Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

ISSY011

Incident date

May 1, 2020

Location

معسكر الحسن بن الهيثم للتدريب الجامعي, Al Hassan Bin Al Haitham Military Training Camp, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.685734, 36.734848 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 10 civilians were wounded and taken to hospitals in Homs, Syria after being hit by shrapnel from an explosion, allegedly as a result either of Israeli airstrikes or an accidental explosion, on an ammunition warehouse of Hezbollah within the camp of Hassan Bin Al Haitham on the road connecting Homs to Palmyra, Homs governorate, on May 1st, 2020.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said they received information that the explosion “was caused by a new Israeli missile strike, which targeted a warehouse of ammunition and missiles belonging to the Lebanese Hezbollah in the camp of Hassan bin Al-Haytham located on the road of Homs – Palmyra.” The sources of the Syrian Observatory confirmed that the camp “is for university training, but the Lebanese Hezbollah took it as headquarters a few years ago.”

However, there were different stories about the explosions that were heard in Homs. The Syrian regime said the explosion was a result of human error while moving ammunition there, which had then led to the explosion and the injury of a number of civilians who were passing at that time.

Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) quoted a regime military source as saying “At 9:25 am on Friday, May 1st, 2020, successive explosions were heard at a military position in the city of Homs, and investigations revealed that these explosions occurred due to human error during the transportation of some ammunition”, the source said. He added that the explosions caused material and human losses due the shrapnel which scattered outside the military position.

However, the governor of Homs, Talal Barazi, said that  “the sounds heard in Homs were caused by explosions in an ammunition depot as a result of an attack on the site. He stressed that the attack included a military site and its nature was not known yet, which led to explosions. Smoke columns emerged from the site, shells fell in its vicinity, and a number of passing civilians were wounded.”

Dr. Hassan Al Jundi, Homs Health Director, told SANA that “10 injuries had arrived in public and private hospitals in the city as a result of falling flying missiles from the explosion that occurred at a military site, and the necessary aid was provided to them.”

Step News Agency provided the names of that arrived at Homs Hospital with injuries from the explosion: Muhammad Ahmad Al-Ahmad – amputated right leg, Muhammad Ali Ibrahim – two limbs amputated, Muhammad Yusef Milhem – a right hand wound and a back wound, Muhammad Omar Hussein Askari – stable general situation.

Baladi News reported that a number of Hezbollah members were killed and injured as a result of the event. They said that nine militants including officers were killed.

The incident occured at approximately 9:25 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Muhammad Ahmad Al-Ahmad محمد أحمد الأحمد
Age unknown male Amputated right leg injured
Muhammad Ali Ibrahim محمد علي ابراهيم
Age unknown Two amputated limbs injured
Muhammad Yusef Milhem محمد يوسف ملحم
Age unknown Right hand and back injuries injured
Muhammad Omar Hussein Askari محمد عمر حسين عسكري
Age unknown Stable condition injured
Muhammad Ahmad Al Ahmad محمد أحمد الأحمد
Age unknown male Right leg amputated injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • Causes of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict, 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 attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Hezbollah
  • Belligerents reported killed
    9
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (21) [ collapse]

  • Damage after alleged Israeli strikes on the road connecting Homs to Palmyra, Homs governorate, on May 1st, 2020 (via HNC Homs).
  • Damage after alleged Israeli strikes on the road connecting Homs to Palmyra, Homs governorate, on May 1st, 2020 (via HNC Homs).
  • Rubble on the street after alleged Israeli strikes on the road connecting Homs to Palmyra, Homs governorate, on May 1st, 2020 (via HNC Homs).
  • Damaged vehicle after alleged Israeli strikes on the road connecting Homs to Palmyra, Homs governorate, on May 1st, 2020 (via SANA).
  • Damaged vehicle after alleged Israeli strikes on the road connecting Homs to Palmyra, Homs governorate, on May 1st, 2020 (via SANA).
  • Aftermath of alleged Israeli strikes on the road connecting Homs to Palmyra, Homs governorate, on May 1st, 2020 (via SANA).
  • Image from a balcony alleging 2 injured in Al Khoudary street. after alleged Israeli strikes on the road connecting Homs to Palmyra, Homs governorate, on May 1st, 2020 (via HNC Homs).
  • Damage after alleged Israeli strikes on the road connecting Homs to Palmyra, Homs governorate, on May 1st, 2020 (via HNC Homs).
  • Explosions in Homs from alleged Israeli strikes on May 1, 2020. (Image posted by @HeshmatAlavi)
  • Explosions in Homs from alleged Israeli strikes on May 1, 2020. (Image posted by @HeshmatAlavi)
  • Explosions in Homs from alleged Israeli strikes on May 1, 2020. (Image posted by @HeshmatAlavi)
  • Explosions in Homs from alleged Israeli strikes on May 1, 2020. (Image posted by Nziv.net)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Hassan Bin Al Haitham (الحسن بن الهيثم) training camp, in the vicinity of the road connecting Homs (حمص) to Palmyra (تدمر). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for this camp are: 34.685734, 36.734848.

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • Causes of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict, 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 attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Hezbollah
  • Belligerents reported killed
    9
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISSY010

Incident date

April 27, 2020

Location

العادلية, Al Adliya, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.373980, 36.347236 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A woman was killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes on the town of Al Adliya, Damascus countryside, on April 27th, 2020, according to local sources. Other sources stated that civilians died due to remnants of anti-aircraft missiles fired by the Syrian regime.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “three civilians were martyred and others were wounded, as a result of shrapnel of missile fragments on their homes in the Al Adliya and Al Hujayra regions of the southern countryside of Damascus.” The source, however, stated it was not known “whether the shrapnel was caused by Israeli missiles, or by the air defence missiles of the Syrian regime”.

While several sources reported three killed and three injured civilians in both Al Huyajra and Al Adliya, others specified how many casualties fell in each town. Several sources stated that two civilians were killed and three others, including a six-year-old, were injured in a similar incident in the town of Al Huyajra, approximately seven kilometres away from Al Adliya, while a woman was killed in Al Adliya.

Haaretz News quoted local sources as saying that “Four members of a pro-Iran militia and three civilians were killed in an Israeli air strike on a Damascus suburb in the early hours of Monday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Syria’s official news agency SANA earlier reported three civilians had been killed and four injured, including a child.” However, they did not specify which location these casualties occurred.

The regime-controlled Syrian Arab News Agency, for example, wrote that “a woman died in the Al Adliya area as a result of the aggression.”

Shaam News Network, however, reported that the civilians in Al Adliya and Al Hujayra were killed and injured “by shrapnel from remnants of anti-aircraft missiles from the regime’s militias, coinciding with the Israeli warplanes carrying out airstrikes on Iranian militia positions at dawn today, April 27, according to the expectations of identical local sources.”

Shaam furthermore reported, according to local courses, that “eight Israeli airstrikes were carried out by Israeli planes targeting the sites of the regime and Iranian militias in the Syrian capital, Damascus, and its surroundings, at dawn today, without revealing the size of the human and material losses inflicted on the locations of the targeted militias”.

The incident occured at approximately 5:00 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • 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 attackers
    Israeli Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected targets
    Assad regime, Iranian military

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Damaged building after alleged Israeli airstrikes on Al Hujayra or Al Adliya on April 27th, 2020 (via SANA).
  • Translation: “Three civilians were killed and three others were wounded in the towns of Al Hujayra and Adliya, as a result of the Israeli aggression” (via SANA).
  • Alleged Israeli strikes on a southern Damascus suburb on April 27, 2020. (Image posted by Israel Hayom, attributed to Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Explosions over Damascus during alleged Israeli strike on April 27, 2020. (Image posted by Ynet News)
  • Damage caused by an Israeli strike on April 27, 2020. (Image posted by Ynet News)
  • Alleged Israeli strikes on a southern Damascus suburb on April 27, 2020. (Image posted by Kan News)
  • Alleged Israeli strikes on a southern Damascus suburb on April 27, 2020. (Image posted by Kan News)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Adliya (العادلية), for which the generic coordinates are: 33.373980, 36.347236. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • 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 attackers
    Israeli Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected targets
    Assad regime, Iranian military

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISSY009

Incident date

April 27, 2020

Location

الحجيرة , Al Hujayra, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.43897, 36.31820 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least two civilians, including a woman, were killed and three others, including a 6-year-old child, were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on the town of Al Hujayra, Damascus countryside, on April 27th, 2020, according to local sources. Other sources stated that the civilians died due to remnants of anti-aircraft missiles fired by the Syrian regime.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “three civilians were martyred and others were wounded, as a result of shrapnel of missile fragments on their homes in the Adliya and Al Hujayra regions of the southern countryside of Damascus.” The source, however, stated it was not known “whether the shrapnel was caused by Israeli missiles, or by the air defence missiles of the Syrian regime”.

The regime-controlled Syrian Arab News Agency reported that “enemy missile fragments landed in the populated towns of “Al Hujayra” and “Al Adliya”, which caused the death of three civilians, and the injury of three others, including a six-year-old child.”

Haaretz News quoted local sources as saying that “Four members of a pro-Iran militia and three civilians were killed in an Israeli air strike on a Damascus suburb in the early hours of Monday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Syria’s official news agency SANA earlier reported three civilians had been killed and four injured, including a child.” However, they did not specify which location these casualties occurred.

In an article, SANA quoted the governor of Quneitra, Hammam Dabiyat, who stated that Israeli forces had targeted civilians homes in the town, killing a man and his wife, and wounding three others, including a child.

SANA also quoted the governor of Damascus countryside, Alaa Ibrahim, who further specified that the house of a displaced family from the city of Quneitra was targeted, “which led to the death of the husband and his wife, and the injury of their child and another person and the wife’s mother. The injured were treated at Al Mujtahid Hospital, while a woman died in the Al Adliya area as a result of the aggression.”

Dr Salah Ismail, head of the ambulance department at the Al Mujtahid hospital, stated that ” three cases of people from one family with injuries and wounds arrived at the hospital this morning from the Hujayraarea.” Two of the victims were lightly injured, while the third case, a child, remained under medical observation.

Shaam News Network, however, reported that the civilians were killed and injured “by shrapnel from remnants of anti-aircraft missiles from the regime’s militias, coinciding with the Israeli warplanes carrying out airstrikes on Iranian militia positions at dawn today, April 27, according to the expectations of identical local sources.”

Shaam furthermore reported, according to local courses, that “eight Israeli airstrikes were carried out by Israeli planes targeting the sites of the regime and Iranian militias in the Syrian capital, Damascus, and its surroundings, at dawn today, without revealing the size of the human and material losses inflicted on the locations of the targeted militias”.

The incident occured at approximately 5:00 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–4
  • 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 attackers
    Israeli Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected targets
    Assad regime, Iranian military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    4

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Damaged building after alleged Israeli airstrikes on Al Hujayra or Al Adliya on April 27th, 2020 (via SANA).
  • Translation: “Three civilians were killed and three others were wounded in the towns of Al Hujayra and Adliya, as a result of the Israeli aggression” (via SANA).
  • Alleged Israeli strikes on a southern Damascus suburb on April 27, 2020. (Image posted by Israel Hayom, attributed to Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Explosions over Damascus during alleged Israeli strike on April 27, 2020. (Image posted by Ynet News)
  • Damage caused by an Israeli strike on April 27, 2020. (Image posted by Ynet News)
  • Alleged Israeli strikes on a southern Damascus suburb on April 27, 2020. (Image posted by Kan News)
  • Alleged Israeli strikes on a southern Damascus suburb on April 27, 2020. (Image posted by Kan News)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Hujayra (الحجيرة), for which the generic coordinates are: 33.43897, 36.31820. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–4
  • 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 attackers
    Israeli Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected targets
    Assad regime, Iranian military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    4

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISSY008

Incident date

December 21–22, 2019

Location

المنطقة الواقعة بين سات زينب وعقربا, Area between Sat Zaynab and Aqraba, Rural Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.437222, 36.361828 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least three people were killed in alleged Israeli strikes between Sayyida Zainab and Aqraba on December 21-22, 2019. Sources are conflicted as to whether those killed were militants or civilians.

Local sources reported that Israeli missiles – either launched from a ship in the Mediterranean or via an airstrike – landed on the Sayyeda Zainab area of rural Damascus on December 21st-22nd, 2019, killing General ‘Haj Ali’, who was believed to be a leader in the ranks of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, and his entire family. The Iranian Fars News Agency, however, denied reports that General Haj Ali had been killed.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “Israeli missile strikes south of the capital Damascus, killed at least three people of non-Syrian nationalities, where they are likely to be Iranians who were killed by fall of a rocket on the area between Sayyida Zainab and Aqraba south of the capital Damascus yesterday evening, and information about more casualties were reported.” However, this source did not specify if those killed were militants or civilians.

The Times of Israel also identified three people killed in the strikes, referring to them as “non-Syrian fighters”.

According to Step News, “The local (Ein Al Furat) network, which specializes in Iranian affairs in Syria, also mentioned that the targeting resulted in the killing of General Haj Ali, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard militia, and his entire family, as a result of a missile from the Israeli warship that targeted his house in Al Sayyeda Zainab neighbourhood in Damascus countryside.”

However, Sputnik Arabic wrote that the Iranian press agency Fars News had denied claims that General Haj Ali had been killed in strikes: “General Ali Hajizadeh is in good situation, and the news that he was killed is pure lies. The news that Haji Zadeh was killed in an Israeli raid on Syria yesterday is a rumour that was reported by some malicious Arab media, and it was re-published on social media via opposition channels.”

Fars News furthermore posted photos that were allegedly showing General Ali Haj attending Friday prayers on December 27th, 2019. Many articles have quoted General Hajizadeh since the alleged incident, including a profile done by the Middle East Eye that refers to him as the “Iran’s drone mastermind” and “the new Soleimani”.

There was no immediate comment from Israel, who told Fox News they don’t comment on foreign media reports of airstrikes.

The incident occured between 10:00 pm and 1:00 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Naval bombardment
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Iranian military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–3

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Several sources reported that General "Haj Ali", commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, was killed in alleged Israeli strikes on Sayyeda Zainab area in the night of December 21st-22nd, 2019 (via Ain Al Furat).
  • Despite reports that General Haj Ali was killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes on the night of December 21st to the 22nd, 2019, the Iranian press agency Fars News reported that the General was alive, publishing photos of the General attending Friday prayer on December 27th (via Fars).
  • Despite reports that General Haj Ali was killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes on the night of December 21st to the 22nd, 2019, the Iranian press agency Fars News reported that the General was alive, publishing photos of the General attending Friday prayer on December 27th (via Fars).

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the area between Sat Zaynab (السيدة زينب) and Aqriba (عقربا), in the southern countryside of Damascus (دمشق). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates between these two points are: 33.437222, 36.361828.

  • Reports of the incident mention the area between Sat Zaynab (السيدة زينب) and Aqriba (عقربا), in the southern countryside of Damascus (دمشق).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Naval bombardment
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Iranian military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–3

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1938 ISSY007 RS4199

Incident date

November 25, 2019

Location

ترحين, Tarhin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.516944, 37.541389 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian, Syrian regime, Israeli or US-led Coalition airstrikes on Tarhin village, Aleppo governorate, on November 25th, 2019, according to local sources. An unknown number of civilians were wounded.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “local sources said that six explosions were heard in different areas, and the sources confirmed that the raids targeted the Al-Haraqat area near Tarhin village, Al Burj village and the southern part of Jarabulus city.” The SOHR added that there were reports of injured civilians in Tarhin.

Smart News Agency said that “three people were killed and another was missing as a result of the shelling by unknown warplanes of oil burners near the village of Tarhin in the Al Bab area, east of Aleppo city in northern Syria.”

There were conflicting claims against the Coalition, Israel, Russia and the Assad regime. According to Baladi News, “there was a discrepancy in information about the identity of the aircraft, whether they were Russian or belonging to the international coalition.” Sources reported that the Turkish army and/or Turkish-backed factions were the target.

A tweet from @putintintin1 referred to an “unknown warplane (believed to be UAV) targeted a truck near Tarhin”.

@osama_sy87 tweeted a video, writing that “Russian airstrikes targeted oil burners in Tarhin village of Al Bab countryside, north of Aleppo, which resulted in deaths and injuries of burners workers, as well as shelling of oil burners and tanks in Al Kousa village of Jarablus countryside, east Aleppo.”

A Syrian PC correspondent reported that “a number of oil burners in the village of Tarhin of the city of Bab east of Aleppo were killed and others were injured after Russian aircraft targeted three oil tanks in the village.”

Effect News posted a video of Syrian Civil Defence volunteers recovering the heavily charred bodies of the victims a day after the strikes. The SCD themselves wrote that “three people were found dead by Civil Defense teams as they inspected the area that was hit by aerial bombardments yesterday evening in Tarhin village east of Aleppo.”

Step News Agency reported that, according to a private source, “telephone conversations took place on Tuesday, the nineteenth of this month [November], between the Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister, Yisrael Katz, and the co-chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Democratic Council ‘Syria’, Ilham Ahmed.”

According to the informant, “the two sides agreed during the contacts on the principle of oil for protection, that is, Israel’s access to Syrian oil located in areas controlled by the militia ‘SDF’ northeast of the country, in return for securing protection for the militia, and pressure on Turkey regarding its military operation Peace Spring”, implying that Israel had been responsible for the strikes on Tarhin villages.

The source added that “the raid on the oil burning areas was aimed at sending a message to the opposition factions supported by Turkey, and behind Turkey, not to extend too much in the areas of Operation Peace Spring.”

Zaman Al Wasl reported that, according to a private military source, the Coalition had been responsible for the strikes. In their August 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports of civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Israeli Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (55) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (18) [ collapse]

  • Translation: “The effects of the bombing of the diesel burners two days ago in # Terhin, north of Aleppo. Of course, the Syrian regime falsely claimed that it bombed a column of Kurdish tanks that were smuggling Syrian oil to Erbil via Jarablus, to be smuggled later from Erbil to Turkey. You understand! ? The bombing was Turkish, and the target was political and economic” (via @CihadKoro).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    SCD found bodies of civilians killed in Tahrin. (via SCD)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    SCD found bodies of civilians killed in Tahrin. (via SCD)
  • SCD found bodies of civilians killed in Tahrin. (via SCD)
  • SCD found bodies of civilians killed in Tahrin. (via SCD)
  • SCD found three bodies of civilians killed in Tarhin (via Orient)
  • SCD found three bodies of civilians killed in Tarhin (via Orient)
  • Translation: “Video documents Russian air strikes targeting oil burners in Tarhin village of Al Bab countryside, north of Aleppo, which resulted in deaths and injuries of burners workers, as well as shelling of oil burners and tanks in Al Kousa village of Jarablus countryside, east Aleppo” (via @osama_sy87).
  • 1. “Translation: From the northern countryside of Aleppo. Warplanes are likely Russian. Shelling multiple areas in the northern countryside of Aleppo. Knew them burners in Tarhin north of the city of Bab 15 km and Kusa south of Jarablus” (via @naserhmedi).
  • Translation: “Warplanes bombard oil burners in Aleppo countryside” (via Enab Baladi).
  • Translation: “An unknown bombardment is likely that the Russian occupation affects oil burners northeast of Aleppo” (via OrientTV).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers putting out fire after alleged Russian, Israeli or Coalition airstrikes on Tarhin village on November 25th, 2019 (via Syrian Civil Defence Aleppo).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers extinguishing fire after alleged Russian, Israeli or Coalition airstrikes on Tarhin village on November 25th, 2019 (via Syrian Civil Defence Aleppo).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers putting out fire after alleged Russian, Israeli or Coalition airstrikes on Tarhin village on November 25th, 2019 (via Syrian Civil Defence Aleppo).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers attending to fires after alleged Russian, Israeli or Coalition airstrikes on Tarhin village on November 25th, 2019 (via Syrian Civil Defence Aleppo).

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention multiple strikes on oil refineries in the area west of the village of Tarhin (ترحين). The coordinates for the village are: 36.516944, 37.541389

  • Reports of the incident mention the oil refineries in the area west of the village of Tarhin (ترحين) being struck.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SCA693422
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020

  • Nov. 25, 2019, near Tarhin, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3134/CS1938 37SCA693422

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military 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
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Israeli Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (55) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISSY005

Incident date

November 19–20, 2019

Location

بيت سابر, Beit Sabir, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.328061, 36.000645 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians, including a woman, were killed and at least one child was injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Beit Sabir, Damascus governorate, around 1:30 AM on November 20th, 2019, according to local sources.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported “the death of a Syrian civilian and his wife after they were pulled from under the rubble of their house in Beit Sabir village in Sasa area, after the fall of a missile on their house due to Israeli shelling.”

The mayor of the village, Muhammad Al Safadi, told the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) that Ayoub Al Safadi and his wife Nadia Al Safadi were killed when a missile destroyed the two-storey building they resided in. Their 14-year-old son Ahmad Al Safadi was injured, but in good condition after receiving treatment in Abaza hospital. Beat Tema reported that the father of the family worked as a tailor.

Ahmad told SANA: “We were sleeping and heard strong voices, and within less than a minute the house above us was destroyed. I was transferred to the hospital in a state of loss of consciousness.”

Another son of the victims, Muhammad Al Safadi, is a soldier in the Syrian Arab Army and stated: “I was in my place of service when I received a call after two o’clock at night to know that my father was martyred and my younger brother was taken to the hospital.”

According to some sources, including @kholoudahassan, there were two sons pulled from underneath the rubble. According to Zaman Al Wasl, the incident occured at 1:30 AM.

Arab48 reported several wounded civilians, writing: “A medical source at the Qatana National Hospital confirmed that a man and a woman were killed, while a number of others were injured as a result of the raids on the town of Beit Saber, in Saasa, southwest of Damascus.” Other sources also reported several injured but did not specify the number.

According to SANA, Damascus countryside governor Alaa Ibrahim stated that “the rescue teams will remove the debris in Sasa area where a house was damaged, and three survivors were pulled from under the rubble, adding that the rest of the family’s members whose house was targeted by the Israeli brutal aggression are being rescued.” The governor also added that the governorate will provide assistance to those who were affected by the alleged Israeli strikes, and will rebuild the damaged homes.

Zaman Al Wasl wrote that “the recent Israeli raids came hours after Tel Aviv announced that it had been struck by a barrage of missiles fired from Syrian territory, claiming that it had intercepted all these missiles, which failed to reach their targets.”

Times of Israel reported that at least 23 fighters were killed in the Israeli strikes, 16 of them likely Iranians. France 24, quoting Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, put the number of fighters killed at 11, including seven foreign fighters. Neither source identified which location that fighters were killed in.

One of the casualties is believed to be the Basij fighter of the Revolutionary Guards, Ismail Ghulami-Yarahmadi, who was killed on November 20 in Syria, according to a tweet from Raz Zimmt, a professor at Tel Aviv University. A soldier in the Syrian regime army, Jaafar nour al-Deen, was also killed in the Israeli strikes but for both cases, it is unclear in which location they were killed.

Times of Israeli also pointed out that “video footage from Syria appeared to show a Syrian air defense missile crashing to the ground in a heavily populated area shortly after launching, which may account for some of the casualties” but provided no other specific information.

The IDF released a statement acknowledging the strikes they carried out on Syria, writing “#BREAKING: We just carried out wide-scale strikes of Iranian Quds Force & Syrian Armed Forces targets in Syria in response to the rockets fired at Israel by an Iranian force in Syria last night.” In their Hebrew language report, the IDF specifically refers to being carried out “in the Damascus area in the south and west and a small part also on the front.”

The incident occured at approximately 1:30 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Ayoub Al Safadi أيوب الصفدي
Adult male killed
Nadia Al Safadi ناديا الصفدي
Adult female killed
Ahmad Al Safadi أحمد الصفدي
14 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known targets
    Assad regime, Iranian military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–23

Sources (47) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (17) [ collapse]

  • Translation: “The effects of the destruction caused by the Israeli aggression in the town of Beit Saber in the Sa'sa region” (via SANA).
  • Ayoub al Safadi was killed alongside his wife in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Beit Sabir, Damascus governorate, on November 20th, 2019 (via Zaman Al Wasl).
  • Translation: “Pictures of shrapnel from one of the missiles of the Israeli aggression that hit a house in Sa`sa, which resulted in the destruction of the house. The family consisting of a father, mother and two sons were pulled out from under the rubble. The martyr Ayoub Ahmed and his wife and son from the village of Beit Saber in the countryside” (via @kholoudahassan).
  • Rubble after alleged Israeli airstrikes on a civilian home in Beit Sabir on November 20th, 2019 (via @kholoudahassan).
  • Aftermath of alleged Israeli airstrikes on a civilian home in Beit Sabir on November 20th, 2019 (via @kholoudahassan).
  • Rubble after alleged Israeli airstrikes on a civilian home in Beit Sabir on November 20th, 2019 (via @kholoudahassan).
  • Civilians at the site after alleged Israeli airstrikes on a civilian home in Beit Sabir, Damascus governorate, on November 20th, 2019 (via Beat Tema).
  • Damaged civilian home after alleged Israeli airstrikes on Beit Sabir, Damascus governorate, on November 20th, 2019 (via Beat Tema).
  • House in rubble after alleged Israeli airstrikes on Beit Sabir, Damascus governorate, on November 20th, 2019 (via Beat Tema).
  • Civilian home in rubble after alleged Israeli airstrikes on Beit Sabir, Damascus governorate, on November 20th, 2019 (via Beat Tema).
  • Ahman Al Sadafi, who was injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on his home in Best Sabir, killing his parents (via Sham Sewar).
  • Image of Abu Muhammad Ayoub Al-Safadi, killed along with his wife, in Israeli strikes on the Damascus countryside on November 19-20, 2019. (Image posted by Radwan Al Safadi , relative of Muhammad)
  • Funeral for Abu Muhammad Ayoub Al-Safadi and his wife, killed along with his wife, in Israeli strikes on the Damascus countryside on November 19-20, 2019. (Image posted by Radwan Al Safadi , relative of Muhammad)
  • Funeral for the Basij fighter of the Revolutionary Guards, Ismail Ghulami-Yarahmadi, who was killed on November 20 in Syria, according to a tweet from Raz Zimmt, a professor at Tel Aviv University. (Image posted by Raz Zimmt via Twitter)
  • Funeral for the Basij fighter of the Revolutionary Guards, Ismail Ghulami-Yarahmadi, who was killed on November 20 in Syria, according to a tweet from Raz Zimmt, a professor at Tel Aviv University. (Image posted by Raz Zimmt via Twitter)
  • Jaafar nour al-Deen, one of the #SAA soldiers killed in the Israeli strikes yesterday. He was not part of the Iranian revolutionary guard but a regular Syrian army soldier. (Image posted by @Dannymakkisyria)

Geolocation notes (4) [ collapse]

Reports of the incidnet mention a residential building being struck in the village of Beit Saber (بيت سابر). Analyzing audio-visual material from sources we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 33.328061, 36.000645.

  • Reports of the incidnet mention a residential building being struck in the village of Beit Saber (بيت سابر).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Close up of the exact location.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    SANA

  • Distribution of tags according to material from sources.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Israeli Military
Official source

Tonight (Tuesday), IDF fighter jets attacked dozens of military targets belonging to the Iranian Quds Force and the Syrian army. The targets included surface-to-air missiles, headquarters, weapons depots and military bases in Syrian territory.

The attack was carried out in response to the rocket launch by an Iranian force from Syrian territory into Israeli territory, with the intention of hitting Israeli territory. During it, Syrian surface-to-air missiles were fired despite a clear warning issued to avoid this fire.

"The framework for the IDF's activities is clear and the initiative, it is important to note, is in our hands," described the IDF spokesman, Hedi Zilberman. "24 hours ago, four rockets were fired and intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. We conducted an expedited combat procedure, along with a series of air force attacks we carried out tonight. The attack was extensive compared to the time it took place, it was carried out in the Damascus area in the south and west and a small part also on the front. "

The Iranian attack on Israeli territory yesterday is further and clear proof of the current Iranian purpose in Syria. This establishment poses a danger to Israel's security, regional stability and the Syrian regime. "As part of the operation, we acted against the host factor - the Syrian factor, and also against Quds Force for its variety of militias," the IDF spokesman added.

The IDF also considers the Syrian regime responsible for what is happening in its territory, and warns it against acting or allowing action against Israel. Such actions will provoke a sharp reaction.

The IDF will continue to act firmly and decisively against the Iranian establishment in Syria, and is highly prepared for a variety of scenarios and will continue to act as much as necessary for the security of the citizens of the State of Israel. "Yesterday we completed a large and extensive exercise that lasted two days with the participation of the Galilee Design and the Volcano Design."

The guidelines of the Home Front Command must be obeyed, which will be updated if necessary.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known targets
    Assad regime, Iranian military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–23

Sources (47) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISSY006

Incident date

November 19–20, 2019

Location

الجزيرة الثالثة, قدسيا‎, Block Three, Qudsaya, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.535944, 36.181175 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to two children and a woman were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Qudsaya suburb in Damascus on November 20th, 2019, according to local sources.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “a young woman was injured by shrapnel due to the Israeli shelling in Qudsaya suburb”. Reportedly, explosions were heard in the capital Damascus and its vicinity at 1:30 AM. Sources told the SOHR that “the explosions were caused by the regime’s air defenses while trying to intercept Israeli missiles that targeted positions of the regime and Iranian militias.”

Qasioun News wrote that “shrapnel from one of the missiles also hit a residential building in the Qudsaya suburb, west of Damascus, wounding a girl and causing extensive damage to the building.” According to Manal News, the girl was taken to Al Mouwasat Hospital for treatment.

The regime-controlled Syrian Arab News Agency reportedly spoke to residents of the targeted building. Iyad Al Mousawi, a resident of the building, stated: “At about 1:30 AM we felt a big shaking of the building and the sound of a strong explosion, and immediately I went to my children’s room. They were sleeping to find the flames of fire and thick smoke filling the place as a result of the shrapnel of a missile. I took them out and my wife, as one of them was injured.”

The SANA story indicated that there were two injured children, writing that “Mrs. Ahlam, the mother of the girl, who was injured in the other apartment within the damaged building, said: ‘After the smoke and dust disappeared, I saw my 17-year-old daughter crying out while she was soaked in her blood so that her father would take her to the Mouwasat Hospital in Damascus, where she is currently receiving treatment.'” Other sources only reported one injured girl.

Step News Agency reported Israeli strikes on military targets in Damascus, writing that their correspondent “confirmed that the Syrian regime’s positions were set ablaze in the vicinity of Mazzeh airport in Damascus. Ambulances and fire engines were heard there after the raids.” Local sources also reported that the Israeli raids around 1:30am also killed a family in Beit Sabir village (see event ISSY005).

Times of Israel reported that at least 23 fighters were killed in the Israeli strikes, 16 of them likely Iranians. France 24, quoting Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, put the number of fighters killed at 11, including seven foreign fighters. Neither source identified which location that fighters were killed in.

One of the casualties is believed to be the Basij fighter of the Revolutionary Guards, Ismail Ghulami-Yarahmadi, who was killed on November 20 in Syria, according to a tweet from Raz Zimmt, a professor at Tel Aviv University. A soldier in the Syrian regime army, Jaafar nour al-Deen, was also killed in the Israeli strikes but for both cases, it is unclear in which location they were killed.

Times of Israeli also pointed out that “video footage from Syria appeared to show a Syrian air defense missile crashing to the ground in a heavily populated area shortly after launching, which may account for some of the casualties” but provided no other specific information.

The IDF released a statement acknowledging the strikes they carried out on Syria, writing “#BREAKING: We just carried out wide-scale strikes of Iranian Quds Force & Syrian Armed Forces targets in Syria in response to the rockets fired at Israel by an Iranian force in Syria last night.” In their Hebrew language report, the IDF specifically refers to being carried out “in the Damascus area in the south and west and a small part also on the front.”

The incident occured at approximately 1:30 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mrs. Ahlam السيدة أحلام
Adult female injured
Daughter of Mrs. Ahlam بنت السيدة أحلام
17 years old female injured

The victims were named as:

Child of Iyad Al Mousawi ولد اياد الموسوي
Child female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known targets
    Assad regime, Iranian military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–23

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (25) [ collapse]

  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by @Dannymakkisyria)
  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by @Dannymakkisyria)
  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by @Dannymakkisyria)
  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by @Dannymakkisyria)
  • Workers clean up a home damaged from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
    Siblings of the 17 year old girl who was injured in strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Mrs. Ahlam, the mother of the girl, who was injured in strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Iyad Al-Mousawi, a resident of one of the apartments in the damaged building in the suburb of Qudsaya. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Mrs. Ahlam, with an image of her daughter Maysam, who was injured in strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Damage to a home from Israeli strikes on the Qusdaya suburb of Damascus on November 20, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Arab News Agency)
  • Funeral for the Basij fighter of the Revolutionary Guards, Ismail Ghulami-Yarahmadi, who was killed on November 20 in Syria, according to a tweet from Raz Zimmt, a professor at Tel Aviv University. (Image posted by Raz Zimmt via Twitter)
  • Funeral for the Basij fighter of the Revolutionary Guards, Ismail Ghulami-Yarahmadi, who was killed on November 20 in Syria, according to a tweet from Raz Zimmt, a professor at Tel Aviv University. (Image posted by Raz Zimmt via Twitter)
  • Jaafar nour al-Deen, one of the #SAA soldiers killed in the Israeli strikes yesterday. He was not part of the Iranian revolutionary guard but a regular Syrian army soldier. (Image posted by @Dannymakkisyria)

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the Qudsaya (قدسيا‎) suburbs, in the vicinity of Damascus (دِمَشْق‎). Analysing audio-visual material from sources, we have  narrowed the location to the Third Island (الجزيرة الثالثة) area,in houses referred to as the Youth Dormitory (السكن الشبابي). The exact coordinates for this building are: 33.535944, 36.181175.

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  • Tagged audio-visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    Sputnik

  • Tagged audio-visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    SANA

  • Tagged audio-visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    SANA

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Israeli Military
Official source

Tonight (Tuesday), IDF fighter jets attacked dozens of military targets belonging to the Iranian Quds Force and the Syrian army. The targets included surface-to-air missiles, headquarters, weapons depots and military bases in Syrian territory.

The attack was carried out in response to the rocket launch by an Iranian force from Syrian territory into Israeli territory, with the intention of hitting Israeli territory. During it, Syrian surface-to-air missiles were fired despite a clear warning issued to avoid this fire.

"The framework for the IDF's activities is clear and the initiative, it is important to note, is in our hands," described the IDF spokesman, Hedi Zilberman. "24 hours ago, four rockets were fired and intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. We conducted an expedited combat procedure, along with a series of air force attacks we carried out tonight. The attack was extensive compared to the time it took place, it was carried out in the Damascus area in the south and west and a small part also on the front. "

The Iranian attack on Israeli territory yesterday is further and clear proof of the current Iranian purpose in Syria. This establishment poses a danger to Israel's security, regional stability and the Syrian regime. "As part of the operation, we acted against the host factor - the Syrian factor, and also against Quds Force for its variety of militias," the IDF spokesman added.

The IDF also considers the Syrian regime responsible for what is happening in its territory, and warns it against acting or allowing action against Israel. Such actions will provoke a sharp reaction.

The IDF will continue to act firmly and decisively against the Iranian establishment in Syria, and is highly prepared for a variety of scenarios and will continue to act as much as necessary for the security of the citizens of the State of Israel. "Yesterday we completed a large and extensive exercise that lasted two days with the participation of the Galilee Design and the Volcano Design."

The guidelines of the Home Front Command must be obeyed, which will be updated if necessary.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known targets
    Assad regime, Iranian military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–23

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISSY004

Incident date

November 12, 2019

Location

المزة, Al Mazza neighborhood, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.497253, 36.236975 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported killed and ten others, including a child, were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on a family home in Al Mazza neighbourhood in Damascus on November 12th, 2019, according to local sources. One source also reported that Syrian regime missiles reacting to an Israeli air attack also hit nearby homes.

The government’s Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that the airstrike targeted the leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, Akram Al Ajouri. His son Mu’az Al Ajouri was reportedly killed, along with another person named Abdullah Yousef Hassan. Mu’az Al Ajouri’s daughter Batoul was reported injured. And according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Mu’az Al Ajouri’s wife was also injured.

Times of Israel identified “Ajouri’s bodyguard was the other man killed, Hebrew media reported”.

Further sources said that Akram Al Ajouri and his wife were injured in the attack; while others said he was not present in the building at the time of the explosion that took place in the early hours of Tuesday November 12th. According to SANA, the incident occurred around 4:14am.

SANA reported that the explosion caused by the airstrike was strong and that “the building targeted was heavily damaged and windows of nearby buildings and a number of cars were shattered.”

Free Deir Ezzor Radio, however, reported that “in an attempt to respond to an Israeli raid, a rocket fired by the regime forces landed on one of the residential buildings in Al Mazza neighbourhood of western villas near the Lebanese embassy”, reporting a number of killed and wounded people. No other source made this claim.

Step News Agency reported that the strikes targeted Iranian militias: “Israeli shelling targeted several missiles in a residential building where Iranian militias are stationed in Mazza area in Damascus. The initial toll is about 10 dead and several wounded.” It is unclear if these reported fatalities are civilians or belligerents.

Israel Hayom identified the location of the building struck as being near the Lebanese embassy in the western Al-Mazza area of Damascus, adding that “it is not known if it has any connection to the embassy to which it is adjacent”.

The combatant status of both Mu’az Al Ajouri and Abdullah Yousef Hassan was somewhat unclear – with both pictured in uniform prior to their deaths, and Mr al Ajouri given military honours at his funeral (though this may instead have reflected his father’s own status within Islamic Jihad.) However, no other sources identify either men as being a member of a militant organization.

The incident occured at approximately 4:14 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Mu'az Al Ajouri
Adult male killed
Batoul Al Ajoura
Child female injured
Wife of Mu'az Al Ajouri
Adult female injured
Wife of Akram Al Ajouri
Adult female injured

The victims were named as:

Abdullah Yousef Hassan عبد الله يوسف حسن
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 10
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–10
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–10
  • Belligerents reported injured
    0–2

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (20) [ collapse]

  • Images for an unknown explosion in Mazzeh - West Villas (EuphratesPost)
  • Aftermath of the attack
  • Aftermath of alleged Israeli airstrikes on Al Mazza neigbourhood in Damascus, November 12th, 2019 (via SANA).
  • Aftermath of alleged Israeli strikes on the house of Islamic Jihad leader Akram Al Ajoura in Damascus' Al Mazza neighbourhood on November 12th, 2019 (via Euphrates Post).
  • Aftermath of alleged Israeli strikes on the house of Islamic Jihad leader Akram Al Ajoura in Damascus' Al Mazza neighbourhood on November 12th, 2019 (via Free Deir Ezzor Radio).
  • Building on fire after alleged Israeli strikes on the house of Islamic Jihad leader Akram Al Ajoura in Damascus' Al Mazza neighbourhood on November 12th, 2019 (via Free Deir Ezzor Radio).
  • Aftermath of alleged Israeli strikes on the house of Islamic Jihad leader Akram Al Ajoura in Damascus' Al Mazza neighbourhood on November 12th, 2019 (via Free Deir Ezzor Radio).
  • Rubble after alleged Israeli strikes on the house of Islamic Jihad leader Akram Al Ajoura in Damascus' Al Mazza neighbourhood on November 12th, 2019 (via Free Deir Ezzor Radio).
  • Edited photo of Abdullah Yousef Hassan, who was killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Damascus' Al Mazza neighbourhood on November 12th, 2019 (via Khan Danoun Refugee Camp).
  • Edited photo of Abdullah Yousef Hassan, who was killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Damascus' Al Mazza neighbourhood on November 12th, 2019 (via Khan Danoun Refugee Camp).
  • Abdullah Yousef Hassan was killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Damascus' Al Mazza neighbourhood on November 12th, 2019 (via Khan Danoun Refugee Camp).
  • The funeral of Moaz Akram Al Ajouri, who was killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Al Mazza neighbourhood in Damascus on November 12th, 2019 (via Sleman Al Ajouri).
  • The body of Moaz Akram Al Ajouri at his funeral, who was killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Al Mazza neighbourhood in Damascus on November 12th, 2019 (via Sleman Al Ajouri).
  • Moaz Akram Al Ajouri was killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Al Mazza neighbourhood in Damascus on November 12th, 2019 (via Sleman Al Ajouri).
  • Translation: “The first scenes after the attack on the house of the leader of the "Islamic Jihad" group called "Akram Al Ajouri" in the Mazza area of Damascus” (via Zaman Al Wasl).
  • Translation: “Official source: The explosion at dawn today, Tuesday, in the Al Mazza area, west of Damascus, was caused by an Israeli bombardment of the house of the Palestinian leader in the Jihad Movement, Akram Al-Ajouri, killing his son Moaz and another person, wounding civilians and extensive material damage (# SANA)” (via @Maher_mon).
  • The damaged residential house after alleged Israeli airstrikes on Al Mazza neighbourhood in Damascus on November 12th, 2019 (via @Maher_mon).
  • The day after alleged Israeli airstrikes on Al Mazza neighbourhood in Damascus on November 12th, 2019 (via @Maher_mon).
  • Image of the building destroyed in alleged Israeli strikes on Damascus on November 12, 2019. (Image posted by Ynet)
  • Exact location of alleged Israeli strikes on Damascus on November 12, 2019. (Image posted by Ynet)

Geolocation notes (5) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the western area of Al Mazzeh (المزة) neighbourhood. Reviewing audio-visual material we have narrowed down the location of this strike, west of Rahman mosque (جامع الرحمن) to the following coordinates: 33.497253, 36.236975.

  • Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the western area of Al Mezzah (المزة) neighbourhood.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Reviewing audio-visual material we have narrowed down the location of this strike, west of Rahman mosque (جامع الرحمن).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Tagged satellite imagery.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Tagged visual material.

    Imagery:
    Euphrates Post

  • Tagged panoramic stitch of audio-visual material.

    Imagery:
    SANA

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 10
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–10
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–10
  • Belligerents reported injured
    0–2

Sources (28) [ collapse]