Syria’s civil war: key facts, important players

Syria's turmoil began with protests against President Bashar al-Assad's regime in March 2011. It crossed an important threshold a year and a half later, when the international Red Cross formally declared it a civil war.

The casualty tallies continue to climb higher as fighting rages across the country. Tens of thousands are fleeing Syria, seeking sanctuary in refugee camps in neighbouring countries. See how the conflict has escalated and who the key participants are in this troubled country.

Human toll of the conflict.

100,000+ have been killed

This is a United Nations estimate. The UN believes the actual toll may be much higher as many deaths are not reported.


1.8 million have fled Syria

These are the refugees who have registered with the office of the UN High Commisoner on Refugees. This number is feared to be much higher. Tens of thousands are also waiting to be registered.


3/4 of refugees are women and children

Almost half of the refugees are girls and women, while another quarter are boys under 18.


Another 4.25 million are displaced inside Syria

Aid agencies continue to increase their estimates of internally displaced people as the