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

21 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3933

Location

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil, Idlib, Syria
A woman was killed and two civilians were reported injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Kafar Nabil, Idlib governorate, on July 21st, 2019, according to local sources. The Syrian Civil Defence reported that aerial strikes had been targeting civilian houses in the city since the morning of July 21st. The Syrian Observatory…

Summary

Published
21 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

21 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3929

Location

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria
At least 10 civilians were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Saraqib, Idlib governorate, on July 21st, 2019, according to local sources. One of the victims died on September 23rd due to his injuries sustained in the strikes. One source reported eight fatalities. A SY-24 correspondent stated: "The correspondent…

Summary

Published
21 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1–8
Civilians reported injured
10
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

21 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3930

Location

مورك, Morek, Hama, Syria
Four civilians were killed and at least one civilian was injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on the city of Morek, Hama governorate, on July 21st, 2019, according to local sources. @Step_Agency reported that "four civilians were killed and another injured when the city of Morek in the northern countryside…

Summary

Published
21 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

21 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3931

Location

أورم الجوز, Urma Al Jouz, Idlib, Syria
Up to 12 civilians, including children, were killed and up too 22 others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, Idlib governorate, on July 21st, 2019, according to local sources. Horrya News reported that "12 civilians were killed and 22 others were wounded after a warplane launched a raid…

Summary

Published
21 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
8–12
Civilians reported injured
7–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3921

Location

كنصفرة, Kansafra, Idlib, Syria
Alleged Syrian and Russian forces carried out airstrikes on several locations in Idlib with high-impact rockets. According to Syrian Civil Defense who were at the scene reported that "eight civilians, including a child and a woman, were injured by the targeting of the towns of Kansafra, Balyoun and Jabal al-Arba’een in the countryside of Idlib".…

Summary

Published
20 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
0–8
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3924

Location

جبل الأربعين, Jabal Al Arba’een, Idlib, Syria
Alleged Syrian and Russian forces carried out airstrikes on several locations in Idlib with high-impact rockets. According to Syrian Civil Defense who were at the scene reported that "eight civilians, including a child and a woman, were injured by the targeting of the towns of Kansafra, Balyoun and Jabal al-Arba’een in the countryside of Idlib".…

Summary

Published
20 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident