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

21 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2922

Location

كفرنبودة, Kafr Nbooda, Hama, Syria
One child was killed, and four other civilians were injured, in airstrikes which struck Kafr Nbooda, according to local media. Sources al blamed Russian warplanes for the raids. The raids, which according to Alaraby News, consisted of cluster bombs and Russian RPG's. 50 sheep were also killed in the raid. There are no other details…

Summary

Published
21 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

21 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2926

Location

معرةالنعمان, Ma'arat Nu'man, Idlib, Syria
As many as two civilians were killed in airstrikes on Ma'arat Nu'man, according to local media. Only two sources reported on this incident. Step News Agency blamed Russian warplanes but did not diverge information regarding civilian casualties. DCHRS, who also blamed Russia, reported on two unidentified civilian deaths. There are no other details at this…

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2927

Location

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria
Two men were killed in airstrikes which hit Arbeen, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the strikes. According to SCDrifdimashq, the raids struck a residential neighbourhood with "intensive shelling". There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2928

Location

ادلب, Idlib, Damascus, Syria
A single source reported the death of a woman by Russian warplane shelling. The victim was named. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
21 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

21–22 January, 2018

Incident Code

RS2929

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria
Between two and four civilians were killed, and others were wounded, in airstrikes which hit a residential neighbourhood in Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources all either lamed Russian warplanes for the strikes, or did not attribute blame. Two raids which struck the vicinity, caused much material damage, reported local sources. The Civil Defence…

Summary

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

Incident Date

20 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2918

Location

حيش, Heesh, Idlib, Syria
One civilian was killed, according to local media, when airstrikes hit the vicinity of Heesh. Most local media blamed Russian warplanes, however some did not attribute blame. Civil Defence teams pulled the body from the rubble in the aftermath of the bombing on civilian homes in Heesh. According to @SyriaCivilDefe, cluster bombs and Russian rockets…

Summary

Published
20 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident