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

9 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3878

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Ma'arat al-Numan, Syria
A single source reported "wounded civilians" following airstrikes in Khan Sheikoun, Idlib, on July 9th. Khan Sheikoun Lens cited "wounded civilians in the city of # Khan_ Sheikoun because of the targeting of Russian air strikes." However, @HalabTodayTV  tweeted that no casualties were reported. The remaining sources didn't mention civilian casualties. No other information is…

Summary

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

Incident Date

9 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3879

Location

جبالا, Jbala, Idlib, Syria
One man was reported injured in airstrikes on Jbala, Idlib, on July 9th. Shabab Al Latamina documented "the injury of the young man "Abdul Karim Hassan Al-Khalif" in Russian air strikes on the village of Jbala # Southern countryside Idlib." Two other sources attributed the attack to Russian forces. No other information is known at…

Summary

Published
9 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3880

Location

دير الشرقي, Deir Al Sharqi, Idlib, Syria
According to local sources, alleged Russian or Syrian airstrikes struck an Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp with four rockets in the outskirts of the town of Deir Al Sharqi in rural Idlib, killing up to five civilians and wounding up to 15 others. @ShahbaPress tweeted: "Three civilians were killed, including children, and at least ten…

Summary

Published
9 July 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
IDP or Refugee Camp
Civilians reported killed
3–5
Civilians reported injured
10–15
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3881

Location

جسر الشغور, Jisr Al Shughour, Idlib, Syria
On July 20th, 2019, a woman died of injuries she sustained in alleged Syrian regime artillery shelling or a Russian airstrike on the city of Jisr Al Shughour, Idlib governorate, on July 9th, according to local sources. @Step_Agency reported: "A missile attack by the regime forces in Jurin targeted the city of Jisr Al Shughour…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3877

Location

معرة النعمان, Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria
Two civilians were reported wounded in airstrikes on Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, on July 8th. Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that "Syrian regime warplanes fired missiles on Ma'aret al Numan Stadium, partially damaging its building and fence, on July 8th." While other sources referred to "injured civilians", Smart News documented "two civilians wounded by…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3876

Location

قرب حي طريق السد, Tareeq Al Sad, Daraa, Syria
One or two civilians were reportedly killed in the plains surrounding Dara'a Al Balad when the region was hit by seven strikes, allegedly launched from Russian warplanes, on July 8th, 2018, according to local sources. Two others were injured. Shaam News Agency wrote that "in violation of the cease-fire agreement, a Russian warplane launched seven…

Summary

Published
8 July 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident