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

9 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2871

Location

ابو الظهور, Abu Al-zuhur, Idlib, Syria
As many as eight civilians were killed - including four from one family - as well as others wounded in airstrikes which hit Abu Al-zuhur. Sources mostly blamed Russian warplanes, however one source did blame the Syrian regime. Additionally, local media reported that "explosive barrels" were used, a weapon known to be used by the…

Summary

Published
9 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
4–8
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2874

Location

الجديدة, Al-Jadida, east of Abu al Dhouhour, Idlib, Syria
Between four and eight civilians were reported killed and "dozens" were wounded in what has been described as a massacre by local media. Sources said that airstrikes struck the vicinity of Al-Jadida and it was contested as to who was to blame. Most reportage attributed blame to Russia, however, there are also allegations blaming the…

Summary

Published
9 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
4–8
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2872

Location

اللطامنة, Al-Lataminah, Hama, Syria
As many as two civilians, including a child and a member of the Syrian Civil Defence, were wounded following a double airstrike on Al-Lataminah. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to the Syrian regime while others blamed Russia. According to local media, a child was injured in the first…

Summary

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

Incident Date

9 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2875

Location

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria
A civilian was reportedly killed when airstrikes hit his vegetable truck in Kafr Zeita.  Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some local media attributed blame to Russia, while others blamed the Syrian regime. One local source called it is "military raid", not naming a belligerent. One source reported that there were some…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2866

Location

ابو حبة, Abu Hibba, Idlib, Syria
A civilian was killed and others were wounded in airstrikes which struck Abu Hibba, according to sources on the ground. Local media was conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to Russia while others blamed the Syrian regime. According to the Step News Agency, explosive barrels were used, a bomb normally used…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2867

Location

المعيصرونة, Al-Ma'essrouna, Idlib, Syria
As many as eight civilians were injured due to airstrikes which struck Al-Ma'essrouna, near Ma'arat al Numan, local media said. All sources blamed Russian warplanes, except Qasioun News, who pointed to the Assad regime. Step News Agency reported that there were "civilian casualties" in Al-Ma'essrouna, however did not specify whether these were dead or wounded.…

Summary

Published
8 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
8
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident