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

3 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2839

Location

قطرة, Qatra, Idlib, Syria
A male child was killed and an unspecified number of other civilians wounded in suspected Russian airstrikes in Qatra. Local media either blamed Russia or did not attribute blame to a belligerent. One source reported sighting "military aircraft". Media reported that "great destruction" was caused. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

3 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2842

Location

مسرابا, Masraba, Damascus, Syria
In what has been described by local media as a "massacre", 23 civilians were reported killed and as many as 80 more were wounded in airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Masraba. Local media was conflicted as to who was to blame. Most sources attributed the civilian harm to Russia, however a number of sources…

Summary

Published
3 January 2018
Civilians reported killed
11–23
Civilians reported injured
40–80
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

3 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2843

Location

تل الطوقان, Tal Al-Toukan, Idlib, Syria
Seven civilians were killed - including an entire family of five - according to local media in airstrikes on Tal Al-Toukan. Dozens were also wounded in the raids. Sources blamed bot the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids which damaged a Mosque as well as residential homes. Mustafa Haj Yousuf, director of the Syrian…

Summary

Published
3 January 2018
Civilians reported killed
5–7
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

3 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2840

Location

العنز, Al-Anz, Hama, Syria
Two civilians were wounded in airstrikes which struck the vicinity of Al-Anz. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Elaph News blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia, reported that civilians were wounded in strikes on the towns of Latamna, Murk, Shakuzia, Rihan and Anz. Smart News specified that two civilians were injured…

Summary

Published
3 January 2018
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

2 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2836

Location

التح, Al-Tah, Idlib, Syria
Two children were reportedly wounded in airstrikes conducted in Al-Tah. Most sources said  that Russian warplanes were to blame for the raids. There were no reports of civilian deaths. Baladi News did not report on civilian harm, stating only that "Russian warplanes launched dozens of intensive raids on several cities and towns of the southern…

Summary

Published
2 January 2018
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

2 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2832

Location

الهيمانية, Al-Haymaniya, Hama, Syria
A young man was killed by airstrikes which raided the village of Al-Haymaniya in Hama. Sources either blamed Russia or did not attribute blame. A number of civilians were reportedly injured however local media did not specify how many. According to Baladi, "Russian warplanes launched air raids with high-explosive missiles on the village of Haymaneya…

Summary

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