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

27 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3717

Location

Ma’arat Harma, Idlib, Syria
معرة حرمة
A civilian was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Ma'arat Al Harma, Hama governorate, on May 27th, 2019, according to local sources. Another civilian was reportedly injured. Smart News wrote that "on May 27th, warplanes bombed the town of Ma'arat Harma, near Idlib, with explosive barrels and naval mines, causing destruction of…

Summary

Published
27 May 2019
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Incident Date

27 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3715

Location

Ariha, Idlib, Syria
أريحا
Three to eleven civilians were killed in an airstrike on Ariha on May 27th. According to numerous sources, of those killed, two to four were children, including three siblings. The Syrian regime was named by multiple sources as responsible for the attack, while many did not positively attribute blame. Russia was named by six sources…

Summary

Published
27 May 2019
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Incident Date

26 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3709

Location

Al Sheikh Mustafa, Idlib, Syria
الشيخ مصطفى
Step Agency and Smart News reported that one civilian was killed in air raids on the village of Al Sheikh Mustafa, Idlib, on May 26th. Step News agency attributed the attack to Russia, initially reporting that "several people were injured" in the "Russian raids" that "coincided with a rocket attack". In a later post, Step…

Summary

Published
26 May 2019
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Incident Date

26 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3710

Location

Ma’aret Al Nu’man, Idlib, Syria
معرة النعمان
At least six civilians, including a woman and child, were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Ma'arat Al Numan, Idlib governorate, on May 26th, 2019, according to local sources. Up to 45 others were injured. Numerous sources reported the use of high explosive rockets and missiles in an airstrike…

Summary

Published
26 May 2019
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Incident Date

26 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3711

Location

Sfwhen, Idlib, Syria
سفوهن
Up to two civilians were reportedly killed in an airstrike on Sfwhen, Idlib, on May 26th. Syrian Network for Human Rights claimed that "two civilians from the same family" were killed in the strikes, while Halab Today TV stated that "a young man was killed" in the attack. Local Coordination Committees of Syria identified one…

Summary

Published
26 May 2019
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Incident Date

26 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3712

Location

Heesh , Idlib, Syria
حيش
Two men were reported killed in an airstrike on Heesh, May 26th, according to local sources. They seem to be from the same family as they were identified as Abdullah Hani Hamoudeh and Hassan Hani Hamoudeh. They are originally from Soran town. Three sources attributed blame to the Syrian regime, while Syria Civil Defense made…

Summary

Published
26 May 2019
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