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

CS1277

Incident date

July 26, 2017

Location

بلدة الطيبة, Al Tayba, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.0052619, 40.4581082 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 15 civilians including nine people from the same family died and dozens more were injured in airstrikes near Taybah in Mayadin, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the Coalition or Russia were to blame.

The Step News Agency, Smart News Agency and Zamanalwasl were among sources pointing towards the US-led Coalition. According to Smart, nine civilians from one family – including five women – died, with dozens more injured.

The Step News Agency put the death toll even higher at 15.

Euphrates Post (who referred only to “military aircraft”) and other sources named victims from the Al-Manfi family (including four children).

A number of other sources said that the warplanes responsible had not be identified.

According to @zaidbenjamin, 14 non-combatants died, including five children and four women.

Other sources gave more detail on the locations of the strikes. Qasioun reported that “one of the raids targeted a house near the agricultural building in the town, killing two women and four children from one family”, while Euphrates Post added that strikes also “targeted the vicinity of Koniku gas field and the crossing of the town of Tiyana and Badia Albuqmal”. Multiple sources said that civilian homes were struck.

One source – the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights – suggested that the strikes may have been carried out by Moscow, reporting that “explosions were heard in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, as a result of airstrikes carried out by warplanes targeting locations in Taybah area. It is unknown whether the planes were Russian or belonged to the international Coalition”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (9)

Salman Saddam Al-Manfi
Age unknown killed
Abd al-Aziz Saddam Al-Manfi
Age unknown killed
Daughter of Saddam Al-Manfi
Age unknown female killed
Saddam’s Al-Manfi wife
Adult female killed
Hossan Hamid Al-Manfi
Age unknown male killed
Salman Hamed Al-Manfi
Age unknown killed
Daughter of Saddam Al-Manfi
Age unknown female killed
Umm Jassem, wife of Mohamed Hamada Al-Manfi
Adult female killed
Wife of Abed Hamid Al-Manfi
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 15
  • (4–5 children2–5 women)
  • 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

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of the alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes which targeted Deir Ezzor, 26th July 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)

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
  • Stated location
    near al Tayba, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018
  • 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.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 26th-27th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed three ISIS well-heads.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Wednesday 26 July – a Reaper destroyed a terrorist truck in eastern Syria..A Royal Air Force Reaper flew an armed reconnaissance mission over eastern Syria on Wednesday 26 July. A group of armed terrorists were observed boarding a truck, and the Reaper’s crew tracked the vehicle as it headed west along a desert road, some 20 miles south-south-east of Hasakah, before engaging with a Hellfire missile once it was in an isolated location. The missile scored a direct hit which destroyed the truck.’

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 15
  • (4–5 children2–5 women)
  • 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

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1496 RS2451

Incident date

September 15, 2017

Location

شميطية, Shumaytiyah, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.4710166, 39.9351239 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One woman, died after unidentified warplanes conducted a raid on the town of Shumaytiyah (شمیطیة) in rural west Deir Ezzor, local sources said. There is limited information on the incident, Airwars will update the entry when new information arises.

Additionally, Deir Ezzor 24 and Asharq Asouri named two adult males as killed at a refugee camp i n Shumaytiyah – and blamed Russia for their deaths.

However western Deir Ezzor falls into the regime/Russian part of the deconfliction line, making this highly unlikely to be a Coalition action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

The victims were named as:

Fatima Moussa al-Aloush
Age unknown female killed
Name unknown
Age unknown

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 woman2 men)
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Translation: 'Martyrdom of both Abdul Razzaq Al Ahmad Al Fayyad AbdulSamad Al Abdul Mohsen Al Fayyad'.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Shumaytiyah (شمیطیة), for which the coordinates are: 35.4710166, 39.9351239. 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
  • Stated location
    near al Shammatia, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018
  • 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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 14th-15th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two vehicles.“ and "Additionally, 38 strikes consisting of 55 engagements were conducted in Syria and Iraq on Sept. 14 that closed within the last 24 hours. On Sept. 14, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria six strikes destroyed an ISIS UAS, a fighting position, an ISIS supply route and suppressed three fighting positions"

For September 15th - 16th, the Coalition reported: "Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes [1 British?] engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions" and "Additionally, 13 strikes consisting of 18 engagements were conducted in Syria and Iraq on Sept. 15 that closed within the last 48 hours. On Sept. 15, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, five strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions and a command and control node"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Friday 15 September – a Reaper supported coalition airstrikes near Dayr az Zawr, and delivered two attacks itself against extremists in the open, whilst Typhoons destroyed a Daesh-held building… On Friday 15 September, a Reaper was again very active north-east of Dayr az Zawr; it provided support to coalition airstrikes which destroyed three Daesh-held buildings, then conducted two attacks on its own account with Hellfire missiles against terrorists moving through the area. Nearby, a Typhoon flight bombed a further Daesh-held building.’

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
    1 – 3
  • (1 woman2 men)
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1696 RS2799

Incident date

December 13, 2017

Location

الجردي الشرقي, Al Jarthi al Sharqi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.868793, 40.6480229 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 33 named civilians including 16 children and six women died and at least 10 more were wounded in airstrikes on al Jarthi al Sharqi, according to local media. VDC-SY reported that the airstrike was conducted on the 12th of December, whereas our research shows it was in fact on the 13th of December. All but one source said that the US-led Coalition was responsible. The Step News Agency was alone in pointing to Russia.

According to Al Haall, there were “more than eight raids on civilian houses”.

Euphrates Post blamed the Coalition, reporting “more than 20 martyrs and a number of wounded, most of them displaced civilians from the town of Sbeikhan”.

Al Qouriya media centre, also attributing the event to the Coalition, put the death toll at 25, naming the same victims as Euphrates Post.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who also blamed the Coalition, “the warplanes targeted places in the village after midnight just before the control of SDF of it. The airstrike caused of a massacre of 23 people of one family including 8 children under the age of eighteen, and 6 citizen women over the age of eighteen. The casualties are displaced from Sbikhan town to the village of Eastern al-Jerthi, and the death toll is expected to rise because there are some people in critical situation”.

Other sources blaming the Coalition included SANA, Eldorar, the Shaam News Network, Baladi and Smart, which put the death toll at 11, with 10 more wounded.

However, the Step News Agency said that Russia was responsible.

VDC-SY named the victims and reported on the death of 16 children and six women. 

The Syrian Network for Human Rights later reported a higher civilian casualty figure, stating that “at least 29 civilians, including 21 children and 5 women, killed as International Coalition warplanes fired missiles on al Jerthi al Sharqi village in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern suburbs, on December 13, 2017.”

The incident was first reported on December 13, 2017 at 11:20 am by .

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

the only surviving one of them is the father (Saleh)
the only surviving one of them is his son Mohammed

The victims were named as:

Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult female killed
Adult male killed
Adult female killed
Adult female killed
Child male killed
Child male killed
Child male killed
Adult female killed
Adult female killed
Child male killed
Child male killed
Child male killed
Child male killed
Child female killed
Child male killed
Adult male killed
Child male killed
Adult female killed
Child male killed
Child female killed
Child female killed
Child female killed
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 33
  • (16 children6 women5 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
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition raid on town of al-Jarthi, Dec 13th (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Al Jarthi Al Sharqi (الجردي الشرقي), for which the coordinates are: 34.868793, 40.6480229

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 26, 2018
  • 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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For December 12th-13th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, seven strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed two ISIS vehicles and a heavy weapon.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Tuesday 12 December – a Reaper struck a group of terrorists firing on the Syrian Democratic Forces in the east of the country...The Syrian Democratic Forces have continued to clear a number of villages held by Daesh along the Euphrates in eastern Syria, between Abu Kamal and Mayadin. Royal Air Force Reapers have provided significant support to these operations, their very long endurance, precision weaponry and advanced surveillance equipment allowing them to maintain effective overwatch for the SDF advances on the ground. On Tuesday 12 December, a Reaper identified a small group of Daesh extremists firing on the SDF. The Reaper’s crew kept very close watch on a number of civilians, including women and children, who were evacuating the village, and waited until they were clear of the area before conducting a successful attack on the terrorists with a Hellfire missile

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

The Wagram Task Force continues its support for security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, two firefighting missions were carried out for the benefit of the Iraqi security forces (balance sheet from 6 to 10 December). Since the beginning of its mission, the TF Wagram, realized 1589 shooting missions. This week, the air activity focused on intelligence missions for the benefit of Iraqi security forces and Syrian democratic forces.There were 20 sorties (Nov 6th-10th) but no strikes were conducted. It gave rise to 20 aerial sorties (balance sheet from 06 to 10 December). During these outings no hits were made. Total balance since 19/09/14: 7561 sorties / 1422 strikes / 2209 targets destroyed

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Libération de l’Irak Cette semaine a été marquée par l’annonce par le premier ministre irakien de la libération de l’Irak et de la fin de la guerre contre l’Etat Islamique. Cette annonce fait suite à l’achèvement de la dernière opération d’ampleur dans le désert de Jézirah et à la reprise par les forces de sécurité irakiennes du contrôle de l’ensemble de la frontière entre l’Irak et la Syrie. La victoire militaire sur l’Etat Islamique ne signifie cependant pas la fin des opérations militaires ni strictement la fin des combats. Des poches terroristes subsistantes en Syrie En Syrie, le long de la frontière irako-syrienne, Daech contrôle encore quelques poches que les forces de sécurité syriennes s’attachent à réduire. Les combats y sont encore intenses, notamment dans le nord-ouest d’Abou Kamal, sur la rive orientale de l’Euphrate. EFFORT DE LA COALITION Poursuite du soutien aux forces locales En Irak, l’effort de la coalition porte sur le soutien aux forces de sécurité irakiennes actuellement impliquées dans des opérations de sécurisation et de stabilisation. En Syrie, la coalition poursuit son soutien aux forces démocratiques syriennes engagées dans des combats contre plusieurs poches terroristes restantes situées sur la rive orientale de l’Euphrate. Préparation de la période hivernale pour les réfugiés Avec l’arrivée de la période hivernale, la coalition s’attache à mettre en place les conditions permettant aux nombreux réfugiés et déplacés de passer l’hiver dans les meilleures conditions possibles. Ces opérations sont dirigées par le général Parisot, Senior National Représentative français, dont l’une des attributions est également de diriger la cellule en charge des actions civilo-militaires de l’état-major de l’opération Inherent Resolve. Dans ce cadre, trois C-17 américains ont récemment acheminé de l’aide humanitaire à Raqqa qui reste néanmoins infestée d’engins explosifs improvisés malgré les travaux de dépollution en cours. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE la Task Force Wagram en appui des dernières opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, deux missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (bilan du 6 au 10 décembre). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1589 missions de tirs. Activité aérienne Cette semaine, l’activité aérienne s’est concentrée sur des missions de renseignement au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes et des forces démocratiques syriennes. Elle a donné lieu à 20 sorties aériennes (bilan du 06 au 10 décembre). Au cours de ces sorties aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7561 sorties / 1422 frappes / 2209 objectifs neutralisés.’

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

The Russian Ministry of Defence announced being active in unspecified parts of Syria until December 11th, 2017.


Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 33
  • (16 children6 women5 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
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1108

Incident date

August 8, 2016

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.371972, 37.51631 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Russian warplanes bombed the city of Al Bab in eastern Aleppo and while casualties were reported, according to local media. However, reports didn’t provide specific casualty figures.

There were no estimates of the number. Both @SRG_Syria and LCCSY blamed Russia – though the majority of sources referred only to “warplanes”.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

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.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1140

Incident date

August 13, 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

Between three and eight civilians died a several more were wounded in an airstrike on Atarbib, according to local media. While at least two sources blamed Russia, one pointed towards the regime, and many others didn’t identify the culprit.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights, Radio Al Kul and Halab Today blamed Russia. According to Halab Today, as many as eight civilians died in the attack. Other sources put the death toll at either four or six.

According to @BNN_2016, two women died in “Russian raids”. Shahba Press reported that a child was killed in addition to two women, and also attributed the event to Moscow.

Sources added that residential buildings were destroyed and published images of the aftermath of the strike.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Hamod family
Adult female named by AMC killed
Hamod family
Child female named by AMC killed
Hamod family
Child named by AMC killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 8
  • (1–2 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of the alleged raid on Al Atarib, 13th August 2016. (via, AMC)
  • The aftermath of the alleged raid on Al Atarib, 13th August 2016. (via, AMC)
  • The aftermath of the alleged raid on Al Atarib, 13th August 2016. (via, AMC)
  • The aftermath of the alleged raid on Al Atarib, 13th August 2016. (via, AMC)
  • Damage to the local infrastructure in the aftermath of the raid. (via, Baladi News)
  • Damage to a car in the aftermath of the raid. (via, Baladi News)
  • Damage to the local infrastructure in the aftermath of the raid. (via, Baladi News)
  • Damage to the local infrastructure in the aftermath of the raid. (via, Baladi 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 12th – 13th 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 – 8
  • (1–2 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1172

Incident date

August 20, 2016

Location

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1475457, 36.9448239 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 10 and 16 civilians including women and children died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Orme Al-Kubra, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. The majority of reports, however, pointed to Russia.

The lowest death count was given as 10 by the Shaam News Network.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “on Saturday afternoon 20 August 2016, alleged Russian warplanes fired missiles at the residential buildings in the vicinity of the market of Urm Al Kubra town, located in the western suburbs of Aleppo governorate. This resulted in the deaths 12 individuals including three children and two women.”

LCCSY put the death toll higher, at 15, blaming “Russian airstrikes with rockets and cluster bombs”, which reportedly struck “a market and four-story building.” A subsequent reported noted that “Russia jointly with the Assad regime committed numerous massacres in Aleppo in Saturday”.

A number of other sources put the death toll as high as 16. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, there was “an aerial bombardment on Orme Al-Kubra and Kafar Halab in which barrel bombs were used”. The Observatory said that of the 16 who died across these two locations, two were children and a further four were women.

However, AMC and Tiqa attributed the event to the regime, with AMC adding that many people were still trapped under the rubble.

Syrian Press Center and other sources noted that dozens had also been claimed wounded.

Halab News listed victims and also named a further 11 unidentified fatalities.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Khalil Mahmoud Darwish
Age unknown male killed
Abdul Rahman Khalil Darwish
Age unknown male killed
Rahman Khalil Darwish
Adult female killed

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Mustafa Hamdo
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 16
  • (2–3 children1–4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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 (37) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Inside of a civilian home in the aftermath of the alleged raid. (via, AMC)
  • Aftermath of the alleged raid. (via AMC)
  • Aftermath of the alleged raid. (via AMC)
  • Aftermath of the alleged raid. (via AMC)
  • The aftermath of the alleged raid. (via, Thiqa News Agency)

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 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
    10 – 16
  • (2–3 children1–4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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 (37) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1205

Incident date

September 1, 2016

Location

الزعفرانة, Zafarana, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.8933447, 36.7788246 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to four civilians including a child and one woman died in airstrikes on Zafarana, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible for the attacks.

The majority of sources, including Yaarabaladeli9, Step News Agency, Alghad Alsoury, and NabdSyria, blamed Russia.

Baladi, also blaming Russia, put the death toll at three including one woman and a child.

According to SND, Russia used phosphorous bombs, leading to the deaths of three civilians.

One sources, Smart, attributed the event to the regime, while a number of others referred only to “warplanes”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult male killed
Child female killed
Ahmed Al-Shamali
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (1 child1 woman2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • 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 (16) [ collapse]

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 September 1st – 30th 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 – 4
  • (1 child1 woman2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • 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 (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1237

Incident date

September 7, 2016

Location

حي السكري, Sukkari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.17594, 37.14111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 28 civilians died and up to 57 more were wounded in airstrikes on the Sukkari neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible.

Sources reported three or four raids, with the lowest civilian death toll given as 12 by Ara news.

Syria News Desk reported that “20 civilians were killed, including five children, and more than 15 others were wounded due to the Russian warplanes targeting the popular vegetable market and residential buildings in the central neighborhood of al Sukkari with two rockets. Abu Mohammed al-Halabi of Syria News Desk said that buildings collapsed on top of their occupants”.

Smart was among many sources attributing the event to Moscow. It reported that as well as the strike on the vegetable market, there was shelling “near Al-Ikhlas mosque”. It put the death toll as 28 civilians including 17 women and children with a further 49 people injured.

Elwatan also said 28 died but added that as many as 57 were also wounded.

According to LCCSY, also blaming Russia, most of those killed and wounded were women and children – victims of “two vacuum missile attacks on the residential houses”.

However, Zamanalwasl, AMC and Alitihadpress said that the regime was responsible.

A number of other sources didn’t apportion blame, referring only to “warplanes”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Khalil Abdul-Ghani Kazaz
40 years old killed
Jamil Mohammed Sa’eed
52 years old killed
Hussein Mahmood Al-Jasim
12 years old killed
Ahmad Salem Ashrafi
23 years old killed
Ahmad Bader Aldeen Banshi
18 years old male killed
Ali Al-shaghel
Age unknown killed
Mahmood Mahmood
Age unknown male killed
Unidentified child
2 years old killed
Murjan
7 years old killed
Abdo Abdallah Rahhal
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 28
  • (5 children3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–57
  • 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 (39) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (17) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The White Helmets rescue mission in Sukkari, Aleppo. Footage contains distressing and graphic material of both wounded and killed civilians (Youtube via Insaan Rights Watch)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian covered in blood in Sukkari, the human impact of alleged Russian warplane shelling (via Smart)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A street scene in Sukkari following alleged Russian warplane shelling. Local people stand over the bodies of victims and blood covers the street (via Zamanalwasl)
  • The White Helmets alongside local people in Sukkari - upheaval caused by suspected Russian shelling (via Baladi)
  • Civilians survey the destruction on a street in Sukkari, Aleppo, full of rubble following suspected Russian shelling (via Syrianpc)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Distressed civilians in Sukkari - bodies of victims on stretchers and trees fallen, the impact of alleged Regime warplane shelling (via Alitihadpress)
  • The search for wounded civilians continued into the night in Sukkari (Tweet via @HalabNewsN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    One of the children who survived the suspected warplane shelling on Sukkari (Tweet via @HalabTodayTV)
  • Buildings burn in Sukkari, the consequences of alleged warplane shelling (Tweet via @aa_arabic)
  • A child civilian cleaned and treated for wounds sustained in alleged Russian shelling on Sukkari (Tweet via @AleppoAMC)
  • The destroyed streets of Sukkari, Aleppo. The aftermath of suspected Russian warplane shelling (via HNN Facebook) [Page no longer available - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • Local people survey the scene in Sukkari - mass material destruction and civilian cost, the impact of suspected Russian shelling (via HNN Facebook) [Page no longer available accessed via Airwars archive]
  • Russian warplanes allegedly struck Sukkari - the photograph shows significant damage to buildings in addition to the human cost (via HNN Facebook) [Page no longer available - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • Significant material destruction in Sukkari, Aleppo (via HNN Facebook) [Page no longer available - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • Small children treated by medics in Sukkari for injuried sustained in alleged Russian warplane shelling (via AMC)
  • Two young children weep in the streets of Sukkari, their father was killed by alleged Russian warplanes (Youtube via AMC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Distressing footage of children wounded and crying whilst receiving medical treatment in Sukkari (Youtube via AMC)

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 September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 28
  • (5 children3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–57
  • 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 (39) [ collapse]