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 DatePublication Date

Incident Date

20 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0177

Location

الزباري, Zubari, Deir Ezzor, Syria
The Violations Documentation Center reported that 25 non-combatants, including 13 women and one child, were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Zubari. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently also posted a video showing the moment of the attack which it blamed on ‘Russian aviation.’ Also, Free Deir Ezzor Broadcast claimed the attack involved Russian ballistic…

Summary

Published
20 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
25
Civilians reported injured
15–40
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0171

Location

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Seven civilians including two women and one child were reported killed in an airstrike on Al Buliyal. While most sources blamed Russia, the Damascus Centre said that both regime attacks and Russian aircraft were responsible. VDC later named five victims. An additional male civilian fatality, the husband of Amira Muheisen al-Elkeh, has been died. Moreover,…

Summary

Published
20 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 November 2015

Incident Codes

CS148 RS0178

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
A number of sources reported that an adult woman from Soran in Hama governorate was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah. Violations Documentation has published the name & photo of the victim which as said he was killed due to the coalition air force's shelling.  In their January 2020 civilian casualty assessment, the US-led…

Summary

Published
20 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

20 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0172

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to the Violations Documentation Center one adult male civilian and one woman or girl were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Mayadeen. Local media activist Hussein al Ahmad reported that “One of them targeted Al Quds mosque in the town which led to its destruction.” Photos show a severely damaged building.  

Summary

Published
20 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0179

Location

مرعيان, Mareian, Idlib, Syria
Four children were among up to five civilians reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mareian, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The Network stated that two rockets fell on the town and that two houses were completely destroyed. Jisr TV placed the death toll at five,…

Summary

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

Incident Date

20 November 2015

Incident Codes

CS149 RS0181

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
The Violations Documentation Center listed five non-combatants, including two women and one child, as killed in an alleged Russian or Coalition airstrike near Al Bukamal. At least two of those killed were said to work for the local electricity company, who died when an oil tank was targeted. VDC named two male victims and additionally…

Summary

Published
20 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident