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

12 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0143

Location

Benin, Idlib, Syria
بينين
Up to four non-combatants, including two children, were killed and 10 injured in alleged Russian nighttime airstrikes on Benin. The Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that phosphorous weapons may have been used in two strikes, which burned 500m of agricultural land. Additional strikes then targeted an olive pressing facility and a bakery in Bayneen.…

Summary

Published
12 November 2015
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Incident Date

10 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0138

Location

Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria
كفر زيتة
The Violations Documentation Center reported one male child has a following an alleged strike by Russian warplanes. Local reporters and activists also reported that Russia had attacked the town.    

Summary

Published
10 November 2015
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Incident Date

10 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0140

Location

Khan Tomam, Aleppo, Syria
خان طومان
According to the VDC, one adult male civilian was killed in an alleged strike by Russian warplanes. The victim name has been published by local media activist. A major battle appears to have taken place in the town, with the FSA reporting that one of its commanders was killed. And almost all sources blamed Russia…

Summary

Published
10 November 2015
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Incident Date

10 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0139

Location

Al Rahiba, Damascus, Syria
الرحيبة
The White Helmets reported that one adult male civilian was killed, and several others injured in an alleged bombing by Russian warplanes. However, the VDC blamed the Assad regime for the death.  

Summary

Published
10 November 2015
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Incident Date

10 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0141

Location

Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
حي الحلوانية
The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that one 13-year-old child was killed – and five other non-combatants injured – when Russian warplanes allegedly launched rockets on the Tareeq Al Bab neighbourhood in Aleppo. According to the Network, relief warehouses for the Muslim Youth Commission were destroyed in the raid. The Aleppo Media Centre reported…

Summary

Published
10 November 2015
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Incident Date

9 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0137

Location

Ubin IDP Camp, Latakia, Syria
مخيم أوبين
A major airstrike on an IDP camp close to the Turkish border killed up to eight civilians and injured a further ten, according to reports. While most blamed the Assad regime, JBC News claimed Russia was responsible. All said powerful Russian-made munitions were used in the attack. The camp – home to 5,000 internally displaced…

Summary

Published
9 November 2015
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