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

28 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0203

Location

Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria
الأتارب
Two civilians were killed including one child in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Atarib. There were two events several hours apart. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and others, one attack struck a school which suffered major damage and was no longer in use. Two victims were named SNHR.

Summary

Published
28 November 2015
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Incident Date

28 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0207

Location

Sawara, Daraa, Syria
الصورة
Up to six non-combatants including three children were reported killed and many injured in an alleged Russian (or possibly Assad regime) airstrike on Sawara, according to multiple sources. Shaam News Network reported that five civilians (including three children) died in the attack, and that “a large number” were wounded. According to the Syrian Network for…

Summary

Published
28 November 2015
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Incident Date

28 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0205

Location

Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria
مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان
Three civilians were reported killed, and five to six injured, in an alleged Russian airstrike on the town of Maarat al Numan, according to multiple sources. Shaam News Network said the raid targeted the only water well in the town – at a time when a number of citizens were using the facility. It posted…

Summary

Published
28 November 2015
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Incident Date

28 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0206

Location

Banis, Aleppo, Syria
بانص
Seven to eight civilians were reported killed, including two women and four children, and at least people 20 injured in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Bansh, according to the Shaam News Network and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Shaam posted a video depicting the aftermath of the alleged attack, stating that…

Summary

Published
28 November 2015
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Incident Date

28 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0204

Location

Dayr Al Asafir, Damascus, Syria
دير العصافير
Four non-combatants were reported killed – and several injured – following alleged Russian or Assad regime “violent raids” that struck civilian homes in Dayr al Asafeer, according to reports. The White Helmets said the attack caused a huge fire which they extinguished but did not mention who the planes belonged to – referring only to…

Summary

Published
28 November 2015
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Incident Date

28 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0202

Location

Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria
خان شيخون
Two sisters and their mother were among four civilians killed in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, according to reports. Local journalist Bassel al Darwish said “Assad’s criminal planes and Russia” were responsible for the deaths. The FSA and the Damascus Centre blamed the regime. And Syria 2011 and the local…

Summary

Published
28 November 2015
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