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

31 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3345

Location

التمانعة, Al Taman'a, Idlib, Syria
A single source, the Shaam News Network, reported: "Russian and Regime warplanes launched dozens of very violent air raids on the cities and towns of Idlib, causing dozens of martyrs and wounded civilians...There were a number of wounded in Khan Shekhun, Mhambel, Al Naqir, Al Habit, Muka, Al Taman’a, Al  Khwain and Sefwhen in the…

Summary

Published
31 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

31 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3346

Location

الخوين, Al Khwain, Idlib, Syria
A single source, the Shaam News Network, reported: "Russian and Regime warplanes launched dozens of very violent air raids on the cities and towns of Idlib, causing dozens of martyrs and wounded civilians...There were a number of wounded in Khan Shekhun, Mhambel, Al Naqir, Al Habit, Muka, Al Taman’a, Al  Khwain and Sefwhen in the…

Summary

Published
31 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

31 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3362

Location

سفوهن, Sefohen, Idlib, Syria
@ramiswidfree reported: "An air strike by a warplane targeted the town of Sfohen in Jabal Shehshabo. The civil defense personnel immediately went to the location of the raid and worked to inspect the place. No civilian casualties were recorded and the material damage was limited." However, the Shaam New Network said: "Russian and Regime warplanes…

Summary

Published
31 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

31 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3363

Location

جسر الشغور, Jisr Al Shougur, Idlib, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Jisr al-Shughour, according to a single source, the Shaam News Network. Most sources reported regime airstrikes on Jisr al-Shughour, noting "material damage" but no civilian harr. For example, @dored1pash said there had been "two air strikes targeting the city of Jisr…

Summary

Published
31 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

31 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3357

Location

الدانا, Al-Dana, Idlib, Syria
Between two and four civilians, including a father and his son - reportedly IDPs from al-Haymaniya village in Hama governorate - were killed and several others were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes which struck the city ofal-Dana on March 31, 2018 according to sources on the ground. @IdlibPlus put the death toll…

Summary

Published
31 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Emergency Services (Civil Defense Station), Legal (Courthouse)
Civilians reported killed
2–4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military actors reported killed
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

31 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3347

Location

الزيادية, Al Zyadiya, Idlib, Syria
The Shaam News Network reported: "Russian and Regime warplanes launched dozens of very violent air raids on the cities and towns of Idlib, causing dozens of martyrs and wounded civilians...There were a number of wounded in Khan Shekhun, Mhambel,Al Naqir, Al habit, Mukah, Al Taman’a ,Al  Khwain and Sefwhen in the southern countryside, Jisr al-Shaghoor,…

Summary

Published
31 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident