Conflicts

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

Incident Codes

CS782 RS2213

Location

دبسي عفنان, Dibsi Afnan, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.8175348, 38.2162857
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: July 23, 2025

(Previous Incident Codes: S689R2078RS2218)

Two adult male civilians died – as well as one additional child casualty – and up to a dozen or more were wounded in an airstrike on the village of Dibsi Afnan, according to local media. Most sources blame Russia, while some alleged that the regime was responsible – though more than three commentators also claimed that the Coalition carried out the attack.

@SourrNews reporred that one of the civilians killed was a displaced person. 

The two men were named by Raqqa is being Slaughtered Silently as victims of Russian raids. However, in the comment section of the post, people claim that Russia was not responsible and that the strike was by the international US led Coalition. The Shaam News Network, which put the death toll at two, also attributed the event to the Coalition.

Mohab Nasser mentioned that an eight year old child was also killed.

According to the Step News Agency, “three children and a woman were injured lightly in Russian raids using cluster bombs on the edges of Dibsi Faraj west of al Tabaqa in the Raqqa countryside.” Since this is a village nearby, it could indicate that Russia was operating in the area. Al Raqqa Truth blamed Russia for the Dibsi Afnan event.

However, Ahmad al Shibli and Mohab Nasser said that the regime was responsible for the two men’s deaths. Al A’maq also blamed the regime, while Mohab Nasser published graphic images from the A’maq video which he said depicted casualties and destruction caused by regime barrel bombs.

Sources described that cluster bombs, barrel bombs and vacuum missiles were used in the strikes.

Victims

Individuals

Abdallah al Ibrahim al Jarrah
male killed
Abdallah al Ali al Mahmoud
male killed
8 years old male killed

Key Information

Country
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Contested
Civilians reported killed
2–3
1 Child, 2 Men
Civilians reported injured
3–24

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Dibsi Afnan (دبسي عفنان), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.8175348, 38.2162857. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

U.S.-led Coalition Assessment
Suspected belligerent
U.S.-led Coalition
U.S.-led Coalition position on incident
Non credible / Unsubstantiated
Reason for non-credible assessment
No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
Civilian deaths conceded
None
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
near Dibsi Afnan, Syria
Location accuracy
100 m
MGRS coordinate
37SDV291638
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For May 7th-8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, 15 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed eight fighting positions and a vehicle.” It later added that “Additionally, two strikes were conducted in Syria on May 7th that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Tabqah, Syria, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a fighting position.” For May 8th-9th it stated: “Near Tabqah, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions.” It later added that “Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria on May 8 that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Tabqah, Syria, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position and a mortar system; and damaged an ISIS supply route.”
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2018-01-25
Original Source
After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.
Russian Military Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Russian Military position on incident
Not yet assessed
Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Democratic Forces
Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media From Sources (19)