Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

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

Incident Code

RS1377 CS321

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

بقرص, Bokros, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.090833, 40.398056 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 10 civilians including a family of four died following air raids on Bokros, according to sources on the ground. The Syrian regime, Russia and the Coalition were all blamed.

According to Shaam News, “In the town of Bokros Coalition aircraft attacked houses belonging to civilians, which led to the death of four people, including two boys and a girl, in addition to the fall of the number of wounded.”

The Syrian Observatory blamed unspecified warplanes for the attack, while Smart News held the Assad regime responsible. Eldorar and Syria News Desk blamed Russia. According to the latter, “four civilians, including two children, were killed and seven others wounded, after Russian aviation raids targeting four residential sites in Bokros, which also led to the complete destruction of three houses and significant material damage to another four.”

Deirezzor24 put the death toll at 10 and also blamed Russia.

In their May 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 (4)

Child male killed
Adult male “A football player in al fotwa and Bokros team”, according to @ahmed_rahall. killed
Child female killed
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 10
  • (3 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • 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 (25) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (10) [ collapse]

  • Aref Mahmoud al A’shraj, killed in an alleged Russian, Syrian regime and Coalition airstrike on Bokros, 30th September 2016. (via ahmed_rahall)
  • Aftermath of an alleged Russian, Syrian regime and Coalition airstrike on Bokros, 30th September 2016. (via EuphratesPost)
  • Damage to civilian homes can be seen here following an alleged Russian, Syrian regime and Coalition airstrike on Bokros, 30th September 2016. (via Furat Post)
  • Damage to civilian homes can be seen here following an alleged Russian, Syrian regime and Coalition airstrike on Bokros, 30th September 2016. (via Furat Post)
  • Damage to civilian homes can be seen here following an alleged Russian, Syrian regime and Coalition airstrike on Bokros, 30th September 2016. (via Furat Post)
  • Aref Mahmoud al A’shraj, killed in an alleged Russian, Syrian regime and Coalition airstrike on Bokros, 30th September 2016. (via awaadalkh1)
  • Euphrates post names the victims in Bokros as A'ref Mahmoud al A'jrash and the children, Mohammad Hamed al A'jrash and Salmeen and Nour Bassem al A'jrash
  • An oppositionst activist reports that the footballer A'ref was killed in Bokros. 30th September 2016
  • Euphrates post tweets photos of the aftermath of the raids at Bokros which they report left 4 dead including three children. 30th September 2016
  • Two people killed due to their injuries sustained in alleged Russian strikes on Bokros yesterday. 1st October 2016

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

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
    37SFU274840
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020
  • Sept. 30, 2016, in Bokros, 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. 3057/CS321 37SFU274840

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 29th-30th 2016 the Coalition stated: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes damaged four ISIL supply routes and disabled a bridge along an ISIL supply route.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 10
  • (3 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • 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 (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1376 CS320

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

الشحيل, Al Shaheel, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.0865, 40.45232 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two or three children and an elderly woman died in an airstrike on a primary school at al Shaheel, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the Syrian regime, Russia or the US-led Coalition.

Deir Ezzor 24, the Syrian Observatory and Euphrates Post reported only that unspecified warplanes had carried out the attack. The pro-regime site Al Ahed News instead said Assad’s forces had carried out the attack – as did Step News, Smart News, Syrian Press Center, and the Syrian Network (which said the attack was on a primary school.)

Masar Press and Deir Ezzor 24 instead blamed the Coalition.

In the most detailed report Syria News Desk – which blamed Russia – noted: “Media opposition activist Abu Wassim al-Dairi, quoting civilian sources said that ‘the air force targeted with two raids a secondary School in Al Shaheel which shelters displaced people from the village of Almrieih which is adjacent to the military airport at Deir Ezzor. The attack killed two children and an elderly woman and a man, and injured four others, all from one family. The bombing resulted in the destruction of the school building and extensive damage to nearby houses.”

In their May 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:

Franjiya Mhaissan al Nahar
Adult female the wife of the late Ali Al Ahmad Abu Hassan killed
Malak Barhan Adel al Mushref
Child female killed
Sulaf Mohammad Karbit
Child female The four victims were all internally displaced from nearby Deir Ezzor city. They were named by Euphrates Post. killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (2–3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • Malak Barhan Adel al Mushref, killed in alleged Russian, Syrian regime and Coalition raid on Al Shaheel, 30th September 2016. (via Euphrates Post)
  • Image showing the aftermath of the alleged Russian, Syrian regime and Coalition raid on Al Shaheel, 30th September 2016. (via DeirEzzor24)
  • Image showing the aftermath of the alleged Russian, Syrian regime and Coalition raid on Al Shaheel, 30th September 2016. (via DeirEzzor24)
  • Image of the alleged location which was targeted by the Russian, Syrian regime and Coalition raid on Al Shaheel, 30th September 2016. (via DeirEzzor24)
  • A mother and her three children reported killed in alleged regime shelling on a primary school in Al Shaheel. [Via: SN4HR 30th September 2016]
  • Euphrates post names three of the victims killed in warplane shelling on al Shaheel. 30th September 2016
  • Four civilians reported killed following alleged coalition strikes on al Shaheel. [Via: Masar Press 30th September 2016]
  • DE24 reports that four civilians from a displaced family were killed in the air raids that targeted al Shaheel. 30th September 2016
  • DE24 tweets photos of the aftermath of the raids on al Shaheel. 30th September 2016

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

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
    37SFU323836
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020
  • Sept. 30, 2016, in Al Shaheel, 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. 3056/CS320 37SFU323836

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Coalition strike reports mentions strike in the province of Deir Ezzor without mentioning the village in name.
"On Sept. 30, coalition military forces conducted 23 strikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 12 strikes using attack, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets. Near Abu Kamal, three strikes destroyed six oil tanker trucks, two vehicles, and an oil pump jack and damaged a vehicle and another oil tanker truck. Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed 24 oil tanker trucks and two oil well heads."

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (2–3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1375 CS319

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

البصيرة, al Basira, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Between four to 20 civilians were reported killed and 12 or more injured after an alleged Coalition, Russian or Assad regime strike at al Basira, according to local media.

A photograph published by Euphrates Post showed what appeared to have been a major strike in a built up area of the town. And a video showed significant damage to a civilian neighbourhood, with a vegetable market also reportedly hit.

Most sources blamed the Assad regime, with Step News suggesting a far higher death toll: “Military regime aircraft today targeted a market in the town of al Basira resulting in a massacre of more than 20 people were killed.

Ara news said 15 civilians were killed by Russia. Al Jazeera also pointed to Russia.

The Syrian Observatory said 10 died at al Basira in unidentified strikes. And Shaam News was also unable to blame the perpetrator.

Eldorar news made no mention of casualties – but said the Coalition had bombed al Basira bridge that day, “which is the last bridges in the eastern countryside linking the villages of the province, north of the Euphrates and villages south.

In their May 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.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 20
  • (3 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Image of the contested airstrike targeting al-Basira, 30th September 2016. (via Euphrates)
  • Euphrates post tweets a photo of one of the warplane raids on al Basira. 30th September 2016
  • DE24 reports the death of one man and injury of others following warplane shelling on al Basira. 30th September 2016

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

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
    37SFU299912
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020
  • Sept. 30, 2016, in Al Basira, 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. 3055/CS319 37SFU299912

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition reported from September 30 2016: ‘On Sept. 30, coalition military forces conducted 23 strikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 12 strikes using attack, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets'
Al-Basira however did not appear on the list of locations that it reportedly targeted.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 20
  • (3 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1374

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

الشيخ فارس, al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.228731, 37.177649 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between six and 14 civilians died including up to seven children and four women with dozens more wounded in airstrikes with “bunker busting” missiles on the residential neighbourhood of Al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. The majority of sources attributed this incident to Russia, though one report said that the Assad regime was responsible.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least 14 civilians including seven children and four women died due to suspected Russian warplanes firing missiles on Al Shaikh Fares area in Al Hollok neighborhood in Aleppo city, September 30, 2016.”

A number of other sources, including @Mamoun_sy and @SYR_REV_NEWS, put the death toll lower, at six civilians with up to 20 more injured. Sources tweeted images of wounded children.

According to Qasioun, “Russian fighter jets bombed buildings in the neighbourhood of Sheikh Fares with two bunker busting missiles, causing the collapse of residential buildings over the heads of residents.” The source said that seven civilians died in the attacks.

A number of reports didn’t identify the culprit. For example, Syrian Press Center reported that “aircraft launched a series of aerial bombardments targeting the Sheikh Fares neighbourhood on Friday, killing six civilians and injuring dozens, and leaving a whole family under the rubble.”

Microsyria reported the same details but was alone among sources in blaming the regime.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 14
  • (7 children4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child victim of the strikes, carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime, on al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, 30th September 2016.(via @Mamoun_sy)
  • Injured child caused by the strikes, carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime, targeting al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, 30th September 2016. (via SN4HR)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 14
  • (7 children4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1373

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

الزيتونات, al Zaitouniat, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.19885, 37.155762 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Sixteen or 17 civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al Zaitouniat neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to local media.

Smo-sy reported: “five civilians were killed and others were wounded in the Al Zaitouniat area in the Halak district today [Sept 30th], following Russian bombardment raids.”

Several sources mentioned the use of bunker busters which caused heavy damage to buildings in the neighbourhood.

Thiqanewsagency wrote on Twitter that ten people were killed. Meanwhile, Halab News reported the highest death count of 17 victims.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Nour
4 years old male killed
Nidal Ismail Ismail
Age unknown male killed
Mohammad Al Dibo al Dibo
17 years old killed
Bakri al Dibo al Mohammad,
60 years old male killed
Yahia al Sattouf
Age unknown female killed
Mahmoud Illo
35 years old male killed
Dibo Qassem
50 years old male killed
Abd al Salam Mhanna
38 years old male killed
Mhanna Mhanna
20 years old female killed
Abu al Laith
30 years old male killed
Abu Hsaib
30 years old male killed
Hussein Haj Hasan
50 years old male killed
Fatima Darwish
10 years old female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16 – 17
  • (2–4 children1 woman7 men)
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • The alleged Russian airstrikes on Zaytounat district of Aleppo caused massive destruction, 30th September 2016. (via Smart News Agency)
  • Aftermath of the alleged Russian airstrikes on Zaytounat district of Aleppo, 30th September 2016. (via Thiqa News Agency)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16 – 17
  • (2–4 children1 woman7 men)
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1372

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

كفر زيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Geolocation

35.374143, 36.601896 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on Kafr Zita in Hama – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime.

Syria News Desk reported: “Two civilians were killed yesterday evening [Sept 30th] due to the Russian warplanes targeting the city of Kafr Zita which neighbours Al Lataminah and is under the control of the opposition. The strike also led to the destruction of three houses and other physical damage.”

However, All4Syria attributed the attack to the Syria regime, stating that chlorine gas had been used: “More than 20 civilians were suffocated on Saturday in the attack by helicopter gunships using an explosive drum containing chlorine gas on agricultural land surrounding the town of Kfar Zeita in the northern suburb of Hama.”

Smart News also reported 20 civilians injured as a result of a chlorine gas attack.

Atif24osman posted an image of an alleged bunker buster strikes on Twitter.

N_workMediaHoms said the town was hit by barrel bombs from regime helicopters.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hassan Hamada Al-A’raj
Age unknown male killed
Ali Sulaiman Al Bakour
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Footage showing the warplanes striking at the town of Kafr Zita, Hama, 30th September 2016. (via ECS)
  • Destruction caused by the contested airstrike, which reportedly contained bunker busters, Kafr Zita, Hama, 30th September 2016. (via @atif24Osman)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1371

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

كقر بطنا, Kafr Batna, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.514529, 36.374577 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between eight and nine civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on Kafr Batna in Eastern Ghouta.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at three including one woman with “others” wounded. According to Enabbaladi, “nine people, including seven children, were killed as a result of the targeting of a residential area in the city.”

KafrbatnaCity2011 identified eight victims by name while one more victim who couldn’t be identified.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Sidra Abdel-Alim,
Child female killed
Mohammed Abdul-Alim
Child male killed
Jojo Abdul Alim
Child killed
Ola Abdul-Alim
Child killed

The victims were named as:

Abdul Razzaq al-Haristani
Age unknown male killed
Khayr Muta’a
Age unknown female killed
Maryam Derkzali
Age unknown female killed
Ngham Rabie
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 9
  • (4–7 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • A girl is being carried away from the destruction caused by the contested bombs in Kafr Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Skynewsarabia)
  • Injured or killed civilian is being carried away in the aftermath of the contested strikes targeting Karf Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Enabbaladi)
  • An injured boy is being carried away follwing the contested airstrikes that targeted Kafra Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Eldorar)
  • Chaotic aftermath in the town of Katna Bar follwing the contested airstrikes, 30th September 2016. (via Eldorar)
  • An injured child is being carried away follwing the contested airstrikes that targeted Kafra Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Eldorar)
  • Aftermath after the contested airstrikes that targeted Kafra Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Eldorar)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Footage of the contested strikes on Kafr Batna showing the widespread destruction and injury it caused, 30th September 2016. (via Step News)
  • Aftermath of the contested strikes targeting Kafr Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Douma.Revolution.2011)
  • Aftermath of the contested strikes targeting Kafr Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Douma.Revolution.2011)
  • Aftermath of the contested strikes targeting Kafr Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Douma.Revolution.2011)
  • Aftermath of the contested strikes targeting Kafr Batna, 30th September 2016. (via Douma.Revolution.2011)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 9
  • (4–7 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1369

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

الهلّك, al Halak, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.231951, 37.170997 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and seven civilians died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on Aleppo’s Al Halak neighbourhood, according to local media.

Syrian Press Center reported both strikes by the regime and Russia: “The regime army positioned in al-Midan area targeted residential houses in the al-Hallak district on Saturday [Sept 30th] with mortars and heavy artillery, killing one civilian and injuring five others.”

In another report it added: “Russian aircraft launched a series of airstrikes with concussion bombs targeting the Halak district of Aleppo, killing three civilians and injuring more than 15 others.”

The highest death count of seven – including three children – was given by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Syriamubasher said that media activist Laith al-Halabi was among the victims.

Khaleedalkhteb posted on Twitter that a church was largely destroyed by the strikes.

Shahedalep1 reported the use of bunker busters.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Laith al-Halabi
Adult male media activist killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 7
  • (3 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–15
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of the strikes on al-Halak, Aleppo, carried out by either Russian or Syrian regime warplanes, 30th September 2016. (via @Khaleedalkhteb)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians in the rubble caused by the contested airstrikes on al-Halak, Aleppo, 30th September 2016. (via Aleppo AMC)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 7
  • (3 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–15
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]