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

13 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3244

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria
Dozens of civilians were injured in airstrikes and shelling by rockets on Douma, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. According to Yaqeen News, "Russia and Assad renewed raids on the cities and towns of Eastern Ghouta on Tuesday [March 13th]...warplanes launched air raids on cities and towns,…

Summary

Published
13 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

13 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3232

Location

حزة, Hazza, Damascus, Syria
Five civilians named civilians including two women were killed and others were injured in air and artillery strikes on the residential neighbourhood of Hazza, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russian and Syrian regime raids. According to @Hazzaalbld, there were "five martyrs in the town of Hazza, Ibrahim Irhem and four people…

Summary

Published
13 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

12 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3226

Location

جفتلك حج حمود, Jafatlek Haj Hamoud, Idlib, Syria
Between two and three civilians were killed and as many as ten others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Jafatlek Haj Hamoud, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to Moscow on this occasion. The alleged Russian missile caused destruction to civilian property. Members of the Civil Defence teams worked to retrieve the bodies…

Summary

Published
12 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
7–10
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

12 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3227

Location

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria
Between eight and ten civilians including four children were killed, while as many as 50 were wounded in airstrikes on Zamalka, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. The White Helmets were among some sources putting the death toll at four, with dozens more wounded. However, the Violations…

Summary

Published
12 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
8–10
Civilians reported injured
12–50
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

12 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3222

Location

منطقة المتحف وسوق الهال, Al Muthaf and Souq Al Hal areas, Idlib, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were wounded, when alleged Russian or regime airstrikes struck Al Muthaf and the Souq Al Hal areas in Idlib city, local media reported. According to the Shaam News Network, "Russian and regime warplanes targeted the city of Idlib several raids focused on the Al Muthaf area and Souq of Hal,…

Summary

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

Incident Date

12 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3223

Location

بنش, Bnesh, Idlib, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on Bnesh, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Sources reported mass destruction to civilian homes, according to local media. @MOAZALSHAMY regime said that airstrikes left "martyrs and wounded". @IdlibPlus Photos published images "showing the magnitude of the…

Summary

Published
12 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident