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

3 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3133

Location

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria
As many as eight civilians were killed in airstrikes on Beit Sawa, according to local media. Although most sources reported that only one girl (aged five) and four men died, the highest death toll was given as eight. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. Rockets and explosive barrels from helicopters…

Summary

Published
3 March 2018
Civilians reported killed
1–8
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

3 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3137

Location

بين بلدة مسرابا, Area between Douma and Misraba, Damascus, Syria
Three civilians were killed, including two children and one woman, and dozens more were injured, in air and artillery strikes on the area between Douma and Misraba, local sources reported. The raids struck a residential vicinity however there were no reports of material damage. The deaths and wounded occurred "as a result of the shelling…

Summary

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

Incident Date

3 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3138

Location

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria
A family of five was killed and an unspecified number of others were wounded, in an airstrike which hit the residential neighbourhood of Mesraba. Sources blamed both Russian warplanes and Syrian regime helicopters. @aboarab28176261 reported "The martyrdom of the whole family and the injury of several civilians, including women and children, by the bombing of…

Summary

Published
3 March 2018
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

3 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3139

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria
Between seven and 15 civilians were killed including three children and a woman, and nine others were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Douma, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime helicopters and Russian warplanes for the strikes. As well as the seven named victims below, the Violations Documentation Centre (VDC)…

Summary

Published
3 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
6–15
Civilians reported injured
9
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

3 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3134

Location

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria
Two to four civilians were killed and several others were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Harasta, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russian and Syrian regime warplanes for the raids. Mohamad Al Shaar, who named the civilians, reported that Ibrahim Far’oun (Al Harb), aged 18, was Al Mujahed (fighter). This suggests he…

Summary

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

Incident Date

3 March 2018

Incident Code

RS3135

Location

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria
An entire family was reportedly burned to death due to a napalm bomb attack on Mesraba, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. Sky News reported on "injury to civilians [including] burns and wounds, and that the shelling of the town occurred at midnight and repeated in the morning". @Dmcpress_ar …

Summary

Published
3 March 2018
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident