Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CS1272

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One woman died in an alleged Coalition air or artillery strike on Raqqa, local media reported.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, A civilian female was killed after Coalition warplanes allegedly “fired missiles” into the city of Raqqa,

However, Lwaa Usod Al Kalamon referred to her as “a daughter of the city of Palmyra”. He also noted that husband Ahmad ali Taha was killed a few days later along with his brother in a strike on Raqqa.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hayat Mohammed Obaid al Taha
Adult female was said to be displaced from Tadmur city in the east of Homs governorate killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 27, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 25th-26th: “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, four observation points, three sniper positions, two command and control nodes, two supply caches, two mortar systems, a VBIED, an ISIS communication tower, a front-end loader, an ammunition cache, a tactical vehicle, and a heavy machine gun; and suppressed a supply route.” It additionally reported that “On July 25, near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed five mortar positions, a VBIED storage facility, a VBIED, and ISIS equipment.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

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

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS338

Incident date

January 2, 2016

Location

مارع, Mare', Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.482582, 37.19593 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One possible civilian was reported killed and several others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Mare’ in the northern countryside of Aleppo, according to multiple sources.

The Shaam News Network reported that Russian planes carried out raids on various areas, in particular the towns of Mare’, Tal Rifa’at, Izaz, Mangh and Deir Jamal, leading to the death of one civilian and injury of several others.

According to the White Helmets, there were three raids by “warplanes” (they did not state who they belonged to) on Mare’, resulting in deaths and injuries, although precise casualty figures were not given.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that warplanes “believed to be Russian” carried out several airstrikes on areas in the towns of Mare’, Tal Rifa’at and Mangh, leading to the death of at least one person in Mare’ and injury of several others, in addition to damage  of civilian property.

One victim Alae Abdel Al Khateeb was named by the Violations Documentation Center (pictured above). However, an image of Mr al Khateeb carrying a gun (below) – and an image of his body held by a person in military fatigues – suggest he may have been linked to rebels in Mare’.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Footage showing the destruction in the aftermath of the contested raids. (via, abo al Majd)
  • Alae Adel al-Khateeb, killed in a contested airstrike. Photograph shows him posing with a weapon, looks like a militant but extensive research shows no other signs of militancy. (via, Nazir al Hafz)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Alae Adel al-Khateeb, killed on 2nd January 2016. (via, Homs Media Network Facebook)
  • Alae Adel al-Khateeb, killed on 2nd January 2016. (via, Mare’ the city of Martyrs)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

In its report for military actions on January 11 2016, the Kremlin reports carrying out strikes in Aleppo governorate: “In the course of 10 days of the year 2016, the Russian aircraft have performed 311 combat sorties engaging 1097 objects in the Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Hama, Homs, Damascus, Deir ez-Zor, Hasakah, Daraa, and Raqqah provinces.“

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI818

Incident date

July 30, 2017

Location

الحويجة, Hawija, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.3240179, 43.77335 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local press sources said that 10 civilians from the same family were killed by an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit their house in the Hawija district on Sunday 30th July.

Kawsar Agency and Team of Correspondents said that the family died as a result of US shelling on their home.

According to Team of Correspondents, the ten victims were mostly children, while Iraqi Spring Media Centre said most of the dead were women and children.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (2–6 children2 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a residential building in the city of Hawija (الحويجه). Due to limited information and satellite imagery available, Airwars was unable to verify the location of this building. The generic coordinates of the city of Hawija (الحويجه) are: 35.325244, 43.767258.

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 Hawija, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLE8832609514
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 2017
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 29th-30th, the Coalition reported: “Near Al Huwayjah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS-held building.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (2–6 children2 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS354 CS164

Incident date

January 9, 2016

Location

عين عيسى, `Ayn `Isa, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.383715, 38.866611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A strike by aircraft reportedly killed five civilians. Syria News attributed the attack to Russia, while Ara News said it was a Coalition action.

VDC – which attributed the attack to the regime – named five victims.

In their February 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (4 children1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

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
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA880265
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 2, 2020
  • Jan. 9, 2016, in Ayn ‘Isa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2899/CS164 37SDA880265

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition confirmed a strike in the vicinity for January 9th-10th 2016, noting that “Near Ayn Isa, one strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL buildings.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (4 children1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1328

Incident date

August 4, 2017

Location

منطقة جمعية المهندسين, Jamiat al Muhandissen area in Orme al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.116944, 36.908611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources reported the explosion of a car bomb in “the second village of engineers” killing members of Haiat Tahrir al Sham [formerly Al Qaeda/ Al Nusra] and up to four civilians, as well as wounding others.

According to @Elghad , “The Syrian Observatory, based in Britain, said that a car bomb exploded near the headquarters of the editor of the Levant in the Al Mouhandeseen countryside.

The Observatory said that preliminary reports indicated the killing of two members of the Liberation of the Sham and wounding others.

A media unit of the group confirmed the explosion, saying that a number of its members were killed and wounded.”

There was only one allegation against Coalition warplanes, from the Step News Agency. It reported: “Thirteen members of Haiat Tahrir al Sham [formerly Al Nusra] and a number of civilians were killed and wounded when the Coalition’s international air force targeted them in the area of the Society of Engineers [or Jamiaat al Muhandissen] in Orme al-Kubra, west of Aleppo.”

The incident was first reported on August 19, 2017 at 8:17 am by @Akhbr .

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports mention the area of Jamiat al Muhandissen (منطقة جمعية المهندسين) in Orme al Kubra (أورم الكبرى), western Aleppo governorate, for which the coordinates are: 36.116944, 36.908611    

  • The area of Jamiat al Muhandissen (منطقة جمعية المهندسين)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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 Orme al Kubra, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SCV117989
    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

The Coalition has not publicly reported any strikes in Aleppo governorate for August 3rd-4th.

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS575

Incident date

February 9, 2016

Location

الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1807607, 37.167263 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Violations Documentation Center named one adult male civilian, Abo Yousef Skaif, as killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Salheen.

The victim was also named by Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies, which blamed Russia. Halab News also listed him as killed, but did not say who carried out the attack.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

From February 4th – February 11th, Russia reported: “In the course of the last week, February 4-11, aircraft of the Russian aviation group in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 510 combat sorties engaging 1,888 terrorists’ objects in the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, Deir ez-Zor, Daraa, Homs, Hasakah and Raqqah.” It added: “Two powerful field commanders were liquidated in the Aleppo province.In the suburbs of Kalaz-Tahtani, a large illegal armed group with its commander, “Abu Maher” (“Farid Al-Misri”) was eliminated by an airstrike.The field commander “Abu Anas Al-Sham” from the Jaysh al-Sham terrorist group was liquidated in the territory of the same province.” It also said that “Russian aviation eliminated open ISIS oil storages in the Aleppo province.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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

CS1358

Incident date

August 9, 2017

Location

شارع البريد, Al Bareed neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9618903, 38.9940834 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources reported that four civilians were killed and five others wounded in alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes, in al Bareed neighbourhood, Raqqa.

No additional details are presently known.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Bareed (البريد) in the city of Raqqa. The coordinates for this neighbourhood are: 35.9618903, 38.9940834.

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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 8th-9th the Coalition reported *Near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 20 fighting positions, an IED, ISIS engineering equipment, a logistics node, and a command and control node” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 8, near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions, three command and control nodes, an IED, and a heavy machine gun.”

Unknown
  • English
    /
    Original

For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

Unknown
  • English
    /
    Original

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS374

Incident date

January 12, 2016

Location

دير العصافير, Dayr al Asafeer, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.465278, 36.419722 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two to three civilians including a woman and child were killed and 10 others injured in airstrikes on Dayr Al Asafeer, according to sources.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that “warplanes believed to be Russian” carried out the attacks, while the White Helmets – who put the initial death toll at two (one woman and one child) with 10 injured – did not say who was responsible. They reported that a raid with two missiles targeted residential streets, destroying buildings, adding that “the rescue team in the southern district have moved the wounded and pulled a boy alive from under the rubble and evacuated civilians from the targeted area as well as cleared the roads.

The Tulip kindergarten was among those buildings struck.

While most sources blamed Russia, Radio al Kul said the Assad regime had dropped cluster munitions on the town. And the al Baath Media site also claimed regime credit for the attack, noting that “the air force of the Syrian army targeted sites and gatherings of militants in the towns of Darya, Deir Al Assafir and Outaya in Damascus.”

The White Helmets also listed an unidentified woman.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Maram Seika’a or Saibaa
Child named by the White Helmets killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • A member of the White Helmets rescues a child following an airstrike on Dayr al Asafeer, on January 12th 2016. (via, The White Helmets)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Maram Saibaa, killed an in alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, VDC)
  • Maram Saibaa, killed an in alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Syria Blogspot)
  • Maram Saibaa, killed an in alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Syria Blogspot)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Maram Saibaa, killed an in alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Syria Blogspot)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Te burial of Maram Saibaa, killed an in alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Syria Blogspot)

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 11-15 January.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]