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)

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Incident Code

RS2347

Incident date

July 17, 2017

Location

عقيربات خالد هلال, Khaled Hilal village, Akeirbat district, Hama, Syria

Geolocation

35.00201, 37.46025 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that a man and a woman died and others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khaled Hilal village.

According to AadaAlSham, “two civilians were killed and others injured on Monday evening [July 17th] in air strikes by Russian warplanes on a village controlled by Daesh in the eastern Hama countryside.

Field sources said that ‘a man and his wife were killed when Russian airstrikes targeted the village of Khaled Hilal’.”

The source noted that civilian homes were struck, resulting in injuries, with one person critically wounded.

Smart News Agency said “warplanes likely to be Russian launched a raid on the village of Khaled Hilal, killing a woman and her husband and seriously wounding another civilian.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1212 RS2343

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

الصبحة, Al Subha, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.2970537, 40.2363968 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three to six civilians died in airstrikes on al Subha village, local media reported, though it was unclear whether the Coalition or Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “five people were martyred and three of them were charred, as a result of shelling by aircraft. It’s not known whether it was Russian or affiliated with the International coalition”.

Ahmad al Shibli blamed the Coalition and put the death toll at six.

Euphrates Post reported that warplanes carried out strikes on “civilian houses in the vicinity of Al-Iman Mosque and the school in al-Subha town.” It said four civilians died and named two. In a later report, however, Euphrates Post pointed towards Russia and named a further (child) victim.

A report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the Syrian regime for firing missiles on Al-Iman Mosque.

However, in confused reporting, SN4HR later said that the Coalition had struck a high school for girls in al Subha.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ayman Ali Al – Othman al Khalaf
Age unknown killed
Anwar Sameeh Hussein Al-Kalash
Age unknown killed

Family members (3)

Khalaf al-Shihade
Age unknown killed
Mother of Khalaf al-Shihade
Adult female killed
Family member of Khalaf al-Shihade
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Saleh Al-Hamarat
Child male killed
Shihade Mekhlef al-Kalshat
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mohammed Saleh Al-Hamarat, killed in an airstrike on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Deir Ezzor24)
  • The aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Deir Ezzor24)
  • The aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Deir Ezzor24)
  • The aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Eurphates Post)
  • Civilians begin to clean up in the aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Eurphates Post)
  • The aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Eurphates Post)
  • The aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Eurphates Post)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Subha, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV121070
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 16th-17th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit, destroyed three weapons caches, two staging areas, and a well-head.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

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

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1211 RS2342

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, multiple locations, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.016667, 40.444167 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 11 and 14 civilians – including several women and children – were killed and dozens others were wounded in airstrikes on Al Mayadin. However it was contested as to who was responsible. Sources either blamed Russia, the Syrian regime or the US-led Coalition. More than five sources made no claims with regards to responsibility. However, some also reported “unknown warplanes”.

Ahmad Shibli, blaming the Coalition, published a series of graphic images showing casualties from the strikes.

A number of local sources said the airstrikes struck the Tkeit Al Rawi Street, the children’s hospital, the Quail market, the Al Rawi hospice, the Al Samn Market and the Al Sharq hospital (though some of those locations may be overlapping) and Euphrates Post shared images which documented the extensive damage.

Sources reported that the Al Shaher family were trapped under the rubble. Additionally, many other sources reported that there were many wounded civilians, most critical, because the airstrikes “targeted” residential buildings.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mahdi al Misnad
Age unknown female killed
Hussein al Misnad
Age unknown female killed

Family members (4)

Mohammed Hasan al Hamid al Shaker
male killed
Daughter of Hassan Shaker
Child female killed
Daughter of Marwan Shaker
Child female killed
Wissam Atallah Shaker
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Fadel al Jawer
Age unknown killed
Ali al Khalouf al Awaid
Age unknown killed
Samer Fawzi al-Humaidi
Age unknown seriously injured in his body while he was near the Al Jeash Street "Al Samna Market" injured
Bint Hassan Shaker
Age unknown killed
Haj Mahidi al-Musnad Abu Jaber
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 14
  • (1–3 children1–2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (17) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The exacr moment the airstrike hit Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Free Deir Ezzor Facebook)
  • The exacr moment the airstrike hit Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Free Deir Ezzor Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)
  • A civilian casualty is pulled from the rubble following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian killed by an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)
  • Samer Fawzi al-Humaidi, one of the survivors from the airstrikes was seriously injured and was found near the Al Jeash Street "Al Samna Market". (via Al Mayadeen Today)
  • Haj Mahidi al-Musnad Abu Jaber, killed in an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via AhrarDeirezzor)
  • Either Mahidi Al-Musnad Abu Jaber and Hussein Al-Musnad Abu Saleh, who were both killed in an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Abo Sa’ed Al Husainy)
  • Either Mahidi Al-Musnad Abu Jaber and Hussein Al-Musnad Abu Saleh, who were both killed in an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Abo Sa’ed Al Husainy)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 28, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 16th-17th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit, destroyed three weapons caches, two staging areas, and a well-head.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

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

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 14
  • (1–3 children1–2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2345

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

حزة , Hazza, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.52034, 36.36494 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as four children died and dozens more civilians were reported wounded in an airstrike on Hazza, according to sources on the ground. Most reports blamed the Assad regime, though there was also an allegation against Russia.

According to Akhbaralaan, “Activists said that the warplanes of the Assad forces fired several rockets on residential neighborhoods in the town of Haza on the outskirts of Zamalka, leaving four dead, including three children and a number of wounded”.

Aladeyehnews reported that “a medical source said four children were killed and more than a dozen others injured”.

@HadiAlabdallah put the death toll at five.

Jobar attributed the civilian harm to Russia.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (3–4 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Translation: '5 martyrs, all of them children and dozens of wounded civilians as a result of the bombing of the Syrian warplanes on the areas of "Ein Tarma, Hazza, Zamalka" in Gouta # East Damascus'
  • Images of children wounded in airstrikes reportedly carried out by the Assad regime on Hazza, July 16th 2017.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Translation: 'A child injured in the aerial bombardment of the Assad forces on the town of Haza in the suburb of Damascus, in which three other children were killed.'

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (3–4 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2344

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

An unspecified number of civilians died and were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hajin, according to sources on the ground.

The Euphrates Post reported: “”A launched air raids targeting Hajin village this morning [July 16th] with rockets targeting a house near the house of Hamadi al-Shawish. Another missile landed in front of the house of Mahdi al-Jamala. There was material damage”.

According to the Smart News Agency, “activists pointed out that a number of civilians were killed and injured, without specifying the exact figures”.

The incident occured at approximately 8:00 am local time.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Hajin, July 16th (via Newsaahal2050)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Hajin, July 16th (via Newsaahal2050)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1206 RS2341

Incident date

July 15, 2017

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, al Arabaeen street and other areas, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.017177, 40.449051 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least ten civilians – including at least one woman and two children – were killed and dozens more were wounded following airstrikes near two schools in the city of Al Mayadeen. However, local sources were conflicted as to who was responsible. Both Russia and the US-led Coalition were reportedly responsible. Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the Syrian Regime.

Nine of the 13 sources reporting the incident did not make any allegations as to who was responsible given the difficulty in identifying perpetrators (given that Coalition, Russian and Syrian government warplanes were all operating in the vicinity.)

Euphrates Post reported that the warplanes responsible were unidentified, but that they “probably belonged to the Russian air force”. Further sources, including Syria News Desk, @Syrian_Revolution and Deir Al Zor PN, directly alleged that Russia was responsible.

Meanwhile Step News Agency claimed the Coalition was to blame while the Syrian Network for Human Rights said the Syrian government was responsible.

Euphrates Post, among a number of other local sources, reported that the strikes hit civilian areas near the Al Nasswi School and the Khawla Bint Azwar School and that most of the damage was caused to the homes of Muhanned Hamoud al Hamran and Allawi al Helou.

The source added that the airstrikes caused “burning of two civilian vehicles and material damage to a number of shops and adjacent residential buildings”.

DeirEzzor24 reported that “the number [of civilian casualties] is likely to rise due to the large number of wounded and the lack of medical personnel” and added that “the search for survivors from the rubble is still ongoing”.

Many sources described the incident as a “massacre”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Allawi al Helou’s daughter
Child female killed
Fawaz al Awad
Adult female wife of Allawi al Helou killed
Saif Allawi al Helou
Child male Son of Allawi al Helou killed
Son of Fawaz al Awad
Adult male killed

Family members (5)

Member of the Muhannad al Ali al Hamoud al Hamran family 1
Age unknown killed
Member of the Muhannad al Ali al Hamoud al Hamran family 2
Age unknown killed
Member of the Muhannad al Ali al Hamoud al Hamran family 3
Age unknown killed
Member of the Muhannad al Ali al Hamoud al Hamran family 4
Age unknown killed
Member of the Muhannad al Ali al Hamoud al Hamran family 5
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Jamal al Husseinan
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (2–4 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (21) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 15th-16th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, eight strikes destroyed 44 ISIS oil storage tanks, 22 oil stills, five cranes, a vehicle, and a well-head.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (2–4 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (21) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2340

Incident date

July 15, 2017

Location

Al Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3301466, 40.1456308 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were wounded by alleged Russian airstrikes on the neighborhood of downtown Hamidiya, local sources reported.

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2339

Incident date

July 15, 2017

Location

أم قيبة , Umm Qiba village, near al Sokhna, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.908458, 37.529984 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three women were killed and other civilians injured in alleged Russian raids on the village of Um Qiba in the eastern Homs countryside, local sources reported.

The Violations Documentation Center in Syria said those killed included two daughters of Mkaimen al-Shihetan and Faysal al-Shihatan.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Daughter of Mkaimen al-Shihetan 1
Adult female killed
Daughter of Mkaimen al-Shihetan 2
Adult female killed

The victims were named as:

Hind Faysal al-Shihatan
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]