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

8 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0132

Location

Bawabiyah, Aleppo, Syria
البوابية
According to multiple sources, one man was killed and at least five non-combatants were injured by alleged Russian warplanes targeted the village of Buwaybiyah in southern Aleppo countryside.  

Summary

Published
8 November 2015
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Incident Date

8 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0134

Location

Palmyra, Homs, Syria
تدمر
According to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least one civilian was killed and 10 injured, in dozens of alleged airstrikes by Russian warplanes. The Observatory said it expected the death toll to rise, as some people were left in a critical condition. A victim was later named by the VDC. The Syrian Network…

Summary

Published
8 November 2015
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Incident Date

8 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0135

Location

Al Sawana, Homs, Syria
الصوانة
The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that three civilians, including two children, were killed in an alleged raid by Russian warplanes. According to the Network, the non-combatants were targeted as they were leaving the town of Maheen in Homs, leading to some reporting confusion with the following incident. The SNHR released the three victim…

Summary

Published
8 November 2015
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Incident Date

8 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0136

Location

Mahin, Homs, Syria
مهين
The Violations Documentation Center reported the death of four non-combatants, including three children, following alleged shelling by Russian warplanes, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that three civilians including two children died in the strike. VDC has published the four victims by names.    

Summary

Published
8 November 2015
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Incident Date

7 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0125

Location

Between Saqba and Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria
سقبا وحموريه
Seven civilians were killed including four children – and dozens of people injured – following an alleged Russian or Assad regime air raid on neighbourhoods in an area linking the towns of Saqba and Hamouriya. The White Helmets and Radio Al Kul blamed Russia, while VDC and the Syrian Free Army said the attack was…

Summary

Published
7 November 2015
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Incident Date

7 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0127

Location

Kafr Joum, Aleppo, Syria
كفر جوم
Several civilians were reported killed and a number injured in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on the Al Dairi fabrics factory in Kafr Joum, Aleppo, according to the White Helmets and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The White Helmets reported that Russian warplanes had carried out several raids targeting the factory, leading to widespread destruction and a…

Summary

Published
7 November 2015
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