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

7 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3667

Location

معرة حرمة, Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria
Alleged Russian "airliners and helicopters" carried out missile strikes, also described as rocket attacks, on the outskirts of the village Ma'ra Haramah. Local sources reported that the strikes struck residential areas in the village, killing a civilian and causing extensive damage to civilian homes. Several other civilians were reported wounded. No other details are known…

Summary

Published
7 May 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3672

Location

كفرموس, Kafar Mous, Idlib, Syria
Local sources reported that a helicopter bombed the village of Kfar Mous in Jabal Shahshabo with an "explosive barrel" in the evening. The Syrian Civil Defense forces reported that a man was killed and another man, two women and two children were wounded. The Local Coordination Committees of Syria reported "the martyrdom of a man…

Summary

Published
7 May 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
5
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3673

Location

البارة, Al Bara, Idlib, Syria
A civilian was killed and others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Al Bara in rural Idlib on May 7th, 2019, according to local sources. Jorf News wrote that "a civilian was killed and others were wounded by airstrikes on the town of Al Bara in the southern…

Summary

Published
7 May 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3674

Location

عابدين, Abdin, Idlib, Syria
At least one civilian was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Abdin village in Idlib governorate on May 7th, 2019, according to local sources. Baladi News reported that two civilians were killed in airstrikes on the village of Abdin, Idlib countryside. Zaiton Mag reported one killed civilian by a helicopter strike. All…

Summary

Published
7 May 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3675

Location

معرتماتر, Ma'aratmatar, Idlib, Syria
Two civilians, including a child, were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Ma'aratmatar on May 7th, 2019, according to local sources. At least one other woman and child were injured. Several sources, among which the Syrian Human Rights Committee and Shaam News Network, reported that two people were killed in the town…

Summary

Published
7 May 2019
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3676

Location

كفر زيتا, Kfar Zeita, Hama, Syria
One civilian died of his injuries four days after alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery strikes on Kfar Zeita, Hama governorate, on May 7th, 2019, according to local sources. Smart News reported that Russian artillery fire on the town of Kfar Zeita, north of Hama, wounded a number of civilians. Step News Agency wrote: "A…

Summary

Published
7 May 2019
Strike Type
Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident