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

7 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4246

Location

كفرشلايا, Kafr Shlaya, Idlib, Syria
As many as two civilians were injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on the village of Kafr Shlaya, Idlib governorate, on December 7th, 2019, according to local sources. The Syrian White Helmets said: "A young civilian was injured and destroyed in civilian homes in the village of Kafr Shalaya, west of Jericho,…

Summary

Published
7 December 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4247

Location

حاس, Hass, Idlib, Syria
As many as two men were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Hass, Idlib governorate, on December 7th, 2019, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the Russian raids targeted “the towns of Kafr Nabl, Hass, and the vicinity of Kafruma and Ad-Dhahabiya in…

Summary

Published
7 December 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4248

Location

كفرومة, Kafrouma, Idlib, Syria
One man was reportedly wounded in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on the town of Kafrouma, Idlib governate on December 7th, 2019, according to local reports. Mohamad Rasheed said one man was injured in Kafrouma by Russian airstrikes and barrel bombs. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that Russian aircraft had…

Summary

Published
7 December 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4249

Location

بلشون, Balchoun, Mount Zawia, Idlib, Syria
Between one and two men were injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on the town of Balchoun, Idlib governorate, on December 7th, 2019, according to local sources. Edlib News Network said: "A man was wounded when Russian occupation warplanes bombed the outskirts of the town of Balshon in Idlib countryside." Idlib Plus…

Summary

Published
7 December 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4250

Location

معصران, Ma’saran, Idlib, Syria
One civilian was reported injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Ma’saran, Idlib governate, on December 7th, 2019 according to local sources. The Syrian White Helmets said that a man in Maasran was injured following Russian airstrikes and barrel bombs that targeted the town. The report was published by several…

Summary

Published
7 December 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4240

Location

عدة بلدات, Several towns, Idlib, Syria
Shaam News reported on December 7th, 2019 that "dozens of people were wounded in the cities and towns and villages of Kafr Nabl, Ahsam, Hazaran, Hass, Khirbet Bernan, Farwan, Al Halba, Halah, Barasah, Sheikh Idris, Abilene, Kafr Sijnah, Balshron, Kafrouma, لآarisa, Rayan, Maarizita and Al Bureij And Urma Al Jouz and Kafr Takharim , Al…

Summary

Published
7 December 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
5–15
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident