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

27 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3337

Location

حاس, Has, Idlib, Syria
Several civilians were reported injured and/or killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces airstrikes on Hass in Idlib, Syria on March 27th, 2018 according to local sources. The sources reported that the area was targeted at least with two raids while others reported that four raids were launched. The Syrian Observatory for Human…

Summary

Published
27 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Healthcare
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

RS3331

Location

كفر رومة, Kafar Rouma, Idlib, Syria
According to Sham Network, "Russian and Syrian regime warplanes launched airstrikes on the cities and towns of Barah, Kafrnbell, Mhmbel, Alia, Nukir, Habit, Altmanah and Hass and Kafroma, causing the deaths and injuries among civilians.' on March 27th, 2018. The number of civilians killed and/or injured in Kafroma is not known.

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

RS3332

Location

Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Thirteen civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian airstrikes in Hajin city on March 27th, 2018, according to local sources. SyriaTV reported that "13 civilians were killed and others injured Tuesday [March 27, 2018] in a town under the control of the Islamic State in the eastern suburb of Deir Ezzor, as a result of airstrikes…

Summary

Published
27 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Healthcare, Education
Civilians reported killed
13
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

RS3333

Location

محمبل, Mhambel, Idlib, Syria
Civilians were possibly killed and wounded in alleged Russian and/or Syrian airstrikes on the town of Mhambel, Idlib governorate, on March 27th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. @IdlibPlus tweeted that "warplanes targeted the town of Mhambel in the southern countryside of Idlib, with several airstrikes." @Wateen_Media and @BNN_SYR reported that the warplanes were Russian,…

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

RS3334

Location

عالية, Alia, Idlib, Syria
Civilians were possibly killed and wounded in alleged Russian or and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Al Alia, Idlib governorate, on March 27th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. Activists told Smart News Agency that Syrian regime helicopters dropped explosive barrels on the villages of Mhambel and Al Alia, but that there was…

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

26 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3323

Location

جسر الشغور, Jisr Al Shugour, Idlib, Syria
Civilians were possibly injured in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on Jisr Al Shugour, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. @RFS_mediaoffice reported that "Syrian regime warplanes launched several airstrikes with rockets on the city of Jisr Al Shughour in the western Idlib countryside". Step News Agency reported that warplanes targeted…

Summary

Published
26 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident