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

26 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3329

Location

كفر نبل, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria
One civilian was reportedly killed and an unknown number of civilians was injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on a camp for displaced people near the city of Kafr Nabal, Idlib countryside, on March 26th, 2018, according to local sources. Idlib Media Center reported "a martyr and several wounded as a result of the targeting of the…

Summary

Published
26 March 2018
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

26 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3320

Location

زرزور, Zarzour, Idlib, Syria
Alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Zarzour, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, reportedly led to injured civilians, according to Shaam News Network. Shaam reported that "Russian aircraft launched fierce air raids on the cities and towns of Ariha, Al Taman’a, Harsh Abidin, Al Naqir and Harsh Al Habit in the southern countryside, and…

Summary

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

Incident Date

26 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3322

Location

الصفيات, Al Safyat, Idlib, Syria
A number of civilians were reported injured in  airstrikes on Al Safyat in Idlib, Syria on March 26th, 2018. While multiple sources reported strikes, only one, the Shaam News Network (SNN), mentioned civilian harm. According to SNN, "Russian aircraft launched fierce air raids on the cities and towns of Ariha and Al Taman’a and Harsh…

Summary

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

Incident Date

25 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3317

Location

حوش الصالحية, Hawsh Al Salihya, Damascus, Syria
A single source reported that an unspecific number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Hawsh Al Salihya, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the "raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the…

Summary

Published
25 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

25 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3318

Location

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria
A single source reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Madera, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the "raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the regime's forces."…

Summary

Published
25 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

25 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3319

Location

اوتيا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria
A single source reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Otaya, local media reported. The source blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Activists said the "raids were accompanied by rocket and artillery bombardment and the explosive barrel of the regime's forces."…

Summary

Published
25 February 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident