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

17 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2902

Location

معرة النعسان, Ma'ara Al-Nassan, Idlib, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Ma'ara Al-Nassan, according to local media. @AsadSouria reported that "Syrian-Russian warplanes carry out raids on insurgent positions in Ma'arat al-Nu'asan and al-Tahal village", however they are a pro-regime source, therefore Airwars assessors and researchers conclude it is not a reliable source. Cluster bombs and phosphorus…

Summary

Published
17 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2899

Location

معرشمارين, Mar Shmareen, Idlib, Syria
Two civilians were killed, including one adult male, and several others were wounded in airstrikes which hit the vicinity of Mar Shmareenin Maarat al Nuuman, according to local media. All sources reported that Russian warplanes were to blame for the raids. However VDC reported that "Syrian government and affiliated militias" were to blame. Sources were…

Summary

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

Incident Date

16 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2901

Location

طبيش, Tbeesh, north of Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria
As many as eight civilians were killed - including six children and a woman - and nine more were injured in airstrikes which hit the vicinity of Tbeesh in Idlib, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to the Syrian regime, while most others blamed Russia.…

Summary

Published
16 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
7–8
Civilians reported injured
9
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2900

Location

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria
Between two and four civilians were reportedly wounded with rocket launchers which struck the vicinity of Kafr Zeita. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes, while others blamed the Syrian regime. According to local media, the large buildings which were "targeted" were destroyed and the victims were taken…

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2898

Location

جوباس, Jubas, south of Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria
One to two civilians were killed - one was named - and as many as eight others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Jubas, according to local media. All sources reported that Russia was to blame except one source which attributed blame to the Syrian regime. The strikes, which reportedly occurred in the night,…

Summary

Published
15 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
8
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2895

Location

انقراتي, Ankarati, east of Tal Mardikh, Idlib, Syria
A named adult male was reported killed and his brother was wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes which hit Ankarati, Idlib. All local media blamed Russian warplanes for the incident. In a similar fashion to a series of other raids which occurred around this time, the planes targeted the vicinity during the night. The brother was…

Summary

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