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

11 March 2019

Incident Code

RS3590

Location

Kafar Nbouda, Hama, Syria
كفرنبودة
One or two civilians were injured in alleged artillery strikes on Kafar Nbouda, local media reported. The majority of sources said that the Assad regime was responsible, though Russian actions were also reported within the vicinity. According to the Step News Agency, "an artillery bombardment by regime forces stationed at Camp of Bredig hit the…

Summary

Published
11 March 2019
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Incident Date

9 March 2019

Incident Code

RS3587

Location

Al Mentar village, Jisr Al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria
قرية المنطار في جسر الشغور
Local media reported that up to two women and a child died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Mentar village. All sources pointed to Russia. Shaam News Network said that one woman died, though according to Step News Agency two women and a girl were killed. JisrTV also noted…

Summary

Published
9 March 2019
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Incident Date

9 March 2019

Incident Code

RS3588

Location

Al Mentar village in Jisr Al Shoughour, Idlib, Syria
قرية المنطار في جسر الشغور,
Following the alleged Russian airstrike on Al Mentar detailed in event R3385, local media said that Russian warplanes returned to the area during the rescue attempts and struck the Syrian Civil Defence as they went about their duties. Multiple sources reported that SCD volunteer and journalist Mahmoud Abdel Al was killed - in addition to…

Summary

Published
9 March 2019
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Incident Date

9 March 2019

Incident Code

RS3589

Location

Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria
سراقب
Local media reported that one child died and five members of his family were wounded in alleged regime or Russian artillery or airstrikes on Saraqeb. Additionally, an adult male was also reported killed on this day. According to Halab Today TV, "since yesterday [March 9th], the city of Idlib has been subjected to Russian air…

Summary

Published
9 March 2019
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Incident Date

8 March 2019

Incident Code

RS3586

Location

Wadi al-Azeeb, Hama, Syria
وادي العزيب أو وادي العذيب,
Between seven and nine civilians died and several others were wounded when remnants from a cluster bomb or landmine allegedly dropped by either Russia or the Assad regime back in 2017 exploded in Wadi al-Azeeb on February 8th 2019. Halab Today reported: "According to the correspondent of Halab Today, the explosions killed seven people and a…

Summary

Published
8 February 2019
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Incident Date

1 March 2019

Incident Code

RS3584

Location

Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria
خان شيخون,
Up to three civilians including a child died and four or five others were wounded in a heavy bombardment of Khan Sheikhoun on March 1st, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed the Assad regime, though there were also allegations against Russia. The heavy shelling reportedly encompassed rockets, artillery and airstrikes. Multiple sources…

Summary

Published
1 March 2019
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