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 4,842 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.
4,842 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.
3,026 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
104 – 117
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
15 seperate alleged incidents
4808 incidents
Order results by:
Incident Date Publication Date

Incident Date

15 February 2020

Incident Code

RS4459

Location

Near Dar Ezza, Aleppo, Syria
قرب دار عزة,
Local sources reported that one civilian was killed and up to ten others were injured during Russian airstrikes in the village of Patron, near Darat Azza, Aleppo, on February 15th 2020. According to the White Helmets, "one person was killed and 10 others were wounded, as a result of four air strikes, that targeted civilian…

Summary

Published
15 February 2020
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Incident Date

15 February 2020

Incident Code

RS4462

Location

Sarmada, Idlib, Syria
سرمدا
One civilian was killed and up to four others injured by alleged Syrian regime or Russian shelling on Al Muthanna IDP camp in the east of Sarmada, Idlib in Syria. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said: "Syrian regime forces’ artillery fired shells on al Muthanna IDPs Camp, located in east of Sarmada city in…

Summary

Published
15 February 2020
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Incident Date

14 February 2020

Incident Code

RS4451

Location

Several towns in Idlib, Idlib, Syria
بلدات متعددة
The Shaam News Network reported: "Russian Assad launched air strikes targeting the cities, towns, villages of Sarmin, Ariha, Nehalia, Senqul, and Qamenas. The Assad artillery shelled the cities and towns of Jisr Al-Shughur, Kafr Nubl, Ma`rat Masrin, Kafraya, Ain al-Asafir, and the camps of the town of Sarmada, which resulted in a number of civilian…

Summary

Published
14 February 2020
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Incident Date

14 February 2020

Incident Code

RS4457

Location

Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria
أورم الكبرى,
According to local sources, civilians were killed when Russian or Syrian regime attacked the 'vicinity of Urma Al Kubra' on February 14th 2020, as well as other areas close by incluing the villages of Tamura and Bashmara in the western countryside of Aleppo, Syria. It is not clear how many civilians were allegedly killed. The…

Summary

Published
14 February 2020
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Incident Date

14 February 2020

Incident Code

RS4456

Location

Al Sheikh Akil, Aleppo, Syria
الشيخ عقيل
According to local sources, civilians were killed when Russian or Syrian regime helicopters dropped barrel bombs on Al Sheikh Akil on February 14th 2020, as well as other areas close by incluing the villages of Tamura and Bashmara in the western countryside of Aleppo, Syria. It is not clear how many civilians were allegedly killed.…

Summary

Published
14 February 2020
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Incident Date

14 February 2020

Incident Code

RS4455

Location

Bashambra, Aleppo, Syria
باشمرا
According to local sources, civilians were killed when Russian or Syrian regime helicopters dropped barrel bombs on Bashambra on February 14th 2020, as well as other areas close by incluing the villages of Tamura and Sheikh Aqil in the western countryside of Aleppo, Syria. It is not clear how many civilians were allegedly killed. The…

Summary

Published
14 February 2020
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