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

10 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3201

Location

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria
A single source, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, reported that four civilians, three children and a woman, were killed due to alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Mesraba. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
10 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

10 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3202

Location

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria
Nine civilians were killed and dozens more were reported missing and wounded in the aftermath of air and artillery strikes on Arbeen, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. The residential vicinity was hit with both missiles, internationally banned phosphorous bombs and napalm, according to local media.…

Summary

Published
10 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
3–9
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3200

Location

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria
Local media reported that both Russian and Syrian regime warplanes fired heavy air and artillery strikes on Arbeen, causing an unspecified number of injured civilians. According to the Shaam News Network, "Russian warplanes and the Assad helicopters launched fierce air raids accompanied by artillery bombardment and very violent missile strikes, resulting in a terrible massacre…

Summary

Published
9 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3196

Location

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria
A single source reported that both Russian and Syrian regime warplanes fired heavy air and artillery strikes on Madera, causing an unspecified number of injured civilians. According to the Shaam News Network, "Russian warplanes and the Assad helicopters launched fierce air raids accompanied by artillery bombardment and very violent missile strikes, resulting in a terrible…

Summary

Published
9 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3198

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria
Between 12 and 17 civilians including six children and five women from several families were killed and dozens more wounded in multiple air and artillery strikes on Douma, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Arab 24 reported that "the airstrikes targeted Douma and Jisreen ahead of the convoy…

Summary

Published
9 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
12–17
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3193

Location

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Harasta, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. The night raids consisted of heavy explosions on the residential neighbourhood. Shaam reported that "Russian warplanes and the Assad helicopters launched fierce air raids accompanied by artillery bombardment and…

Summary

Published
9 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident