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

15 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0616

Location

حزرما, Hazrama, Damascus, Syria
The Shaam News Network reported that one civilian was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in Hazrama as part of “dozens of raids on the towns of eastern Ghouta”. The VDC listed one adult male, as killed in “warplane shelling” in Hazrama. The victim was also listed by Syrian Martyrs, who said he was killed…

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0617

Location

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria
Between nine and 14 civilians including two children and one women were killed and 30 others injured in airstrikes on a children’s and women’s hospital in Azaz, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Activists told Shaam News Network that…

Summary

Published
15 February 2016
Infrastructure
Healthcare, Education
Civilians reported killed
9–14
Civilians reported injured
30
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0618

Location

كلجبرين‎, Kaljabreen, Aleppo, Syria
Between six and ten civilians including three to four children and one woman were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kaljabreen, according to local sources. Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes targeted a school for sheltering displaced people in Kaljabreen, “causing a horrific massacre“. According to an initial report by the Syrian Network for…

Summary

Published
15 February 2016
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
6–10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0619

Location

حر بنفسه, Harbnafsa, Hama, Syria
Two or three civilians were killed in airstrikes on Harbnafsa according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. Shaam News Network said that  Russian warplanes launched “intensive air raids on the town” in the morning. Activists documented eight strikes, leading to two…

Summary

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

Incident Date

14 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0610

Location

حوش نصري, Hosh Nasri, Damascus, Syria
Five civilians including one child were killed in airstrikes on the town of Hosh Nasri, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network reported that “swarms of Russian planes” flew over Eastern Ghouta, targeting towns with several…

Summary

Published
14 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

14 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0612

Location

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji, Aleppo, Syria
Between six and 10 civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Qaterji, according to local sources. Shaam News Network reported that “swarms of Russian aircraft” continued to fly over the city of Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. Activists told SNN that Russian warplanes targeted several areas including the Al Qaterji neighborhood, where more…

Summary

Published
14 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
6–10
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident