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

4,338 – 6,384

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 4,842 separate alleged incidents.

1,145 – 1,394
children likely killed
632 – 766
women likely killed
6,544
likely injured
3,435
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
15,282 – 24,392
Locally reported civilian deaths from Russian Military actions in Syria.
4,842 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
4,338 – 6,384
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by Russian Military
1,344 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
727 – 848
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
457 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
10,113 – 17,043
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
3,026 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
104 – 117
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
15 seperate alleged incidents
4808 incidents
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Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

28 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0495

Location

Nahlia, Idlib, Syria
نحليا
In a news roundup, the Shaam News Network reported that two civilians were killed and a number more wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Nahlia. Radio Al Kul placed the death toll at four.  

Summary

Published
28 January 2016
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Incident Date

27 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0478

Location

Hussainiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria
الحسينية
Nine to 12 civilians including up to six women and four children were killed and ten others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hussainiya, according to multiple sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that Russian aircraft launches two rockets on the town, killing nine non-combatants. According to Deir Ezzor is Being Silently Slaughtered, Russian…

Summary

Published
27 January 2016
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Incident Date

27 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0479

Location

Al Khareeta, Deir Ezzor, Syria
الخريطة
Three or more civilians including 2 to 3 women and one child were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Khareeta, according to three sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said the victims died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on Al Khareeta. Both the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently…

Summary

Published
27 January 2016
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Incident Date

27 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0480

Location

Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria
محيميدة
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the number killed in raids carried out by “several warplanes believed to be Russian” on neighborhoods in Deir ez-Zor had risen to 27. They said this included three children and nine women. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently published several reports on the incident in which they said that Russia…

Summary

Published
27 January 2016
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Incident Date

27 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0481

Location

Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria
محيميدة
Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently claimed Russian planes returned and targeted a funeral procession which was being held “for the martyrs of the massacre carried out by the Russian in the village of Mhimideh a few hours ago.” Al Jisir TV also reported that the town was hit with a second wave of Russian attacks.…

Summary

Published
27 January 2016
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Incident Date

27 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0470

Location

Al Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria
ميادين
At least one civilian was killed and several members of his family injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Mayadeen, according to Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently. Alaan TV reported “the deaths of dozens of victims and wounded, including civilians and members of Daesh.”  

Summary

Published
27 January 2016
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