Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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Incident Code

RS1200

Incident date

August 30, 2016

Location

معرة مصرين, Maarat Masreen, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.023266, 36.680113 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between four and 10 civilians died and up to 35 more were wounded in airstrikes on a popular vegetable market in Maaret Masreen, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. However, most sources agreed that cluster bombs had been used in the attack, which resulted in widespread destruction and graphic scenes as The White Helmets attempted to rescue survivors.

According to LCCSY, “Assad aircraft targeted the vegetable market in Maaret Masreen with cluster bombs. This resulted in the death of seven civilians, in the initial count, with dozens more wounded – some seriously”.

The Smart News Agency and Syrian Press Center also blamed the regime.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights initially pointed to “government warplanes” and its allies – putting the death toll at five – but later blamed solely Russia for the strike on “Souq Al Hal”, adding that the death toll had increased to six, with “about 30 more wounded”.

Shahed-ayan, Ara News, RFS Media Office, Smo-syria, Al Jazeera and @BNN_2016 also attributed the event to Moscow.

The highest death count was given at 10 civilians by Jisrtv.

A number of other sources didn’t identify the warplanes responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 10
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–35
  • 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 (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic footage showing civilians - both wounded and dead - following the raid on a fruit and vegetable market in Maarat Masreen. (via, White Helmets)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian casualty following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid of Maarat Masreen. (via, SN4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Seriously injured casualties lying on the floor of an overcrowded medical facility following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid of Maarat Masreen. (via, Shahed-ayan)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Seriously injured casualties lying on the floor of an overcrowded medical facility following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid of Maarat Masreen. (via, Rfsmediaoffice)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured man in the back of a truck following an alleged raid. (via Smart News)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian casualty following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid of Maarat Masreen. (via, LLCSY)
  • The aftermath of the alleged raid on Maarat Masreen. (via, JisirTV)
  • The aftermath of the alleged raid on Maarat Masreen. (via, SN4HR)

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a strike on a vegetable market in Maaret Masreen (معرة مصرين). Analysing audiovisual material from sources, Airwars has narrowed down the location to the following coordinates: 36.023266, 36.680113.

  • Tagged visual material from sources

    Imagery:
    الدفاع المدني السوري _ المديرية الوسطى

  • Tagged visual material from sources

    Imagery:
    الدفاع المدني السوري _ المديرية الوسطى

  • Tagged visual material from sources

    Imagery:
    الدفاع المدني السوري _ المديرية الوسطى

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between August 20th – 31st 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 10
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–35
  • 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 (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1199

Incident date

August 30, 2016

Location

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1807701, 37.167263 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and five civilians including between one and two children and a woman were killed and as many as dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Salheen, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russian warplanes or explosive barrels dropped from Assad regime helicopters caused the casualties.

The lowest death count was given as two by Jisrtv, who blamed Russia.

The majority of other sources, including LCCSY, Syrian Press Center, Chamtimes and @SYR_REV_NEWS also attributed the event to Moscow – putting the death count at five civilians. According to Syrian Press Center, one of the fatalities was a child. LCCSY added that “dozens were also wounded”.

However, the Smart News Agency said that this was the work of regime warplanes; while some other sources (Alyementoday, @aleppopress and @shahed_alep) blamed explosive barrels dropped from helicopters.

A report by Alyementoday said that “a woman and two children from the same family died when explosive barrels were dropped on explosive barrels on areas in the Salheen neighbourhood”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 5
  • (1–2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Civilians are rescued from the rubble of collapsed buildings following an alleged raid on Salheen, August 30th 2016. (via, Syrian PC)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between August 20th – 31st 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 5
  • (1–2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS303

Incident date

August 29, 2016

Location

البصيرة, Al Besera, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.15618, 40.42716 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Syrian Observatory reported that 6 civilians died and 25 were injured when an alleged Coalition strike hit an internet cafe in the town of al-Besera. However in response to a query from Airwars, the Coalition stated that “We can confirm there were no coalition strikes at the location you have indicated. Per our strike log, there was one coalition strike near Abu Kamal and one strike near Ar Raqqah on 29 August.”

According to the Observatory, “SOHR activists were informed that Coalition warplanes targeted an internet cafe on the outskirts of al-Besera town which killed 6 young men and wounded no less than 25 others from al-Zer village. The number of the dead is likely to rise.“

The Coalition reported for the day that “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed inoperable coalition equipment.” Asked to further clarify, a spokesperson told Airwars: “On 29 August a coalition strike destroyed non-mission capable coalition equipment that malfunctioned. The equipment was struck and destroyed on 29 August. There was no further damage from this strike.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–25
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 28th-29th 2016, the Coalition reported one strike in Deir Ezzor province: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIL wellhead.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–25
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ034

Incident date

August 29, 2016

Location

بنغازي‎, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

32.028594, 20.026959 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The LNA self-reported MiG-23 strikes on “armed militias” in Ganfouda.

However, Benghazi News claimed on Twitter that three airstrikes had been deliberately aimed at civilian infrastructure.

Russia Today added that the bombardment led to a demonstration asking to lift the siege on Ganfouda. It also reported that “Libyan media sources said Monday that the Council of Elders of Misurata condemned the aerial bombardment of Qanfouda in a statement, saying it was ‘a crime committed by the forces of Hafter and foreign forces that support them against defenceless civilians.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Libyan National Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Libyan National Army
  • Libyan National Army position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1198

Incident date

August 29, 2016

Location

أورم الصغرى, Orm al Sughra, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.13194444, 36.9 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least 3 victims died in alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on Orm Al Sughra town in Aleppo governorate, August 29.”

AMC, Alwatan, @SyriaFnn and @Syria_Pulse reported that three civilians died and several more were wounded in “four strikes with cluster bombs”, but didn’t identify the culprit.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between August 20th – 31st 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS300 TS002

Incident date

August 28, 2016

Location

جب الكوسا, Jeb el Kussa, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.688187, 37.996683 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Twenty people were reported killed and 50 injured after clashes at Jeb el Kussa, south of Jarabulus.

According to Al Alam “these people fell during battles between militants and extremist groups backed by Turkey and the so-called “democratic forces of Syria” and armed groups backed by America.

The Syrian Observatory confirmed casualties in the ranks of the local fighters backed by the Turks in the region.” Russia Today, citing the Syrian Foreign Ministy, said those who died were civilians but blamed “air and artillery weapons of the Turkish army in coordination with armed groups.”

Most media blamed Turkey. However local Free Syrian Army factions accused both Turkey and the US-led Coalition of “deliberate raids by warplanes on al Sreirat and Bu’r al Koussa committing brutal massacres against the unarmed civilians of the elders and women and children killed tens of martyrs and the wounded.”

Ara news: “Syrian Kurds have accused Turkish troops of committing a massacre against civilians in the villages of Jeb al-Kousa and Megher-Sresat, south of Jarabulus. According to human rights organisations, at least 20 Arab civilians were killed and 50 injured under Turkish bombardment.

In their May 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members

Family members

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Turkish Military

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Jeb el Kussa (جب الكوسا), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.688187, 37.996683. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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
    37SDA103607
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020

  • Aug. 28, 2016, in Jeb el Kussa, 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. 3033/CS300 37SDA103607

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 23rd-24th, the Coalition reported that "Near Manbij, four strikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed a vehicle.”

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Turkish Military

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS003

Incident date

August 28, 2016

Location

ﺍﻟﻌﻤﺎﺭﻧﺔ, Al Armana, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.741944, 38.009722 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Fifteen to 24 civilians were reported killed in Turkish airstrikes on the town of Al Armana, as invading Turkish forces were said to have turned their attention to Kurdish YPG fighters. Al Hayat newspaper reported as many as twenty civilians were killed. 

However, Turkey denied it had killed any non-combatants in the action.

According to Reuters “Turkey said 25 Kurdish militants were killed in its air strikes and denied there were civilian casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (13)

Hussam Jamal Othman
Age unknown killed
Jamal Othman
Child killed
Jamal Hisham Othman
Child killed
Jamal Othman
Age unknown killed
Munira Osman
Age unknown killed
Fattah Othman
Age unknown killed
Riza Othman
Age unknown killed
Hassan Mohamed Osman
Age unknown killed
Paper Mohammad Ali Osman
Age unknown killed
ire Ali Osman
Age unknown killed
Hussein Ali Osman
Age unknown killed
Osama Mohammed Ali Othman
Age unknown killed
Ali Osman
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Ali Mohamed Youssef
Age unknown killed
Jassem Mohammad Al-Faraj
Age unknown the village of Khirbet, a paramedics killed
Hussein Hammoud
Age unknown the village of Khirbet, a paramedics killed
Mahmoud Alberhaoa Ali
Age unknown the village of elders, a paramedics killed
Jassim Mustafa Jassim
Age unknown killed
Salim Maher Alasmaeil
Age unknown killed
Mustafa Mohammed Jassim
Age unknown killed
Abdul Rahim Mustafa
Age unknown killed
Subhia Hafez
Age unknown killed
Aqeel Abdul Rahim Mustafa
Child male killed
Mona Abdul Rahim Mustafa
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 24
  • (4 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    25
  • 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

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Turkish raid on Al Armana, 28th August 2016. (via Free Manbej City)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Turkish raid on Al Armana, 28th August 2016. (via Free Manbej City)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Turkish raid on Al Armana, 28th August 2016. (via Free Manbej City)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Victims in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish raid on Al Armana, 28th August 2016. (via Ajansa Hawra ANHA)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Victims in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish raid on Al Armana, 28th August 2016. (via Haraw News)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Armana (ﺍﻟﻌﻤﺎﺭﻧﺔ), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.741944, 38.009722. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 24
  • (4 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    25
  • 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

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC040

Incident date

August 28, 2016

Location

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

32.026870, 20.021119 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 21 civilians were reportedly killed in airstrikes on Benghazi. Three local families were reportedly killed as well as 11 Sudanese workers.

While the majority of sources named the LNA as the belligerent, Libya Mostakbal claimed that is was conducted by a ‘Predator’ drone which isn’t part of the LNA air force. However, UAE drones with a similar silhouette have supported LNA operations.

Libya Mostakbal reported that 11 foreign workers, mostly from Sudan, were killed. It was additionally reported that three Libyan families died. “The family members of the Abdali family, consisting of three children with their father and mother, were killed in full, along with the family of the Feturi, a husband and wife” reported Alnabaa.  Members of the Barassi family were reported missing, while Ajwa claimed a third family had died in the strike.

Several outlets cited the local Shura Council, which reported total of 18 strikes were reported on that day in Benghazi.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Alnabaa shows footage of the airstrike victims
  • More footage provided by Alnabaa
  • Very graphic: Tanasouh shows the airstrike victims

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the Ganfouda neighborhood (قنفودة), located within the city of Benghazi (بنغازي). After investigating visual material from sources, we narrowed this location down to a home located at: 32.026870, 20.021119.

  • Screenshot from a local news report showing house targeted by airstrike. Note tag "A" refers to the lane between the targeted home and the adjacent property.

    Imagery:
    Al-Tanasah Foundation

  • Satellite image showing home targeted by airstrike.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Satellite image showing location of home targeted by airstrike within Benghazi.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Libyan National Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Libyan National Army
  • Libyan National Army position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (8) [ collapse]