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

19–20 May, 2019

Incident Code

RS3695

Location

كفرنبل, Kafar Nubul, Idlib, Syria
According to numerous sources, a series of consecutive overnight strikes devastated a neighbourhood of Kafar Nubul from May 19th to 20th, killing 10 to 15 civilians, while injuring two to 20. While the majority of sources held Russia accountable for the bombardment, a minority did not positively attribute blame. Women and children were named by…

Summary

Published
19 May 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
10–15
Civilians reported injured
2–20
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3693

Location

الهبيط, Al Habit, Idlib, Syria
A civilian male was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Al Habit, Hama governorate, on May 18th, 2019, according to local sources. The Syrian Human Rights Committee wrote that: "Hasan Abdul Qadir Shishakli, from the town of Halfaya, in the northern countryside of Hama Governorate, died as a result of aerial bombardments…

Summary

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

Incident Date

17 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3692

Location

معرة النعمان, Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria
Seven civilians, including four women and a child, were killed and dozens were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on a market in the city of Ma'arat Al Numan, Idlib governorate, on May 17th, 2019, according to local sources. Euphrates Post reported that a number of civilians were injured in an airstrike by…

Summary

Published
17 May 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
14–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3691

Location

أم النير, Um Nair, Idlib, Syria
A civilian male was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Umm Nair in Jabal Shashbwa on May 15th, according to local sources. Justice Organization wrote that “civilian Shadi Muhammad Al Omair was killed by the bombing of the regime’s helicopters with explosive barrels on the village of Umm Nair in Jabal Shahshabo in the…

Summary

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

Incident Date

14 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3688

Location

شهرناز, Shahrnaz, Hama, Syria
Local sources reported that an alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrike killed a 75-year-old man in Shahrnaz in the countryside of Hama on May 14th, 2019. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported "Oqla Jassem Al-Hamoud, aged 75, was killed when helicopters of the Syrian regime forces, fired several barrel bombs on the village…

Summary

Published
14 May 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

14 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3690

Location

السوق الشعبي في جسر الشغور, Al Souq Al Sha’bi (Al Sha’bi market) in Jisr Al Shughour, Idlib, Syria
Up to eight civilians, including a child, were killed and up to 20 were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Samak market and a school in the centre of Jisr Al Shughour on May 14, 2020, according to local sources. @Wesal_TV reported: "Civilian martyrs and wounded as a result of a…

Summary

Published
14 May 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
7–8
Civilians reported injured
8–20
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident