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

23 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3314

Location

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria
An unknown number of civilians was killed or injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Zamalka, Damascus governorate, on March 23rd, 2018, according to local sources. The Local Coordination Committees of Syria reported that civilians were killed and wounded as the result of Russian airstrikes on the city of Zamalka.…

Summary

Published
23 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

23 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3315

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria
Up to 10 civilians were reported killed and an unknown number of others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Douma, Damascus governorate, on March 23rd, 2018, according to local sources. Enab Baladi reported that an alleged Russian warplane "targeted the residential neighbourhoods of the city with 30 strikes, loaded with incendiary…

Summary

Published
23 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
4–10
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN)
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

23 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3313

Location

عين ترما, Ein Tarma, Damascus, Syria
Step Post Agency reported that Russian aircraft launched several air raids on the city of Ain Tarma, Eastern Ghouta, on March 23rd, 2018, resulting in dead and wounded civilians. Step Agency posted on Facebook that "Russian aircraft launched several air raids targeting the cities of Douma, Arbin, Zamalka and Ain Tarma in Eastern Ghouta, resulting…

Summary

Published
23 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

23 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3316

Location

معرة مصرين, Ma'aret Misrin, Idlib, Syria
Up to five civilians were killed and three civilians were reported injured in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Ma'aret Misrin, Idlib governorate, on March 23rd, 2018, according to local sources. Activist Jaber Abu Muhammed told Al Araby that "Russian air forces launched raids on the town of Ma'aret Misrin and…

Summary

Published
23 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–5
Civilians reported injured
3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

22 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3312

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria
Two male civilians, including a journalist, were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes or Syrian regime artillery strikes on a market in Douma, Damascus governorate, on March 22nd, 2019, according to local sources. Douma Revolution posted on Facebook that Fozdika shells were launched upon a popular market in Douma, leading to the death of Suhayeb A’yyoun…

Summary

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

Incident Date

22 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3309

Location

حارم, Harem, Idlib, Syria
Between 34 and 43 civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on a popular market area in the city of Harem, Idlib, on Thursday afternoon. The estimated number of injured civilians goes from "dozens” to 70 people. Initial reports estimated the death toll at around 20 civilians, but the Syrian Civil Defence stated that they…

Summary

Published
22 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
34–43
Civilians reported injured
20–70
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident