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

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3912

Location

طبيش, Tabish, Idlib, Syria
@Step_Agency claimed 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 that the Syrian regime was also involved in undertaking the attacks, but didn't mention 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

Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3913

Location

لطمين, Latmeen, Hama, Syria
One civilian was reported killed in Latmeen in Hama on July 16th, 2019 as a result of Russian and Syrian regime attacks. Step News said that two people were reported killed and others injured by Russian airstrikes on the city of Al Latamna and the village of Latmeen in northern Hama. No other details are…

Summary

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

Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3914

Location

خان شيخون, khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria
On July 16, 2019, an unknown number of civilians, including a young man, Mohammad Nader al Sahh, were wounded in an airstrike with cluster munitions on the outskirts of Khan Sheikhoun, Syria, according to local sources. Shaam News reported that Russian warplanes stepped up raids on a number of towns and villages in Idlib and…

Summary

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

Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3906

Location

جسر الشغور, Jsir Al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria
Local source Shaam News reported that Russian warplanes increased air raids on a number of towns and villages in Idlib in Hama, targeting several civilian areas. According to Jisr Media Center, 5 civilians were injured in 4 air raids with more than 12 missiles that struck the city of Jisr al-Shoughour and its surrounding. Syrian…

Summary

Published
16 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3907

Location

عين الباردة, Ain Al Barde, Idlib, Syria
Five civilians were reported injured in airstrikes on Ain Al Barde, Idlib, on July 16th. Jisr Media Centre stated that "five civilians were injured in four air raids by more than 12 missiles targeting the city of Jisr al-Shoughour and its environs in the village of Ain al-Barde and' Ashbark'." Two other sources reported the airstrike,…

Summary

Published
16 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3908

Location

اللطامنة, Al-Lataminah, Hama, Syria
One man was reported killed in airstrikes on Al-Lataminah, Hama, on July 16th. Kafr Zeta TV documented "the martyrdom of "Badr Haitham Al-Mahmoud" nick name (Al Kateb), 25, as a result of Russian air strikes of the city of Al-Lataminah in the northern suburbs of Hama." Two other sources reported the attack, but did not…

Summary

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