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

RS0202

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria
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
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0200

Location

السخنة, As Sukhnah, Homs, Syria
Six or more civilians were reported killed including up to four women when Russian warplanes allegedly shelled As Sukhna. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, one of the rockets targeted two houses, “which killed six civilians including a child and three women.” The VDC has named the six victims that were killed during…

Summary

Published
27 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
6–7
Civilians reported injured
12
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0199

Location

تدمر, Palmyra, Wadi al Ahmar, Homs, Syria
One adult male civilian was reported killed –  VDC named the victim – following multiple alleged Russian airstrikes at Al Wadi Al Ahmar, east of Palmyra, according to local monitors. Activists said the historic city’s archaeological campus was badly damaged as a result of one of the raids, and that other strikes hit different parts…

Summary

Published
27 November 2015
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0201

Location

أعزاز‎, A`zaz, Aleppo, Syria
Up to five civilians, including one to two children, were reported killed and six injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Azaz, according to multiple sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that three non-combatants, including one child, died when Russian warplanes launched several rockets targeting the road leading to the border crossing point with…

Summary

Published
27 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0197

Location

القريتين, Al Qaryatayn, Homs, Syria
Three non-combatants, including two women, were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on a farm 7km from the city of Qaryatain. The Syrian Network for Human Rights described the location as providing shelter to internally displaced civilians. The VDC named two victims, and  SN4HR named the third victim, who was named byrom Haraween, in…

Summary

Published
27 November 2015
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Residential, Agriculture
Civilians reported killed
3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0198

Location

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria
The VDC and others identified an adult female civilian as having been killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Jisr al Shughour. Two additional non-combatants including one child were reportedly injured. Local media activist Tariq Abd Aluhak posted what he said were pictures of rescuers after the event.  

Summary

Published
27 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident