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

4,431 – 6,522

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 4,977 separate alleged incidents.

1,174 – 1,440
children likely killed
647 – 782
women likely killed
6,672
likely injured
3,500
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
15,841 – 25,260
Locally reported civilian deaths from Russian Military actions in Syria.
4,977 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
4,431 – 6,522
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by Russian Military
1,380 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
739 – 861
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
466 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
10,557 – 17,748
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
3,115 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
114 – 129
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
16 seperate alleged incidents
4942 incidents
Order results by:
Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

19 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2913

Location

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria
According to local media, four civilians were killed and an unspecified number were wounded in alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Saraqeb. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing the blame to Russian warplanes, while two others blamed the Syrian regime. The residential homes were hit in the evening, according…

Summary

Published
19 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3–4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

19 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2914

Location

الرافا, Rafa, Idlib, Syria
A child was injured in airstrikes on Rafa, according to local media. One source reported that "sockets" raided the village, not attributing blame, while the second blamed Russian warplanes for the injury of one child. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
19 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

19 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2915

Location

سلامين, Salameen, Idlib, Syria
Between six to eight civilians including children from one family were injured in airstrikes on Salameen, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes. Image published show children receiving medical treatment in the aftermath of the incident. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
19 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
6–8
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

19 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2916

Location

اريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Ariha, according to local media. All sources reported Russian warplanes were to blame. The sources reported that there were "civilian casualties", however none specified how many. @kazim1959idleb reported that there were five strikes. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

Published
19 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2907

Location

معردبسي, Ma'ar Debsi, Idlib, Syria
Up to six civilians were wounded, including between two and four children, in airstrikes which hit the vicinity of Ma'ar Debsi on January 18, 2018, according to local media. All sources reported that Russian warplanes were to blame. Jorf News reported that farms were "targeted". In addition, Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that "Russian…

Summary

Published
18 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Residential, Agriculture (Livestock)
Civilians reported injured
4–6
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 January 2018

Incident Code

RS2908

Location

رسم العيس, Rasim Alees, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
A man was wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes which struck Rasim Alees, Aleppo, according to local media. All sources reported that Russian warplanes were to blame. Sources reported that the aerial bombardment struck civilian housing. Members of the Syrian Civil Defence "rushed to help the injured and inspect the location of the shelling". There are…

Summary

Published
18 January 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident