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

30 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0099

Location

حي ‫‏صلاح الدين, Salahudin (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
As many as five civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian strike at Salaheddin. According to the White Helmets “The civil defence rushed to the scene and pulled out five bodies including children. Several wounded were rescued.“ Smart News later published footage showing significant damage to residential apartments. One eyewitness named as Amer told…

Summary

Published
30 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
2–5
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0100

Location

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
During a wave of Russian or Assad regime strikes near Aleppo, up to 25 civilians were reported killed – 17 of them said to be children – at Al Kalassa. Some reports placed the strike at Wadi al Arayes, though casualty reports make clear these are the same event. According to Shaam News, “Another 15…

Summary

Published
30 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
15–26
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0098

Location

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria
Up to 15 civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on the Aleppo district of Fardous. According to Shaam News, “A further 15 civilians were killed in Al Ferdous neighborhood after a Russian plane targeted it with several vacuum missiles – in addition to about five martyrs in Salah al-Din neighborhood.”    

Summary

Published
30 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
13–15
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0093

Location

الدانا, Al Dana, Idlib, Syria
Four civilians were reported killed either at Al Dana, or on a road approaching the town. No other details are presently available.  

Summary

Published
30 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0096

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria
At least 10 and as many as 13 civilians were reported killed and 40 injured following alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab. According to Shaam News, “More than 10 civilians were killed in the city of Al Bab controlled by IS in addition to many injured. The aircraft targeted Al Rihawi mosque, Martta Square, Beith…

Summary

Published
30 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
10–13
Civilians reported injured
40
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0097

Location

تادف, Tadeef, Aleppo, Syria
Up to ten civilians – at least two of them young children – were alleged killed following a reported Russian strike on Tadeef. Some victims were later named However neither the Syrian Observatory, Eldorar or Radio Alkul reported civilian deaths, instead describing between 12 and 15 injuries. Both Al Araby and Syria News also reported…

Summary

Published
30 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
4–10
Civilians reported injured
12–15
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident