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

20 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2485

Location

الصهرية, al-Sahariya, Hama, Syria
Two civilians, a woman and her daughter, were killed and at least two others, children, were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes against the village of al-Sahariya in the northern Hama countryside, according to local sources. Reporters Without Borders said that the airstrikes caused the destruction of a house and the victims of…

Summary

Published
20 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Residential (House)
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2486

Location

الفطيرة كرسعة, al Fatira and Karsa'a, Idlib, Syria
At least two civilians were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the towns of al Fatira and Karsa'a in Idlib governorate. RFS media office reported: "Russian and Regime air force planes also renewed their air raids on the towns and villages of Al-Fataira, Benin near ariha, Abdin and the southern suburb of…

Summary

Published
20 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2488

Location

كفرنبودة, Kafr Nbooda, Hama, Syria
An elderly man was killed in Kfar Nbouda as more than seven rocket attacks bombarded the town, local sources reported. A house collapsed killing the 75-year-old while his wife’s leg later required amputation. The Syrian Network for Human Rights also reported a second death in the town. They were the only media outlet to cite…

Summary

Published
20 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2487

Location

قلعة المضيق, Kala'at al Madeeq, Hama, Syria
Between six and 12 civilians, including between two and three children and two women, were killed and between five and 37 others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes against the town of Kala'at al Madeeq in central Syria according to local sources. Smart News initially reported that eight civilians were killed but…

Summary

Published
20 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
6–12
Civilians reported injured
8–40
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2489

Location

Jarjanaz, Idlib, Syria
A mother and four children were killed in their home as alleged Russian or Syrian regime forces struck the town of Jarjanaz. The death of a sixth civilian was also reported. Those killed included the woman’s grandson, according to local sources. At least five others were injured. Three “space rockets” hit the town through the…

Summary

Published
20 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
4–6
Civilians reported injured
5–7
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

20 September 2017

Incident Code

RS2482

Location

معرة حرمة, Maraat Harma, Idlib, Syria
At least two civilians were wounded and some possibly died as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes against the village of Maarat Harma in southern Idlib according to local media. Smart News Agency identified Russian planes as responsible but did not give an estimate of how many civilians were injured, only indicating that it was…

Summary

Published
20 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident