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

16 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0631

Location

الغنطو, Al Ghantu, Homs, Syria
One male child, was killed in Al Ghantu, according to local sources. However reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were to blame, and most pointed towards Assad artillery. Only the Violations Documentation Center attributed the incident to Russia. Homs Media Center named the victim, though didn’t say who was responsible. Koooookeh11 tweeted:…

Summary

Published
16 February 2016
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0626

Location

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria
Two civilians were killed and between 12 and 20 injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Palmyra, according to local sources. VDC named the victims, as did Syria Martrys who blamed a Russian strike. According to M_alhameeed one non-combatant died and 20 more were injured in Russian raids on the city.  

Summary

Published
16 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
12–20
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0627

Location

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria
One 40-year-old male civilian, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Hamra. The victim was named by the VDC, Syria Martrys and Mediakafrhamra – all of whom attributed the incident to Russia.  

Summary

Published
16 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0630

Location

جاسم, Jassem, Daraa, Syria
Three civilians (one man and his two children) died in an airstrike on Jassem, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Shaam News Network reported three deaths – “a father and his two children” – and blamed Russia. It also…

Summary

Published
16 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 February 2016

Incident Codes

CS172 RS0625

Location

الشدادي, Al-Shadadi, Al Hassakah, Syria
Reported airstrikes by the Coalition or possibly Russia on al Shadadi between midnight and dawn struck a bakery in the city killing at least 15 civilians, according to multiple reports. Shaam News and the Syrian Network said the civilians died in a Coalition strike as they queued to buy bread at Auto Bakery, although other…

Summary

Published
15 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
14–28
Civilians reported injured
15–24
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

15 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0623

Location

غرناطة, Garnata, Homs, Syria
Up to three civilians including one girl and two women were killed in an airstrike on Garnata according to two local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime carried out the attack. In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported that “Russian enemy planes carried out air raids…

Summary

Published
15 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident