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

RS2580

Incident date

October 30, 2017

Location

البوليل, Al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.20253, 40.37126 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between ten and 18 civilians were killed, including at least one woman, during aerial shelling of al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, local sources reported, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame.

Many sources reported simultaneously about airstrikes in both the towns of al-Bouleil and Toub that day, reporting a total of 22 to 25 casualties, including a family of seven, as noted by @abdulrahmanhaaj.

Regarding the specific figures from al-Bouleil, reports spanned from ten to as many as 18 civilian deaths, the higher death toll reported by @WmCWofaEmTYeTGr.

Several sources said that ten men were included in the fatalities and that these victims had been detained due to military service by ISIS. According to Euphrates Post, for example, “more than ten young men had been detained lately by ISIS for the purpose of forced conscription. They were killed in a raid on the house in which ISIS was detaining them.”

Five of the victims were identified by name, including a 23-years-old woman. Two of the victims died days after the incident from the wounds they had sustained. 

@WmCWofaEmTYeTGr added that 75 houses were “completely destroyed” following the strikes. Meanwhile, Euphrates Post reported the use of cluster bombs.

While the large majority of the sources identified Russia as the responsible, the incident remains contested as Insaan Rights Watch, Baladi News and DeirEzzor24 questioned the culprit, reporting that the incident was carried out by Russia or the Syrian regime. Moreover, DeirEzzor24 added that the Syrian regime and Russia in recent days had intensified the aerial shelling of several areas in Deir Ezzor.

Finally, it should be mentioned that one source, DeirEzzor24, reported on October 2nd that the strikes took place “this morning”. However, all the remaining sources said that about the strikes on October 1st.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Swaid al-Fetneh
Adult male killed
Ramia Ahmad Swaileh
23 years old female killed
Muhammad Hamed Mulla Wardi
Age unknown male nicknamed Abu Ghassem killed
Yamen Daham al-Jaloud
Adult male died a week after the incident from the wounds he sustained killed
Obeid al-Jaloud al-Shuhaili
Adult male died two weeks after the incident from the wounds he sustained killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 18
  • (1 woman3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (38) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Footage of the Russian or Assad warplanes in the skies of Al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, October 1st, 2017 (via @WmCWofaEmTYeTGr)
  • Image associated with the the aerial shelling in Al-Bouleil in Deir Ezzor, October 1st, 2017, however, the source does not clarify the location and it could be a generic image (via @amsiiraq)
  • On October 13th, Obeid al-Jaloud al-Shuhaili reportedly died from the wounds he sustained in alleged Russian or regime shelling of Al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, October 1st 2017 (via Euphrates Post)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between October 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
    10 – 18
  • (1 woman3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (38) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2665

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Location

الغبرة, Al-Ghabra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.537778, 40.9125 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two men were killed and “dozens” more civilians were killed in an airstrike on Al-Ghabra, according to local media. Sources mostly blamed Russia, however a few blamed “warplanes” – not identifying a culprit.

Al Araby reported that ” al-Ghubra [is] in the vicinity of the city of Albuqmal at the Syrian-Iraqi border in the far east of Deir al-Zour”.

Images were published of the victims.

There are no more details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Taher Aldibs
Adult male killed
Ahmed Naoum Al Nakheel
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Mohamed Taher Aldibs, killed in an airstrike on Al-Ghabra, 1st November 2017. (via Lawhat boukamalna)
  • Ahmed Naoum Al Nakheel, killed in an airstrike on Al-Ghabra, 1st November 2017. (via Lawhat boukamalna)
  • Mohammed Taher Aldibs, killed in airstrikes on Al-Ghabra, 1st November 2017. (via Zafer Abo Hassan )
  • Mohammed Taher Aldibs, killed in airstrikes on Al-Ghabra, 1st November 2017. (via Zafer Abo Hassan )

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1656 RS2666

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Location

السيال, Abu Kamal, Al Sayyal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.563232, 40.896998 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between three and six civilians died in an airstrike on the home of Mohammed al-Shabib Abu Jassim, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, the Iraqi air force, Syrian regime or Russia were to blame.

According to Eldorar, “The sources said that in conjunction with the artillery shelling there were airstrikes, though it is unknown whether the planes belonged to the international coalition or the Iraqi army. They carried out air raids targeting the area of Sayyal and killed five people”.

But according to 7al, Russian warplanes carried out the attack, conducting nine raids on civilian homes which killed six non-combatants and injured 18 others. Deir Ezzor24 also pointed towards Moscow, as did Baladi.

Al Bukamal’s dawn reported that shells were fired “from the Iraqi side on the agricultural lands in (Suwayeh – Harri)”. The raids struck state security building and the building of the party division. Additionally, “A Daesh car was targeted on the main al Sayyal road”.

Furthermore, they reported that “For the second day in a row, the town of Sayyal (east) was shelled [they] targeting the house of Muhammad al-Shabib – Abu Jassem. He was martyred along with two guests who have not yet been identified and others in the house were injured”

Euphrates Post didn’t identify the culprit of the airstrikes but listed the victims. 

The incident was first reported on November 1, 2017 at 1:00 pm by .

The victims were named as:

Mohammed al-Shabib Abu Jassim
Adult male the owner of the house which was struck killed
Mohammed al-Kamil al-Faraj
Age unknown male from the city of Mohsin killed
Abdullah Al-Hitroush
Age unknown male from the town of Sayyal killed
Ahmed Naoum al-Nakheel
Child male killed
An unnamed child from Sayal town
Child killed
A displaced man from Nakhaylan family
Adult male from the town of Albuqmal in the town of Sayyall killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (1–2 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    18
  • 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, Iraq Irregular Forces

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Ahmed Naoum al-Nakheel, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on residential homes in Abu Kamal, 1st November 2017. (via Euphrate)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on residential homes in Abu Kamal, 1st November 2017. (via Euphrate)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on residential homes in Abu Kamal, 1st November 2017. (via Euphrate)
  • Mohammed al-Shabib Abu Jassim, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on residential homes in Abu Kamal, 1st November 2017. (via Euphrate)
  • Mohammad al Shabib, Mohammad al Kamil and Abdallah al Hatroush, killed in airstrikes on Al-Sayyal, 1st November 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention an airstrike in the village of Sayyal (السيال) for which the coordinates are: 34.5713889,40.9066667 Satellite imagery analysis geolocated the image of a destroyed house posted on Twitter by @EuphratesPost. Before (Jun. 23, 2017) and after (Nov. 13, 2017) images showed visible structural damage. Airwars does not have the rights to publish the images. The exact location for the destroyed building: 34.563232 40.896998 A YouTube video published on Nov. 1, 2017 shows Russian bombers releasing six bombs above Sayyal (السيال). However, further analysis of available satellite imagery indicated that this was most likely a different strike on the same village. Craters were visible in the vicinity of 34.562750, 40.914180 and to the West, in the direction of flight (00:36:00).

  • The location of the destroyed building in Sayyal (السيال) village, featured in the @EuphratesPost tweet. Airwars geolocated one of the two photographs to 34.563232, 40.896998 (camera facing South East).

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

  • In what we assessed to be a different strike, a Russian aircraft releases six bombs above Sayyal (السيال)

    Date taken:
    November 1, 2017

    Imagery:
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4oelAUyyH4&feature=youtu.be

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 26, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 1st-2nd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS vehicle. Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units, destroying a fighting position and damaging a line of communication.”

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

Iraq Irregular Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Irregular Forces
  • Iraq Irregular Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (1–2 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    18
  • 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, Iraq Irregular Forces

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2667

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Location

عشاير, Ashayer, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.511944, 40.903333 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as five civilians were killed following an airstrike on Ashayer, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming Russia while others attributed blame to the Syrian regime.

Two mothers and two daughters were killed, as well as another unidentified child.

According to media, “House of Hail Al Harb, House of Khaled Mohammed, Mohammed Al-Turki Stores and woman and her daughter are dead, House of Walid Al -Azab, And the house between the houses of Al Shhada” were all “targeted” in the raids.

The shelling and missiles did not reportedly injury any civilians. According to @obaidahalabdull, there were no civilian casualties.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

The daughter of Mohammed Turki
Adult female killed
The daughter of Mohammed Turki
Child female killed
Wife of Mohammed Saleh al - Turki
Adult female killed

Family members (2)

Daughter of Ali al - Hussein al Khalaf al Azab
Adult female killed
Daughter of Ali al - Hussein al Khalaf al Azab's daughter
Child female killed

The victims were named as:

Unidentified child
Child killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (2–3 children2 women)
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (2–3 children2 women)
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1657 RS2668

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Location

البصيرة, Al Busayrah, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.15618, 40.42716 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two named civilians died and up to 23 others were wounded in an airstrike on al Busayrah according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame.

Baladi, Jisr TV and Sharqiya Voice all blamed the Coalition.

Euphrates Post reported “the martyrdom of the young man Abdul Muttalib Mohammed Hassan Al-Ali and the injury of his cousins: Abdul Qadir Taleb al-Hassan (critical injury), Yasser Abdul Samad Al Hassan and Abd al-Shafi Saleh al-Hassan. All casualties were the result of air strikes targeting the house of Abdul Samad Dawood al-Hassan”.

However 7al blamed Russia for carrying out six raids, putting the death toll at “two young people” and injury of 23 more.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Aboud Talib Dawood Hassan Al Ali Ahmad Al Khalid
Adult male killed
The cousin of Martyr Abdul Muttali
Age unknown killed
Abdul Qadir Taleb al-Hassan
Age unknown male cousin of Aboud injured
Yasser Abdul Samad Al Hassan
Age unknown male cousin of Aboud injured
Abd al-Shafi Saleh al-Hassan
Age unknown male cousin of Aboud injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–23
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Aboud Talib Dawood Hassan Al Ali Ahmad Al Khalid, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Busayrah, 1st November 2017. (via Deir free tweet)
  • A victim of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Busayrah, 1st November 2017. (via Euphrates)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of al Busayrah (البصيرة), for which the coordinates are: 35.15618, 40.42716

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.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 26, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 1st-2nd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS vehicle. Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units, destroying a fighting position and damaging a line of communication.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–23
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1663

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

باغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.41036, 40.96066 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four or more civilians died in an airstrike on al Baghouz, according to local media. While most sources pointed towards the Coalition, one said that it was unclear whether Russia had been responsible. The US-led alliance later admitted killing five civilians in the event.

According to Al Hal, “Coalition forces also raided al-Bagouz village in the same countryside, killing four civilians and injuring more than 20 others, mostly women and children”.

Euphrates Post also blamed the Coalition, reporting that “there were four deaths and a number of wounded, with a whole family are still under the rubble, following a terrible massacre as a result of air strikes believed to be by the International coalition”. The source named victims.

It was reported that “a number of charred bodies and a whole family who are still under the rubble at the home of Eid al-Daham.”

Al Bukamal is Being Slaughtered reported a bombing on “the house of Riad Mohammed al-Daham al-Rahbi.” It proceeded to say: “We received news that they had in their house a guest Saleh Obeid al Khalaf al Marsoumi and he died under the rubble with the family.”

However, according to Al Bukamal news, it was “unknown whether the bombing was by Russia or the Coalition.”

It should also be noted that on November 3rd and 4th, locals reported that they had come under attack from “Iraqi shelling.”

In its November 2018 casualty report the Coalition admitted responsibility for five deaths, noting that ” Coalition aircraft conducted multiple airstrikes targeting identified ISIS personnel and equipment. Unfortunately, during one of the strikes, five civilians were unintentionally killed.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Sulaiman Saleh al Obeid al Khalaf
Adult male killed
The child Hassan Ali al-Aboud
Child male killed
Ali Saleh al-Obeid
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Suleiman Al - Saleh Al - Obeid, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Baghous, November 2nd 2017. (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 34.4111111, 40.9611111

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    near Al-Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU802094
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018

  • On Nov. 2, 2017, near Al-Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report Coalition aircraft conducted multiple airstrikes targeting identified ISIS personnel and equipment. Unfortunately, during one of the strikes, five civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 2nd-3rd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication. Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1658 RS2669

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

السكرية, Al Sukkariya, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.491136, 40.886135 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians – two women and two girls – died in an airstrike on the residential neighbourhood of al Sukkariya, local media reported. It was unclear who was responsible, though one source attributed the event to Russia.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “four citizen women including two girls were killed as a result of bombing by the warplanes on areas in Al-Sokkariyeh village in the countryside of Al-Bokamal city in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor during the past 24 hours”.

However, according to Baladi, Russia was responsible. It put the death toll at “two women and two children”.

Jisir TV didn’t say who carried out the strikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incidents mention residential houses in the village of Sukkariya (السكرية) for which the coordinates are: 34.491136, 40.886135

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 26, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 2nd-3rd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication. Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1659 RS2670

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

السيال, Al Sayyal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.5713889, 40.9066667 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Several civilians – including a woman and a child – reportedly died in an airstrike on al Sayyal, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or Russia.

Al Hall pointed towards the Coalition, putting the death toll at two with nine more wounded.

According to the Our Bukamal facebook page, “warplanes targeted the eastern town of Sayyal this morning targeting the homes of al A’war killed the wife of Mohammad al Abboud al A’war and his sister and a child”.

However, Baladi attributed the event to Russia, reporting the death of “a woman and her daughter”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Wife of Mohammed Aboud al-A’war
Adult female killed
Daughter of Mohammed Aboud al-A’war
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1 child1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Sayyal (السيال) for which the coordinates are: 34.5713889, 40.9066667

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 26, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 2nd-3rd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication. Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1 child1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]