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 DatePublication Date

Incident Date

11 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0363

Location

Maarat al Arteek, Aleppo, Syria
معارة الارتيق
Activists told Shaam News that Russian warplanes targeted Maarat al Arteek with three strikes, using highly explosive missiles. They said that an automated bakery and residential buildings were damaged, which resulted in the death of one person and the injury of 10 others, including serious cases taken to field hospitals.  

Summary

Published
11 January 2016
View Incident

Incident Date

11 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0367

Location

Al Hoash, Damascus, Syria
حوش الصالحية
Four to five civilians were killed – and many wounded – in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Al Hoash Al Salhiya, according to the Shaam News Network. SNN referred to the incident as “a new massacre to be added to the series of daily massacres committed by the Russian aggression in the cities and towns of…

Summary

Published
11 January 2016
View Incident

Incident Date

11 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0368

Location

Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria
الرستن‬
Five civilians including three women and one child were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Rastan, according to multiple sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Russian warplanes raided Al Rastan and Der al-Foul, killing three non-combatants including a child in Al Rastan. Distressing and graphic videos posted by ‘Al Rastan’ depict child casualties, while footage…

Summary

Published
11 January 2016
View Incident

Incident Date

11 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0364

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
الرقة‎
One female child named as Aamne Hsain al Waw (pictured) was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Ar Raqqah, according to the Violations Documentation Center. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

Published
11 January 2016
View Incident

Incident Date

10 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0361

Location

Douma, Damascus, Syria
دوما
11 civilians including five women and two children were killed and nearly 35 injured in airstrikes on Douma, according to multiple sources. While most sources allege Russia was responsible, one blamed the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network reported that 10 non-combatants died following raids by Russian warplanes, which also caused considerable damage to residential buildings. The Syrian…

Summary

Published
10 January 2016
View Incident

Incident Date

9 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0360

Location

Orme al Joz, Idlib, Syria
أورم الجوز
Up to four four non-combatants including two named children were killed – and four more children injured – in an alleged Russian airstrike on Orme al Joz, according to The Shaam News Network and the Violations Documentation Centre. The Shaam News Network said that a raid by Russian planes killed “several” people and wounded others.  

Summary

Published
9 January 2016
View Incident