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

26 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3710

Location

معرة النعمان, Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria
At least six civilians, including a woman and child, were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Ma'arat Al Numan, Idlib governorate, on May 26th, 2019, according to local sources. Up to 45 others were injured. Numerous sources reported the use of high explosive rockets and missiles in an airstrike…

Summary

Published
26 May 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
6–13
Civilians reported injured
5–45
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3711

Location

سفوهن, Sfwhen, Idlib, Syria
Up to two civilians were reportedly killed in an airstrike on Sfwhen, Idlib, on May 26th. Syrian Network for Human Rights claimed that "two civilians from the same family" were killed in the strikes, while Halab Today TV stated that "a young man was killed" in the attack. Local Coordination Committees of Syria identified one…

Summary

Published
26 May 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3712

Location

حيش, Heesh , Idlib, Syria
Two men were reported killed in an airstrike on Heesh, May 26th, according to local sources. They seem to be from the same family as they were identified as Abdullah Hani Hamoudeh and Hassan Hani Hamoudeh. They are originally from Soran town. Three sources attributed blame to the Syrian regime, while Syria Civil Defense made…

Summary

Published
26 May 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3713

Location

أم زيتونة, Um Zaytouna, Idlib, Syria
One civilian was reported killed and others injured following an airstrike on Um Zaytouna, Idlib, on May 26th. Syrian Network for Human Rights named the man killed as Ayman al Hassan. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that "Ayman al Hassan was killed as Syrian regime fixed- wing warplanes carried out a strike using…

Summary

Published
26 May 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3714

Location

مورك, Morek, Hama, Syria
A young man was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery strikes on agricultural land near Morek, in the northern Hama countryside, on May 26th, 2019, according to local sources. Halfaya Media Center reported the death of the young man Taher Suleiman Al Ahmad, who died "as a result of being targeted by artillery shells…

Summary

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

Incident Date

25 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3706

Location

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil , Idlib, Syria
A 5-year-old boy was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Kafar Nabil, Idlib governorate, on May 25th, 2019, according to local sources. Seven civilians, including three women and three children, were injured. Rabea al Ta’ta’, age five, was reported killed by a number of sources following airstrikes on Kafar Nabil. @abdallh37777 posted a…

Summary

Published
25 May 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
7
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident