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

9 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0586

Location

كفر خاشر, Kafr Kasher, Aleppo, Syria
Between two and ten civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Kasher, according to local sources – though some didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. Shaam News Network reported that there had been dozens of Russia raids launched on February 9th on Aleppo, leaving more than three dead “in a number of areas Kfar Kheshr…

Summary

Published
9 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–10
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0584

Location

جبل الزاوية (ابلين), Jabal al Zawiya, Idlib, Syria
Between five and nine civilians including one child died and at least 15 more were injured in an airstrike on Jabal al Zawiya, according to local sources. While most alleged this was the work of Russia, one said the regime was responsible. Al Souria said that Russia was responsible, putting the death toll at six…

Summary

Published
9 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
5–9
Civilians reported injured
15
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0585

Location

آفس, Afes, Idlib, Syria
Seven civilians including four children were killed in airstrikes on Afes – though sources are unclear or conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that five non-combatants were killed when warplanes raided the Afes area, though did not say who the…

Summary

Published
9 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
20
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0587

Location

الشميطية, Shmaitieh, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One child was killed and three other civilians injured in airstrikes on Shmaitieh, according to local sources – though they are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Both the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Network for Human Rights named a nine-year-old victim as Mohammad Abdul Kareem…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0572

Location

معارة الارتيق, Maarat al Arteek, Aleppo, Syria
Up to three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Maarat al Arteek, according to local sources. In a news roundup, Shaam News Network reported deaths in the town as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes: “Russian planes launched intense air raids using cluster bombs on the towns of Anadan, Hraytan, al Tamoura, Mang,…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 February 2016

Incident Code

RS0573

Location

الدار الكبيره, Dayr al Kabira, Homs, Syria
Two non-combatants including a woman were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Dayr al Kabira, according to local media. In a news roundup, Shaam News Network reported two deaths in Dayr al Kabira as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes. Two victims were named by the Violations Documentation Center. The victims were also named…

Summary

Published
8 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident