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

RS935

Incident date

June 25, 2016

Location

القورية, Al Qouria, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.96, 40.55 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a major casualty incident, up to 80 civilians including 29 children and 21 women died and up to 100 more were wounded in airstrikes on al Qouria town, according to local media. Reports said that entire families were wiped out, and Airwars has listed the names of 74 victims. It is currently unclear who was responsible for the event, which sources blaming both Russia and the Assad regime.

The highest death toll was given by Al Araby, who put the number killed at “more than 80 people”. The Shaam News Network also said the number killed had risen to 80 (including 25 children), reporting “mass burials that break the heart.”

The Syrian News Network quoted UNICEF and said  “that there were reports of the deaths of 25 children in crowded areas in the town of Al-Quriyah in Deir ez-Zor air strikes”.

According to The Syrian Human Rights Committee (SHRC) there were “several raids with cluster bombs, killing 72 people, including 25 children, and injuring dozens of others”.

Similarly, a tweet from @salqin reported  “more than 70 victims, mostly women and children”.

Sources said that the airstrikes targeted civilian residential areas and reportedly one mosque.

A correspondent for the Deir ez-Zor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that “entire families were decimated by the air raids that targeted Al Iman Mosque and the surrounding area in the city center”.  Deirezzor24 News also said that the raids were “targeting civilian and densely populated areas”

Syria4all also mentioned the bombing of the mosque, quoting media activist Amer Huwaydi, who Syria4all that “Russian aircraft launched several air raids on the city targeting the al-Iman mosque in the town which was under control of Daesh.”

It is contested who was responsible for the airstrikes, with sources pointing to both Russia and the Assad regime.

However, the majority of the sources – such as Syrian News Network, Syrian Network for Human Rights, Syrian Press Center, Jsirtv News and al-Arabiya – attributed the strikes to Russia, while only a few sources including Baladi News and Syrian Network for Human Rights, pointed to the Assad regime.

A number of sources referenced the unlawful use of cluster munitions and phosphorous bombs.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (16)

Hosam Othman Al Sultan
Child killed
Islam Othman Al Sultan
Child female killed
Udai Mothanna Al Sultan
Child killed
Yousef Muthanna Al Sultan
Child male killed
Feryal Mothanna Al Sultan
Child female killed
Faten Mothanna Al Sultan
Child female killed
Janin Mothanna Al Sultan
7 months years old female killed
Jehan Mohammad Al Sultan
Child female killed
Hamid Yousef Al Sultan
Child killed
Athari Yousef Al Sultan
Child female killed
Bader Hamid Al Sultan
Child female killed
Amal Hasan Al Shrabi, wife of Othman Al Sultan
Adult female killed
Najat Assaf Al Shuwyikh, wife of Muthanna Al Sultan
Adult female killed
Faten Yousef Al Sultan
Adult female killed
Muslim Hamdan Al Sultan
Adult male killed
Hamid Al Sultan
Adult male killed

Family members (10)

Hazzar Mohammad Ahmad Al Rmeih
Child killed
Hamid Mohammad Ahmad Al Rmeih
Child killed
Amina Jasem Al Mhemid, wife of Hamid Ahmad Al Rmeih
Adult female killed
Nadya Mohammad Ahmad Al Rmeih
Child female killed
Janin Hamid Ahmad Al Rmeih
9 months years old female killed
Faisal Saleh Ahmad Al Rmeih
Child killed
Amjad Saleh Ahmad Al Rmeih
Child female killed
Mohammad Saleh Ahmad Al Rmeih
Child male killed
Yahya Al Ali Al Eid Al Rmeih
Child killed
Fatima Al Hussein Al Rmeih
Adult female killed

Family members (2)

Joud Ibrahim Akla Al Karkour
Child female killed
Hamza Ibrahim Akla Al Karkour
Child killed

Family members (2)

Adham Abdul Athim Aboud Al Joumaa
Child killed
Ayham Abdul Athim Aboud Al Joumaa
Child killed

Family members (3)

Walid Khaled Jamil Al Khleif Al Hamid
Child killed
Mohammad Khaled Jamil Khleif Al Hamid
Child male killed
Mohammad Al Jamil Al Khleif Al Hamid
Child male killed

Family members (8)

Mohammad Mahmoud Sayer Al Bibini
Child male killed
Nawal Mohammad Abdul Karim Al Bibini
Child male
Mariam Yousef Al Ali Al Bibini
Adult female killed
Ohoud Naser Al Hasan Al Bibini, wife of Mohammad Hamid Al Sultan
Adult female killed
Faisal Assad Srai Al Bibini
Adult male killed
Amjad Thaer Al Sayer Al Bibini
Adult male killed
Sultan Hamid Ibeid Al Bibini
Adult male killed
Mohammad AbdulAhad Al Khalaf Al Bibini
Adult male killed

Family members (8)

Amina Al Salama Al Khleif, wife of Ibrahim Al Karkour
Adult female killed
Fatima Al Salama Al Khleif
Adult female killed
Joud Moammad Salama Al Khleif
Adult female killed
Heba Wahhab Al Khleif
Adult female killed
Ilham Wahhab Al Khleif
Adult female killed
Yazan Mohammad Salama Al Khleif
Adult male killed
Suliman Wahhab Al Khleif
Adult male killed
Asmaa Saleh Al Hatroush, wife of Khaled Al Jamil Al Khleif
Adult female killed

Family members (5)

Bara’a Jamil Khalaf Al Hamid
Adult female killed
Bara’a Jamil Khalaf Al Hamid
Adult female killed
Khadija Jamil Khleif Al Hamid
Adult female killed
Amina Abdul Karim Al Housh, wife of Amer Al Naji
Adult female killed
Zahra Al Khleif Al Abid Al Awwad, wife of Ali Al Hamed
Adult female killed

Family members (5)

Wahab al Hamid
Adult male killed
Family of Wahab al Hamid
Age unknown killed
Family of Wahab al Hamid
Age unknown killed
Family of Wahab al Hamid
Age unknown killed
Family of Wahab al Hamid
Age unknown killed

Family members (3)

Abdullah Mahmoud Al Abbash
Adult male killed
Mother of Abdullah Mahmoud Al Abbash
Adult female killed
Son of Abdullah Mahmoud Al Abbash
Age unknown male killed

Family members (4)

Abdul Rahman Saleh Al Rajab
Adult male killed
Family of Abdul Rahman Saleh Al Rajab
Age unknown killed
Family of Abdul Rahman Saleh Al Rajab
Age unknown killed
Family of Abdul Rahman Saleh Al Rajab
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Mahmoud Zakariya Al Turki Al Haj
Child male killed
Rayyan Abdullah Mahmoud Al Abbash
Child killed
Matra Hamdan Al Abd Al Ali
Age unknown female killed
Amouna Hamid Al J’eis
Adult female killed
Sabah Al Bahsh
Adult female killed
Ahmad Jamil Khleif Al Hamid
Adult male killed
Abdurrahman Al Ali Al Hamed
Adult male killed
Yousef Al Hussein Al Mohammad Al Ali
Adult male killed
Mohammad Saloum Al Abd Al Wahed
Adult male killed
The son of Muhammad Al Wardi al Younis
Age unknown male killed
Mohamed Mahmoud Al-Sayer Albeyena
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    74 – 80
  • (29 children21 women12 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–100
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • The moment warplanes carried out a strike on al Qouria town, June 25th (via SO4HR)
  • Sultan Hamid Obeid, reportedly one of up to 29 children killed in alleged Russian airstrike on Al Quoira, June 25th (via LCCSY)
  • Nawal Muhammad Abdulkarim, killed in an alleged Russia strike on Al Quoria, June 25th (via LCCSY)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    74 – 80
  • (29 children21 women12 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–100
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS292

Incident date

December 20, 2015

Location

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.93062, 36.63393 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 43 and 73 civilians were reported killed and 70-170 injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Idlib, according to multiple sources.

Al Jazeera posted a video from the main market on Al Jala’a street in which the reporter said 47 non-combatants were killed and 70 injured, in strikes by Russian warplanes. The correspondent said the street contained two schools, Al Ourouba school and a primary school, and that Russian planes were still circling the skies of idlib, despite a local truce agreed in the area. Al Jazeera English later posted a film by Nagieb Khaja which claimed the death toll had risen to 73.

The Shaam News Network reported that Russian strikes targeted the Al Qoussour neighbourhood, the industrial area and the city centre. It initially said 50 died including women and children and that more than 170 were injured including critical cases, in six Russian raids targeting a party branch, residential buildings and the Department of School Books.

SNN added that there had been fears of repeated raids as the White Helmets attempted to evacuate the area and rescue bodies. A member of the White Helmets said the field hospital was full of casualties, that it had not been possible to identify them all, and that teams continued to search for survivors under the rubble.

A subsequent report by SNN said that a Sharia court had also been struck, killing in total more than 95 people and leaving hundreds injured.

One of the dead was named as Samir Sweden, an engineer and a prominent table tennis judge, who was killed when his home was hit. According to an obituary: “Engineer Samir Sweden, was born in the city of Idlib in 1960, he studied engineering in the city of Aleppo University, and founded 5 years ago the page Deaths in Idlib via Facebook, which was the most prominent reference and the most accurate in terms of counting the number of deaths [from the civil war] maintained on a daily basis.”

The Syrian Network for Human Rights initially published a short report blaming the regime for the attacks and putting the death toll at 18. But a subsequent detailed report blamed Russia, and documented the death of 42 civilians, including a child and two women, and one armed man, plus 122 wounded. According to the report:

Three alleged Russian warplanes launched 6 airstrikes with 8 rockets on vital regions in the middle of Idlib city. The estimated region’s area is 1 Km2.

– Four rockets fell on a region called ‘the security region’ in Al Qusour neighborhood in Idlib. It included several government buildings like the military and air force security branches, the governor’s palace and Al Ba’ath Party building that was transformed by the armed opposition to a court and a prison that included 200 individuals who were .accused of different charges

-Two rockets targeted Al Jalaa’ nearby street which includes the city’s main market, a  warehouse for school books, and a high school

-Two rockets targeted a residential building behind Al Hayat Mosque.”

Mr Omar Abu Abdullah, a civil activist witnessed the shelling and told SN4HR: “At about 10 am, three Russian warplanes launched an air strike on Al Jalaa’Street next to Al Ourouba Female High School. I went to the shelling location and before I got there, the Russian warplanes launched another airstrike on the court’s building that was previously the headquarters for the ruling regime party. I was next to the high school and the civil defense members were trying to evacuate the injured people and transport the dead bodies. I saw great destruction in the school’s book warehouse building since it was near the high school. However, the massacre happened next to court’s building. I went there and saw the place completely destroyed. The smell of charcoaled bodies was all over the place and I heard distress sounds from the court’s basement where .the court’s prison was.”

Mr Mohamad Yehya, another civil defence member in Idlib city added: “The greatest number of victims was in the court which was almost completely destroyed. It took us two days to pull the victims’ bodies from under the rubble. During our rescue mission, the Russian warplanes launched another airstrike on us and shelled Al Sheikh Tholoth region There was a 17 year old young man who was trapped under the rubble. It took us 5 hours to reach him and pull him. The region targeted is vital as people go to the court to facilitate their paperwork. There are no military headquarters near that area that would justify the brutal shelling.”

Further testimony was given by Mr Sa’er, a local media activist in Idlib, who was close to the location of the attacks: “The shelling started at about 10 a.m. where two rockets fell on the city’s downtown next to the former air force security branch which killed a civilian and injured 5 others. I went directly to the shelling location and started to take pictures of the shelled site. The shelling was repeated in nearby locations with 7 more rockets. They hit the military security branch, the court and the school books’ warehouse. The court’s building was targeted twice and it witnessed the death of dozens of people. It was a three story building and it facilitated the …resident’s paperwork and documents like marriage, divorce, civil conflicts etc. Dozens of individuals go there daily in addition to the judges. There was a basement in the court’s building which included almost 200 prisoners. The initial outcome was 20 martyrs, 15 missing individuals and not less than 110 injured individuals. It was horrific. Dead bodies were scattered around the .place and hundreds others were calling for help from under the rubble. The court’s building belonged to the Al Fateh Army but judges, lawyers, employees and court security forces worked in it and there were no military headquarters next to it.”

The Syrian Network for Human Rights kept one other name confidential due to search reasons – from  Hama – a member of an armed opposition group.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Age unknown killed
Age unknown killed

Family members (2)

Age unknown from Idlib, Darkoush  killed
Age unknown from Idlib, Darkoush  killed

Family members (2)

Adult female killed

Family members (2)

Age unknown male killed
Age unknown killed

Family members (2)

Age unknown from Hama suburbs – Khattab town killed
Age unknown male young man (died December 22nd) killed

The victims were named as:

Age unknown from Homs killed
Age unknown killed
Age unknown killed
Age unknown killed
Adult male lawyer killed
Age unknown lawyer killed
Age unknown lawyer killed
Age unknown killed
Age unknown killed
Age unknown male killed
Adult lawyer killed
Age unknown from Idlib, Saraqibah killed
Age unknown male lawyer killed
Adult male lawyer killed
Age unknown killed
Age unknown killed
Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male killed
Age unknown lawyer from Idlib, Ihrem town killed
Age unknown male from Idlib, Darkoush killed
Age unknown male from Idlib, Darkoush killed
Age unknown male from Idlib, Darkoush killed
Age unknown from Idlib, Kafr Sajneh killed
Age unknown killed
Age unknown killed
Age unknown from Idlib, Ma’aret Msreen killed
Age unknown from Idlib, Ma’aret Msreen killed
Age unknown male from Idlib, Sermin city killed
Age unknown female her body was found under the rubble on 22 Dec 2015 killed
Age unknown male from Idlib, Ma’aret Msreen city – his body was found under the rubble on 21 Dec 2015 killed
Age unknown male from Ariha (died December 23rd) killed
Age unknown from Taftaneh (body recovered December 22nd) killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    43 – 73
  • (3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    70–170
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (21) [ collapse]

  • Moment of alleged Russian strike on Idlib, Dec 20th (via SNN)
  • A view of the smoke from an airstrike. (via, SNN)
  • Moments after an airstrike fell. (via, SNN)
  • Another image taken moments after the airstrike. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian trapped inside a car following an airstrike. (via, SNN)
  • Damaged buildings in Idlib following an alleged Russian airstrike. (via, SNN)
  • The aftermath of the airstrike on the ground in Idlib. (via, SNN)
  • A damaged car following an airstrike. (via, SNN)
  • Civilians are rescued from the rubble following an alleged Russian airstrike. (via, SNN)
  • Moments after the airstrike hit Idlib. (via, SNN)
  • A civilian being rescued from inside a damaged car. (via, SNN)
  • A car and some residential buildings, totally destroyed by an airstrike. (via, SNN)
  • The streets in the aftermath of the airstrike. (via, SNN)
  • Chaos, as locals desperately try to find trapped or injured civilians. (via, SNN)
  • Part of the aftermath of the airstrike. (via, SNN)
  • Smoke fills the sky moments after the airstrike hits Idlib. (via, SNN)
  • A damaged car from the alleged Russian airstrike. (via, SNN)
  • Another image of civilians attempting to rescue trapped people from the rubble. (via, SNN)
  • Moments after the airstrike hit Idlib. (via, SNN)
  • A destroyed car. (via, SNN)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

For December 18th-23rd, Russia reported that “In the course of five days, on December 18-23, aircraft of the Aerospace Forces in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 302 combat sorties engaging 1093 objects in the Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Homs and Deir ez-Zor provinces.”

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    43 – 73
  • (3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    70–170
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS120

Incident date

November 5, 2015

Location

البوكمال, Al Bukamal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4561111, 40.9190941 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that 71 civilians including nine or more children killed – and more than 100 people injured – when alleged Russian warplanes launched two airstrikes on the market in Al Bukamal. It added that more than 20 shops were destroyed and that a mosque, park and school were damaged while an ambulance burned.

The Violations Documentation Center put the death toll at least 48, including one woman and 11 children.

Deir Ezzor 24 insisted none of those killed has linked to so-called Islamic State: “At exactly 10:20 in the morning Russian aircraft launched two raids in a row on the perimeter of the Martyrs Park, where the first strike (using two missiles) left some casualties. Five minutes after the first raid, when paramedics and residents had gathered, the warplanes launched a second raid targeting the same place with the aim of causing a higher number of civilian casualties.”

VDC has named some 40 victims.

The Syrian Network has named 22 additional victims.

Additionally, VCD lists eight unidentified victims including four female adults and four male children.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mothana al-Hasib
adult, male (or child according to SN4HR) killed
Hamid al-Hasib
Adult male killed

Family members (2)

Mohammad Hani al-Hamid
Adult male killed
Ahmad Hani al-Hamid
male killed

Family members (7)

Wife of Moeaz Hakoum al-Debs
Adult female killed
Ahmad Moeaz Hakoum al-Debs
Child male killed
Anas Moeaz Hakoum al-Debs
Child male killed
Hareth Moeaz Hakoum al-Debs
Child male killed
Younes Moeaz Hakoum al-Debs
Adult male killed
Moeaz Hakoum al-Debs
Adult male
Ibraheem Moeaz Hakoum al-Debs
Child male killed

Family members (2)

Shaker Hamid Shaker al-Batleh
Adult male killed
Ahmad Hamid Shaker al-Batleh
Adult male killed

Family members (3)

Ahmad Hashem al-Rafeeq al-Bargash
Adult male killed
Tareef Turky al-Bargash
Adult male killed
Bassam al-Bargash
Adult male killed

Family members (2)

Son of Hamed al-Hamad
Adult male
Son of Hamed al-Hamad
male

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Hamid Shaker al-Batleh
Adult male killed
Ahmad al-Mdare
Adult male killed
Habib Jomea al-Rwai
Age unknown male adult or child according to SN4HR killed
Adnan al-Abd al-Amir
Adult male killed
Farhan Ali al-Gdaib
Adult male killed
Raed Anwar al-Haj Asi “al-Bargash”
Adult male killed
Mohammad Walid al-Gozeh
Adult male killed
Haseeb Haj Ahmad
Adult male killed
Son of Hakoum al-Salman
Child male killed
Iyad Kasra al-Knyaiher
Adult male killed
Son of Jamal al-Haj Ali
Age unknown male killed
Mahmoud Bassam al-Sharif
Adult male killed
Yasin Abdullah al-Kasheer
Adult male killed
Son of Abdullah al-Gafian
Adult male killed
Son of Malis al-Naye
Adult male killed
Zeeb Hosain al-Basheer
Adult male killed
Hamoud Mustafa al-Kabe
Adult male killed
Khaled Mohammad Anwar al-Bargash
Adult male killed
Mohammad Walid Again
Adult male killed
Abdulraheem Moeaz Hakoum al-Debs
Adult male killed
Maddah Naser al-Hodhod
Adult male killed
Yasin al-Eifan
Adult male killed
Mohammad Walid Al Za’ein (Al Jouza)
Adult male killed
Madah Nasser Al Hudhud
Age unknown
Mahmoud Al Snais’s son
Age unknown
Yassine Abdullah Al Aifan
Age unknown male killed
Mohammad Jasem Al Maraa Al Ashaab
Age unknown male killed
Khalaf Rafea Al Aifa
Age unknown killed
Al Mraihi’s son
Age unknown killed
Hani Hameid Al Batleh’s son
Age unknown killed
Hani Hameid Al Batleh’s cousin
Age unknown killed
Mohammad Al Barghash’s son
Age unknown killed
Shash Al Karbouli
Age unknown killed
Mohammad Asaad Ayed Al Mattroud
Age unknown male
Hamad Samer Al Hamad
Age unknown
Al Haji Ibn Mattbalji
Adult male killed
Al Akhras Ibn Mattbalji
Age unknown killed
Ziad Al Khaleifa’s son
Age unknown male killed
Su’od Khuder Al Thamer
Age unknown killed
Omar Al Homsi
Age unknown male killed
Khaled Al Daheim
Age unknown male killed
Khaled Ibrahim Al Bakheit
Age unknown male killed
Sa’ad Al Eid’s son
Age unknown killed
Adel Al Dagher’s sons
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    48 – 71
  • (9–11 children1–4 women9 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    100
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • The remains of an ambulance, following alleged shelling by Russian warplanes, published by a media agency that belongs to ISIL
  • Footage showing the moment a strike hit Al Bukamal, Nov 5th (via derrevolutio11)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A dead child following the raid in Al Bukamal
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has confirmed carrying out strikes in Dayr ez Zawr governorate between November 3rd-5th 2015: “Near Al-Muhasan (Deir ez-Zor province), a Su-34 bomber performed strike against terrorist training camp of the Jabhat al-Nusra. Terrorist training infrastructure, installations and constructions used by terrorists for keeping explosive devices were completely destroyed by direct hits of guided air bombs.”

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    48 – 71
  • (9–11 children1–4 women9 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    100
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS090

Incident date

October 29, 2015

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.5714804, 36.4033699 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 70 people died and as many as 550 were injured in what was initially reported as a Russian airstrike on the marketplace in Douma. However subsequent reports indicated the specific attack was most likely the work of Assad regime aircraft. Part of the confusion lay in the fact that Russian Air Force aircraft had also reportedly carried out strikes on the city that day.

As AP noted: “There were conflicting reports about the attack in Douma. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Local Co-ordination Committees said government forces fired more than 11 missiles at a market. The Observatory said the attack killed 57 people, while the LCC said at least 40 died… The Syrian National Council, the main Western-backed opposition group in exile, blamed Russian air strikes for the “massacre” in Douma, saying 55 civilians were killed. It said it was the second deadly attack in the past 24 hours after Russian air strikes hit the main Douma hospital.

According to Medecins Sans Frontiers, “At least 70 people have been killed and 550 injured in an air strike on a marketplace in the Douma neighbourhood near Damascus, Syria. As the nearest makeshift hospital had been bombed the previous day, medical workers struggled to cope with the influx of injured people. MSF fears the intensification of bombing that has been seen in northern and central Syria over the course of October could become even more horrific if it spreads to besieged areas around Damascus, where almost a million people are trapped with no way to escape, few medical facilities, and no options for medical evacuations of seriously wounded. The devastation caused by the initial air strike on the market was exacerbated by further shelling on the rescue teams who were attending to the wounded. Two hundred and fifty patients required surgery, and a further 300 patients have been treated for non-surgical wounds. The multi-trauma wounds are described by medics as being worse than anything they have seen before.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    70
  • Civilians reported injured
    550
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Russia also carried out airstrikes at Douma on October 28th, leading to initial confusion on who was respobnisble for the reported deaths of 70 civilians {Shaam News Network)
  • Photos showing Russian warplanes that are still roaming the skies of the besieged Eastern Ghouta and carrying out raids on its cities and towns. (via SNN)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

The Russian MoD issued no report for the period October 28th-30th 2015.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    70
  • Civilians reported injured
    550
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2402

Incident date

August 22, 2017

Location

رويضة, Ruweida, Akeirabat, Hama, Syria

Geolocation

35.0412099, 37.464692 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In what has been described by local media as a “massacre”, 50 – 70 civilians were killed, following airstrikes which reportedly struck an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Ruweida, Akeirabat in Hama. Sources were conflicted as to whom was to blame. Some sourced blamed the Syrian regime for the raids, while most blamed Russian warplanes.

The number of wounded was not specified, but was reportedly “dozens”. Women and children were included in both the dead and the wounded tolls.

Cluster bombs were reportedly used in the raid.

Additionally, according to Shaam News Network, while civilians were burying their dead, another airstrike hit the vicinity, causing more deaths.

According to the Step News Agency, victims were “buried in a mass grave in the village of Abu Kahf in the Akirbat district in the eastern Hama countryside.”

There are no more specific details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    50 – 70
  • (2 children2 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
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A news bulletin reporting on the massacre on Ruweida, Akeirabat, August 22nd 2017. (via Zakaria Nassani)

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 July 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
    50 – 70
  • (2 children2 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
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS272

Incident date

December 13, 2015

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.5714804, 36.4033699 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 42 and 70 civilians, including five women nine to 20 children were killed and between 24 and 250 others wounded in aerial and missile bombardments of Douma and nearby locations in eastern Ghouta, Damascus, according to multiple sources.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that shelling by the regime killed 38, including five women and nine children.

The White Helmets produced a summary of airstrikes in Hamouriya, Sakba, Kafrbatna and Jissrain but did not specify who the warplanes belonged to. It referred to a “deranged aerial and missile bombardment on residential neighbourhoods…in conjunction with the flight of military aircraft“. According to the summary, Hamouriya suffered both an air raid and a missile attack causing fires and destruction to civilian buildings. In total the White Helmets put the death toll at 41, including nine children killed “as a result of the bombing and military aviation, heavy artillery, rockets and cluster bombs and mortar shells at residential neighborhoods in the city.”

All4Syria said that Russia carried out the raids, killing and and wounding civilians. Local activists told the organisation that Russian warplanes dropped four missiles targeting  neighbourhoods in the town of Hamouriya, killing three civilians and wounding others. They also said that Douma was bombarded with rockets and cluster bombs, killing a girl named as Dala’a Kassem Al Bisoani and wounding others. Ten children in total were injured – some critically – in a raid targeting a school in Kafr Batna. They also reported the fire at the warehouse in Sakba, which they said was targeted by regime forces with heavy artillery, reporting the injury of some civilians.

The Shaam News Network said Russian and regime warplanes were responsible, and that there had been more than 70 raids targeting civilians’ homes and schools. It put the death toll at 70 including more than 20 children, with 250 wounded – 30 of whom had lost limbs. A video posted by SNN was entitled “The Russian enemy turns schools into slaughterhouses of children“.

Douma, Samba, Jissrain, Ain Tarma, Zamalka, Jobar and Hamouriya were “all areas under risk of full annihilation,” SNN concluded, but the harshest massacres were in the city of Douma it said, which was targeted by the Russian aviation in a barrage of missiles and cluster bombs which hit a primary school and adjacent residential buildings.

Other sources also said that both Russia and the regime were responsible: the Douma Coordinating Committee put the death toll at more than 40, with dozens wounded. The Syrian Press Center said 46 died and more than 200 were wounded; Eldorar reported that 45 died, including children, dozens were injured and medical facilities were put out of service, blaming “warplanes” and the Assad regime; Madardaily quoted information supplied by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights: at least 28 civilians killed, including two children and dozens wounded – in bombing by regime rockets cities in Douma and Sakba, adding that in the west of Damascus regime helicopters dropped 34 explosive barrels on the city of Darya, killing at five people, while at least eight, including a child died and 35 were injured when about 50 shells fell on areas of Damascus and its suburbs.

But Ennabbaldi stated that only the regime was responsible for the attacks, putting the total killed at 40.

White Helmets reported seven unidentified victims.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Tasnim Alsa’our
Child named by White Helmets killed
Rahaf Abdul Aziz
Child named by White Helmets killed
Marwa Saeed Ghazi
Child named by White Helmets killed
Ghaida al Salahi
Child named by White Helmets killed
Hadeel Hayrab
Child named by White Helmets killed
Noor Al Msalmanah
Child named by White Helmets killed
Maysa Al Madder
Child named by White Helmets killed
Rayyan Al Shawa
Child named by White Helmets killed
Fariss Al Hammouri
Child named by White Helmets killed
Ahmed Al Tabbakh
Age unknown male named by White Helmets killed
Mohammed Albawabiji
Age unknown male named by White Helmets killed
Mohammed Al Haffar
Age unknown male named by White Helmets killed
Mazen al Saleh
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Rateb Awad
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Yassin Awad
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Khadija Haroun
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Maher Kashoot
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Fariss Alaarot
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Ahmed Hanafi
Age unknown male named by White Helmets killed
Mohamed Ali Satoott
Age unknown male named by White Helmets killed
Khitam Hamid
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Ihsan al Mardini
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Iman Abdul Nafi’
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Zakaria Humaid
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Faress Blalah
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Subhi Abboud
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Adnan Al Duj
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Alaa Hamad
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Fayez Ghazzawi
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Fayez Ghazzawi
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Mohammed Al Sheikh Bakri
Age unknown male named by White Helmets killed
Noor Al Huda Kaloot
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Mostafa Shishakli
Age unknown male named by White Helmets killed
Mohammed Khatib
Age unknown male named by White Helmets killed
Subhi Alsa’our
Age unknown named by White Helmets killed
Radwan Mohammad
Age unknown the media activist, named by SNN killed
Dala’a  Kassem Al Bison
Child named by All4Syria killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    42 – 70
  • (9–20 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24–250
  • 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 (44) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic video of a man screaming in distress, amidst the rubble in the aftermath of the airstrike. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Disturbing footage of the airstrike as it fell and the aftermath. Wounded being carried from the scene. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Extremely disturbing footage of civilian casualties including men, women and children before their bodies have been removed from the scene. (via, SNN)
  • Child named, Tanssim Al Sa’our, killed on December 13th 2015. According to the source, the other child (below) in the photograph was her sister who was also seriously injured. (via, Douma Coordinating Committee)
  • A view of the neighbourhood as the airstrike fell. (via, SNN)
  • Locals trying to rescue injured civilians from the rubble. not long after the airstrike. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    White Helmets carry an injured civilian to a medical facility. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image of a seriously injured man receiving treatment in a medical facility. (via, SNN)
  • Damage to the local infrastructure. (via, SNN)
  • Chaotic scenes not long after Douma was hit with airstrikes. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured child in a medical facility. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured woman in a medical facility. (via, SNN)
  • Civilians stand in disbelief. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child receives medical treatment on the floor as there are not enough beds for all the injured civilians. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A man grieves for the loss of family or friends. (via, SNN)
  • Clouds of ash fill the sky in Douma. (via, SNN)
  • Another image of the sky not long after the airstrike fell. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a man receiving medical treatment. (via, SNN)
  • Streets deserted in the aftermath. (via, SNN)
  • Media activist Radwan Mohammad, killed in the airstrikes. (via, SNN)
  • Another photograph of Radwan Mohammad. (via, SNN)
  • Moments after the contested airstrike fell on Douma. (via, SNN)
  • A view of the neighbourhood moments after the airstrike fell. (via, SNN)
  • Clouds of dust engulf the area. (via, SNN)
  • The skies filled with dust in Douma. (via, SNN)
  • A different view of the area. (via, SNN)
  • A photograph of the one the youngest victims (not even a year old) from the alleged Russian and Syrian Regime airstrikes. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A distressing image of a deceased baby. Same baby pictured above. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Blood on the floor following an airstrike in Douma. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of the bodies of deceased children in Douma. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a deceased person still on the ground following an airstrike. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • Smoke pollution in Douma following an airstrike on a residential neighbourhood. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Blood and books scattered on the floor outside a school which was targeted in an airstrike. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Another image of blood on the steps of a school. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child's schoolbag left on the steps of a school targeted by an airstrike. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A drawing done by a child, left outside a school following an airstrike. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The doors of a school which was targeted by airstrikes. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Blood on the floor inside a school room. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Another image of blood on the floor inside a school room. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Blood smeared on the floor. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Blood on the floor beneath a chalk board inside a school room. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Another image of blood on the floor. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    School books and bags left on the floor in a desperate attempt to escape. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Blood on the steps of a school in the aftermath of an airstrike. (via, Coordinating Committee for Douma)

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 released any information relating to its airstrikes in Syria between December 9th and December 14th 2015.

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
    42 – 70
  • (9–20 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24–250
  • 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

RS1246

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Location

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.933456, 36.633803 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a major civilian casualty incident, up to 65 civilians (of which 52 were named) including at least 10 children and 11 women from multiple families died and as many as 100 more were injured in airstrikes on Idlib city, which reportedly centred on a popular vegetable market in the city. The majority of reports blamed Russia, though there were allegations against the Syrian regime – with other sources stating that it was unclear whether the Syrian regime or Moscow were responsible.

Sources published disturbing images of the aftermath of the attack, which led to widespread destruction. There were numerous reports of body parts having been dispersed in the location of the strike, along with references to multiple “body bags”.

The lowest death count was given at 48 civilians by Insaan Rights Watch. According to Sky News Arabic “Russian warplanes shelled in a market in Idlib killing dozens and wounding dozens more. Medical sources say they have counted 25 bodies including women and children ”

Enab Baladi at some more details, reporting that “nine teams of the civil defense were called to Idlib, in addition to the Red Cross. They were able to count 65 bodies along with12 bags of body parts. The teams continued to attempt to rescue people trapped under the rubble.”

Syrian Press Center was among sources that said people had limbs amputated and were “severely burned” in the fire caused by the warplanes.

Other sources blaming Russia included Orient, Jisrtv, Islam Memo and LCCSY.

According to the Shaam News Network, “Russian warplanes targeted the vegetable market during peak hours when hundreds of civilians had gathered to make their purchases ahead of Eid. Missiles targeted civilian homes and shops, resulting in massive destruction to buildings and shops and cars in the market.”

According to the source, the death toll from the massacre reached 63 martyrs, including 16 children and 14 women, plus 12 missing people, including eight children who are considered dead. Additionally, some 70 civilians were wounded, filling hospitals in the city and its countryside”.

However, the source KWdeirwaza – who put the death toll at 60 including 22 children – attributed the event to regime jets. A number of other sources didn’t apportion blame.

Omar_madaniah, citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “Rami Abdur-Rahman, the director of the Syrian observatory, says the warplanes could not be identified in order to keep Russia away from being accused.”

Jabal ALzaweya listed the following civilian fatalities and names of some of the missing. In addition the source reported six other unidentified bodies found, including three children, twelve body bags of body-parts and 100 wounded.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Amer Naf’e Ghafir
Age unknown killed
Noor Aldeen Abdul-Kader Ghafir
Age unknown killed

Family members (2)

Hisham Ali Wahob
Age unknown killed
Adnan Mohammed Wahob
Age unknown killed

Family members (4)

Sidra A’afara
Child female killed
Abdulkarim A’afara
Child killed
Mohammed A’afara
Child male killed
Sahar Wahid A’afara
Adult female killed

Family members (4)

Hasan Mish’hel Hawwa
Age unknown male killed
Su’ad Hawwa (wife of Hasan Mish’hel Hawwa)
Age unknown female killed
Mish’hel Hawwa
Age unknown female killed
Musa Hawwa
Age unknown killed

Family members (2)

Samer Hamdoon
Age unknown From Binnish killed
Mother of Samer Hamdoon
Adult female From Binnish killed

Family members (2)

Ahmad Mahmood Aswad (Shikh Yousef)
Age unknown male killed
Hamdi Reyad Aswad
Age unknown killed

Family members (2)

Samer Subhi Hamdoun
Child killed
Sabhi Hamdoun
killed

Family members (2)

Khaled Bitar
Age unknown missing
Mahmood Bitar
Age unknown male missing

Family members (3)

Shaza Abid
Child female missing
Mohammed Kadro Abid
Child missing
Zizik Abid
Child missing

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Malnadi
Age unknown male killed
Raed Ahmad Ghassan Abed
Age unknown killed
Thuraya Ibrahim Aswad
Child female killed
Hussam Khaled Shikhouni
Age unknown killed
Kamal Mohammed Shameya
Age unknown male killed
Mustafa Abdul-Kader Hijazi
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Khaled Haser
Child male killed
Ali Mo’adal
Age unknown male killed
Mufid Sawwan
Age unknown killed
Abdul-Karim Zidani
Age unknown male killed
Sana’a Malani
Child female killed
Ahmad Ali Men
Age unknown male killed
Huda Salim
Child female killed
Mustafa Mukahal
Age unknown male killed
U’la Jbara
Age unknown female killed
Khulud Haj Sattuf
Age unknown female killed
Samar Al-Basha
Age unknown female killed
Ghalya Zidani
Age unknown killed
Alya’a Saleem
Age unknown female killed
Abdullah Shamiya
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim Saleem
Age unknown male killed
Qamar Abdullah Hamrosh
Age unknown female killed
Bassam Ghumeid
Child killed
Hayfa’a Malandi
Age unknown female killed
Fatin Hallak
Age unknown female killed
Mayada Hallak
Age unknown killed
Hala Akdah, daughter of Fatin
Age unknown female killed
Ibrahim Khasara
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim Raji Zidani
Age unknown male killed
Rajaa Najjar
Age unknown killed
Abdo Mukahal
Child missing
Noor Hajjar
Child missing
Wasim Ghafir
Child missing
Zahra Zahra
Child female missing
Mohammed Ayman Aswad
Age unknown male missing
Mohammed Fawzi Bzara
Age unknown male missing
Raghda Mohammed Salim
Child missing

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    52 – 65
  • (10–22 children11–14 women14–16 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24–100
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

  • 'The children Seydra, Mohammad, & Abdul Karim Afara died in alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on Vegetables market in Idlib city, September 10, 2016.' (via SN4HR)
  • A man runs down a street in Idlib with a civilian child in his arms - the aftermath of suspected Russian shelling on the city (via Enab Baladi)
  • Local people survey the scene whilst a digger works through the rubble in Idlib city - the impact of suspected warplane shelling (via KWdeirwaza)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A little girl wounded in Idlib city following suspected Russian strikes (Tweet via @1963Mhmd) [Page no longer available accessed via Airwars archive]
  • A dismembered human hand is held up to signify the human cost of alleged Russian strikes on Idlib city (Tweet via @Gulfshield1)
  • Local people prepare for Eid al-Adha amongst the rubble in Idlib city (Tweet via @ AnmedAlrihawi)
  • Footage of Idlib city following the mass civilian casualty incident allegedly caused by Russian warplane shelling (Youtube via Jisirtv)
  • An elderly woman is carried down the street by a member of The White Helmets whilst a blaze rages behind - the aftermath of suspected Russian strikes on Idlib city (via Jisirtv news)
  • The White Helmets rescue civilians from the rubble in Idlib city following suspected Russian warplane shelling (via Islam Memo)
  • A close up of debris and destruction on the streets of Idlib city following suspected Russian warplane shelling (Tweet via @QabiQalel)
  • Local people stand around a burnt out vehicle in Idlib city - the results of alleged Russian warplane shelling (Tweet via @Almogaz)
  • The baby Samer Subhi Hamdoun allegedly died in Russian warplane shelling at the vegetable market in Idlib city (via SN4HR)
  • Body parts of the victims of suspected Russian warplane shelling on Idlib city (via SN4HR)
  • The vicitms of alleged Russian massacre line the streets of Idlib city (via SN4HR)
  • The impact of a mass civilian casualty event - body bags line the streets of Idlib, the source alleged Russia culprit (via SN4HR)
  • SN4HR report entitled: ‘no less than 49 massacres in September 2016 including 46 at the hands of the russian and Syrian regimes’ - details the events in Idlib on Saturday September 10th (PDF via SN4HR) [Arabic]

  • SN4HR report entitled: ‘no less than 49 massacres in September 2016 including 46 at the hands of the russian and Syrian regimes’ - details the events in Idlib on Saturday September 10th (PDF via SN4HR) [English]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Idlib market (ادلب، سوق الخضار), within the city of Idlib (إدلب), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.933456, 36.633803. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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
    52 – 65
  • (10–22 children11–14 women14–16 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24–100
  • 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]

Incident Code

RS2764

Incident date

November 26, 2017

Location

الشعغة, Al-Sha'fa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 15 and 65 civilians were killed, in what has been described by local media as a massacre on the residential neighbourhood in Al-Sha’fa. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime.

Sources were conflicted as to how many casualties there were. The highest toll being 65, however many sources also reported 15 – 18, 37 and 51, as some examples.Ten people from one family were included in the death toll, as well as 21 children and nine women.

Dozens of civilians were reportedly wounded, according to local media.

The extensive destruction of civilian homes and shops were reported, including the house of Antar Alsamal, the house of Zubair and the Al-Fandi Commercial Complex.

Thirteen refugees from the family of Aldbs and Bnt Khadir Al’antar  were amongst those killed.

BBC News published a report saying that Russia denied the raids.

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Alaa Ahmed Al-Zubair
Age unknown killed
The daughter of Alaa Khalid Al - Zubair
Age unknown killed
The mother of Alaa Khalid Al Zubair
Age unknown killed
Ahmed Khaled Al-Zubair
Age unknown killed
daughter of Khader Al-A’ntar
Age unknown killed
Maouloud Abdul Razzaq al-Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Bashir Maouloud Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Bara’aa Nader al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Jarir Maouloud al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Nour Adel Al Sahab
Age unknown killed
Ismail Jareer Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Maouloud Jarir Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Ammar Maouloud Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Abdul Razzaq Maouloud Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Muntaha Maouloud al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
daughter of Nadir Nasser al-Jubeir
Age unknown killed
The second daughter of Nader Nasser Al-Jubeir
Age unknown killed
Nader Abdul Razzaq Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Nusra A’nan al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Mohamed Nader Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Kafaa Maouloud al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Anas Mohammed Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Nader Mohammed Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Yousef Nader Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Hana Rachid Aldibs
Age unknown killed
daughter of Joseph Nader Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Abdullah Nader Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
The wife of Abdullah Nader Shaaban
Age unknown killed
the son of Abdullah Nader Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Ibrahim Nader Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Hussein Nader Al Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Bashir Fakhri Al-Issa
Age unknown killed
Ammar Fakhri Bashir Al-Issa
Age unknown killed
Omar Fakhri Bashir Al-Issa
Age unknown killed
Bakr Fakhri Bashir Al-Issa
Age unknown killed
Osman Fakhri Bashir Al-Issa
Age unknown killed
Nader Nasser Al-Jubeir
Age unknown killed
Ahmed Nawar Marwah Al-Issa
Age unknown killed
Khaled Matloub Al-Zaher
Age unknown killed
Khaled Matloub al Zaher’s wife
Age unknown killed
Khaled Matloub al Zaher’s daughter
Age unknown killed
Khaled Matloub al Zaher’s son
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 65
  • (21 children9 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
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via @7UFCmSxd0IUBffH)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via Euphrates)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via Ahemd Orabi)
  • Victims of the airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via asharqasouri)
  • Victims of the airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via asharqasouri)
  • Victims of the airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via Euphrates)
  • Victims of the airstrikes on Al-Sha'fa, 26th November 2017. (via Euphrates)

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

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 65
  • (21 children9 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
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (31) [ collapse]