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

13 March 2016

Incident Code

RS0736

Location

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria
Between seven and eight civilians including three children and one or two women died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Sukhna, according to local sources. Shaam News reported that eight civilians including were killed and more than 10 others injured on alleged Russian raids on Sukhna. SNN added: “The co-ordinating city of Palmyra said that in…

Summary

Published
13 March 2016
Civilians reported killed
7–8
Civilians reported injured
10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 March 2016

Incident Code

RS0737

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria
At least one child was killed in Douma according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was a Russian airstrike or the result of regime artillery. Shaam News, reported: “Russian planes carried out raids on Douma neighbourhoods which was preceeded by artillery shelling. One civilian was killed and others were…

Summary

Published
13 March 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 March 2016

Incident Codes

CS190 RS0738

Location

أبو قلقل, Abu Qalqal, Aleppo, Syria
Two civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on the town of Abu Kalkal. Opinion was split as to whether the attack was Russian, Coalition or Syrian regime in origin. Daesh-linked Al A’amaq Media, the Syrian Observatory, the Syrian Network, the Syrian Human Rights Committee, Shaam News and al Hall Media all said the attack…

Summary

Published
13 March 2016
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

12 March 2016

Incident Code

RS0733

Location

ماضي, Maadi, Aleppo, Syria
Two civilians including one woman died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maadi, Aleppo, according to local sources. Ana Press reported that a Russian strike “resulted in casualties and injuries among civilians and massive destruction of the residential buildings”. The victims were also named by Syrian Human Rights Committee and other sources.  

Summary

Published
12 March 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

12 March 2016

Incident Code

RS0732

Location

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria
The Violations Documentation Center listed one unidentified woman as a victim of an alleged Russian airstrikes on Palmyra. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

Published
12 March 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 March 2016

Incident Code

RS0725

Location

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria
A woman and her teenage son died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Naha, according to local sources. The victims were named by Halab News – who blamed Russia – as Anas Ahmad Khatib and Fatima Khatib. Two additional sources, Allairamon Today and Anas Naif, also named them and said that Russia was responsible…

Summary

Published
11 March 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident