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

28 February 2018

Incident Code

RS3107

Location

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria
Between three and six civilians were killed in an alleged napalm bomb attack on Al Shifonya, local media reported. Civilians blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Members of the Syrian Civi Defence confined that "chloride gas" was used on the vicinity. Most other reports suggest it was napalm which resulted in the charring of bodies…

Summary

Published
28 February 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
3–6
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 February 2018

Incident Code

RS3111

Location

أوتايا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria
The head of the Syrian Civil Defence unit in al-Marj was killed whilst carrying out operations, local media reported. Sources blamed the Syrian - Russian alliance for the strikes. LCCSY reported there were heavy raids on the vicinity. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
28 February 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 February 2018

Incident Code

RS3108

Location

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria
Three civilians were killed and others were injured in airstrikes on Beit Sawa, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime. The house of 'Asi' was reportedly struck by alleged Russian warplanes. Two victims were named and one unidentified civilian was named. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
28 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 February 2018

Incident Code

RS3112

Location

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were killed and injured due to airstrikes in Mesraba, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Mass destruction was caused by heavy shelling. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
28 February 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 February 2018

Incident Code

RS3113

Location

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were killed and injured due to airstrikes in Al Shifonya, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Mass destruction was caused by heavy shelling. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
28 February 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 February 2018

Incident Code

RS3114

Location

كفربطنا, Kafar Batna, Damascus, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were killed and injured due to airstrikes in Kafar Batna, local media reported. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. Mass destruction was caused by heavy shelling. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
28 February 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident