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

29 June 2018

Incident Code

RS3487

Location

Al Massifra, Daraa, Syria
المسيفرة
Civilians were possibly killed and/or injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Al Massifra on June 29th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. SNN wrote that "the Russian military and Assad aircraft and helicopter gunships launched airstrikes with rockets and explosive barrels on the neighbourhoods of Daraa and on the…

Summary

Published
29 June 2018
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Incident Date

29 June 2018

Incident Code

RS3486

Location

Al Jiza, Daraa, Syria
الجيزة
Up to two civilians, including a woman, were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Al Jiza in the eastern suburbs of Dara'a, on June 29th, 2018, according to local sources. An unknown number of civilians was injured. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that "at least two civilians,…

Summary

Published
29 June 2018
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Incident Date

29 June 2018

Incident Code

RS3485

Location

Al Sheikh Saad, Daraa, Syria
شيخ سعد
Civilians were possibly killed and/or injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Al Sheikh Saad on June 29th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. SNN wrote that "the Russian military and Assad aircraft and helicopter gunships launched airstrikes with rockets and explosive barrels on the neighbourhoods of Daraa and on…

Summary

Published
29 June 2018
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Incident Date

28 June 2018

Incident Code

RS3477

Location

Saida, Daraa, Syria
صيدا
Two civilians, including a child, were killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Saida, Daraa governorate, on June 28th, 2018, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights wrote that "at least two civilians, including a child, were killed as Syrian/Russian warplanes fired missiles on Saida town in…

Summary

Published
28 June 2018
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Incident Date

28 June 2018

Incident Code

RS3472

Location

Sawha Al Qameh, Daraa, Syria
سهوة القمح
Four civilians from the same family, including two women, were reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the village of Al Sawha al Qamah, Dara'a governorate, on June 28th, 2018, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. The SNHR wrote that "four civilians from the same family, including two women, were…

Summary

Published
28 June 2018
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Incident Date

28 June 2018

Incident Code

RS3476

Location

Al Ghariya Al Sharqiya, Daraa, Syria
الغارية الشرقية
At least two men were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Al Ghariya Al Sharqiya, Dara'a governorate, on June 28th, 2018, according to local sources. Step News reported that "many were dead and wounded, including children." Step News reported: "Many dead and wounded, including children, killed by the targeting of the town…

Summary

Published
28 June 2018
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