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

22 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3934

Location

البدامة, Al Badama, Idlib, Syria
Syrian regime or Russian forces allegedly bombed the town of Badama with rocket-propelled grenades which Step News Agency reported contained "incendiary bombs". Local sources claimed one civilian was killed and three others injured. The Syrian Human Rights Committee named the victim as Obada Kahil. No other details are known at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

22 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3935

Location

بلدات متعددة في أدلب, several town in Idlib, Idlib, Syria
Russian and Syrian forces carried out a series of airstrikes on several locations in Idlib, according to local sources. According to Shaam News, many people were injured in the cities, towns and villages of Khan Sheikhoun, Kefarsgana, Sheikh Mustafa, Rakaya Sjana, Tara`i Hazareen Madaya and Hibeet And Maarazita and Kfroma and Kansfra and Al Fatyra…

Summary

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

Incident Date

22 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3940

Location

لطمين, Latmeen, Idlib, Syria
Two children were reported killed, and up to three other children injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Latmeen in Hama on July 22nd, 2019. Amani Badr An-Naasan and her sister Jumana died of their injuries after airstrikes on Latmeen, according to @MahmodHamway, and according to @HalabTodayTV, three children were injured. Most of…

Summary

Published
22 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

21 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3927

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Ma'arat al-Numan, Syria
Anas Diab, a volunteer journalist with the Syrian Civil Defense (SCD) was killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun on July 20th, 2019. According to the Syrian Civil Defense, who blamed Russian forces, Anas was documenting the aftermath of previous airstrikes on his town, Khan Sheikhoun, when he was struck…

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3932

Location

جبالا, Jabala, Idlib, Syria
One civilian was reported killed and four others, including a woman, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Jabala, Idlib governorate, on July 21st, 2019. According to the Syrian Civil Defense, "one man was killed and four others, including a woman, were injured by the targeting of the town…

Summary

Published
21 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

21 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3928

Location

كفروما, Kafarouma, Idlib, Syria
Up to six civilians including five children were reported killed and up to ten others injured in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes on Kafrouma in Idlib, Syria on July 21st, 2019, according to local sources. The youngest of the victims, Nour Al-Najjar was 6 months old. Zaman Al Wasl said some of the…

Summary

Published
21 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
4–10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident