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

7 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3675

Location

Ma'aratmatar, Idlib, Syria
معرتماتر
Two civilians, including a child, were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Ma'aratmatar on May 7th, 2019, according to local sources. At least one other woman and child were injured. Several sources, among which the Syrian Human Rights Committee and Shaam News Network, reported that two people were killed in the town…

Summary

Published
7 May 2019
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Incident Date

7 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3676

Location

Kfar Zeita, Hama, Syria
كفر زيتا
One civilian died of his injuries four days after alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery strikes on Kfar Zeita, Hama governorate, on May 7th, 2019, according to local sources. Smart News reported that Russian artillery fire on the town of Kfar Zeita, north of Hama, wounded a number of civilians. Step News Agency wrote: "A…

Summary

Published
7 May 2019
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Incident Date

7 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3668

Location

Kansafra, Idlib, Syria
كنصفرة
One woman was killed and two others, including a child, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Kansafra on May 7th, according to local media. Several schools were reportedly targeted @HalabToday reported that "one woman was killed and others were injured, including children, when an explosive barrel was detonated on the town…

Summary

Published
7 May 2019
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Incident Date

7 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3669

Location

Kfar Zeita, Hama, Syria
كفر زيتا
A civilian and his pregnant wife were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kfar Zeita, Hama governorate, on May 7th, 2019, according to local media. Several sources reported the death of two civilians, named as Zaid Mahmoud Al Rajou and his wife Laila Al Rajou. According to the Syrian Press Centre, Laila was five months…

Summary

Published
7 May 2019
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Incident Date

7 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3666

Location

Al Zakat, Hama, Syria
الزكاة
A woman named Sabah Al Hamidi was alleged killed by artillery shelling in the village of Zakat, north of Hama. Smart News and Step News blamed Russia, while the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the Syrian regime SY 24, Syria TV, and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said that the regime was…

Summary

Published
7 May 2019
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Incident Date

7 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3670

Location

Ras Al A’in, Idlib, Syria
رأس العين
Local sources reported that airstrikes struck a popular market in Ras al Ein village east of the city of Abu-Thabet in Idlib. According to Step News, shelling was carried out by "Russian airliners and helicopters". The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the Syrian regime instead. The sources said that the market was attacked with…

Summary

Published
7 May 2019
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