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

29 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0510

Location

البورمضان, Albu Ramadan, Raqqa, Syria
Four civilians were killed and another five injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Albu Ramadan in eastern Raqqah, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network said: “coinciding with the violent attack by the Russian Aviation on Deir ez-Zor the towns of Raqqa were not spared.” They reported on a “new massacre” on Albu Ramadan which targeted…

Summary

Published
29 January 2016
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

29 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0511

Location

حي القاطرجي, Al Qaterji neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
One woman died and a number of other civilians were injured in an airstrike on Aleppo's Al Qaterji neighbourhood, according to local media. It was unclear whether Russia or the regime were to blame. There were allegations against both parties - and reports that chlorine gas had been dropped from helicopters. According to Anapress, "Russian and…

Summary

Published
29 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

29 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0497

Location

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In a second day of alleged Russian strikes on the town, up to nine civilians including two children and one woman were killed at Al Salhiya, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll at seven, including two children and one woman.  

Summary

Published
29 January 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–7
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

29 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0505

Location

مارع, Mare', Aleppo, Syria
Five civilians including two children were killed and up to 40 injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Mare’, according to local sources. According to the White Helmets, the town was targeted with four cluster bombs and then with two vacuum missiles, resulting in the death of three and the injury of 15 others, “most of them…

Summary

Published
29 January 2016
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
15–40
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

29 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0506

Location

حردتين, Hardatin, Aleppo, Syria
The Shaam News Network reported on the alleged Russian airstrike in Mare’, and added that there had been “several similar raids on towns and Hardatin Bayanoun and Hayan and Tal Rifa’at leaving several killed and wounded, including children.” No further details are currently available.  

Summary

Published
29 January 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

29 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0498

Location

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria
One child died when “suspected Russian warplanes” fired missiles on Manbij, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. All 4 Syria also reported the death, and said the child’s family was injured in the attack.  

Summary

Published
29 January 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident