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
4809 incidents
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Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

28 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3974

Location

Ma’arshurin, Idlib, Syria
معرشورين
One civilian was killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes or artillery on Ma'arshurin in Idlib on July 28th, 2019 according to local sources. The victim was named as Murad Abdul Kafi Al Hariri, originally from Talmens town. While Ma’az Al Hamed posted that the victim was killed on the outskirts of Talmens…

Summary

Published
28 July 2019
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Incident Date

28 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3971

Location

Vicinity of Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria
كفر زيتا القريبة
Two women and a man were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Mazra’et Al Tanour near the cities of Al Latamina and Kafar Zeita in Hama governorate, on July 28th, 2019, according to local sources. An unknown number of other civilians was reported injured. The Syrian Human Rights Committee wrote that "two…

Summary

Published
28 July 2019
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Incident Date

28 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3972

Location

Al-Lataminah, Hama, Syria
اللطامنة
Up to three civilians, including a child, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Al-Lataminah, Hama governorate, on July 28th, 2019, according to local sources. Smart News Agency reported "three wounded in bombing of Russian warplanes on the vicinity of the city of Al-Lataminah north of Hama". Manahi Al…

Summary

Published
28 July 2019
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Incident Date

28 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3973

Location

Ariha, Idlib, Syria
أريحا
At least four men were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Ariha, Idlib governorate, on July 28th, 2019, according to local sources. 18 others were reported injured. Although Ariha Today initially cited three civilians killed, the same source later named four fatalities, all of whom were men. Smart News Agency…

Summary

Published
28 July 2019
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Incident Date

27 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3965

Location

Al Halouba, Idlib, Syria
الحلوبة
A child was killed in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Al Halouba, Idlib governorate, on July 27th, 2019, according to local sources. Edlib Media Center reported "the death of a child and the injury of a child as a result of an airstrike by the military regime on the town…

Summary

Published
27 July 2019
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Incident Date

27 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3966

Location

Ariha, Idlib, Syria
أريحا
Up to 13 civilians were reportedly killed and at least 22 others were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Ariha in Idlib, on July 27th, 2019 according to local sources. The airstrikes hit the western neighborhood and a popular market, and France 24 reported that the airstrikes hit two residential buildings. Members…

Summary

Published
27 July 2019
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