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

8 November 2019

Incident Code

RS4151

Location

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shughur, Idlib, Syria
Six civilians, including four children, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Jisr Al Shughour on November 8th, 2019, according to local sources. Smart News Agency reported that "activists said four civilians from the same family, including three children, were wounded in an airstrike by Russian planes on the…

Summary

Published
8 November 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported injured
4–6
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

8 November 2019

Incident Code

RS4149

Location

الدار الكبيرة, Dar al Kabira, Idlib, Syria
Two civilians were reported killed and up to four other injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on Dar Al Kabira in Idlib, Syria on October 8th,, according to local sources. Smart said "two military personnel" were killed, however, Edlib Media Centre and @jisrtv reported the death of two civilians. According to Aleppo Media Centre, there were…

Summary

Published
11 November 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Military actors reported killed
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

8 November 2019

Incident Code

RS4152

Location

النيرب, Al Neirab, Idlib, Syria
One child was killed and up to four civilians, including two children, were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on a refugee camp near Al Neirab town, Idlib governorate, on November 8th, 2019, according to local sources. Edlib Media Center reported that a child was killed and four others were injured "following the targeting of a…

Summary

Published
8 November 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3–4
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

8 November 2019

Incident Codes

TS385 RS4153

Location

سرمساخ, Sermisax, Al Hassakah, Syria
One civilian was reported killed and between five and ten others wounded allegedly when Turkish or Russian forces opened fire on protesters in Sermisax, in Qamishli - Syria on November 8th, 2019, according to local sources. ANHA reported that Serkheboon Ali was killed, and the following civilians were among the injured: Bahoz Çelo,  Fehed Mûsa,…

Summary

Published
8 November 2019
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military, Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 November 2019

Incident Code

RS4146

Location

كفرسجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria
Civilians were reportedly injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the outskirts of the town of Kafar Sijna, Idlib governorate, on November 7th, 2019, according to local media. The Step News Agency said that three civilians were wounded. Multiple other sources referred to civilians being injured but did not give a number. All of the sources…

Summary

Published
7 November 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 November 2019

Incident Code

RS4147

Location

كفرومة, Kafarouma, Idlib, Syria
One civilian was killed and another one injured in an airstrike on the outskirts of Kfarouma town, Idlib governorate, on November 7th, 2019, according to local sources. @IdlibPlus tweeted that "a civilian was martyred as a result of Russian warplanes targeting the outskirts of Kfarouma town in the southern countryside of Idlib with airstrikes". MMC…

Summary

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