Conflicts

Russian Military in Syria
U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Codes

CS1687 RS2771

Location

درنج, Daranj, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.91443, 40.5851
Accuracy: Within 100m (via Coalition)

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: July 23, 2025

(Previous Incident Codes: S1485R2594a)

Up to five civilians died, and 14 were wounded in an airstrike on Daranj, local media said, though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or Russia.

In January 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “Coalition aircraft engaged ISIS fighters operating a mortar position firing at Coalition partner forces. Regrettably, while the ISIS mortar team was destroyed, one of the munitions struck near a residential area injuring 14 civilians and five civilians were unintentionally killed.”

Al Sharq News reported the death of five civilians in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Daranj. The victims were identified by name.

Syria News Desk noted clashes in the area, reporting that SDF militias announced their control over the town of Daranj in the eastern suburb of Deir ez Zawr after heavy fighting with Daesh.

Asharq Al Souri network, Step News Agency Al Jisr TV all blamed the Coalition.

However, according to Al Haal, this was the work of Russia. It said that four civilians including one woman died and that 14 others – mostly women and children – were wounded.

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

Victims

Family members (2)

Adult male via ‏@Al_sharqnews killed
Child male via ‏@Al_sharqnews killed

Individuals

via ‏@Al_sharqnews killed
via ‏@Al_sharqnews killed
via ‏@Al_sharqnews killed

Key Information

Country
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Confirmed
Civilians reported killed
4–5
1 Child, 1 Woman, 2–3 Men
Civilians reported injured
14

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Daranj (درنج), for which the coordinates are: 34.918333, 40.581389 Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 34.57888, 40.93441

Military Statements

U.S.-led Coalition Assessment
Known belligerent
U.S.-led Coalition
U.S.-led Coalition position on incident
Credible / Substantiated
Given reason for civilian harm
No reason given
Civilian deaths conceded
5
Civilian injuries conceded
14
Stated location
near Darnaj, Syria
Location accuracy
100 m
MGRS coordinate
37SFU448647
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For November 29th-30th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a tactical vehicle, two ISIS watercraft, a heavy weapon, five ISIS vehicles and four supply routes.”
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2019-01-31
Original Source
Nov. 30, 2017 near Darnaj, Syria via self-report. Coalition aircraft engaged ISIS fighters operating a mortar position firing at Coalition partner forces. Regrettably, while the ISIS mortar team was destroyed, one of the munitions struck near a residential area injuring 14 civilians and five civilians were unintentionally killed.
Russian Military Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Russian Military position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media From Sources (1)