Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

YS053

Incident date

October 16, 2019

Location

الرافع, Al Rafi´, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.383600, 38.865586 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and four civilians including a child were reported killed and many others injured in an alleged YPG artillery strike on Al Rafi’ village near Ain Issa city in Raqqa, on October 16th 2019, according to local media sources.

Balaid said that “four civilians were killed and eight others were wounded” – and blamed “the SDF”.

However, Zaman Al Wasl said that this was “a joint bombing by the SDF and the regime”.

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Rafi (الرافع), allegedly located in the vicinity of Ain Issa (عين عيسى) city. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Ain Issa are: 36.383600, 38.865586.  

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–8
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected belligerents
    YPG, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]

YPG Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    YPG
  • YPG position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–8
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected belligerents
    YPG, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]