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

12 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0142

Location

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria
One civilian man was reported killed when Russian warplanes allegedly launched several airstrikes using vacuum missiles. The Union of Hama Rebels later claimed there were 15 Russian raids on the town that morning.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

10 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0140

Location

خان طومان, Khan Tomam, Aleppo, Syria
According to the VDC, one adult male civilian was killed in an alleged strike by Russian warplanes. The victim name has been published by local media activist. A major battle appears to have taken place in the town, with the FSA reporting that one of its commanders was killed. And almost all sources blamed Russia…

Summary

Published
10 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0139

Location

الرحيبة, Al Rahiba, Damascus, Syria
The White Helmets reported that one adult male civilian was killed, and several others injured in an alleged bombing by Russian warplanes. However, the VDC blamed the Assad regime for the death.  

Summary

Published
10 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0141

Location

حي الحلوانية, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that one 13-year-old child was killed – and five other non-combatants injured – when Russian warplanes allegedly launched rockets on the Tareeq Al Bab neighbourhood in Aleppo. According to the Network, relief warehouses for the Muslim Youth Commission were destroyed in the raid. The Aleppo Media Centre reported…

Summary

Published
10 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4–5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0138

Location

كفر زيتة, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria
The Violations Documentation Center reported one male child has a following an alleged strike by Russian warplanes. Local reporters and activists also reported that Russia had attacked the town.    

Summary

Published
10 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0137

Location

مخيم أوبين, Ubin IDP Camp, Latakia, Syria
A major airstrike on an IDP camp close to the Turkish border killed up to eight civilians and injured a further ten, according to reports. While most blamed the Assad regime, JBC News claimed Russia was responsible. All said powerful Russian-made munitions were used in the attack. The camp – home to 5,000 internally displaced…

Summary

Published
9 November 2015
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Residential, IDP or Refugee Camp
Civilians reported killed
4–8
Civilians reported injured
10–12
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident