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 June 2018

Incident Code

RS3492

Location

Al-Sahwah, Daraa, Syria
السهوة
19 civilians including five women, five women, and three Lebanese nationals were reported killed in alleged Russian forces, Iranian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes on al-Sahwah in Daraa on June 30th, 2018. Dara'a Martyrs reported that "the warplanes of the regime forces targeted Al-Sahwah town in the eastern countryside of Daraa with several raids. Also…

Summary

Published
30 June 2018
View Incident

Incident Date

30 June 2018

Incident Code

RS3491

Location

Maaraba, Daraa, Syria
معربة
Up to 17 civilians, 9 of which are from the same family, were reported killed as a result of alleged Russian raids on their houses in Maaraba in Daraa, Syria on June 30th, 2018 according to local sources. Step Agency said "The killing of 14 civilians, including two women and wounding others as a result…

Summary

Published
30 June 2018
View Incident

Incident Date

30 June 2018

Incident Code

RS3490

Location

Ghasam, Daraa, Syria
غصم
Up to 22 civilians including three children, a woman and a civil defense volunteer were killed and dozens injured in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime double-tap airstrikes on Ghasam in Dara'a, Syria on June 30th, 2018, according to local sources. The sources also added that it was difficult to count the numbers of those…

Summary

Published
30 June 2018
View Incident

Incident Date

30 June 2018

Incident Code

RS3489

Location

Nawa, Daraa, Syria
نوى
A woman was reported killed and others injured in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes on Nawa in Daraa, Syria on June 30th, 2018. Violations Documentation Center identified the woman as Amerah Muhammad Kheir al-Johmane.  Local Coordination Committees of Syria reported "The death of a woman and the injury of others as a result…

Summary

Published
30 June 2018
View Incident

Incident Date

29 June 2018

Incident Code

RS3484

Location

Kahil, Daraa, Syria
كحيل
Alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes targeted the village of Kahil, east of Dara'a, on June 29th, 2018, according to local sources. Possibly, the strikes led to civilian casualties. Shaam News Network reported that "the Russian military and Assad aircraft and helicopter gunships launched airstrikes with rockets and explosive barrels on the neighbourhoods of Dara'a…

Summary

Published
29 June 2018
View Incident

Incident Date

29 June 2018

Incident Code

RS3483

Location

Tafas, Daraa, Syria
طفس
Alleged Russian, Syrian regime and/or Iranian air and/or artillery strikes targeted the town of Tafas, Dara'a countryside, on June 29th, 2018, according to local sources. Possibly, civilians were injured and killed. Shaam News Network reported that "the Russian military and Assad aircraft and helicopter gunships launched airstrikes with rockets and explosive barrels on the neighbourhoods…

Summary

Published
29 June 2018
View Incident