The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced that more than 528,500 people have been killed since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011. This figure includes thousands of deaths recently confirmed following improved access to detention centers and mass graves after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
The Britain-based monitor reported that 21,402 people were killed in 2024, with civilians comprising the majority. Among the civilian fatalities were 337 children and 240 women. The deaths were attributed to various causes, including military operations, shelling, and remnants of war.
According to the Observatory, Russian airstrikes reportedly killed 88 people, while Israeli strikes caused 85 deaths. Turkish shelling resulted in 90 fatalities, and regime airstrikes killed 39 individuals. The Observatory also documented 567 murders, including 43 children and 95 women, along with 239 deaths from war remnants and 160 summary executions.
Combatant deaths totaled 3,179, including 944 from the former regime, 493 from militant groups, and 318 from Syrian Democratic Forces. Pro-regime armed forces lost 316 members, while fighters supported from other countries accounted for 563.
The war led to widespread displacement, with 6.6 million people internally displaced and at least 7.2 million refugees in neighboring countries. The Observatory said that it has recorded over 64,000 deaths in Assad’s prisons due to torture, medical negligence, or harsh conditions.
In December, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and allied factions launched an offensive from northern Syria, capturing Damascus and declaring the end of Assad’s 13-year rule. Mohammed Al-Bashir, former leader of the “Salvation Government,” was appointed head of a transitional government.
Syria remains gripped by a severe humanitarian crisis, with most of its population living below the poverty line and 12.4 million people facing food insecurity. The country’s battered economy continues to exacerbate the suffering of millions.
