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 Date Publication Date

Incident Date

9 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0032

Location

Al Tamana’h, Idlib, Syria
التمانعة
Two civilians were reported killed in Al-Tamana’h. While the Violations Documentation Center attributed the deaths to Russian aircraft, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said they were killed as a result of actions by Syrian regime helicopters.  

Summary

Published
9 October 2015
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Incident Date

9 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0033

Location

Kafr Nbouda, Hama, Syria
كفرنبودة
A combined air assault by Russian attack helicopters – coupled with an attack by Syrian regime aircraft and ground forces – reportedly killed four civilians at Kafr Nbouda. They were later named by the Violations Documentation Center.

Summary

Published
9 October 2015
View Incident

Incident Date

8 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0028

Location

Jisr al Shughour, Idlib, Syria
جسر الشغور
One civilian was reported killed at Jisr al Shughour. However, the cause was contested. While VDC blamed the attack on Russian forces, Radio al Kul, SOHR and Qasioun blamed the death on “regime heavy artillery.”

Summary

Published
8 October 2015
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Incident Date

8 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0030

Location

Nakir, Idlib, Syria
النقير
A woman and two children were reported killed and another woman was injured in Nakir village near Maarat al Numan, in a Russian or Syrian regime attack. However reporting mentioning the use of cluster munitions at night strongly indicates Russian aircraft carried out the strike. Reporting from the scene, Shaam News said the camp for…

Summary

Published
8 October 2015
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Incident Date

8 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0027

Location

Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria
خان شيخون
According to reports two civilians – a man and a woman – died in a Russian airstrike at Khan Shaykhun, with other victims left in critical condition. SNN News described the attack as “a terrible massacre of civilians,” with footage showing a devastated civilian neighbourhood. And Al Jazeera aired frantic scenes as White Helmets tried…

Summary

Published
8 October 2015
View Incident

Incident Date

8 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0029

Location

Belyon, Idlib, Syria
بليون
Six people were reported killed at Belyon due to warplane shelling. VDC named one woman as a victim of the strike. Smart News later posted a video showing a civilian clear-up operation in the village. One witness noted: “Here there were six martyrs, two from the village of Balian and four displaced from Sahil Al…

Summary

Published
8 October 2015
View Incident