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

20 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3819

Location

ترملا, Tarmala, Idlib, Syria
One civilian was reported killed in airstrikes on Tarmala, Idlib, on June 20th. Syria Civil Defense reported that "the cities and towns of liberated northern Syria are still under constant bombardment by the regime's forces and their Russian allies," listing a number of locations and casualties, among which the incident in Tarmala is reported. Similarly, Shaam…

Summary

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

Incident Date

20 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3827

Location

كفر زيتا, Kfar Zeita, Hama, Syria
Three civilians from the same family were reported killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime shelling or airstrikes on Kfar Zeita in Hama on June 20th, 2019, according to local sources. Among the victims is Khalaf Al-Na'san, and his wife Wa'ad Al-Khalaf and their son. It was reported that Wa'ad died of her wounds.…

Summary

Published
20 June 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
3
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3820

Location

اللطامنة, Al-Lataminah, Hama, Syria
Syria Civil Defense reported an airstrike on Al-Lataminah, Hama, on June 20th. Although the number of casualties were not quantified in this source, the incident was listed, among others, as one of the attacks which led to numerous fatalities on June 20th. According to this source "the cities and towns of liberated northern Syria are…

Summary

Published
20 June 2019
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3821

Location

حيش, Heesh, Idlib, Syria
Three to six civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Heesh, Idlib, on June 20th. Step News stated that "six civilians - including a child and a woman - were killed, and seven others injured after an airstrike on the town of Heesh, south of Idlib." Meanwhile, Shaam News, also reporting six civilians slain, alleged…

Summary

Published
20 June 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3–6
Civilians reported injured
6–7
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3822

Location

المسطومة, Al Mastouma, Idlib, Syria
As many as 14 civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on Al Mastouma, Idlib governorate, on June 20th, 2019, according to local sources. Up to nine civilians were reportedly wounded. @SyrianCoalition reported "four martyrs, including three children and a woman, as a result of an airstrike by the Assad regime on the town of Al Mastouma…

Summary

Published
20 June 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
14
Civilians reported injured
2–9
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3823

Location

معرة النعمان, Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria
Up to four civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike when an ambulance from the non-governmental organisation Violet was targeted near Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib governorate, on June 20th, 2019, according to local sources. At least two others were wounded. Of those killed, three were reportedly paramedics, transporting a woman…

Summary

Published
20 June 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3–4
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident