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 4,843 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.
4,843 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.
3,027 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
104 – 117
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
15 seperate alleged incidents
4809 incidents
Order results by:
Incident Date Publication Date

Incident Date

20 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3827

Location

Kfar Zeita, Hama, Syria
كفر زيتا
Three civilians from the same family were reported killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime shelling or airstrikes on Kfar Zeita in Hama on June 20th, 2019, according to local sources. Among the victims is Khalaf Al-Na'san, and his wife Wa'ad Al-Khalaf and their son. It was reported that Wa'ad died of her wounds.…

Summary

Published
20 June 2019
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Incident Date

20 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3819

Location

Tarmala, Idlib, Syria
ترملا
One civilian was reported killed in airstrikes on Tarmala, Idlib, on June 20th. Syria Civil Defense reported that "the cities and towns of liberated northern Syria are still under constant bombardment by the regime's forces and their Russian allies," listing a number of locations and casualties, among which the incident in Tarmala is reported. Similarly, Shaam…

Summary

Published
20 June 2019
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Incident Date

20 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3826

Location

Ma’aret Misrin, Idlib, Syria
معرة مصرين
One civilian was reported killed and two others injured in an airstrike on Ma’aret Misrin, Idlib, on June 20th. Syria Civil Defense reported that "the town of Ma'ra Misrin, in the countryside of Idlib, was targeted by missiles from the military aircraft of the regime forces, which led to the martyrdom of a man and…

Summary

Published
20 June 2019
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Incident Date

20 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3825

Location

Al Amiriya, Idlib, Syria
العامرية
One woman was reported killed on airstrikes and heavy artillery shelling on Al Amiriya, Idlib, on June 20th. Idlib Plus named the women victim to the attack as Hala Abd Al Qader Hassoun. However, other sources mentioned that the victim is a child. Step Agency reported that "a military air raid on Amiriya north of Khan Sheikhoun…

Summary

Published
20 June 2019
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Incident Date

20 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3824

Location

Kafr Sijnah, Idlib, Syria
كفرسجنة
Two children from the same family were reported killed and others injured in airstrikes on Kafr Sijnah, Idlib, on June 20th. Idlib Plus named those victim to the attack as Mustafa Al Ali and Abdo Al Ali. Smart news reported that "two children were killed and four civilians were wounded by an aerial bombardment of warplanes…

Summary

Published
20 June 2019
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Incident Date

20 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3823

Location

Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria
معرة النعمان
Up to four civilians were reported killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike when an ambulance from the non-governmental organisation Violet was targeted near Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib governorate, on June 20th, 2019, according to local sources. At least two others were wounded. Of those killed, three were reportedly paramedics, transporting a woman…

Summary

Published
20 June 2019
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