Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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Incident Code

RS1013

Incident date

July 16, 2016

Location

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1375975, 36.8284035 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

“People were torn apart”, reported Aletihad Press, in an airstrike which hit Al Atarib on 16th July 2016, the Western side of Aleppo. Local media put the death toll at between two and 20 civilians – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible for the civilian harm.

SMO News blamed Russia for the warplane shelling, as did Aletihad and some local residents.

Other local sources pointed to both Russian and regime warplanes. Thiqa News posted images of the destruction which ruined buildings and destroyed cars. Some accounts said that an industrial area was struck.

According to multiple sources such as, SMO News and Thiqa News, eight people were killed in the raid which used cluster bombs and missiles. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that at least two people had died. Only two victims, see below, were named by other sources.

Orient News interviewed two local civilians. The first man described how most of the people living in this industrial area were displaced from other parts of Aleppo. He added that it was around “lunchtime” that an alleged Russian missile killed 20 people. The second man claimed that the attack was at around 5pm. He also blamed Russian warplanes and noted that many children were also killed in the raid.

The number of injured is a minimum of 40, according to more than one source.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul-Hamid Za’zou’
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Ahmad Hassoun.
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 20
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    40
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The inside of a hospital after an airstrike which hit Al Atarib. (via Aletihad News).
  • Aftermath of the contested airstrikes targeting Al Atarib. (via SMO News).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Aftermath of the contested airstrikes targeting al-Atarib (via Itihad press)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Alleged victim of the contested airstrikes targeting al-Atarib (via Itihad press)
  • Child in the aftermath of the contested airstrikes targeting al-Atarib (via Itihad press)
  • Aftermath of the contested strikes on al-Atarib (via Thiqa News Agency tweet)
  • Aftermath of the contested strikes on al-Atarib (via Shehab Agency tweet)

Unknown Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Unknown
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between July 16th – 27th 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 – 20
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    40
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS266

Incident date

July 16, 2016

Location

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.5269242, 37.9559288 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An 80-year old man was reported by a number of sources as having been killed in one of multiple Coalition strikes on Manbij between dawn and noon. The strikes reportedly targeted both the Aleppo road and the al Hazwana neighbourhood in the city.

According to Manbij Mother of the World, “planes carried out several raids in less than an hour on the road to Aleppo [and] the area around the national hospital as members of IS are holed up inside the hospital. Another raid targeted a residential building in Al Rabita street, while two raids targeted al Hazwana neighbourhood where there are currently clashes in which SDF [Syrian Democratic Forces] are trying to advance towards the city.“

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali Hamid al A’rouda
80 years years old male Reportedly died after being hit by shrapnel in al Hawzana. killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 15th-16th 2016, the Coalition reported: “Near Manbij, nine strikes struck eight separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed 14 ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL vehicles.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI267

Incident date

July 16, 2016

Location

الحويجة, Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.3240179, 43.77335 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged Coalition strike targeted the house of an ISIL commander named as Abu Hajar, said to be from Diyala province, also reportedly killed his whole family according to a single source.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ 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 July 15th-17th 2016, no Coalition strikes were publicly reported in the Hawijah area.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1008

Incident date

July 16, 2016

Location

الألمجي, Al Alamji, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.208797, 37.162306 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Warplanes struck Al Almaji, a residential neighborhood in Old Aleppo and killed between 10 and 11 civilians, including women and children. According to Horrya News and the Syrian Network for Human Rights, Assad warplanes launched the raids. However, Shahba News Agency and other local news sources reported the raids to be Russian.

The Syrian Civil Defence said 11 people were killed in the raid. The Syrian Network for Human Rights put the numbers slightly lower at seven, also adding that 4 of them were children. Halab News reported that five children and three women were included in those killed.

According to Shahba, 23 people were injured in the raid.

Horrya News stated that “Assad warplanes launched raids in many neighbourhoods of Aleppo and killed more than 50 people including Al Almaji.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 11
  • (4–5 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    23
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A man being rescued from the rubble after airstrikes hit Al Alamji neighbourhood in Old Aleppo. 16th July 2016. (via. Syrian PC).
  • Civil Defense officer saying that warplanes fired a missile killed 11 people including women and children (via White Helmets)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child being rescued following strikes on Al Almaji (via Shababrevolution tweet)

Unknown Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Unknown
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between July 16th – 27th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 11
  • (4–5 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    23
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS264

Incident date

July 15, 2016

Location

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.5269242, 37.9559288 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to a single source, four civilians from one family were killed and 13 additional civilians injured following a Coalition airstrike.

The Syria News Desk reported that “Coalition aircraft launched more than a dozen raids on Manbej, affected some national hospital west of the city perimeter, four of which targeted residential sites in the middle and on the northern edges. The source added that the raids led to the deaths of four civilians from one family, after their home was targeted and completely destroyed and 13 others were wounded, while launching air strike on a bridge near the “Garage” Jarablos north Manbij position, which resulted in its destruction.”

See also the following incident.

The Syrian Network reported Coalition strikes on the city that day but made no mention of civilian casualties: “Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired a missile that targeted Tareaq Jarablos bridge that connects the city of Jarablos and the northern neighborhoods of Manbej city with the center of Manbej city. The bridge was partially destroyed and was rendered out of commission. Manbej city was under the control of ISIS on the day of the incident and it is now held by the Kurdish-majority Syrian Democratic Forces.”

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 36.52692, 37.95592  

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Manbij, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA0652842901
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022

  • July 15, 2016, near Manbij, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 3011/CS264 37SDA0652842901

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS265

Incident date

July 15, 2016

Location

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.5269242, 37.9559288 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A young adult civilian male named as Ahmad Ibrahim al Faress was reported killed in a Coalition strike on Manbij. It is either the second reported event of the day in Manbij, or is linked to the previous incident.

The Syrian Network reported Coalition strikes on the city that day but made no mention of civilian casualties: “Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired a missile that targeted Tareaq Jarablos bridge that connects the city of Jarablos and the northern neighborhoods of Manbej city with the center of Manbej city. The bridge was partially destroyed and was rendered out of commission. Manbej city was under the control of ISIS on the day of the incident and it is now held by the Kurdish-majority Syrian Democratic Forces.”

In the second of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that the allegation provided insufficient information on the timing and location of the strike to make a determination.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Ibrahim al Faress
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Translation: the young man Ahmad Ibrahim al Fares killed in Manbij due to coalition raids on the town.

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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA065429
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020

  • July 15, 2016, in Manbij, Syria, via Airwars report. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action. 3012/CS265 37SDA065429

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 14th-15th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Manbij, 11 strikes struck six separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed 18 ISIL fighting positions and damaged an ISIL-used bridge.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1007

Incident date

July 15, 2016

Location

أبو الظهور, Abu al Duhur, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.738466, 37.0479584 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Fourteen named civilians were killed as missiles were reportedly fired at residential buildings in Abu al Duhur town in Idlib. There is dispute over whether the attack was carried out by Russia or the Syrian regime, with Al Jazeera blaming both.

According to All4Syria News, it was Russian warplanes that struck the area, and eight civilians were killed as a result. Shahba News also blamed Russia. Edlib Media blamed the Assad regime for the airstrike.

Step News reported that nine people were killed in the strike and also commented that most of the civilians killed were displaced from South Aleppo.

Baladi News Network – also pointing at the regime – put the death toll still higher, at 10 – with 10 more people wounded. The Syrian Coalition put the numbers till higher at 13 killed.

According to Step News a small boy was killed and his brothers were seriously wounded. A local source claims that may were wounded.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “Warplanes carried out after midnight yesterday a raid on Ter’ei farms southeast of Khan Shekhoun city in the southern countryside of Idlib, while SOHR received information about the death of a child when warplanes bombed areas in the town of Abu al-Duhur in the eastern countryside of Idlib after midnight yesterday.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Bayan Ahmad Al Fawaz
7 years old killed
Mahmood Fawaz Al-Ghubeiri
30 years old male killed
Zeinab, wife of Fawaz Ghubeiri
65 years old female killed
Khawla, daughter of Fawaz Ghubeiri
30 years old female killed

Family members (2)

Hamida, wife of Abdul-Halim Khalaf
25 years old female killed
Hamza Abdul-Halim Al-Hussein
15 years old killed

The victims were named as:

Hamza Abdul-Halim Al-Dalish
Age unknown killed
Hamza Abdulhakim Dibish
15 years old killed
Nour Ijsim Al-Umar
Age unknown killed
Abu Alzuhur
Age unknown male killed
Hussam Al Jassem
Child killed
Abu Al Duhur
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14
  • (4–5 children3 women3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (19) [ collapse]

  • The Civil Defence team rescues civilians out the rubble following an airstrike on a residential area full of displaced peoples. 15th July 2016. (via, Baladi News)
  • The White Helmets work their way through the rubble in Abu al Duhur after alleged Russian warplane shelling (via All4Syria)
  • The wounded are treated by medics in Abu al Duhur, the consequences of alleged Russian shelling (Youtube by Opopop opopop)
  • A White Helmet describes the scene in Abu al Duhur whilst fellow members work through the rubble (Youtube via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The White Helmets help to bury the dead in Abu al Duhur - the source alleged "Assad planes" responsible. (Tweet by @ZakariaNassani)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    One of the child civilians killed in suspected Russian attacks (Tweet by @Syriafree339) [Page no longer available - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • Significant material destruction in Abu al Duhur after alleged Russian warplanes struck (Tweet by @Syriafree339) [Page no longer available - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • The White Helmets carry out a rescue mission in Abu al Duhur after suspected Russian shelling (Tweet by @baladinetwork)
  • Smoke clouds rise over Abu al Duhur, after missiles were reportedly fired at residential buildings (Tweet via @jisrtv)
  • The White Helmets search though the rubble in Abu al Duhur (via Qasioun)
  • The White Helmets help to bury the dead in Abu al Duhur - the aftermath of alleged Russian missiles (via Smart)
  • A White Helmets digs through the rubble and destruction in Abu al Duhur (via Smart)
  • The White Helmets provide aid in Abu al Duhur following alleged Russian missile attacks (via Smart)
  • Local people and the civil defense team congregate where alleged missiles struck Abu al Duhur (via Smart)
  • A member of The White Helmets carries a block of rubble at the scene of alleged missile strikes (via Smart)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An elderly civilian sits on the floor with a dead civilian child wrapped in blankets - GRAPHIC (via Smart)
  • The civil defense team use a digger to shift rubble following alleged missile strikes on residential buildings in Abu al Duhur (via Smart)
  • A group of White Helmet members amongst the destroyed buildings in Abu al Duhur (via Smart)
  • The White Helmets team work together to pull civilians from the rubble in Abu al Duhur (via Smart)

Unknown Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Unknown
Official source

On October 15th 2016, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation published a report which stated that, "Today, the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu headed a military-scientific conference titled “Military and political results of operation held by the Russian Armed Forces in Syria and main strategic conclusions”. In his speech, the Minister of Defence stated that possibility of incidence of such military conflicts remained at the same level. “In these conditions Russia is to adequately respond potential threats,” said General of the Army Sergei Shoigu."

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14
  • (4–5 children3 women3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS263

Incident date

July 14, 2016

Location

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.5269242, 37.9559288 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Continued heavy Coalition airstrikes on Manbij reportedly resulted in further heavy civilian casualties.

According to Lens Young Manbij, “The family of Mahmoud Bin Ali al Manssini [the barber] was killed. The father is in a critical condition. The daughter of Safi Miassni was with them and she was also killed. Ahmad Bin Safi was lost with his car in warplane bombing on their home. The planes also targeted the home of Mr. Mohammad Al Ahmad Al A’ouni killing his three children. He and his wife are in a critical condition in hospital. Their daughter survived.”

In the second of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that the allegation provided insufficient information on the timing and location of the strike to make a determination.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mohammad Al Ahmad Al A’ouni
Adult male injured
Mohammad Al Ahmad Al A’ouni's wife
Adult female injured
Mohammad Al Ahmad Al A’ouni's three children
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Daughter of Safi Miassni
Age unknown female killed
Ahmad Bin Safi
Age unknown male Was lost with his car in warplane bombing on their home. killed
Mahmoud Bin Ali al Manssini
Age unknown male He was a barber. His family was also killed killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (4 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Translation: The family of Mohammad al Barho, 4 civilians from al Qiba village in the Jarablos countryside killed by coalition raids on Manbij.

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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA065429
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020

  • July 14, 2016, in Manbij, Syria, via Airwars report. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action. 3010/CS263 37SDA065429

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 13th-14th the Coalition reported: “Near Manbij, nine strikes struck four separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed 14 ISIL fighting positions and damaged two separate ISIL fighting positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (4 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]