In its eighth annual report, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) has unveiled the major violations committed by Russian forces since the commencement of their military campaign in Syria on September 30, 2015, up to September 30, 2023. The report reveals that Russian forces were responsible for the deaths of at least 6,954 civilians, including children and women.
The report clarifies that the attacks carried out by Russian forces resulted in the documented deaths of 6,954 civilians, including 2,046 children and 978 women, with at least 360 massacres committed.
The report highlights that the highest death toll occurred during the first year of the Russian aggression, accounting for about 52% of the total casualties. Aleppo province witnessed the highest death toll, constituting approximately 41% of casualties among Syrian provinces, followed by Idlib with 38%.
The report documents the killing of 70 medical personnel by Russian forces, including 12 women, with the majority in Aleppo province. The highest number of victims was in the first year. Additionally, 44 civil defense personnel were killed, half of them in Idlib province.
Since their military campaign began, Russian forces have carried out at least 1,246 attacks on vital civilian facilities, including 223 schools, 207 medical facilities, and 61 markets. The first year of the Russian aggression witnessed 452 attacks on vital civilian centers. Idlib province also experienced the highest number of attacks, with 629 attacks accounting for 51% of the total.
The report records at least 237 attacks involving cluster munitions and at least 125 attacks using incendiary weapons launched by Russian forces since the onset of their military campaign in Syria.
The report calls on the UN Security Council to refer Syria to the International Criminal Court, ensure accountability for all those involved, and support the political transition process. It further recommends that the European Union impose economic sanctions on Russia for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Syria.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
