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

16 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3272

Location

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria
Between 11 and 30 civilians, among which women and children, were killed in airstrikes on the city of Zamalka on March 16th 2018, as reported by several sources. The belligerent is contested, with sources reporting both Russia as the Syrian regime as responsible for the incident. The Syrian Revolution reported that "the city of Zamalka…

Summary

Published
16 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
11–30
Civilians reported injured
50–70
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3266

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria
An unspecified amount of wounded was reported in the city of Douma on March 16th, 2018. Whereas Step News reported Russian artillery shelling, Shaam News only mentioned 'many wounded' by 'Russian warplanes'.

Summary

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

Incident Date

16 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3273

Location

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria
Four civilians, all male, were killed in air and/or artillery strikes on residential areas of Hamouriya, Damascus countryside, according to the Violations Documentation Center in Syria. One of the victims was identified as Nour Al Rihani, who was allegedly killed in artillery shelling, according to "The National Assembly of the veterans of the revolution" on Facebook.…

Summary

Published
16 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
4
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3260

Location

عين ترما, Ein Tarma, Damascus, Syria
Multiple sources reported alleged Russian and regime air and artillery strikes on Ein Tarma on March 15, 2018. However, Airwars researchers have not found any claims of civilian harm.

Summary

Published
15 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3261

Location

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria
Two civilians (adult males) died and several more were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Harasta, according to local media. The Step News Agency reported that "Russian air strikes with rockets loaded with napalm, incendiary, cluster bombs, and explosive barrels [were dropped] on Harasrta", among other locations. But according to @Mustafa_ElHidir, the regime…

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3262

Location

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria
Between eight and 10 civilians died in an alleged Russia or regime airstrike on Saqba, according to sources on the ground. Eight civilian fatalities were named, though Harak Al ghoutani said "more than 10 civilians" died. Most sources blamed Russia; however, there were also reports of barrel bombing, meaning that the regime can't be ruled…

Summary

Published
15 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
8–10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident