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

27 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2553

Location

الحوايج البومصعة, al Hawaij al Bou masa’a crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria
As many as 13 people were reportedly killed and dozens were reportedly injured after an airstrike, believed to be Russian, on al Hawayj al Boumsa’a crossing, according to Euphrates Post reporting. The date of the airstrike is unclear, but on September 27th Euphrates Post shared some pictures of the aftermath.

Summary

Published
27 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
13
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2554

Location

التمانعة, Al-Taman'a, Idlib, Syria
Four civilians were reportedly injured by an airstrike, likely to be Russian, on the town of al Tamana’a in Idlib on September 27th, 2017,  according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian C25 planes for the raids. According to "Al Tamana’a, the Free media office of the town", there were more than 18 Russian raids…

Summary

Published
27 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Residential, Agriculture
Civilians reported injured
4
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2548

Location

Bdama, Idlib, Syria
Six people were wounded after an airstrike, believed to be Russian, hit the town of Bdama near Idlib, according to local media. The planes struck several sites holding armed groups, according to media, including Jisr al-Shughour, Bdama, Qunya, al-Sanameh, Yacoubiya, and Abu al-Dahour. There was much material damage. No further details are currently available.

Summary

Published
27 September 2017
Civilians reported injured
6
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2549

Location

اليعقوبية, al Ya’koubiya town, Idlib, Syria
One child was reportedly killed and as many as 15 others were wounded in an airstrike on the village of al Ya’koubiya by warplanes, according to the Idlib Media Centre. Sources all either attributed the blame to Russia or did not blame a belligerent. The local hospital published a list of 13 named victims who…

Summary

Published
27 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
12–15
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2550

Location

سنجار العوجة, Al A'wja and Sinjar, Idlib, Syria
A woman was killed and others were injured as a result of an airstrike, likely to be Russian, on the road between al A’wja and Sinjar in rural Idlib, according to an Idlib Media Centre Facebook post. No further details are currently available.

Summary

Published
27 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2551

Location

قرية الزعينية, al Zayniyeh village, Idlib, Syria
One person was killed and six others injured as a result of airstrikes, likely to be Russian, reportedly targeted houses in the village of al Zayniyeh, according to Smart News. Other sources reported one adult male killed and a number of other civilians wounded.

Summary

Published
27 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–6
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident