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

4 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0018

Location

أم شرشوح, Umm Sharshuh, Homs, Syria
An alleged Russian raid killed up to three civilians at Umm Sharshuh, a town near Al Rastan. The Syrian Network cited local activist Abu Baraa Al Homsi: “Russian warplanes launched a number of air-strikes on Garnata and Umm Sharshuh. The strikes targeted civilian targets as usual. A number of individuals were killed and injured.” The…

Summary

Published
4 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

3 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0014

Location

إحسم, Ihsem, Idlib, Syria
Russian aircraft reportedly bombed the town of Ihsem in Idlib, killing five members of one family – four of whom were young girls. The victims were later named. The White Helmets civil defence force tried to reach the dead and injured, but were subjected to a "double tap’"strike which killed one of their rescuers and…

Summary

Published
3 October 2015
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Agriculture (Livestock)
Civilians reported killed
6–11
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

3 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0015

Location

عقرب, Akrab, Hama, Syria
The Syrian Network reported that Russian warplanes attacked Akrab, a town under the control of the Free Syrian Army, in a joint attack with the Assad regime. All4Syria also reported that “regime forces tried to storm the town, in southern Hama, after several raids by Russian aviation, resulting in several casualties among civilians.“ Two rockets,…

Summary

Published
3 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

3 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0013

Location

عقيربات, Akeerbat, Hama, Syria
A reported airstrike on the sheep market at Akeerbat village killed six civilians, including a child. While some blamed Russia, others such as the Syrian Network initially held the Syrian regime responsible. Five victims were later named.

Summary

Published
3 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
6
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

2 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0012

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria
At least 19 civilians and as many as 80 – including children and women – were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab. According to al Jazeera – which placed the death toll as high as 80 with 200 injured – the attacks were carried out by helicopters, most likely Russian Hind-24 gunships. According…

Summary

Published
2 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
19–80
Civilians reported injured
200
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

2 October 2015

Incident Code

RS0008

Location

تادف, Tadif, Aleppo, Syria
Intense bombardment was reported on the 2nd of October 2016 in and around the province of Aleppo.  In the town of Tadef two people were reported to have been killed as a result raids that were widely blamed on Russia. Only one source, Sada Islamic, blamed the coalition for the strikes publishing photos of the…

Summary

Published
2 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident