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 Date Publication Date

Incident Date

13 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0384

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0385

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0386

Location

الزبدية, Zibdiyah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
20
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0388

Location

تادف, Tadif, Aleppo, Syria
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
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Commerce (Market)
Civilians reported killed
6–10
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0389

Location

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0382

Location

نوى, Nawa, Daraa, Syria
Three civilians were killed when helicopters dropped barrel bombs on Nawa, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. While the Network blamed the regime, the Observatory did not say who was responsible. According to the Revolutionary Forces of Syria, the town experienced a joint ground and air…

Summary

Published
13 January 2016
Civilians reported killed
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident