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

22 May 2016

Incident Code

RS0809

Location

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria
It was reported that nine female farmers died when remains of cluster bombs allegedly fired by Russia exploded. Al Jisr TV also reported this information, but said this occurred in Kafr Hamra – which is possibly a mistake. Because of near-identical copy by all media, this is presently classed as a weakly reported incident.  

Summary

Published
22 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
9
Causes of Death / Injury
Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

21 May 2016

Incident Code

RS0808

Location

صلاح القرية‬, Salah al Qariya, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Five to six civilians including two children and two to three women died in airstrikes on Salah al Qariya area, in Albu Umar according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. LCCSY reported the death of four civilians in what they…

Summary

Published
21 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
5–6
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 May 2016

Incident Code

RS0807

Location

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria
One civilian died and between five and ten were injured in strikes on Hraytan, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network said that one civilian was killed and five were wounded in Russian strikes, “noting that…

Summary

Published
20 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

19 May 2016

Incident Codes

CS214 RS0806

Location

الحمرات, Al Hamrat (Ar Raqqah), Raqqa, Syria
Five civilians (from the same family) including three children and one woman died in airstrikes on Al Hamrat according to local sources – though reports were confused with conflicting allegations that Russian, the regime or the Coalition had carried out the attacks. Qasioun said a Russian fighter targeted residential neighborhoods in the village, resulting in…

Summary

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

Incident Date

18 May 2016

Incident Code

RS0805

Location

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria
Fifteen people or more, including up to ten children and seven women, were killed in airstrikes on Ar-Rastan during a second day of bombings on the town. Some sources blamed the Assad regime, with others only aying ‘warp[lanes’ were responsible. Multiple sources said that 13 people from the Turkmani family had died in the raids.…

Summary

Published
18 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
13–17
Civilians reported injured
27
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

17 May 2016

Incident Code

RS0804

Location

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria
At least three civilians including one child died in airstrikes on Ar-Rastan according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. According to LCCSY, “several” Russian raids killed five civilians and wounded more. Syria7ra also blamed Russia on Twitter. However, many other sources said the Syrian…

Summary

Published
17 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–6
Civilians reported injured
2–15
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident