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

31 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2949

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria
One civilian was wounded in airstrikes which hit Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, attributing blame to both the Syrian regime and Russia - who were both bombing the vicinity at this time. According to @MasarPressNet, "Russian warplanes targeting the towns of Khan Sheikhun, Tantah and…

Summary

Published
31 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

31 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2950

Location

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria
A mother and her daughter were burned to death in an airstrike which hit Saraqeb, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russian warplanes for the raids. Smart News reported that "More than 18 Russian warplanes and helicopters launched heavy raids on areas east of the town of Sarakib (16 km…

Summary

Published
31 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2948

Location

اريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria
In what has been described by local media as a massacre, as many as 15 civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Souq Al Hal (markets) in Ariha. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. Sources differed when reporting on the number of civilian deaths, with Syrian…

Summary

Published
30 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
6–15
Civilians reported injured
18–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2943

Location

Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria
As many as 12 civilians were wounded in airstrikes which struck residential housing in Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids. Media reported that five civilians were buried alive under the rubble, and other seven were harmed in the streets by the same raids. Upsetting…

Summary

Published
30 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
12
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2944

Location

Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria
A civilian was killed and an unspecified number more were wounded, due to airstrikes in Saraqeb, according to local media. Sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. Heavy machine guns and missiles caused much material damage to civilian homes, one source reported. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
30 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

30 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2945

Location

البوابية, Al-Bawabiya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
An entire family of five were killed, and ten others were injured in airstrikes which hit the village of Al-Bawabiya, Aleppo, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. The family were buried alive when the raid struck their homes. Images and footage show the extent of devastation…

Summary

Published
30 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2–5
Civilians reported injured
10
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident