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

18 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0167

Location

الكركات, Al Karkat, Hama, Syria
The Union of Hamas Rebels reported that one child who was killed – and two or more people injured – in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Al Karat. The VDC also named the boy, who it said had died “Due to the Russian air forces shelling of Karakat village.” The Syrian News Desk…

Summary

Published
18 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
12
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0164

Location

تل هادية, Tal Hadya, Aleppo, Syria
According to the Union of Hamas Rebels, one adult civilian male was killed and two or more people injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Tal Hadya. The Violations Documentation Center also named the victim, It also identifies him as a civilian but has published an image of him wearing a militant bandana. His combatant…

Summary

Published
18 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
0–1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 November 2015

Incident Codes

CS147 RS0168

Location

البوكمال, Al Bukamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to the Violations Documentation Center and others, six civilian males were reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in the vicinity of the Aisha hospital in Al Bukamal. According to Deir Ezzor 24, eight rockets or missiles were launched on the town. However, the Syrian Observatory has attributed the attack to the US-led Coalition.…

Summary

Published
18 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
6
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0156

Location

أورم الجوز, Urum Al Joz, Idlib, Syria
According to The Syrian Observatory, Russian warplanes allegedly bombed Orme al Joz killing up to four civilians. While the Observatory reported unspecified casualties, VDC named one adult male fatality. The Syrian News Desk cited local media activist Khaled Al Idilbi as saying “that Russian warplanes targeted with two raids residential sites within the town of…

Summary

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

Incident Date

17 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0157

Location

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria
An alleged Russian midnight raid on Saraqib destroyed a bakery in the town. The Idlib Media Centre complained that “this oven is for baking, it’s not the headquarters of the rebels.” While The Syrian Observatory and Idlib Media Centre reported unspecified casualties, the Syrian News Desk put the toll at one civilian killed, with six…

Summary

Published
17 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
6
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

17 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0154

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria
The Syrian Observatory reported that four non-combatants were killed and ten people were injured (four seriously) in three alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun. A video filmed in the immediate aftermath shows devastated civilian houses, with at least ten injured adults and children. A second video (below) shows the moment the airstrike hits Khan Sheikhoun.

Summary

Published
17 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
3–4
Civilians reported injured
10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident