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

29 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3340

Location

السوسة, Al Sousse , Deir Ezzor, Syria
A child was reported killed in alleged Russian forces airstrikes or Syrian regime shelling on Al Soussa village in Deir Ezzor, Syria on March 29th, 2018 according to local sources. Suleiman Jamil Al-Safan who is originally from Al Bukamal was killed in the attack. Euphrates page  reported on March 31st "The martyrdom of the child…

Summary

Published
29 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3339

Location

النقير, Al Naqir, Idlib, Syria
Three civilians including one child at least were reported killed and several other civilians injured in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrike or artillery strikes on Al Naqir in Idlib, Syria on March 28th, 2018 according to local sources. Northern Syria Observer reported that "a child and two civilians were killed by artillery shelling…

Summary

Published
28 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3338

Location

القصابية, Al Qassabiya, Idlib, Syria
A number of civilians were reported injured in alleged Russian airstrikes or Syrian regime forces shelling on Al Qassabiya in Idlib, Syria on March 28th, 2018, according to local sources. Step News reported "airstrikes by Russian warplanes on the town of Al-Qasabiya in the southern countryside of Idlib led to the injury of a number…

Summary

Published
28 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3335

Location

Al Naqir, Idlib, Syria
One woman was killed and up to three civilians were injured in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime air and artillery strikes on the village of Al Naqir, Idlib governorate, on March 27th, 2018, according to local sources. HalabTodayTV reported that "a woman was killed and several people were wounded, and more than 10 houses were destroyed…

Summary

Published
27 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3330

Location

الهبيط, Al Habit, Idlib, Syria
Shaam Network reported that "Russian and Syrian regime warplanes launched air strikes on the cities and towns of Barah, Kafrnbell, Mhmbel, Alia, Nukir, Habit, Altmanah and Hass and Kafroma" in Idlib, Syria on March 27th, 2018, "causing deaths and injuries among civilians". While @abduhaveez and @RFS_mediaoffice blamed the Syrian regime for the airstrike on Al…

Summary

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

Incident Date

27 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3336

Location

التمانعة, Al Taman'a, Idlib, Syria
Civilians were reported injured and/or killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces' airstrikes on Al Taman'ah in Idlib, Syria on March 27th, 2018 according to local sources. According to SMART Agency, "Activists added that it is possible that Russian warplanes launched four raids on residential neighborhoods in the town of Al-Taman'ah, south of…

Summary

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