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

12 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3224

Location

معرة مصرين, M'ret Misrin, Damascus, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on M'ret Misrin, according to the Shaam News Network, who blamed both Russian and the regime. However, @IdlibPlus and @HalabTodayTV reported "several raids", but neither named the belligerent or mentioned civilian harm.  

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

RS3228

Location

طعوم, Ta'um, Damascus, Syria
Several alleged Russian or regime airstrike wounded an unspecified number of civilians in Ta'um, sources on the ground reported. The Shaam News Network reported: "Russian and Assad warplanes targeted the city of Idlib several raids focused on Al Muthaf area and Souq of Hal, wounding civilians. The city of Taftanaz was also hit by a…

Summary

Published
12 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

12 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3229

Location

كفر زيتا, Kafar Zeita, Damascus, Syria
According to local media, an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Zeita Specialist Hospital for women and children, Kafar Zeita. @SHHAMA2012 tweeted: "The Russian air force bombed the Kafr Zeita Specialist Hospital directly with incendiary, concussion and explosive rockets, destroying the women's and children's section, ruining the…

Summary

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

Incident Date

12 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3225

Location

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria
Between four and six civilians were killed and an unspecified number more were wounded, due to airstrikes on Saqba, local media reported. Local media blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Step News Agency reported that "Russian warplanes launched several air raids with rockets loaded with phosphorus and cluster bombs" were fired…

Summary

Published
12 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
4–6
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

12 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3230

Location

تفتناز, Taftanaz, Damascus, Syria
Between three to six civilians including up to four children were reportedly killed and as many as 25 more wounded in airstrikes on a kindergarten in Taftanaz, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Idlib Plus put the death toll at three civilians, including a…

Summary

Published
12 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3–6
Civilians reported injured
2–25
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3207

Location

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria
One adult male, named as Ahmad Maerouf al-Malla, was killed due to airstrikes in Madera, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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