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

19 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3918

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria
Two civilians were injured when alleged Russian or Syrian airstrikes struck residential neighborhoods in Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib, according to local sources. According to the Syrian Civil Defense forces, the attack was carried out from a helicopter that dropped 20 explosive barrels and used artillery and rocket fire including 26 air-to-surface missiles and 2 rockets…

Summary

Published
19 July 2019
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

17–18 July, 2019

Incident Code

RS3917

Location

جسر الشغور, Jsir Al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria
Up to three civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Jisr Al Shoughour, Idlib, after midnight on July 18th. A further five to seven, including two children, were allegedly injured in the attack. Ayman Qaddour (or Ameen Qaddour) and child Abdul-Jawad Ramo were killed in the attack. Abdul-Jawad died days later of his wounds. Few…

Summary

Published
17 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
5–7
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

17 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3916

Location

Several towns in Idlib, Idlib, Syria
Shaam News reported airstrikes and artillery shelling on a number of locations in Idlib on July 17th. According to this source, "Russian military aircraft carried out heavy air raids on the cities and towns of Khan Sheikhun, Jisr al-Shughur, Habayt, Tirmala, Kafrain, Kefersgana, Rakaya, Wadi Arenabah, Baarba and Hazarin areas, causing a number of civilian…

Summary

Published
17 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
2–12
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3909

Location

ديرسنبل, Deir Sennbel, Idlib, Syria
Step Agency reported that Russian forces carried out airstrikes on Jisr al-Shughour, Ma’rshurin, Hantoutin, Deir Sennbel, Heesh, Sahiyan and Tabish in rural Idlib, killing six civilians and injuring dozens across these locations. Another source said the attacks were conducted jointly by the Russian forces and the Syrian regime. No other details are known at this…

Summary

Published
16 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1–6
Civilians reported injured
1–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3910

Location

حيش, Heesh, Idlib, Syria
@Step_Agency reported that Russian forces carried out airstrikes on Jisr al-Shughour, Ma’rshurin, Hantoutin, Deir Sennbel, Heesh, Sahiyan and Tabish in rural Idlib, killing six civilians and injuring dozens across these locations. Other local sources said the Syrian regime is also involved in the attacks, but didn't mention any casualties. No other details are known at…

Summary

Published
16 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1–6
Civilians reported injured
1–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3911

Location

صهيان, Sahyan, Idlib, Syria
@Step_Agency reported that Russian forces carried out airstrikes on Jisr al-Shughour, Ma’rshurin, Hantoutin, Deir Sennbel, Heesh, Sahiyan and Tabish in rural Idlib, killing six civilians and injuring dozens across these locations. Other local sources said the Syrian regime is also involved in conducting the airstrikes, but didn't mention any casualties. No other details are known…

Summary

Published
16 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1–6
Civilians reported injured
1–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident