Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

RS228

Incident date

December 4, 2015

Location

جسرين, Jissrain, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.51049, 36.38865 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 16 and 30 civilians were reported killed and more than 50 others injured (“most of them women and children”), when Russian warplanes allegedly dropped four missiles on the popular market town of Jissrain (‘Two Bridges’), destroying residential buildings and shops according to reports.

Activists told  Shaam News Network that the civilians had been “shot to pieces.” Reported deaths quickly rose from 11 to 27 and then to 30, with dozens of people injured, some critically. Local hospitals were said to have been overwhelmed.

Civilians killed have been named by VDC.  2 unidentified women, 2 unidentified men and 1 unidentified child was also discovered.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (7)

Suleiman Darweish
Adult male killed
Rafat Darweish
Adult male killed
Abdulrazzaq Darweish
Adult killed
Daughter of Nazem Darweish
Child female killed
Daughter of Abo Diab Darweish
Child female killed
Mohammad Khaled Darweish
Child male killed
Abdulrhamen Jabri Darweish
Adult male killed

Family members (2)

Dia al-Nabki
Adult male killed
Wael al-Nabki
Adult male killed

The victims were named as:

Hassan al-Khateib
Adult male killed
Mohammad Zuheir Abdulhay
Adult male killed
Khaled Abdulqader Makawi 
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16 – 30
  • (3–6 children2 women10 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic footage showing victims following an alleged Russian airstrike on Jissrayn. (via, Coordination Committee of Jissrayn- Eastern Ghouta)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

For November 26th-December 4th 2015, Russia made no public mention of carrying out strikes in Damascus governorate.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16 – 30
  • (3–6 children2 women10 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1113

Incident date

August 9, 2016

Location

Mheimidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.44294, 40.08619 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 15 and 30 civilians were killed, including three children and four women, and between 20 to 40 wounded – some critically – by an aerial bombardment of the town of Mahimideh, local media reported. The majority of sources attributed the event to the Assad regime.

However, four airstrikes were conducted by planes that were identified by Qasioun and @Shahed_alep as belonging to Russian forces.But the Syrian Network for Human Rights, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, and and Arabstoday were among the many sources that blamed the regime.

The strikes reportedly airstrikes hit civilian homes, Shahatha Hebron School, a grocery store, and agricultural land.

The Violations Documentation Center blamed “Syrian government and affiliated militias” for the death of 15 civilians.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed

Family members (4)

Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed

The victims were named as:

Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Age unknown female

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 30
  • (3 children4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–40
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • The exact moment the raid hit. (via, Arabstoday)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured man receives medical treatment. (via, Rozana News)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between August 1st – 10th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 30
  • (3 children4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–40
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1580a RS2591

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Location

معبر مائي بين هجين و العباس, Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6897222, 40.83 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between ten and 30 civilians were killed, including four named men, and “dozens” more were injured, following a continuation of airstrikes on the river crossing, however this time the crossing linking Hajeen with Al A’bbas town. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, however others blamed the Syrian regime and US-led Coalition.

According to local media, the civilians struck were mostly displaced women and children. It was reported by multiple sources that a father and son were killed on the outskirts of Hajeen after their prayers.

The intensity of the shelling meant it was difficult to retrieve injured and dead civilians from the rubble.

Cluster bombs and 12 missiles were used on the vicinity.

Overall, between 100 and 150 civilians were killed by bombing on multiple water-crossings on this day.

In their August 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 (2)

Adult male killed
Adult male killed

Family members (2)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 30
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (48) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Hajin City)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Hajin City)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Abu Kamal)
  • The exact moments an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Ahmed al-Obeidi)
  • News bulletin reporting on an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Al Jazeera)
  • "# Deir al-Azur dozens of martyrs targeting Russian aircraft cluster bombs of the words of civilians less than # Al-Ashra to the south-east bank of the Euphrates River" (via JinaShashaah)
  • News bulletin reporting on an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Radio Alwan)
  • Hassen Nahar al Werdi and his young son Ahmad Hassan al-Wardi, killed in an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Abu Abdullah)
  • Hassen Nahar al Werdi and his young son Ahmad Hassan al-Wardi, killed in an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Dirzalzor 24)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • Ayyam Farih Al - Hussein Al - Issa and Bassil Freih Al - Hussein Al - Issa, killed in an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Almayadee)
  • Ayyam Farih Al - Hussein Al - Issa and Bassil Freih Al - Hussein Al - Issa, killed in an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Euphrates post)

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
    37SFU669400
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020
  • Oct. 4, 2017, near Hajin, 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. 3151/CS1580a 37SFU669400

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

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 30
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (48) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS112

Incident date

November 2, 2015

Location

القريتين, Al Qaryatayn, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.229890, 37.238245 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 24 civilians were reported killed and a dozen injured in alleged evening Russian airstrikes on a centre for the distribution of bread in the town of Qaryatain in Homs province.

According to Shaam News Network, 16 people died when Russian planes carried out two raids. Activists stressed that the raids targeted a bakery in the city.

Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll even higher at 26 non-combatants, including 3 children and 2 women. It claimed most of the victims were displaced persons from Maheen.

24 victims were named by the VDC  and another 6 other victims were also named by SN4HR .

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Saeid Sarakes
male killed
Son of Saeid Sarakes
Adult male killed
Daughter of Saeid Sarakes
Adult female killed

The victims were named as:

Fadi Bassam al-Hamouri al-Noaemi
Adult male killed
Atiye Subhi al-Adle al-Ghoush
Adult male killed
Atiye Subhi al-Adle al-Ghoush
Adult male killed
Ayman Mohmmad Ahmad al-Zgherre
Adult male killed
Zakiye al-Shammat
Adult female killed
Mohammad Tameem al-Shibli
Adult male killed
Atiye al-Daeif
Adult male killed
Mohammad Adnan al-Musa
Adult male killed
Ahmad Khaled Abdul Kafi al-Musa
Adult male killed
Abdul Kafi Mohammad al-Abdul Kafi al-Musa
Adult male killed
Qasem Mohammad Awad al-Sultan
Age unknown male killed
Ali Redwan al-Yousef al-Salame
Age unknown male
Son of Mohammad Atallah Feroun
Age unknown male 12 years old killed
Son of Rasheed al-Salame
Age unknown male killed
Usama Ahmad al-Mezel al-Ibraheem
Age unknown male killed
Qassim Mohammed al Salama
Age unknown male killed
Taleb Mahmoud Idrees
Age unknown killed
Son of Moahammad al-Zamzune
Child male killed
Fares Qasem Mohammad al-Dalloul al-Dakhlallah
Adult female killed
Jaber Ahmad al-Fadel
Age unknown male killed
Abd al-Wahed Eid Ezz Eddin
Age unknown male killed
Lutfiyeh Hmaidan
Age unknown female killed
Atia Al Abdullah
Age unknown killed
Maysem Atia Al Abdullah
Age unknown killed
Fedaa Atia Al Abdullah
Age unknown female killed
Abdullah Al Abdullah
Age unknown killed
Child, unidentified
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    23 – 30
  • (3 children2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Ali-Redwan-al-Yousef-al-Salame

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town Al Qaryatayn (القريتين), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.229890, 37.238245. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Unknown Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Unknown

In its report for military actions on October 31st-November 2nd 2015, the Kremlin has confirmed carrying out strikes in Homs governorate: “In the Tadmor district (Homs province) a Su-25 attack aircraft made a strike on an ISIS fortified area. Direct hits resulted in destruction of fortifications, underground shelters as well as AA artillery positions of the terrorists with two ZSU-23 systems. Objective monitoring data confirms their complete elimination.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    23 – 30
  • (3 children2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1858

Incident date

January 24, 2017

Location

الصالحية, Al-Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.7146658, 40.7555866 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 30 civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded, in an airstrike which on cotton mill in Al-Salhiya, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming Russian forces, and others blaming the Syrian regime. One source reported that six Russian warplanes were sighted in the vicinity.

Sources were also conflicted as to what was struck. Many talk of a cotton mill as the location of the strike, which was used to make sacks for agricultural workers. Another source reported that a shop was selling second hand things was struck – named as ‘Al Rakkaz shop’.

According to a number of other reports, residential homes were struck. Finally, one source claimed that a weapons and ammunition store was struck. It can be educed from this that the entire vicinity was struck with a thorough aerial bombardment.

Additionally, many reports claimed that civilians were burned, charred and disfigured in the aftermath of the raid. One source reported that many of the wounded were in a serious condition and the death toll was likely to rise.

According to a source, six unidentified civilians were also found dead.

A single source reported that 15 members of ISIS were killed in this airstrike. There are no other reports of ISIS, all other sources reported that the victims were civilians.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Jalal Obaid Al Ali Al-Jassim
Adult male killed
Hail Jalal Al Jassem
Age unknown killed
Abud Nasir al-Humaidan
Age unknown male killed
Khaled Nasser al-Humaidan
Age unknown male killed
Marwan Najm al-Muwayna
Age unknown killed
Aziz Khalaf al-Rahil
Age unknown killed
Taha Ali al-Mari
Age unknown killed
Ali Asravel
Age unknown male killed
Al-Barouj
Age unknown killed
Mohammed Ali Al-Dakhin
Age unknown male killed
Bassam Al-Mayouf
Age unknown killed
Mohammed al-Saud
Age unknown male killed
Ahmed Al-Hussein
Age unknown male killed
Maher Aboud Al Khalaf
Age unknown male killed
Amin Ali al-Dakhin
Age unknown killed
Fadel Ali al-Mar'i
Age unknown killed
Mohammed Khader al-Baruj
Age unknown male killed
Mohammad Nouri al Mansour
Age unknown male from Al Ji’aa killed
Allawai al Sarafil
Age unknown killed
Son of Abdallah al Sarafil
Age unknown male killed
Yazin al Mihbash
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 30
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • The exact moment an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid targeted Al-Salhiya, 24th January 2017. (via @Fh4301)
  • The exact moment an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid targeted Al-Salhiya, 24th January 2017. (via @Fh4301)
  • The exact moment an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid targeted Al-Salhiya, 24th January 2017. (via @Fh4301)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dead civilians in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid targeted Al-Salhiya, 24th January 2017. (via @Fh4301)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid targeted Al-Salhiya, 24th January 2017. (via DeirEzzor24)
  • Jalal Al Ali al Jassem, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid targeted Al-Salhiya, 24th January 2017. (via AlSharqiya)
  • News bulletin reporting on an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid targeted Al-Salhiya, 24th January 2017. (via EuphratesPost)
  • The exact moment an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid targeted Al-Salhiya, 24th January 2017. (via EuphratesPost)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Hayel Jalal al Ali al Jassem, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid targeted Al-Salhiya, 24th January 2017. (via AlSharqiya)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any specific strikes between January 1st – 31st 2017.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 30
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2248

Incident date

May 22, 2017

Location

العرضي, Al A'radi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3352757, 40.1499438 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between four and 30 civilians, including two to four women and two to five children, were killed and between 20 and 30 others, including women and children, were injured in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes against the Al A’radi neighborhood of Deir Ezzor city, local media reported.

At the time of reporting seven civilian deaths, Deir Ezzor News acknowledged that the number of those dead was subject to increase due to many civilians in critical condition. Euphrates Post also reported that in addition to the eight civilians they stated were killed, 10 others among the wounded were in critical condition.

There were conflicting reports given as to who was responsible for carrying out the airstrikes. The majority of sources, including Syria News Desk and Violations Documentation Center, blamed regime planes for the casualties caused by the airstrikes. However, other sources, including Syrian-Mirror and @HalabTodayTV, identified Russian planes as responsible for the airstrikes.

According to local sources, at least six airstrikes were carried out and struck five residential buildings on Hanano Street near the Harwil mosque in the center of the neighborhood. In addition to air fire from aviation, Smart News reported that artillery fire also struck the town. The raids resulted in the complete destruction of two floors of three buildings, damage to three other buildings, a few shops and their products, and a number of civilian cars.

The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities and civil defense teams were still removing victims from the rubble and clearing the streets well into the night. Included in those killed was the wife of Tha’er Al Fallah and two of her children and the husband, wife, and three of the daughters of the al Arwa family. At the time of the airstrikes, it was alleged that the area was under the control of ISIS and multiple local sources reported that members of ISIS were also killed in the airstrikes.

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

The victims were named as:

Adult female killed
Adult female killed
Adult female killed
Adult male Displaced from Palmyra killed
Adult female Displaced from Palmyra killed
Child female Displaced from Palmyra killed
Child female Displaced from Palmyra killed
Child female Displaced from Palmyra injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 30
  • (2–5 children2–4 women2–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–30
  • 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 (29) [ 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

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 30
  • (2–5 children2–4 women2–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–30
  • 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 (29) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS991

Incident date

July 11, 2016

Location

Bizza Square and Bab Maqam, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.204919, 37.152397 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two attacks reportedly occurred in Bab Maqam, Old Aleppo within moments of one another. The first incident took place specifically in Bizza Square, and the other in another part of Bab Maqam. Two sources reported that all together, in both incidents, 30 people were killed in Bab Maqam. LCCSY said that “Assad forces intensive shelling and the Russian bombardment led to two massacres in Old Aleppo region, where 15 civilian martyrs were reported by bombardment of the monumental neighbourhood of Bab Maqam.” The source went on to say that “10 other martyrs and wounded were reported in Bizza Square due to Assad’s warplane bombardment.”

It has been reported by various sources that in Bizza Square between 10 and 17 people were killed, including women and children. Video evidence showed a resident of Bizza Square carrying his deceased son through the streets screaming “my son Mohammed Jalal“.

Jisrtv reported that Syrian regime warplanes were responsible for the destruction caused in this area of Bab Maqam. Smart News Agency posted a video which shows men, and children being dug out of the rubble by Civil Defence members, and later went on to claim that the air raids were resultant of Russian warplane shelling. Alsharq News, Sinn News and LCCSY both blamed the Syrian regime for the air raid attack.

Various local news sources stated that the second raid killed 20 people. Once again, both Russian and Syrian regime warplanes have been blamed for the shelling.

There have been claims that 15 people were wounded in this attack, however most other reports such as those from Enab Baladi are vague, claiming that “others” were wounded.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Jalal
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    25 – 30
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (15) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A father screams "my son Mohammed Jalal", as he carries his body through the streets following Assad regime and Russian bombardments in Bizza Square, Bab Maqam, 11th/12th July 2016.
  • Photographs of the destruction in Bizza Square, Bab Maqam - the aftermath of alleged Russian strikes (Tweet by @ShehabAgency)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Bizza Square, Aleppo. A man walks through the streets carrying his son killed in alleged Russian attacks (Youtube by The White Helmets)
  • A JCB works its way through the rubble at Bizza Square (via Jisrtv)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A man walks down the road in Bab Maqam holding a young boy in his arms following alleged airstrikes (via SNN)
  • Destruction in Bizza Square (via Smart)
  • A destroyed vehicle amongst rubble and clouds of dust in Bizza Square (via Smart)
  • Signifactn material damage at Bizza Square following suspected Russian or Regime airstrikes (via Smart)
  • A White Helmet member at the site of destruction in Bizza Square (via Smart)
  • Local people work their way through the rubble at Bizza Square (via Smart)
  • The White Helmets provide aid at Bizza Square following suspected Russian or Regime attacks (via Smart)
  • The interior of a paint store in disarray following th suspected Russian or Regime raids on Bizza Square (via Smart)
  • Numerous vehicles destroyed and masses of rubble at Bizza Square (via Smart)
  • Local people in the devasted Bizza Square, results of alleged Russian warplanes (via Baladi)
  • Civilians covered in dust try and save victims of the alleged attacks on Bizza Square (Tweet by @MehdenL)

Unknown Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Unknown

Russia has not reported any strikes between July 1st – 14th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    25 – 30
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS993

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Location

Al Hadlat camp, near Al Hammad, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

32.857888, 37.820134 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes on Al Hadlat camp for displaced persons which reportedly killed up to 30 civilians. The camp is on the border near Al Hammad, in the Hammad Desert.

Saeed Seif, a media activist in Badiyat Sham (Sham Desert), reported that there were more than seven raids on the camp, which used cluster bombs and injured up to 40 people.

Syria Direct claimed that there were five Russian raids which killed 17 civilians  – including women and children – and “wounded others”. Khaberni News placed the numbers of wounded higher at 50, as did the Syrian Newsdesk.

Many of the wounded were taken to Jordanian hospitals for medial treatment.

According to Syrian Newsdesk, “it was very difficult to transport the injured towards the Jordanian border, due to the continued flight of the Russian aviation over the area.”

Multiple sources reported the use of missiles and cluster bombs on the camp.

Against Terrorism said  that more than 20 people were killed in the raids, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the figure at 30 including 2 children.

Khaberni News claimed that “the camp hosts the family of fighters who are working against IS and are supported by the coalition.” The majority of the residents of the displaced camp were originally from Dier Ezzor and had escaped from ISIS control. LCCSY also reported that there were more than 350 families in the camp and most of them were the families of rebels.

The Reuters Report claimed that this was the first attack of its kind near the Jordanian border.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Sanna Ali Jakka
Age unknown killed
Anas Mohammad
Age unknown killed
Ranjiha al Alian
Age unknown killed
Sham Hasan al Matar
Age unknown killed
Ismail Mohammad al Kahhal
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 30
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–50
  • 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

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Jordanian soldiers take the wounded from the camp near its borders to its hospitals. July 12th 2016, Al Hadlat camp.
  • A Russian warplane allegedly attacked the displaced persons camp near Al-Hammad (Youtube via SMO)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A bloodied child - the aftermath of suspected Russian shelling on Al Hammad (via Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently) [Page no longer available - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A wounded or potentially dead child - the aftermath of suspected Russian shelling on Al Hammad (via Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently) [Page no longer available - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian child cries whilst laying on the floor - the aftermath of suspected Russian shelling on Al Hammad (via Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently) [Page no longer available - accessed via Airwars archive]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia is not known to have publicly reported on the locations of any airstrikes during July 2016.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 30
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–50
  • 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

Sources (29) [ collapse]