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

11 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3208

Location

جوبر, Joubar, Damascus, Syria
A single source, the Shaam News Network, reported that an unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Joubar. The source blamed Russian warplanes and helicopters for the raids. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

11 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3214

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria
Between 13 and 20 civilians were killed, including 16 from one family, and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Douma, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Explosive barrels targeted the residential neighbourhood causing mass destruction to civilian homes. @YZaatrehr, who reported the highest death toll, specified…

Summary

Published
11 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
13–20
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3219

Location

بنش, Binnesh, Idlib, Syria
An elderly woman was killed and up to three other civilians were injured in airstrikes on Binnesh, local media reported. Most sources attributed the blame to Russia, however, the Violations Documentation Centre blamed the Syrian/Russian alliance. The woman was named as Muna Hamdoun. On March 11th, Halab Today TV said that she died "at noon"…

Summary

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

Incident Date

11 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3215

Location

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on Hamouriya, local media reported. Shaam reported that "Russian aircraft, warplanes and helicopters continue to launch heavy air raids with rockets, explosive barrels, cluster bombs, napalm bombs and poisonous gases, in conjunction with the shelling by 'elephant rockets' and dozens of missiles on the…

Summary

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

Incident Date

11 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3220

Location

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria
Eight civilians were killed, and dozens more were injured, in airstrikes on Zamalka, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Three missiles were fired onto the residential neighbourhood which allegedly killed "six people from one family and two others". Eight of the victims - six from the same…

Summary

Published
11 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
8
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

11 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3216

Location

مدينة ادلب, Idlib City, Idlib, Syria
At least one civilian died and up to six more were wounded in multiple alleged Russian airstrikes on the city of Idlib, according to sources on the ground. Enab Baladi reported "four victims, including wounded, as an initial toll". According to the White Helmets, their teams "evacuated six civilian casualties after the city of Idlib…

Summary

Published
11 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4–6
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident