Russian Military in Syria

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
text search
4728 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

RS3397

Incident date

April 7, 2018

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.573836, 36.404789 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (other) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged chemical weapons attack, attributed to both the Syrian regime and Russia, reportedly killed between 42 and 100 civilians and wounded up to 1,200 others in the city of Douma, Damascus governorate, on April 7th, 2018, according to local sources.

Enab Baladi wrote that “after a ten-day truce in the city of Douma, the last opposition stronghold in Eastern Ghouta, Assad’s forces and their ally Russia resumed bombing the city with warplanes, using poison gas again, amid reports that negotiations over the fate of the city had reached a dead end.”

In an initial report, Shaam News Network said: “Assad and Russia targeted residential areas in the city of Douma in the eastern Gouta with high-toxic toxic chemical weapons. The city was hit by rockets and explosive barrels containing these materials, killing 75 martyrs and causing more than 1,000 cases of suffocation”.

However, a second report from Shaam pointed only to the regime, claiming that “Assad’s forces used containing chemical gas believed to be sarin on a number of cellars and shelters, resulting in the martyrdom of entire families and injuring more than 1,200 people suffering from suffocation”.

Douma Revolution initially reported 700 cases of suffocation. In a later post, the source reported “the death of more than 100 martyrs and the wounding of at least 1000 civilians until now”.

SyriaTV reported on a joint statement by the Syrian Civil Defense and the Syrian American Medical Association (SAMS), which stated that “at 7:45 pm on Saturday evening, after the regime forces launched massive attacks on the city’s neighbourhoods, more than 500 emergency cases arrived at the medical points, most of them women and children who suffered symptoms of ‘respiratory slip, central cyanosis, frothy emission from the mouth and the emission of an odor. They smelled like chlorine and had a corneal burn.'”

The injured civilians reportedly suffered from a slow heart rate, rough bronchial purrs and wheezing. Medical teams treated the injured with “free moist oxygen” and bronchodilators. The statement also stated that “while the injuries were exacerbated in several cases, four of them were placed on the automatic ventilation system for children, and the injury resulted in the death of 6 cases, one of whom was a woman who was observed to have convulsions and pinpoint pupils.”

According to the statement, Civil Defence teams reported that more than 42 deaths with the same symptoms occured in civilian homes. SCD volunteers were unable to retrieve the victims’ bodies due to a lack of protective suits and the severity of the smell.

The Syrian Violations Documentation Center of Syria reported that prior to the chemical attack, around 12:00 at noon, alleged Syrian warplanes targeted the Red Crescent center in Douma with guided missiles and barrel bombs, which put the center and remaining ambulances out of service completely. Then, according to the VDC’s explanation of events, the warplanes dropped barrel bombs on the city, “which caused obstruction of the movement of civil defence vehicles and rescue teams that took over the task of treating the injured after all ambulances in the city went out of service.”

According to the VDC, civilians were forced to go out to basements and take cover. The next bombing, which “was heavily suspected of using highly concentrated toxic gases as well as chlorine”, immediately killed 42 civilians.

A volunteer with the Syrian Civil Defence told the VDC: “When the chemical attacks began, the smell of chlorine was reaching downtown Douma. We could not immediately determine the location of the chlorine missile. The bodies of the dead on the streets and the wounded were bleeding to death, without the medical personnel being able to intervene due to their scarcity and the very large volume of cases. Later, we discovered the bodies that had suffocated due to toxic gases. They were in a closed place sheltering from the barrel bombs, which may have caused their rapid death as no one heard their screams. It seems that some of them were trying to reach an open location because we found their bodies on the stairs. ”

Around 7:30 PM, alleged Syrian warplanes targeted the ‘Martyrs Square’ near the Numan Mosque with missiles suspected of being loaded with toxic gas, reported the VDC. A doctor told the VDC that the symptoms he observed on patients “are not similar to the symptoms of chlorine. Chlorine alone cannot cause such symptoms because chlorine suffocates but does not disrupt nerves. There were symptoms of organophosphorus compounds of which sarin gas is considered. But there was also the smell of chlorine everywhere. ”

Based on the available evidence, the VDC concluded that “this attack in this sequence was programmed and deliberately inflicted as much damage as possible to the civilian population. By isolating them from the rapid arrival of rescue and ambulance teams, and then forcing them to seek refuge in a closed place to take shelter from the violent bombing of barrel bombs. After that, their closed places of residence were bombed with poison gas.”

On June 25th, 2018, the New York Times Visual Investigation’s team published their investigation into the incident, titled “How Bashar al-Assad Gassed His Own People”. The investigation focused on one building where a chemical weapon was dropped. Based on the visual evidence, the investigators counted 34 victims in the building, spread across two floors.

According to the investigation, the bomb, loaded with chlorine, was dropped from the sky by regime helicopters. Chemical weapon experts told NYT investigators that the symptoms of the victims – a frothy emission from the mouth and corneal burn – indicated the use of chlorine gas. A US official reportedly told the New York Times that chlorine and sarin were found in the victim’s blood tests. According to the video, when civilians smell chlorine, they try to find a higher location and pour water over themselves. According to the investigators, this explains why many of the victims in the Douma attack were found on staircases and water sources.

Flight spotters reportedly saw the helicopters leave Dumayr Air Base between 7:16 and 7:23 PM in the direction of Douma and circling around Douma between 7:26 and 7:38 PM, around the time of the attack, according to NYT.

In total, local sources identified the names of 36 victims, among which at least eight children.

Nearly all sources blamed the Syrian regime for the chemical attack, but some sources mentioned Russia as well. Hence, this event is graded as contested.

The incident occured between 7:30 pm and 7:45 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Family members (6)

Family members (2)

Family members (2)

Family members (11)

Family members (4)

Family members (2)

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    42 – 100
  • (8 children15 women21 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    700–1200
  • Causes of injury / death
    Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (58) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (92) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a victim after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a young boy after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of children after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a victim after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of man, woman and child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • Injured children receiving medical help after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Injured victims receiving medical help after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • A victim in the hospital after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • Injured children receiving medical help after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • A child getting medical help after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • A child getting medical help after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • An injured child in the hospital after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • Aftermath of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • An injured child in the hospital after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • A man in the hospital after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child, who was killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • The body of a child, who was killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child, who was killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a civilian, who was killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Bodies of civilians killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A woman and a child dead as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack in Douma on April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a boy after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a victim after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Bodies of some of the civilians killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Translation: Douma people bid farewell to their martyrs as a result of the Assad gangs bombing of Douma with missiles containing poisonous gases.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians killed as a result of the chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (Via SCD).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians killed and injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 8th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians killed and injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 8th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians killed and injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 8th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians killed and injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 8th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians killed and injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 8th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians on the floor after being injured or killed by an alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • Children seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • Children seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • Children seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • Children seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • A child seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • A child seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • A child seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • A child seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • A child who looks terrified after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the city of Douma (دوما). Comparing audio-visual information from several sources, and confirming these against the investigation done by The New York Times, we were able to find the exact location at these coordinates:  33.573836, 36.404789.

  • The exact location of the alleged strike on a residential building in Douma (دوما).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Comparison of the landmarks identified by The New York Times investigation against satellite imagery available.

    Imagery:
    New York Times / Google Earth

Unknown Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    42 – 100
  • (8 children15 women21 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    700–1200
  • Causes of injury / death
    Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (58) [ 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)

Family members (2)

  • Omar Aisha Age unknown from Idlib, Darkoush  killed
  • Abdo Aisha Age unknown from Idlib, Darkoush  killed

Family members (2)

Family members (2)

Family members (2)

Summary

  • Strike target
    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
Official source

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

  • Strike target
    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
  • 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

  • Strike target
    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
Official source

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

  • Strike target
    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

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
Official source

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.

  • 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

  • Strike target
    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
Official source

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

  • Strike target
    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

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
Official source

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

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
  • 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)
  • At_least_49_massacre_in_September_2016

    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]

  • At_least_49_massacre_in_September_2016_en

    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
Official source

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.

  • 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]