Israeli Military in Syria & the Gaza Strip

A child uses his mobile device in the ruins of a building in Beit Lahia, Gaza Strip on May 26th 2021. © Mohamed Zaanoun

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

Incident Code

CS1730

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Location

ظهرة العلواني, Zahret Al Alwni, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.539793, 40.960979 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that 10 to 25 civilians had been killed and dozens wounded as a result of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Zahret Al Alwni – an IDP camp located between Al Sousse and Al Sha’afa. Most sources reported that 16 non combatants had died.

According to most reports, the victims of the airstrike were “mostly children and women”. Euphrates Post and Deir Ezzor 24 included a list of the known victim families in their reports:

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the highest tally of at least 25 civilian fatalities, including 7 children and 6 women.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (1)

Family of Hussein Al Shuja
killed

Family members (1)

Family of Mohammed Al Shuja
killed

Family members (1)

Family of Ahmed Al Shuja
killed

The victims were named as:

Daughter of Ali Al Shuja
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 25
  • (7 children6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (13) [ 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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Zahret al-Alwani village, Dier Ezzor, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018
  • February 25, 2018, near Zahret al-Alwani village, Dier Ezzor, Syria, via Airwars. 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 February 25th, the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 25 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted one strike consisting of two engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged a Daesh tactical unit and destroyed three fighting positions.”

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For February 21st-27th, the Netherlands report that its F16s attacked ISIS combatants and vehicles on one occasion near Abu Kamal, Syria. The jets supported ground troops during 9 missions, including in the Nineveh, Kirkuk and Al Anbar provinces in Iraq.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 28-02-2018 | 12:00 In Mali zijn Nederlandse militairen begonnen met operatie Kronos. Ten oosten van de stad Ansongo brachten zij in kaart in hoeverre vanuit het zuiden oprukkende terroristische groeperingen invloed uitoefenen op de lokale bevolking. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 21 tot en met 27 februari 2018. Nederlandse verkenners in gesprek met de lokale bevolking. De operatie werd uitgevoerd door langeafstandverkenners. Zij voerden gesprekken met de inwoners. In het weekend is alle informatie verwerkt, vond materieelonderhoud plaats en werd de 2e fase van de operatie voorbereid. Deze startte maandagochtend. Nederlandse F-16 in Jordanië. Irak en Oost-Syrië Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-strijders en voertuigen aan. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. De jachtvliegtuigen ondersteunden grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies, waaronder in de Iraakse provincies Ninawa, Kirkuk en Al Anbar. Bij 1 missie werden wapens ingezet. Voor Operation Inherent Resolve trainden Nederlandse militairen samen met diverse partnerlanden Peshmerga-strijders in Irak. 2 trainingsteams verzorgden afgelopen weken de basisinfanterieopleiding voor de manschappen en een leiderschapstraining voor de kaderleden. Woensdag vond in het noordelijke trainingscentrum een door de Nederlanders, Hongaren en Italianen georganiseerde eindoefening plaats. 100 Peshmerga ontvingen hiervoor een certificaat. De genie trainde eenheden van de Zerivani (militaire politie) in het detecteren en onschadelijk maken van geïmproviseerde explosieven. In het westen van Irak werkt een chirurgisch team in het Amerikaanse Role 2 hospitaal. De Nederlandse medici werken daar nauw samen met een Brits team.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Feb 21st-27th, France reports 25 sorties and four strikes were made in the Abu Kamal area in support of the SDF in the Euphrates Valley. The Wagram Task Force continues its support for security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, three ‘lighting missions’ were carried out for the Iraqi security forces.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leurs efforts sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate afin de réduire les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la zone. Cette semaine encore, elles ont progressé lentement en raison des mauvaises conditions météorologiques. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les Forces de Sécurité poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation sur l’ensemble du pays. Celles-ci se sont concentrées cette semaine sur le plateau d’Hawijah et le Sud de l’Anbar. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, trois missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (3 missions d’éclairement – bilan du 21 au 27 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1625 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Cette semaine, l’activité aérienne a permis d’assurer des missions de renseignement et d’appui au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes et des forces démocratiques syriennes. Elle a donné lieu à 25 sorties aériennes (bilan du 21 au 27 février) au cours desquelles quatre frappes ont été réalisées dans le secteur d’Abu Kamal en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes combattant les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7815 sorties / 1443 frappes / 2233 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 25
  • (7 children6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI257

Incident date

June 26, 2016

Location

بادوش, Badush, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.39739, 43.15897 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that 25 civilians were killed and 48 wounded following an alleged Coalition targeted residential neighbourhoods in Badush, north-west of Mosul. Iraqi Revolution reported “dozens of raids, while Iraqi Spring Media said four families were killed.

The US later confirmed two separate casualty incidents in Mosul that day from the strikes – but only admitted to two civilians injured. Two separate case at incidents in Mosul that day from the strikes – but only admitted to two civilians injured: June 26, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that one individual was injured after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon during another strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that one individual was injured after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon.

The case was later amended to one killed: June 26, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq: Number 15 on Nov. 9, 2016, U.S Central Command press release reported that one individual was injured after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon. That was incorrect; it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    25
  • Civilians reported injured
    48
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest town at 36.4175, 42.966389

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
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF349296
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 9, 2016
  • during another strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that one individual was injured after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 25th-26th, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, four strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL VBIED storage facility and five bed down locations.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    25
  • Civilians reported injured
    48
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS373

Incident date

January 12, 2016

Location

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.52815, 37.95495 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between seven and 25 civilians including three children and one woman were killed and 40-41 injured in airstrikes on Manbij, according to multiple sources. While four of the sources say that Russian forces carried out the attacks, a fifth blames the Assad regime.

The Shaam News Network reported that 25 non-combatants were killed and “about 40 others wounded” in seven airstrikes by Russian warplanes “which focused focused on Al’Haal, Shar’aat Al banat, the Aleppo road and Al Zira’a and Hneital neighbourhoods.” They noted widespread destruction to residential buildings.

The IS agency Al A’maq also blamed Russia (putting the death toll at 25 and the number injured at 41), while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 50 civilians were injured or killed (including three children brothers) in 15 raids by “warplanes believed to be Russian“.

But the Syrian Network for Human Rights said that shelling by regime forces killed at least seven, including one woman and her three children.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Child female killed
Child female killed
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 25
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    40–41
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Hala Qutaiba al-Hsain, killed an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime airstrike. (via, VDC)
  • Leena Qutaiba al-Hsain, killed an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime airstrike. (via, VDC)
  • Yehya Qutaiba al-Hsain, killed an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime airstrike. (via, VDC)

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
    7 – 25
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    40–41
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3427

Incident date

May 5, 2017

Location

مخيم اليرموك, Al Yarmouk Refugee Camp, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.473938, 36.300631 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The bodies of 20 civilians, including women and children, were recovered in Yarmouk refugee camp south of Damascus who were allegedly killed in airstrikes on May 5th 2018. It is unclear who was responsible for the airstrikes. Smart News accused both the Syrian regime and Russian forces of the civilian harm.

Masri News reported that “the residents found 20 bodies of civilians who got killed in previous bombing by the Syrian regime in two separate graves in Yarmouk camp and Al Hajar Al Aswad. ”

According to Smart, “Local activists said on the pages of social networking sites that the forces of the regime and Russia targeted a building where about 25 civilians were hiding, including children, causing the death and wounding of a number of them, without specifying the numbers. Wounded bodies are still under the rubble.”

Smart also said that artillery was also used in bombing Al Yarmouk camp area.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 25
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (3) [ 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

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 25
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS167

Incident date

January 22, 2016

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

There were claims by some of a wedding convoy hit in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa on the evening of January 22nd. Al Jazeera instead said that “an unmanned drone targeted a car belonging to IS near Bab Baghadad east of the town.”

The event, which took place in the Baghdad Bab neighbouorhood of the city, was alleged by some to have killed 25 or more people “including women and children.” However these casualty claims may relate to Russian airstrikes which also reportedly hit the city that day.

So-called Islamic State – which issued what it said was a post-strike video – was quick to accuse the US of responsibility for the attack on a “wedding convoy”.

However the Coalition did not publily declare any strikes on the city that evening. Responding to Airwars, a CJTF-OIR spokesperson stated: “As per the daily strike release on Jan. 23, there were no strikes conducted near Raqqah on Jan. 22.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    25
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A vehicle said to have been part of a wedding convoy, bombed in alleged Copalition strike on Ar Raqqa January 22nd 2016 (via Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition did not publicly report any strikes in Raqaa for January 22nd-23rd 2016, later confirming to Airwars this was the case.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    25
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1329

Incident date

September 24, 2016

Location

حي بستان القصر, Bustan al Qasr (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.19569, 37.14229 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between seven and 25 civilians were reportedly killed and up to 75 more injured in airstrikes on the Bustan Al Qasr neighbourhood in Aleppo, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible.

The majority of sources attributed the event to Russia.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported: “The massacre toll rose to at least 13 victims after alleged Russian warplanes fired on Bustan Al Qasr neighbourhood in Aleppo city, September 24, 2016.” But in another tweet, SN4HR blamed the regime for the attack.

Most sources agreed with the number of 13 people killed, while others gave figures slightly below or above.

For example, Annahar News said 25 people were killed in the airstrikes.

Aleqt News and LCCSY gave the lowest estimate with seven people killed.

HNN and other sources mentioned that cluster bombs were used by the Russians in the raids.

But a number of sources, including Al Jazeera, Alkhaleejonline and Alsouria blamed both Russian and Syria aircraft.

AleppoAMC reported “nearly 70 wounded” in the attacks.

All4Syria claimed “heavy shelling with phosphorus incendiary bombs, leading to houses burning down.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 25
  • Civilians reported injured
    75
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

  • A SN4HR report entitled - 'Aleppo neighborhoods rupture by Russian and Syrian forces' details the events in Al Sakhour (PDF via SN4HR) [Arabic]

  • A SN4HR report entitled - 'Aleppo neighborhoods rupture by Russian and Syrian forces' details the events in Al Sakhour (PDF via SN4HR) [English]

  • A SN4HR report entitled - 'At least 49 massacres in September' details the events in Al Shia Ar, September 27th (PDF via SN4HR) [Arabic]

  • A SN4HR report entitled - 'At least 49 massacres in September' details the events in Al Shia Ar, September 27th (PDF via SN4HR) [English]

  • Bodies of civilians on the streets of Busatn Al Qasr - the human cost of alleged Russian or Regime warplane shelling (via SN4HR)
  • Destruction on the street of Bustan Al Qasr, Aleppo. The consequences of alleged warplane shelling, Sept 24th (via Step)
  • A street in Bustan Al Qasr, left in ruin following alleged Russian warplane shelling, Sept 24th (via Step)
  • Injured civilians in Bustan Al Qasr, the result of suspected Russian shelling, Sept 24th (via Step)
  • Further destruction to the street in Bustan Al Qasr, Aleppo. The impact of alleged Russian warplanes, Sept 24th (via Step)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A vert graphic video of many wounded civilians, covered in blood and laid together in rows. The impact of alleged Russian warplane shelling, Sept 24th (via The White Helmets)
  • Civilians with severe injuries in Bustan Al Qasr (via @AleppoAMC)
  • Footage shows the wounded of Bustan Al Qasr - very graphic (via @RevolutionSyria)
  • Mass material destruction throughout Bustan Al Qasr, the effect of alleged Russian bombing (via @thiqanewsagency)

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
    7 – 25
  • Civilians reported injured
    75
  • 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

RS010

Incident date

October 2, 2015

Location

دير حافر‎, Dayr Hafir, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.151494, 37.707842 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Six civilians including three children were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Dayr Hafir. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, ten civilians were also injured when the attack struck the local market. Al Jazeera placed the death toll at 25 while Shaam Network said that 20 were killed.

There were some local claims the attacks were the work of the Syrian regime, and not Russia.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 25
  • (3 children)
  • 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
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Al Aan TV reports unspecified raids on a market in Dayr Hafir having killed at least 20 civilians. An activist being interviewed blames the regime. (via Al Aan TV)
  • Tweet by an activist alleges that there are 103 dead in Russian raids on the countryside of Aleppo: 80 martyrs in the city of al Bab 20 martyrs in Dayr Hafir and two martyrs in Tadif. (via hatem_6868)
  • Tweet by Hamza AlHairi Free Syrian army says that 20 people were killed in Dayr Hafir following alleged regime raids on a local market. (via Hamza AlHairi)
  • Tweet by Azaz Media alleges Regime warplanes were the ones to commit 'a terrible massacre' in Dayr Hafir. (via Azaz Media)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Dayr Hafir, for which the generic coordinates are: 36.151494, 37.707842. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Unknown Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Unknown

The Kremlin made no direct mention of strikes on Dayr Hafer for October 2nd-3rd 2015, although did note other attacks in Idlib governorate: “On October 2, in the course of the day, the Russian air grouping continued making pinpoint strikes at the “Islamic State” international terrorist grouping. Su-34, Su-24M and Su-25 aircraft carried out 14 sorties from the Hmeymim air base attacking 6 ISIS objects. At Maarrat Al-Nuuman (Idlib), Su-25 attack aircraft completely destroyed a large workshop aimed for production of bombs and improvised explosive devices and disguised as a plant for gas cylinders.Terrorist base for armament and military equipment was also eliminated. As a result of an air strike, over ten pieces of military hardware including infantry fighting vehicles were burnt down…

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 25
  • (3 children)
  • 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
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS492

Incident date

January 28, 2016

Location

محيميدة, Mahimideh, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.44294, 40.08619 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians including a child died in alleged Russian raids on Mahimideh, according to local sources.

Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that alleged Russian raids killed several non-combatants and injured more, while Al Jisr TV claimed the casualty toll was as high as 25.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Adult male killed
Child male killed

The victims were named as:

Adult male “a vet from Al Shematiyeh town in Deir Ez-Zour governorate died February 1 2016, due to his wounds from suspected Russian warplanes missiles fired on Mehaimideh village in Deir Ez-Zour governorate in January 28.”, according to SN4HR killed
Adult female died 2 days after the incident from the wounds she recieved, according to SN4HR killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 25
  • (1 child1 woman2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Image showing an alleged Russian strike on Mahimideh, January 28th 2016. (via Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently)
  • The exact moment after the alleged raid hit Mheimidiya. (via, Deir Ezzor is being Slaughtered Silently)
  • The exact moment after the alleged raid hit Mheimidiya. (via, Deir Ezzor is being Slaughtered Silently)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

In its military report published on 1st February 2016, the Kremlin said: “In the course of the last week, the Russian aircraft in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 468 combat sorties engaging 1354 terrorists’ infrastructural facilities in the Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, Homs, Damascus, Raqqah, Daraa and Deir ez-Zor provinces. Among them – 24 ones were carried out by Tu-22M3 long-range bombers from the Russian territory…Long-range bomber aviation aircraft supported units of the Syrian governmental troops which defended the city of Deir ez-Zor. The airstrikes carried out by Tu-22M3 bombers from the territory of the Russian Federation jointly with tactical aviation from the Hmeymim airbase, engaged 23 important terrorists’ objects in that district. The attempt of terrorists to assault Deir ez-Zor was frustrated.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 25
  • (1 child1 woman2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]