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

3 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3646

Location

Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria
معرة حرمة
Three children and two women were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on the village of Ma’aret Harma on May 3rd, 2019, according to local sources. On May 3rd, the White Helmets tweeted: "Three children and two women were injured a short while ago following shelling by rockets carrying cluster…

Summary

Published
3 May 2019
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Incident Date

3 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3643

Location

Al Bouyib, Hama, Syria
البويب
Up to two civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Al Bouyib in Jabal Shahshab on May 3rd, 2019, according to local sources. Two others were reportedly injured. According to Step News Agency, one civilian was killed, while Smart News Agency put the death toll at two civilians and added that…

Summary

Published
3 May 2019
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Incident Date

3 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3644

Location

Bab Al Taqa, Hama, Syria
باب الطاقة
At least one civilian was wounded when alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes hit the village of Bab Al Taqa, west of Hama, on May 3rd, 2019, local media reported. Smart News Agency wrote that, according to activists, "a civilian was wounded by Russian airstrikes on the village of Bab Al Taqa, west…

Summary

Published
3 May 2019
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Incident Date

3 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3645

Location

Baydar Shamsou, Idlib, Syria
بيدر شمسو
A young girl, named as Bisan Hasan al Atrash, died and five or six other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on Baydar Shamsou, local media reported. In a video posted by Baladi News, a member of the White Helmets says that "warplanes raided the village of Baydar Shamsou,…

Summary

Published
3 May 2019
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Incident Date

2 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3638

Location

Kansafra, Idlib, Syria
كنصفرة
According to local sources, Russian "fixed-wing warplanes" struck what was described as a "bird shack" on the eastern outskirts of the town of Kansafra in Jabal al-Zawiya, south of Idlib, killing up to four members of the same family. The Syrian Network for Human Rights described the location as a poultry farm that displaced persons…

Summary

Published
2 May 2019
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Incident Date

2 May 2019

Incident Code

RS3639

Location

Bsaqla, Idlib, Syria
بسقلا
One civilian was reported killed and others seriously injured as Bsqala in Idlib was targeted with explosive barrels and naval bombs on May 2nd 2019. According to local source Step News, "Russian and Syrian warplanes and helicopters" operated over villages and towns in Idlib, striking a bakery and a kindergarten in Bsqala and killing one…

Summary

Published
2 May 2019
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