Conflict

Russian Military in Syria

Incident Code

RS0123

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.44208, 36.65095
Accuracy: Town

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: July 23, 2025

(Previous Incident Code: R109)

One nine-year-old girl was killed in an airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that regime warplanes were responsible, but the VDC – who named the girl as Shatha Dawood – said she was killed by Russian strikes. Most other sources also blamed Russia.

The Assad regime had reportedly carried out strikes on the town the night before. A video also appears to show cluster munitions being dropped on Khan Sheikhoun on November 5th.

 

Victims

Individuals

Shatha Dawood
Child female killed

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Contested
Civilians reported killed
1
1 Child

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Khan Shaykhun (خان شيخون), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.44208, 36.65095. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

Russian Military Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Russian Military position on incident
Not yet assessed
Russian Military Strike Report
Russia has confirmed carrying out strikes in Idlib governorate between November 3rd-5th 2015.
Syrian Regime Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Regime
Syrian Regime position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media From Sources (2)