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

2 March 2016

Incident Code

RS0707

Location

الهلك, Huluk (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
The Violations Documentation Center said one 19-year-old male civilian, Safi Mahmoud Trab, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike In Hulluk, Aleppo. According to SMP, “activists said that the air force of the Russian occupation launched air strikes on Hulluk neighborhood in Aleppo, in conjunction with clashes between the rebels and ‘democratic Syria’ militia after…

Summary

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

Incident Date

2 March 2016

Incident Code

RS0704

Location

نبهان, Nabhan, Idlib, Syria
One 35-year old man, Mostafa Abdo Nabhan, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Nabhan Village, Jisr Al Shoughour, according to the Violations Documentation Center.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

2 March 2016

Incident Code

RS0706

Location

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria
Three civilians including one child and one woman died in airstrikes on Palmyra – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News reported that Moscow was responsible: “Russian enemy planes carried out more than 15 air raids on the city of Palmyra targeting civilian…

Summary

Published
2 March 2016
Infrastructure
Healthcare, Education
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
11
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

2 March 2016

Incident Code

RS0705

Location

كسرة الفرج, Kasret Farj, Raqqa, Syria
Up to seven civilians including one child were reported killed and up to 71 others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes focusing on a water company on the outskirts of the city, according to multiple sources. Shaam News reported that Russian warplanes used cluster bombs to target the water facility, killing seven non-combatants, injuring 70 more…

Summary

Published
2 March 2016
Civilians reported killed
5–7
Civilians reported injured
20–71
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

1 March 2016

Incident Code

RS0703

Location

الزعينية, Al Zou’ainiyah, Idlib, Syria
Up to four people died and at least 10 were injured when a ballistic missile hit Al Zou’ainiyah – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russian warships or the Assad regime. Alaraby reported that Russian warships stationed in the Mediterranean launched ballistic missiles on Al Zou’ainiyah, resulting in three…

Summary

Published
1 March 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–4
Civilians reported injured
10–13
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

1 March 2016

Incident Code

RS0702

Location

المسطومة, Al Mastumah, Idlib, Syria
One man and his granddaughter died in strikes on the village of Al Mastumah according to local sources – though these were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime, with only one report attributing the incident to Moscow. Shaam News Network reported that “Activists in Idlib province documented…

Summary

Published
1 March 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
7–9
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident