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

4,338 – 6,384

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 4,842 separate alleged incidents.

1,145 – 1,394
children likely killed
632 – 766
women likely killed
6,544
likely injured
3,435
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
15,282 – 24,392
Locally reported civilian deaths from Russian Military actions in Syria.
4,842 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
4,338 – 6,384
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by Russian Military
1,344 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
727 – 848
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
457 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
10,113 – 17,043
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
3,026 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
104 – 117
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
15 seperate alleged incidents
4808 incidents
Order results by:
Incident Date Publication Date

Incident Date

21 January 2020

Incident Code

RS4342

Location

Jidraya, Aleppo, Syria
جدرايا
Alleged Russian warplanes heavily bombed the village of Jdaria in Syria at 13:22 on January 21, 2020, killing at least two girls and injuring two other civilians. According to Al Jazeera News, quoting the Syrian Civil Defense, two girls were killed in Russian airstrikes on the village of Jdaria. The two girls, Aida al-Khalid and…

Summary

Published
21 January 2020
View Incident

Incident Date

21 January 2020

Incident Code

RS4331

Location

several towns in Idlib, Idlib, Syria
بلدات متعددة
The Shaam News Network reported “Russian and Assad warships and helicopters launched violent air strikes targeting the cities, towns, and villages of Ma`rat al-Nu`man, Ma`sarān, Deir Sunbul, Marshmarin, Talmans, al-Barah, Babila, Khan al-Sabil”. It added that there were “many wounded”.No further details are currently available.

Summary

Published
21 January 2020
View Incident

Incident Date

21 January 2020

Incident Code

RS4339

Location

Ma’ar Dibsa, Idlib, Syria
معردبسة
Between four and 11 civilians died and an unspecified number more were wounded in  alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Ma’ar Dibsa, according to local media. There were also reports that between five and nine combatants died. Live ua reported: “Four civilians were killed and others wounded as a result of air strikes on the…

Summary

Published
21 January 2020
View Incident

Incident Date

21 January 2020

Incident Code

RS4347

Location

Al Muhandiseen first countryside, Aleppo, Syria
ريف المهندسين الأول
A man was killed and civilians were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Muhandiseen first countryside on January 21, 2020. A tweet from @almohrarmedia2 reported that civilians were wounded in Russian airstrikes on Al Muhandiseen first countryside without specifying how many were injured. However, @fawaz_jwaid tweeted that there was material damage but "no injuries". @baladinetwork…

Summary

Published
21 January 2020
View Incident

Incident Date

21 January 2020

Incident Code

RS4338

Location

Al Bara, Idlib, Syria
البارة
Two civilians were reported killed and four to six others were injured (two children and two women) in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes with rockets on Al Bara in Idlib on January 21st, 2020. SMART said warplanes fired vacuum missiles. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that “At least two civilians were killed…

Summary

Published
21 January 2020
View Incident

Incident Date

21 January 2020

Incident Code

RS4337

Location

Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria
تفتناز
An unknown number of civilians were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Taftanaz on January 21, 2020. Shahba Press reported: "Civilians were injured after raids by Russian occupation planes on the southern city of Maarat al-Numan in the southern Idlib countryside and the town of Taftanaz in the northern countryside". No other…

Summary

Published
21 January 2020
View Incident