Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

TS441

Incident date

July 16, 2020

Location

الدرباسية, Ad Darbasiyah, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.063375, 40.655364 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and three civilians were allegedly injured by a Turkish drone or mortar strike on Ad Darbasiyah.

Woofers tweeted: “Casualties reported (all injuries) are two Russian soldiers, a Syrian soldier, and a local civilian.

It would seem that the local civilian casualty may not exist and may be the Syrian soldier who may have been out of uniform.

No one I’ve spoken to has seen the reported UAV. I don’t know if it really was an airstrike. But everyone is reporting it as one.”

Rudaw reported: “At least one Russian soldier was injured in a drone attack in Darbasiyah town in northeast Syria (Rojava) on Thursday, according to Kurdish security forces (Asayesh) who blamed Turkey for the incident in which civilians were also hurt.

‘Turkish planes targeted a Russian forces point in the vicinity of Darbasiyah,’ read a statement from the Asayesh. ‘A drone, which belongs to the invading army, targeted a Russian forces military point on Thursday.’

‘A Russian soldier and three civilians were injured,’ stated the Asayesh, describing the site that was hit as a ‘strategic coordination point one kilometre south of Darbasiyah town on the road to Hasakah city.”

Other sources did not report civilian harm and said that at least two Russian soldiers and possibly one Syrian regime soldier were injured.

Nina described the attack as a “kamikaze drone strike” on Twitter.

Zafer Kabaoglu said three Russian soldiers and two YPG members were injured.

Rob Leee pointed out that the pictures of the munition used rather looks like a mortar round than Turkish drone missiles.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2–5

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (13) [ collapse]

  • Soldier allegedly injured by Turkish drone on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Soldier allegedly injured by Turkish drone on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Soldier allegedly injured by Turkish drone on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a Russia military checkpoint or area approximately 1km outside from Al Darbasiyah (الدرباسية). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. A possible location for this strike, that matches the type of building within the audio-visual material, is at these coordinates: 37.063375, 40.655364.

  • Reports of the incident mention a Russia military checkpoint or area approximately 1km outside from Al Darbasiyah (الدرباسية).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • A possible location for this strike, that matches the type of building within the audio-visual material.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2–5

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS440

Incident date

July 16, 2020

Location

1km من مركز مدينة الدرباسية, 1KM from Al Darbasiyah city centre, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.063942, 40.652917 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was allegedly by a Turkish drone strike on Ad Darbasiyah.

ANHA wrote: “At about 10:00 a.m., a Turkish airliner was believed to have bombed one of the city’s points, 1 km from the center of Ad-Derbasiyah district on Ad-Derbasiyah-al-Hasakah road.

The shelling resulted in a civilian injury, from the people of Amouda, and works in the industry with minor injuries, according to a reporter from ANHA agency in the district.  That after medical assistance, the wounded man returned to his home and is in stable condition.”

Wladimir also tweeted that one civilian was injured.

The incident occured at approximately 10:00 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Damage allegedly caused by Turkish drone strike on Ad Darbasiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via Wladimir)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the road between Al Darbasiyah (الدرباسية) and Al Hassakah (الحسكة‎) being struck approximately 1km away from the city centre of Al Darbasiyah. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The coordinates for this approximate location are: 37.063942, 40.652917.

  • Reports of the incident mention the road between Al Darbasiyah (الدرباسية) and Al Hassakah (الحسكة‎) being struck approximately 1km away from the city centre of Al Darbasiyah.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4515

Incident date

July 15, 2020

Location

الباب, Al Bab, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

One child has been killed and up to 12 injured, including as many as eight children and three women in multiple alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Al-Bab, Idlib on July 15th 2020.

Smart news initially reported: “A child was killed and eight others were injured Wednesday, by Russian warplanes shelling in the city of Al-Bab (39 km northeast of Aleppo) in northern Syria.”

Al- bab coordination reported the names and ages of ten injured in the airstrikes: Aladdin Allawi (44 years old) (M), Wajihah Nusf Al Dunya (40 years) (F), Alaa Aladdin Allawi (14 years old) (F), Siham Alaeddin Allawi (two years) (F), Loay Aladdin Allawi (two years) (M), Yazan Al-Din Allawi (5 years old) (M), Abrar Anas Asfour (5 years) (F), Salsabeel Anas Asfour (6 years) (F), Muhammad Anas Asfour (two years) (M), Malik Anas Asfour (1 year old) (M). At the time, the source reported that there was no information on civilians killed but it seems likely that one of the children in critical condition later died from their injuries as Syrian Civil Defense reported that one of the children was in critical condition.

Other sources reported the number of civilians injured being as high as 12 and all of the injured were treated at Al-Bab Hospital.

According to Step news “Russian air strikes targeted the city with two raids, which targeted random civilian targets, as the first raid targeted a civilian building “inhabited by people displaced from the city of Saraqib, east of Idlib” in the Beit Najjar neighborhood near the Book Circle, and resulted in Huge damage.”

Other sources reported as many as three strikes in the area. Multiple sources added that the strikes were close to local Mosques.

SNHR added “that this is a residential area which is free of any military equipment or presence. Through this action, the Russian regime has, without doubt, committed another violation of Security Council resolutions 2139 and 2254 which prohibited any further indiscriminate attacks, as well as violating the rules of international humanitarian law which stress the distinction between civilians and combatants.”

The vast majority of sources attribute the strikes to Russian warplanes, only a few sources did not attribute blame for the strikes. @Fr_faham reported that the strikes came “one day after the joint patrols on the M4 road in Idlib were attacked with a car bomb, wounding Russian soldiers.”

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Aladdin Allawi علاء الدين علاوي
44 years old male injured
Alaa Aladdin Allawi آلاء علاء الدين علاوي
14 years old injured
Siham Alaeddin Allawi سهام علاء الدين علاوي
2 years old female injured
Loay Aladdin Allawi لؤي علاء الدين علاوي
2 years old male injured
Yazan Al Din Allawi يزن علاء الدين علاوي
5 years old male injured

Family members (4)

Abrar Anas Asfour أبرار أنس عصفور
5 years old female injured
Salsabeel Anas Asfour سلسبيل أنس عصفور
6 years old injured
Muhammad Anas Asfour محمد أنس عصفور
2 years old male injured
Malik Anas Asfour مالك أنس عصفور
1 years old male injured

The victims were named as:

Wajihah Nusf Al Dunya وجيهة نصف الدنيا
40 years old female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8–12
  • 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
    Russian Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (33) [ collapse]

  • Translation: "#Al Bab | The preliminary statistic indicates that there were no martyrs and the initial number of wounded indicates 11 people were injured, and rescue work is still underway to remove more from the rubble and the injuries that have reached the hospital until the moment are: two women, five children, and four men" (via Al Bab Coordination).
  • Victims in Al Bab hospital after alleged Russian airstrikes on the city on July 15th, 2020 (via Al Bab Coordination).
  • A child receiving medical care in Al Bab hospital after alleged Russian airstrikes on the city of Al Bab on July 15th, 2020 (via Al Bab Coordination).
  • Injured children in the hospital after alleged Russian airstrikes on the city of Al Bab on July 15th, 2020 (via Al Bab Coordination).
  • An injured child receiving medical help in the hospital after alleged Russian airstrikes on the city of Al Bab on July 15th, 2020 (via Al Bab Coordination).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A list of the injured after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on A Bab on July 14th, 2020 (via Al Bab Coordination).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A man carrying an injured child into the hospital after alleged Russian airstrikes on the city of Al Bab on July 15th, 2020 (via Al Bab Coordination).
  • Translatoin: "#Al-Bab: Remnants of the missile that targeted the area, next to the Mosque of Al Iman, just before" (via Al Bab Coordination).
  • Photo of remnants of an alleged Russian missile that targeted the area surrounding Al Iman mosque in Al Bab, July 15th, 2020 (via Al Bab Coordination).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteer inspecting remnants of an alleged Russian missile that targeted the area surrounding Al Iman mosque in Al Bab, July 15th, 2020 (via Al Bab Coordination).
  • Translation: "9 civilians were wounded, in a preliminary toll, including a child in critical condition, after air strikes by unidentified aircraft, targeting a few residential quarters in the city of Al-Bab in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, civil defense teams continue to search and rescue operations and remove those stranded from the rubble" (via Syrian Civil Defence).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers inspecting the rubble after alleged Russian airstrikes on residential areas in the city of Al Bab on July 15th, 2020 (via Syrian Civil Defence).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian airstrikes on residential areas in the city of Al Bab on July 15th, 2020 (via Syrian Civil Defence).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers inspecting the rubble after alleged Russian airstrikes on residential areas in the city of Al Bab on July 15th, 2020 (via Syrian Civil Defence).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Translation: "Aleppo, Al Bab Russian warplanes targeted the eastern city of Al-Bab, north of Aleppo, with two strikes, one of which targeted the "Al-Iman Mosque" in the city center, and the strikes left many wounded. And the dead, and the siren sounded in the # Turkish bases" (via Eye on Al Hassaka).
  • Site of the strike after alleged Russian airstrikes on residential areas in the city of Al Bab on July 15th, 2020 (via Eye on Al Hassaka).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Wounded man receiving medical help after alleged Russian airstrikes on residential areas in the city of Al Bab on July 15th, 2020 (via Eye on Al Hassaka).
  • Translation: "The effects of the destruction caused by a flight believed to be related to the Russian occupation in the city of Al-Bab, east of Aleppo, after air strikes yesterday evening, which resulted in several civilian casualties, including children, and material damage to residential buildings" (via Edlib Media Center).
  • Damaged civilian homes after alleged Russian airstrikes on residential areas in the city of Al Bab on July 15th, 2020 (via Edlib Media Center).
  • Destruction after alleged Russian airstrikes on residential areas in the city of Al Bab on July 15th, 2020 (via Edlib Media Center).
  • Civilians standing in rubble after alleged Russian airstrikes on residential areas in the city of Al Bab on July 15th, 2020 (via Edlib Media Center).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian airstrikes on residential areas in the city of Al Bab on July 15th, 2020 (via Edlib Media Center).
  • Children injured in alleged Russian forces airstrikes on Bab City in Aleppo on July 16th, 2020 (via SNHR)
  • Children injured in alleged Russian forces airstrikes on Bab City in Aleppo on July 16th, 2020 (via @jabha_sy)
  • Children injured in alleged Russian forces airstrikes on Bab City in Aleppo on July 16th, 2020 (via @jabha_sy)
  • Rescue volunteers respond to alleged Russian forces airstrikes on Bab City in Aleppo on July 16th, 2020 (via @ala_hacioglu)
  • Rescue volunteers respond to alleged Russian forces airstrikes on Bab City in Aleppo on July 16th, 2020 (via @ala_hacioglu)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8–12
  • 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
    Russian Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4513

Incident date

July 14, 2020

Location

الدقماق, Al Dakmak, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

At least two civilians were reported injured during alleged Syrian and/or Russian artillery shelling and/or airstrikes on the towns of Al Dakmak in the Al-Ghab Plain, west of Hama on July 14th 2020.

The Syrian Civil Defence Forces of the Southern Directorate reported that two young men with injuries of varying degrees were rushed to the hospital by the SCD team to receive treatment after civilian homes were targeted with heavy artillery, while @AJA_Syria only mentioned that “civilian casualties” resulted from the artillery shelling. In a different post the SCD attributed the strike on Al Dakmak to Syrian forces.

However, sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the strike. According to @HalabToday reporters “Artillery shelling from the regime forces’ positioned in Jorin camp targeted the village of [Al Dukmak] in the western Hama countryside”, thus corroborating the SCD’s statement. However, @Ebaa News and @Albukhari attributed the strike to Russian Armed Forces. In turn, @Step_Agency and @kwater4syr said that “Russian occupation warplanes bombard the town of Kafr Aweed in the southern countryside of Idlib in conjunction with artillery shelling from the positions of the regime’s militias in Jorin camp on the village of Duqmaq in the western countryside of Hama”, thereby leaving it contested whether Russian forces were involved in the strike on Al Dakmak.

The incident allegedly took place at night based on images from the White Helmets rescuing those injured. The exact local time of the incident is unknown.

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Translation: "The injury of two civilians, with artillery shelling by the regime forces, last night, July 14, targeting the village of Al-Duqmaq, west of Hama, and this came hours after the killing of a civilian and his child and wounding 3 other children and a woman, by missile shelling of the regime in the city of Jericho, south of Idlib" (via Syrian Civil Defence).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers treating wounded civilians in an ambulance after alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling on the town of Al Dakmak, Idlib governorate, on July 14th, 2020 (via Syrian Civil Defence).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers treating wounded civilians in an ambulance after alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling on the town of Al Dakmak, Idlib governorate, on July 14th, 2020 (via Southern Directorate).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers treating wounded civilians in an ambulance after alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling on the town of Al Dakmak, Idlib governorate, on July 14th, 2020 (via Southern Directorate).

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian 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
    Artillery
  • 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
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4512

Incident date

July 14, 2020

Location

كنصفرة, Kansafra, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Two civilians, a man and a woman, were reported injured in alleged Russian or Syrian airstrikes or artillery shelling in the town of Kansafra in the southern countryside of Idlib on July 14th 2020, according to local sources.

All sources reporting on civilian harm from the incident in Kansafra consistently mention that two civilians, a man and a woman riding a motorcycle, were injured in the attack. There is currently no additional information available on their identity.

@UgaritPost and @Step noted that the military escalation in the Southern countryside of Idlib, including the airstrike, drone strike and/or artillery shelling on the town of Kansafra, resulted in a wave of displacement in the area, especially since many people recently returned to their homes after the Turkish-Russian armistice in mid-March.

Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the strike, with @UgaritPost, @Alfuratagency and @ShahbaPress attributing the strikes to Syrian Armed Forces, while @Enabbaladi, @Haqnews01 and @SCD Idlib refer to Russian forces as having carried out the strikes.

@enabbaladi reported that the attacks on Kansafra and other areas in Idlib possibly came in response to a car bomb explosion on international road “M4” during a joint Russian-Turkish patrol that allegedly wounded three Russian and one Turkish soldier.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Artillery, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    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, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian 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, Artillery, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    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, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4511

Incident date

July 14, 2020

Location

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Between four and five civilians, including up to four children and a woman, were injured and 2 civilians, a child and his father, died as a result of alleged Russian, Syrian or Iranian artillery shellings or air strikes on residential neighborhoods of the city of Ariha in the southern countryside of Idlib on July 14, 2020.

Numerous sources, including @MMC, @ArihaToday and @Asma, reported on the death of Muhammad Deeb Halabiya Abu Subhi, a 40-year old father, and his son, the 12-year old Karam Muhammad Deeb Halabiya, who succumbed to his injuries as communicated by @SyriaCivilDefence, @Worldarabnews and @SCD. However, other sources referred to only one civilian killed in the incident but it is unclear if they are not counting the injured child who later died.

Sources differ on the amount of wounded civilians that resulted from the strikes. @Wesal_TV, @MMCSYR and @SN4HR merely mention the existence of several injured civilians, including one or more children. The majority of sources reported four to five wounded, including Mohammed Al-Madhi (13 years old), Mohammed Al-Hassan (12 years old), Nour Abras (30 years old) and Youssef Al-Hassan. Karam Halabiya is oftentimes mentioned among those that sustained injuries but he later died as a result of his wounds. A tweet from @ShahbaPress also mentions that three children and a woman were injured in the strikes.

Aside from causing death and injury, both @MMCSYR and @Alaraby reported that the strikes resulted in significant damage to residential buildings. A correspondent of Step New Agency also stated that the missile shelling in Ariha, that was part of a wider campaign of aerial and artillery shelling in the governorate of Idlib, caused massive displacement from people living in the southern countryside of Idlib, some of them having only recently returned to their homes after the Turkish-Russian armistice in mid-March.

Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the strike. More than 15 sources identified Syrian regime forces as the one having carried out the strikes. However, a multitude of sources, including @mhmdfaisal, @Weshal_TV, shaam, SCD and MMC attributed the strikes to regime forces as well as Russian armed forces. @pressrahhal was the only source who mentioned that Iranian forces took part in the strikes on Ariha.

MMC, Enab Baladi and Shaam News Network noted that the shelling possibly came in response to a car bomb explosion on international road “M4” during a joint Russian-Turkish patrol that allegedly wounded three Russian and one Turkish soldier.

According to the Syrian Civil Defence and @asma, the incident occurred in the afternoon.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Muhammad Deeb Halabya محمد ديب حلبية
40 years old male killed
Karam Halabya كرم حلبية
12 years old male Was injured but then died because of wounds he sustained in the attack. killed

Family members (2)

Mohammed Al-Hassan محمد الحسن
12 years old male injured
Youssef Al-Hassan يوسف الحسن
male injured

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Al-Mady محمد الماضي
13 years old male injured
Noor Abras نور ابرص
30 years old female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–5
  • 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, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (38) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (17) [ collapse]

  • According to SCD, Ariha was a target of 14 rocket launchers by the Syrian regime on July 14th, 2020.
  • SCD volunteers in Ariha after it was struck with alleged Russian or Syrian regime rockets on July 14th, 2020 (via SCD)
  • SCD volunteers in Ariha after it was struck with alleged Russian or Syrian regime rockets on July 14th, 2020 (via SCD)
  • Civil Defense volunteers in Ariha after alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime attacks on July 14th, 2020. (via SCD Aleppo)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child injured as a result of alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime attacks on Ariha on July 14th, 2020. (via SCD Aleppo)
  • Civil Defense volunteers in Ariha after alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime attacks on July 14th, 2020. (via SCD Aleppo)
  • Fires in the aftermath of alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime attack on Ariha on July 14th. 2020 (via MMC)
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime attack on Ariha on July 14th. 2020 (via MMC)
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime attack on Ariha on July 14th. 2020 (via MMC)
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime attack on Ariha on July 14th. 2020 (via MMC)
  • A man taking a look at the weapons used in the attack on Ariha on July 14th, 2020 (via MMC)
  • A man taking a look at the weapons used in the attack on Ariha on July 14th, 2020 (via MMC)
  • Damage to a civilian building in the aftermath of alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime attack on Ariha on July 14th. 2020 (via MMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of Muhammad Deeb Halabiya Abu Subhi, killed along with his son in alleged Russian strikes on Ariha on July 14, 2020/ (Image posted by EyeOnAriha via Facebook)
  • Muhammad Deeb Halabiya Abu Subhi, killed along with his son in alleged Russian strikes on Ariha on July 14, 2020/ (Image posted by EyeOnAriha via Facebook)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian 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 and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–5
  • 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, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (38) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM310

Incident date

July 9, 2020

Location

Vicinity of Hantiwadaag, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

1.88721, 44.7789 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Somali government and US Africa Command declared the first US action in 53 days, reporting an airstrike on an al Shabaab checkpoint in the vicinity of Hantiwadaag, in Lower Shabelle. One alleged militant was reported killed.

Declaring the attack, Somalia’s Ministry of Information said the strike had taken place in the afternoon. “The FGS, in partnership with the US Africa Command @USAfricaCommand conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Hantiwadaag in Lower Shabelle , Somalia. This precision airstrike killed one al-Shabaab militant.”

AFRICOM followed with its own press release shortly afterwards, noting that “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab checkpoint in vicinity of Hantiwadaag, Somalia, July 9. ‘Al-Shabaab are using checkpoints to threaten, extort and restrict the movement of innocent people in Mogadishu and Lower Shabelle region,’ said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford Gering, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. ‘Al-Shabaab’s actions continue to impede much needed economic development and progress.’

“The command’s initial assessment concluded this airstrike killed one (1) terrorist and destroyed an al-Shabaab checkpoint. U.S. Africa Command currently assesses no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.”

After an initially intense US campaign against terror group al Shabaab in early 2020, US strikes had effectively halted in mid May, likely as a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a checkpoint being struck in the vicinity of Hantiwadaag, within the Lower Shabelle region. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Hantiwadaag are: 1.88721, 44.7789.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab checkpoint in vicinity of Hantiwadaag, Somalia, July 9.

“Al-Shabaab are using checkpoints to threaten, extort and restrict the movement of innocent people in Mogadishu and Lower Shabelle region,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford Gering, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. “Al-Shabaab’s actions continue to impede much needed economic development and progress.”

The command's initial assessment concluded this airstrike killed one (1) terrorist and destroyed an al-Shabaab checkpoint.

U.S. Africa Command currently assesses no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.

U.S. Africa Command and our international partners recognize that stability in Somalia will not be achieved through purely military means. It requires providing programs and opportunity for the Somali people.

Together and at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command works to improve security conditions in Somalia in order to enhance governance and economic development. U.S. partnership with Somalia also helps prevent al-Shabaab's ambitions to expand their reach, plot attacks, and further export violence.

U.S. Africa Command continues to work with its Somali partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4509

Incident date

Location

كنصفرة, Kansafra, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Between one and three civilians were injured in alleged Russian or regime artillery strikes on the town of Kansafra on July 7, 2020.

A tweet from @BelalBayoush90 reported that three civilians were injured by heavy artillery and rocket launcher attacks on the town of Kansafra, attributing the attack to the regime while @thawrat111 identified two civilians as being injured and attributed the injuries to Russia. @RadioAlKul provided the lowest casualty estimate, reporting that one civilian was injured.

Other sources that reported on the incident only refer to “several” civilians injured or aggregate their casualty tolls with other villages nearby.

Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the regime were responsible for the attack.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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, Syrian Regime

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian 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 and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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, Syrian Regime

Sources (18) [ collapse]