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

7 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3172

Location

كفر يدين, Kafa Yadin, Idlib, Syria
One to three civilians were killed, and dozens more were injured in airstrikes on Kafa Yadin, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Three raids directly struck the town, with media reporting that both Russian RPG's and explosive barrel bombs were used on the vicinity. Jisr Media Centre…

Summary

Published
7 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3173

Location

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria
A civilian was killed and dozens more were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Zamalka, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. According to Syrian Civil Defence "a number of civilians were injured in the attack on the residential areas by cluster bombs and barrel bombs". They…

Summary

Published
7 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3174

Location

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria
A civilian was killed due to air or artillery shelling on Al Shifonya, local media reported. Of the two sources which reported on this incident, one of them blamed both Russia and the regime while the other did not attribute blame. Smart News Agency reported that the death came "as a result of artillery, air…

Summary

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

Incident Date

7 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3166

Location

Harasta, Damascus, Syria
Between two and four civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Harasta, local media reported. Sources attributed blamed to both Russia and the Syrian regime. @KumaitAgency reported that "Many civilians were injured by Russian raids and a missile and artillery bombardment of the Assad forces on the town…

Summary

Published
7 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
2–4
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3181

Location

الغوطة الشرقية, Al Ghouta Al Sharqiya, Damascus, Syria
Three named adult males - members of the White Helmets - were killed and five others were wounded when an airstrike hit a Syrian Civil Defence ambulance in either Al Ghouta or Al Sharqiya, Eastern Ghouta, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raid. There is some confusion from…

Summary

Published
7 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
5
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

7 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3170

Location

مديرا, Madera, Damascus, Syria
One civilian was killed and an unspecified number wounded in air and/or artillery strikes on Madera, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Helicopters reportedly dropped explosive barrels on the residential neighbourhood. According to @abo_mosab32, "Many civilians were killed and wounded by heavy and continuous shelling targeting town…

Summary

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