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
Order results by:
Incident Date Publication Date

Incident Date

13 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0387

Location

Deir Sunbul, Hama, Syria
دير سنبل
Four civilians including a father and his two sons were killed in an airstrike on Deir Sunbul, in what the VDC said was a Russian action. According to Syria News, “a source said it was the first time that Russian planes targeted the village, which led to a state of fear and terror among the…

Summary

Published
13 January 2016
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Incident Date

13 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0384

Location

Al Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria
ميادين
A woman and her two daughters died when “suspected Russian warplanes” launched missiles in Al Mayadeen, according to multiple sources.

Summary

Published
13 January 2016
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Incident Date

13 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0385

Location

Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria
الباب
An early morning airstrike killed four civilians including two women, with most sources blaming Russia. However the Damascus Centre said the regime was responsible.  

Summary

Published
13 January 2016
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Incident Date

13 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0386

Location

Zibdiyah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
الزبدية
A children’s nursery was reportedly struck in a Russian airstrike at Zibdiyah – just a day after a similar incident in Damascus governorate. According to Al Jisr, “Russian airforce aggression also targeted a nursery in the Zibdiyah quarter of Aleppo which led to the deaths of 3 children.” Aleppo White Helmets said 20 children were…

Summary

Published
13 January 2016
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Incident Date

13 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0388

Location

Tadif, Aleppo, Syria
تادف
Six to ten civilians were killed – and several others injured – in alleged Russian airstrikes on the popular market in the city of Tadif in the Aleppo governorate of Syria, on January 13, 2016, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and others. The Network initially reported that five non-combatants died, but a second…

Summary

Published
13 January 2016
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Incident Date

13 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0389

Location

Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria
حيان
Four to five civilians including two children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hayyan, according to the Shaam News Network and the Violations Documentation Centre. SNN reported that five non-combatants were killed, while the Violations Documentation Centre named four victims.    

Summary

Published
13 January 2016
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