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

1 February 2018

Incident Code

RS2952

Location

تل النباريز, Tal Al Nabariz , Aleppo, Syria
In this single-source event, Smart News Agency reported that an alleged Russian airstrike caused "a number of wounded" as Tal Al Nabariz, Aleppo, was struck from the air. The report added that the Civil Defense members had been on the scene to help the wounded. There is currently no further information available.

Summary

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

Incident Date

1 February 2018

Incident Code

RS2951

Location

معرشورين, Ma'ar Shoreen, Idlib, Syria
Alleged Russian airstrikes wounded two civilians in the city of Ma'ar Shoreen, Idlib, local media reported. Orient News reported was among sources reporting that a strike on "the road between Ma’ar Shoreen and Ma’ar Shamsha" resulted in the injury of two civilians. All known sources pointed to Russia as the culprit.

Summary

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

Incident Date

1 February 2018

Incident Code

RS2953

Location

الخواري, Al-Khawari, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
In this single-source event, Al Latamna Youth Group reported that alleged Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes in Al-Khawari, Aleppo, resulting in "martyrs and wounded civilians". Currently, no further information is available.

Summary

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

Incident Date

1 February 2018

Incident Code

RS2959

Location

كفرنبودة, Kafr Nbooda, Hama, Syria
Between five and 11 civilians, including children and one woman, were killed and at least three were seriously injured following alleged Russian airstrikes striking in Kafr Nbooda, Hama, local media reported. HalabTodayTV, who placed the death toll at eight, said that all eight fatalities were all from the same family, including three children, one woman…

Summary

Published
1 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
5–11
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

1 February 2018

Incident Code

RS2954

Location

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria
Between three and six civilians, including one family, was killed and several were wounded as Russian or Assad-waged warplanes carried out airstrikes in the city of Saraqeb, Idlib, local media reported. In this incident, described as "a massacre in the heart of the city" by al-Modon, civilian harm reports varied slightly, spanning from three to…

Summary

Published
1 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
3–6
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

1 February 2018

Incident Code

RS2955

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria
At least one civilian was injured following an airstrike and/or artillery shelling of Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, local media reported, though it was unclear who and what was to blame. Most sources reported that Russia had carried out airstrikes in the city, causing injuries among the civilians. One of the wounded was identified by name by…

Summary

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