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
Order results by:
Incident Date Publication Date

Incident Date

30 July 2018

Incident Code

RS3513

Location

Kuya, Daraa, Syria
كويا
Between six and nine civilians, including women and children, were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air and/or artillery strikes on a camp for Internally Displaced People (IDP) in the town of Kuya, Dara'a governorate, on July 30th, 2018, according to local sources. Dozens were wounded. Smart News Agency reported that, according to activists,…

Summary

Published
30 July 2018
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Incident Date

23 July 2018

Incident Code

RS3512

Location

the road between Ain Zakr and Ain Khanizyara in Al Yarmouk Basin, Daraa, Syria
الطريق بين عين ذكر و خنيزيرية في حوض اليرموك
An unknown number of civilians was killed and injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the road between Ain Zakr and Ain Khenizra, west of Dara'a, on July 23rd, 2018, according to local sources. Step News Agency reported "civilians killed and injured as a result of the Russian raids targeting the road between…

Summary

Published
23 July 2018
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Incident Date

21 July 2018

Incident Code

RS3511

Location

Al Shajara, Daraa, Syria
الشجرة
One civilian was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Al Shajara, Dara'a governorate, on July 21st, 2018, according to local sources. An officer with the Dara'a Martyrs Documentation Office told Smart News that "one civilian was killed in Al Shajara village, which is controlled by the Islamic State." The…

Summary

Published
21 July 2018
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Incident Date

21 July 2018

Incident Code

RS3510

Location

Tasil, Daraa, Syria
تسيل
Four civilians including a child and a woman were reported killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes on Tasil in Dara'a on July 21st, 2018, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said " At least four civilians, including a girl, were killed as Syrian/Russian regime warplanes fired missiles on…

Summary

Published
21 July 2018
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Incident Date

20 July 2018

Incident Code

RS3509

Location

Tasil, Daraa, Syria
تسيل
Five civilians from the same family were reported killed and others injured in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces' airstrikes on Tasil in Dara'a on July 20th, 2018. @yaser_23001 tweeted "Five civilians from one family were killed due to an air strike on the town of Tasil in the western Dara'a countryside." Hamza.alshaheed page…

Summary

Published
20 July 2018
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Incident Date

20 July 2018

Incident Code

RS3508

Location

Al-Shajara, Daraa, Syria
الشجرة
Up to 15 civilians were killed including women and children and others injured in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces airstrikes on Al-Shajara in Daraa on July 20th, 2018. Sanabka Ahrar reported that the area was the target of more than 40 raids with missiles and rockets what caused severe destruction to buildings. @samersamer694…

Summary

Published
20 July 2018
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