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 Date Publication Date

Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3907

Location

Ain Al Barde, Idlib, Syria
عين الباردة
Five civilians were reported injured in airstrikes on Ain Al Barde, Idlib, on July 16th. Jisr Media Centre stated that "five civilians were injured in four air raids by more than 12 missiles targeting the city of Jisr al-Shoughour and its environs in the village of Ain al-Barde and' Ashbark'." Two other sources reported the airstrike,…

Summary

Published
16 July 2019
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Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3906

Location

Jsir Al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria
جسر الشغور
Local source Shaam News reported that Russian warplanes increased air raids on a number of towns and villages in Idlib in Hama, targeting several civilian areas. According to Jisr Media Center, 5 civilians were injured in 4 air raids with more than 12 missiles that struck the city of Jisr al-Shoughour and its surrounding. Syrian…

Summary

Published
16 July 2019
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Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3914

Location

khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria
خان شيخون
On July 16, 2019, an unknown number of civilians, including a young man, Mohammad Nader al Sahh, were wounded in an airstrike with cluster munitions on the outskirts of Khan Sheikhoun, Syria, according to local sources. Shaam News reported that Russian warplanes stepped up raids on a number of towns and villages in Idlib and…

Summary

Published
16 July 2019
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Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3913

Location

Latmeen, Hama, Syria
لطمين
One civilian was reported killed in Latmeen in Hama on July 16th, 2019 as a result of Russian and Syrian regime attacks. Step News said that two people were reported killed and others injured by Russian airstrikes on the city of Al Latamna and the village of Latmeen in northern Hama. No other details are…

Summary

Published
16 July 2019
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Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3912

Location

Tabish, Idlib, Syria
طبيش
@Step_Agency claimed that Russian forces carried out airstrikes on Jisr al-Shughour, Ma’rshurin, Hantoutin, Deir Sennbel, Heesh, Sahiyan and Tabish in rural Idlib, killing six civilians and injuring dozens across these locations. Other local sources said that the Syrian regime was also involved in undertaking the attacks, but didn't mention casualties. No other details are known…

Summary

Published
16 July 2019
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Incident Date

16 July 2019

Incident Code

RS3911

Location

Sahyan, Idlib, Syria
صهيان
@Step_Agency reported that Russian forces carried out airstrikes on Jisr al-Shughour, Ma’rshurin, Hantoutin, Deir Sennbel, Heesh, Sahiyan and Tabish in rural Idlib, killing six civilians and injuring dozens across these locations. Other local sources said the Syrian regime is also involved in conducting the airstrikes, but didn't mention any casualties. No other details are known…

Summary

Published
16 July 2019
View Incident