The Syrian Network for Human Rights says Moscow’s intervention helped the Syrian government retake key cities and left a long trail of civilian deaths, damaged infrastructure, and stalled accountability
On the 10th anniversary of Russia’s 2015 military intervention in Syria, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) on Monday released a detailed report in Damascus and online, urging Moscow to apologize publicly to victims, pay comprehensive compensation, and hand over Bashar Assad, who, the report says, sought refuge in Moscow after his regime fell in December 2024. The group argues Russia altered the war’s course by backing the Syrian government with airpower, advisers, and repeated UN vetoes, enabling the recapture of major population centers and leaving a trail of civilian casualties and shattered infrastructure.
SNHR says Russia’s September 2015 entry marked a turning point: consistent military and political support helped Syrian government forces retake Aleppo, Eastern Ghouta, Daraa, and parts of Idlib. Although major operations ceased after the regime’s fall, the report says the intervention’s effects remain visible in displacement, destruction, and continuing violations. Diplomatically, Moscow used its UN Security Council veto 18 times and voted against condemnations in 21 consecutive Human Rights Council sessions while rallying allies to block accountability, the report adds.
The documented toll (Sept. 2015–Dec. 2024), according to SNHR: 6,993 civilians killed, including 2,061 children and 984 women; 363 massacres; 1,262 attacks on vital facilities (224 schools, 217 medical facilities, 61 markets); and 70 medical personnel and 24 journalists killed. SNHR argues that the high share of women and children points to widespread strikes on residential areas.