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

14 August 2019

Incident Code

RS4032

Location

بسقيا قرب معرة حرمة, Bsqia near Ma’ret Harma, Idlib, Syria
In the second of two consecutive airstrikes near Ma’ret Harma, Idlib, a volunteer from Syria Civil Defense was reported killed on August 14th. This was following a previous airstrike which killed two ambulance workers from SAMS. Macro Media Center reported that "a volunteer in the Civil Defense [...was] killed after a double Russian air strike…

Summary

Published
15 August 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

14 August 2019

Incident Code

RS4025

Location

كفروما, Kafrouma, Idlib, Syria
Two civilians were reported injured in Russian and/or Syrian regime's airstrikes or artillery strikes on Kafrouma in Idlib on August 14th. @Ahmad_1alshble tweeted "Two civilians were wounded after helicopters targeted with barrel bombs the outskirts of the town of Kafroma in the southern countryside of Idlib." @amaraldeek and @Ahmad_1alshble blamed the Syrian regime, while Shaam…

Summary

Published
14 August 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

14 August 2019

Incident Code

RS4033

Location

كفرسجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria
One civilian was reported killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Kafar Sijna, Idlib governorate, on August 14th, 2019, according to local sources. At least two other civilians were injured. Smart News Agency reported the "martyrdom of a civilian and three others wounded, as a result of the targeting of…

Summary

Published
14 August 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

14 August 2019

Incident Code

RS4021

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Ma'arat al-Numan, Syria
Syria Civil Defense reported the "martyrdom of a civilian and wounding three others, as a result of the targeting of Khan Sheikhoun, Sheikh Dams and the town of Kafr Sijana, Russian warplanes, helicopters and rocket launchers, our teams were there with civilians." Step News said that both the Syrian regime and Russia were involved in…

Summary

Published
14 August 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

14 August 2019

Incident Code

RS4022

Location

الشيخ دامس, Al Sheikh Damas, Idlib, Syria
Syria Civil Defense reported the "martyrdom of a civilian and wounding three others, as a result of the targeting of Khan Sheikhoun, Sheikh Dams and the town of Kafr Sijana, Russian warplanes, helicopters and rocket launchers, our teams were there with civilians." Step News reported Syrian regime and Russian military activity in the area among…

Summary

Published
14 August 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

14 August 2019

Incident Code

RS4023

Location

تفتناز, Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria
Civilians were reported injured in airstrikes on Taftanaz, Idlib, on August 14th. Edlib Media Center stated that "civilians are injured when warplanes target Taftanaz town north of Idlib with rockets." Shaam News also reported injuries as a result of airstrikes in Taftanaz, among reports of casualties in a number of other locations. One source did…

Summary

Published
14 August 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident