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
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Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

19 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3818

Location

Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria
معرة حرمة
At least one civilian was reportedly injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Ma’aret Harma on June 19th, 2019, according to local sources. @nabdalthwra reported that "a civilian was wounded as a result of the Assad warplanes targeting the town of Ma’aret Harma in the southern countryside of Idlib." Other…

Summary

Published
19 June 2019
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Incident Date

18 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3810

Location

Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria
كفرزيتا
A civilian was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Kafar Zeita, Hama governorate, on June 18th, 2019, according to local sources. In addition, an unknown number of civilians was reported injured. According to Shaam News Network, "Russian warplanes launched air raids accompanied by heavy artillery and missile bombardment on the towns and…

Summary

Published
18 June 2019
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Incident Date

18 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3811

Location

Industry zone (Al Mantiq Al Sina’iya), Idlib, Syria
المنطقة الصناعية
One civilian was reported killed and two to eight civilians, including at least one child, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the industrial zone Al Mantiq Al Sina’iya, in the vicinity of Idlib, on June 18th, 2019, according to local sources. @syr_television reported that "one person was killed and three others…

Summary

Published
18 June 2019
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Incident Date

18 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3812

Location

Al-Lataminah, Hama, Syria
اللطامنة
A civilian was reported killed in the explosion of a remnant from an alleged Russian or Syrian regime fired cluster munition in Al-Lataminah, Hama, on June 18th, 2019, according to local sources. It is unclear when the airstrike firing the munition took place. @HalabTodayTV correspondent reported that "a civilian was killed due to the explosion…

Summary

Published
18 June 2019
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Incident Date

18–19 June, 2019

Incident Code

RS3813

Location

Tarmala, Idlib, Syria
ترملا
One civilian was reported killed and others injured in the shelling of Tarmala, Idlib. Most sources reported the incident occurred on June 19th, while Syrian Network for Human Rights reported it occurred on June 18th instead. Idlib Plus named the victim of the attack as "Ahmed Nouri Al Da’our." Syrian Observatory for Human rights stated…

Summary

Published
19 June 2019
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Incident Date

16 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3808

Location

Al Zakat , Hama, Syria
الزكاة
One women was reported killed in an airstrike on Al Zakat, Hama, on June 16th. She was named by the Syrian Network for Human Rights as Isaaf Al-Faraj. Two sources claimed the death of one woman, and Step News Agency also alleged the wounding of "others" in the attack. Meanwhile, Shaam News reported on the…

Summary

Published
16 June 2019
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