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

7 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0129

Location

دير حافر‎, Dayr Hafir, Aleppo, Syria
A series of massive airstrikes on Dayr Hafir – allegedly by both Assad regime and Russian forces – led to some civilian casualties according to reports. According to Shaam News, “Dayr Hafer was hit with more than 40 rockets launched by rocket launchers and more than ten air strikes in addition to helicopters throwing their…

Summary

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

Incident Date

7 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0130

Location

ضاحية الكهرباء, Dahiat al Kharaba, Aleppo, Syria
The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that one male civilian was killed in an alleged strike by Russian warplanes on the Dahiat al Kharaba region, between the towns of Kafr Naha and Khan al Assal. Al Jazeera, the Step Agency and Zaitonmag also said attacks in the vicinity were the work of Russia. However, VDC…

Summary

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

Incident Date

7 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0127

Location

كفر جوم, Kafr Joum, Aleppo, Syria
Several civilians were reported killed and a number injured in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on the Al Dairi fabrics factory in Kafr Joum, Aleppo, according to the White Helmets and the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The White Helmets reported that Russian warplanes had carried out several raids targeting the factory, leading to widespread destruction and a…

Summary

Published
7 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
0–2
Civilians reported injured
13
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0128

Location

حي خان العسل, Khan Al Assal (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
The White Helmets reported that one woman was killed and several other civilians injured following an alleged strike by Russian planes. The event may be linked to the previous incident between Kafr Naha and Khan al Assal. The only woman as listed by VDC as killed in an airstrike that day was Halima Abid al…

Summary

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

Incident Date

7 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0125

Location

سقبا وحموريه, Between Saqba and Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria
Seven civilians were killed including four children – and dozens of people injured – following an alleged Russian or Assad regime air raid on neighbourhoods in an area linking the towns of Saqba and Hamouriya. The White Helmets and Radio Al Kul blamed Russia, while VDC and the Syrian Free Army said the attack was…

Summary

Published
7 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 November 2015

Incident Code

RS0126

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria
News media and casualty recorders reported that between 25 and 26 civilians were killed including eight children and seven women – and more than a dozen injured – in airstrikes targeting a market where people were queuing to buy heating fuel. It remains unclear whether the Assad regime or Russian forces were responsible for the…

Summary

Published
7 November 2015
Civilians reported killed
25–26
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident