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

11 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0367

Location

حوش الصالحية, Al Hoash, Damascus, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0368

Location

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0364

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0361

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
11
Civilians reported injured
35
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 January 2016

Incident Code

RS0355

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
The Daesh agency Al A’maq produced a brief report saying that six civilians including four women and two children were killed – and 23 others injured – in a Russian air raid on Ar Raqqa. In a detailed report Alaan TV noted: “At twelve o’clock noon a Russian plane targeted the city with two raids at a…

Summary

Published
9 January 2016
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
23
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 January 2016

Incident Codes

CS164 RS0352

Location

عين عيسى, `Ayn `Isa, Raqqa, Syria
A strike by aircraft reportedly killed five civilians. Syria News attributed the attack to Russia, while Ara News said it was a Coalition action. VDC – which attributed the attack to the regime – named five victims. In their February 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian…

Summary

Published
9 January 2016
Civilians reported killed
5
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident