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

28 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0208

Location

أباد, Abbada, Aleppo, Syria
A family of four was reported killed in the village of Abbad in the Aleppo countryside, following alleged Russian raids. An eyewitness reported the following to Orient News: “Everyone here works in agriculture and shepherding. I was in the shop buying some things and we saw the plane. It struck the first blow on the…

Summary

Published
28 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0203

Location

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria
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
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0207

Location

الصورة, Sawara, Daraa, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
6
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0205

Location

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0206

Location

بانص, Banis, Aleppo, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
7–8
Civilians reported injured
20
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0204

Location

دير العصافير, Dayr Al Asafir, Damascus, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident