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
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Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

22 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4285

Location

Al Deir Al Sharqi, Idlib, Syria
الدير الشرقي
Three civilians were reported killed by Russian forces and/or Syrian regime forces airstrikes on Deir Al Sharqi in Idlib, Syria on December 22nd, 2019. Shaam News was the only source to report on the incident, stating that three civilians had been killed by airstrikes and shelling launched by the Russian military and Syrian regime across…

Summary

Published
22 December 2019
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Incident Date

22 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4286

Location

The agricultural road between Al Dana and Termanin, Syria
الطريق الزراعي الواصل بين الدانا و ترمانين
One civilian was reported killed on the agricultural road linking Termanin to Dana in Idlib, Syria on December 22nd, 2019 when Russian or Syrian regime warplanes attacked the area, according to Shaam Network. No other sources were found on this incident.

Summary

Published
22 December 2019
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Incident Date

22 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4287

Location

Many towns, Idlib, Syria
عدة بلدات
According to Shaam network, "Russian and Asadi warplanes launched violent airstrikes, accompanied with intense artillery and missile shelling targeting the cities and towns of Maarat al-Numan, Saraqib, Kafrnbel, Talmans, Babila, Jarajnaz, al-Ghadfa, Khan al-Sabil, Ma`radbis, al-Kinda, al-Najiya, al-Dir al-Gharb ومع, Mar`dbasa, Tal Mordikh and al-Ma`shurain, which resulted in the fall of 4 martyrs". No more…

Summary

Published
22 December 2019
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Incident Date

22 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4291

Location

Khan Al Sabil, Idlib, Syria
خان السبيل
Between one and three civilians were injured by alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on vehicles of displaced civilians on the international highway near the town of Khan al Sabil, Idlib governorate, on December 22nd, 2019, as reported by local sources. Local tweets included video of the bombing raid that injured civilians. Step News Agency…

Summary

Published
22 December 2019
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Incident Date

21 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4284

Location

Tal Menes, Idlib, Syria
تل منس
In one of two incidents in Tal Menes on December 21-22, 2019, civilians were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on the village the morning of December 21st, 2019, according to local sources. Both @ShahbaPress and a Facebook post by Mustafa.alshekh78 identified civilians injured in the strikes but did not provide a number. A…

Summary

Published
21 December 2019
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Incident Date

21 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4283

Location

Saraqib, Idlib, Syria
سراقب
Seven or eight civilians, including four children and between one and three women, were reportedly killed and more than twenty civilians, including women and children, were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on a popular market in the city of Saraqib on December 21st, 2019, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for…

Summary

Published
21 December 2019
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