlib, Idlib, Syria
In a major civilian casualty incident, consecutive strikes were reported by local sources across the city of Idlib, targeting the National Hospital and other locations. Up to 60 civilians – including women and children – were reported killed and 200 more injured. Multiple sources attributed the incident to Russia, though there was some initial confusion…

Summary

Published
30 May 2016
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
20–60
Civilians reported injured
24–200
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident