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

3 April 2018

Incident Code

RS3378

Location

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria
A child was among two civilians killed in airstrikes on a vegetable market in the city of Ariha, local sources reported. Majd Mohi al-Din, the son of the Hassan Mohiuddin, died several days after sustaining serious injuries in the attack. At least seven other civilians were wounded including four in a serious condition, according to…

Summary

Published
3 April 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
7–8
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

1 April 2018

Incident Code

RS3366

Location

أورم الجوز, Urma Al Jouz, Idlib, Syria
One woman was killed and several others were injured during alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Urma Al Jouz on April 1, 2018, local sources reported. The death of Fattoum Haj Hammoud was widely attributed to Russian forces, however, the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported the involvement of Syrian planes.…

Summary

Published
1 April 2018
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

1 April 2018

Incident Code

RS3367

Location

الحامدية, Al Hamdiya, Idlib, Syria
Russian warplanes allegedly launched several air raids on the village of Al Hamdiya in Idlib province, according to local sources. Step News said civilians were injured in the attack.

Summary

Published
1 April 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

1 April 2018

Incident Code

RS3368

Location

جسر الشغور, Jisr Al Shougur, Idlib, Syria
Several missiles fell on the city of Jisr Al Shougur in Idlib province, wounding two civilians, according to Smart News. The news agency attributed the strike to Russian forces, however, Idlib24 reported said Syrian planes were also involved.

Summary

Published
1 April 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

1 April 2018

Incident Code

RS3373

Location

كفر لاته, Kafar Lata, Idlib, Syria
A civilian was wounded during an alleged Syrian regime and/or Russian air raid on the town of Kafar Lata in Idlib province on April 1, 2018, according to local sources. A missile struck near a primary school causing damage to the building and its furniture. Smart News said the aircraft were likely Russian, however, the…

Summary

Published
1 April 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

1 April 2018

Incident Code

RS3374

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria
Warplanes launched an attack on agricultural areas near the city of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province, local sources reported. Most reports cited the sole involvement of Russian forces, however, Idlib24 said both Russian and Syrian planes were in the area. No specific casualty figures were given for Khan Sheikhoun, though according to the Smart News…

Summary

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