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

27 February 2018

Incident Code

RS3106

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria
Between two and four civilians were killed and others were injured in air and artillery strikes on Douma, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Sources reported that there were both rocket launchers and artillery shelling on the residential neighbourhood. Alaraby reported that "the regime renewed it's shelling…

Summary

Published
27 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
2–4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 February 2018

Incident Code

RS3105

Location

اوتايا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria
One child was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Otaya, local media reported. All sources attributed the blame to Russian warplanes. Members of the Syrian Civil Defence were seen to be rescuing victims from the rubble. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
26 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

25 February 2018

Incident Code

RS3099

Location

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria
Between one and two civilians were killed, and an unspecific number of others were wounded, in airstrikes on Saqba, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Ghouta Media Centre tweeted about the "mass destruction" caused by Russian warplanes to the residential neighbourhood. They also published images. There are…

Summary

Published
25 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

25 February 2018

Incident Code

RS3100

Location

بيت سوى, Beit Sawa, Damascus, Syria
One civilian was killed and others were wounded in airstrikes on the village of Beit Sawa, to the southeast of Damascus, local media reported. Only one source blamed Russian warplanes targeting the vicinity. The others blamed military warplanes. There are no other details at this time.  

Summary

Published
25 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

25 February 2018

Incident Code

RS3097

Location

مسرابا, Mesraba, Damascus, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on Mesraba, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Sources reported that the strikes caused mass destruction on civilian property. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

25 February 2018

Incident Code

RS3103

Location

حوش الضواهرة, Hawsh Al Dawahra, Damascus, Syria
Five civilians were killed and more than 15 were wounded in airstrikes on Hawsh Al Dawahra, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. Wesal reported that there was an "Aerial bombardment of a residential neighbourhood, leaving 5 martyrs and more than 15 wounded, mostly women and children…

Summary

Published
25 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
15
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident