Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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Incident Code

R4547

Incident date

August 26, 2023

Location

كنصفرة, Kansafra, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Two children were killed and at least four other civilians were injured, including up to three children and two women, in artillery shelling allegedly perpetrated by Syrian regime forces and/or Russian forces during the afternoon on August 26th, 2023 in Kansafra, Idlib. The two children were siblings and have been identified by the Syrian Civil Defense (@SyriaCivilDefe) as the children of Muhammad Mahmoud al-Mustafa. They were both buried that day.

Sources diverge on the gender of the children, with the Civil Defense stating they were brother and sister, while Syria News and Sky News claimed they were both boys. Along with the siblings, three other children were reported injured along with their mother and another unidentified woman. Syrian Civil Defense took the mother and at least one child to the hospital, before inspecting the neighborhood for further casualties. Syria TV, on information from the Civil Defense, alleged the injured child was a girl. Shaam News alleged those injured were related to the two children who were killed. Though numerous reports state five people were injured, there is some disparity: the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights believed four to have been wounded, with Sky News alleging six.

Though sources agree that the casualties were a result of artillery shelling, there is some disagreement regarding the perpetrator. Syrian Civil Defense stated its belief that the shelling was carried out by the Syrian regime and Russian forces, while Orient News alleged the regime along with Iranian militias bombed Kansafra.

Sky News alleged the casualties occurred during an exchange of missile and artillery shelling between the Syrian regime and insurgent group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS).

The shelling affected residential areas, including schools. The Civil Defense specified that the schools were in use, with summer clubs and preparation courses for high school exams taking place.

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Child of Mr. Muhammad Mahmoud al-Mustafa
Child killed
Child of Mr. Muhammad Mahmoud al-Mustafa
Child killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–6
  • 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
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civil Defense volunteers with victims of shelling in Kansafra on August 26, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civil Defense volunteers with victims of shelling in Kansafra on August 26, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Civil Defense volunteers with victims of shelling in Kansafra on August 26, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • One of the children killed by shelling in Kansafra on August 26, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Rescuing a child and her mother who were wounded by the artillery shelling that targeted the village of Kansafra in the southern countryside of Idlib today, Saturday, August 26, which led to the killing of two siblings and wounding 5, including 3 children and their mother.
  • #Sham | “She fell asleep in heaven.” Two children were killed and wounded as a result of the Assad regime’s artillery shelling on the town of Kansafra
  • The bodies of the two children killed by shelling in Kansafra on August 26, 2023. (Image posted by @DeirEzzore)
  • Pro-Assad and #Iranian militias bombard the town of #Kansafra, south of #Idlib
  • Shelling in Kansafra on August 26, 2023. (Image posted by @spc_fr)

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–6
  • 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
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1209

Incident date

July 15, 2017

Location

المستشفى الوطني, National Raqqa hospital, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.949994, 39.003815 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One man and his son died in an airstrike near the National Raqqa hospital, local media said.

According to Smart, “The aircraft bombed a car transporting water near the National Hospital, killing a man and his son who were inside the vehicle”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (0–1 children)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 15th-16th: “Near Raqqah, nine strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed 14 fighting positions, two anti-air artillery systems and a VBIED.” It was additionally reported that “On July 15, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, three mortar team positions, a mortar system, a fighting position and a vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

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

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Saturday 15 July – Tornados hit a sniper in Mosul, Typhoons and Tornados attacked mortar positions in Raqqa… The following day [July 15th], Tornados and Typhoons utilised eleven Paveway IV bombs against mortar positions in Raqqa, whilst a pair of Tornados used a Brimstone missile against a sniper holding out in western Mosul.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (0–1 children)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS177

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadeen, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.01982, 40.45154 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Violations Documentation Center one adult male civilian and one woman or girl were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Mayadeen.

Local media activist Hussein al Ahmad reported that “One of them targeted Al Quds mosque in the town which led to its destruction.” Photos show a severely damaged building.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Manhal al-Badawi
Adult male named by VDC killed
Areej al-Najem
Adult female named by VDC killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (0–1 children0–1 women1 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 (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • A picture of the aftermath of an alleged Russian strike on Mayadeen, Nov 20th (via Syria 24)
  • The body of a man killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Mayadeen Nov 20th (via All4Syria)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Mayadeen, Nov 2oth (via All 4 Syria)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia reported that “On November 20, the ships of the Caspian flotilla performed launches of 18 cruise missiles against 7 targets in the Raqqah, Idlib and Aleppo provinces. All the aims were hit.” It added that “29 aircraft of long-range and bomber aviation made strikes from the zone of the Caspian Sea,” though gave no details of the areas targeted.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (0–1 children0–1 women1 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

SDF00036

Incident date

September 11, 2023

Location

الحصان, Al Hassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

A young man, Muhammad al-Olayan, sustained bullet wounds during an alleged-SDF raid on the town of Al Hassan, west of Deir Ezzor, on September 11th, 2023. Naher Media, who identified al-Olayan, stated he had subsequently been transferred to the Al-Furat Hospital, inside the town, for treatment.

Shaam News corroborated these findings, and alleged that the SDF had been carrying out “random raids, searches, and arrests” on the town. Local source Mohab Nasser specified that the SDF had been raiding civilian homes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muhammad al-Olayan
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Muhammad al-Olayan, injured by alleged SDF gunfire in the town of Al Hassan on September 11, 2023. (Image posted by @nahermedia)

YPG Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1241

Incident date

July 20, 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

A 21 year-old man was killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, according to local sources.

Al Hasaka Rasd, Soheb1700 and Raqqa24 all blamed the Coalition for his death.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Firas Hussein Ali al Khabour
21 years old 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
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Firas Hussein Ramadan Khabour, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, July 20th 2017. (via Abumuaazalraqqa )
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
  • Mar 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 20th-21st: “Near Raqqah, 16 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 13 fighting positions, two pipelines, and an oil tank; and damaged a supply route and an ISIS railway.” It additionally reported that “On July 20, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions and a tunnel entrance.” And that “On July 20, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Wednesday 19 July – Tornados destroyed an explosives warehouse in northern Iraq, whilst Typhoons and Tornados struck a command post and defensive position in Raqqa…Update: air strikes against Daesh – GOV.UK In northern Iraq, intelligence had identified a warehouse near Hawijah in which large quantities of homemade explosives were being stored by Daesh. A flight of RAF Tornados attacked the building with two Paveway IV guided bombs, and demolished it on Wednesday 19 July. A mixed pair of one Tornado and one Typhoon meanwhile provided close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighting to clear the terrorists from Raqqa. A coalition surveillance aircraft identified a Daesh defensive position, and our aircraft conducted a successful attack with a Brimstone missile. A terrorist command post was also identified within the city, and this was struck with two Paveway IVs.

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
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS041

Incident date

October 14, 2015

Location

الزيارة, Al Zeyara, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.66215, 37.5944 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Syrian Network for Human Rights named a civilian male who was reported killed by cluster munitions following an alleged Russian airstrike on the town of Al Zeyara.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdullah Hallajj
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
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Video showing engineers dismantling the cluster bombs that hit the village of Al Zeyara, 16th October 2015. (via Liwa Al Fatah Brigade)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Zeyara (الزيارة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.66215, 37.5944. 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
Official source

Russia has confirmed carrying out airstrikes in Aleppo governorate on October 14th-15th 2015: “The Russian aircraft performed 33 combat sorties from Hmeymim airbase engaging 32 ISIS infrastructural facilities in the Idlib, Hama, Damascus, Aleppo and Deir ez-Zor provinces. The flight intensity of the Russian Aerospace Forces has decreased…

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
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0197

Incident date

October 14, 2023

Location

تل الهوى, Tal Al Hawa, Gaza, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.503602, 34.426948 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On October 14th 2023 at around 1 am, Israeli forces allegedly conducted an airstrike in Tal Al-Hawa, located in the south of Gaza City. The strike reportedly killed Palestinian surgeon Dr. Medhat Mahmoud Saidam and his extended family at his home. Among the dead were between 24 to 31 civilians, including at least 12 children*, seven women (including a pregnant woman), and seven men. Whilst all sources agreed that Dr Medhat Saidam was killed, alongside his family, different sources identified different family members allegedly killed in the attack.

Twitter user @dryouceff and the Palestinian Ministry of Health said Dr. Medhat Mahmoud Saidam had been working for seven consecutive days at the Indonesian Hospital before the strike occurred. Interviewed by Al Jazeera, doctor Ahmed Makhlalati confirmed that statement, saying that his colleague Dr Medhat Mahmoud Saidam was coming home to see his family and planned to go back to the hospital but was killed when a strike hit his house at around 1 am. @Gredto reported that Dr. Saidam was killed along with 30 members of his family.

On Facebook, Dr. Ahmad Mokhalalati described Dr Medhat Saidam as “one of the pioneers of plastic surgery and burns in Gaza”, “a big brother”, “a compassionate human being” who “devoted his life to serving patients, providing care for them, and educating the new younger generation”. He also added: “I cannot imagine what the atmosphere of the place would be like after him. I cannot imagine our morning meetings without him joining us with his enthusiasm and positive energy…May God have mercy on him and his entire family.” A tweet from Gredto added that “the doctor specializing in plastic surgery contributed to alleviating the suffering of those wounded in the Gaza wars 2009-2014”.

A Facebook post from Dr. Medhat Saidam’s cousin, Mohammed Saidam, named the following victims killed: Dr Medhat Mahmoud Saidam and Dr Medhat Saidam’s mother, Umm Medhat, married to the deceased Dr Mahmoud Saidam. Another source identified Umm Medhat as Majda Saidam (Al-Dajani)

The same source mentioned the death of Medhat Saidam’s two brothers, and their family, namely: Ahmed Mahmoud Saidam and his wife Shamah Ahmed and their children. Another Facebook source, Hussam Al-Dajni, documented the names of the children as: Abdul Rahman Ahmed Saidam, Magda Ahmed Saidam, Maryam Ahmed Saidam, Fatima Ahmed Saidam, Sameh Mahmoud Saidam, his pregnant wife Suhad Iyad Al-Dajani, their unborn baby Rana Sameh Saidam, and their children Sameh Saidam and Mira Sameh Saidam.

Mohammad Saidam also listed his female cousin‘s death, alongside her children, without providing their identity, age, or the number of children.

A Facebook post by Ahmad ALameen provided the names of additional victims killed, civilians also described by Hussam Al-Dajni as “Abu Jihad’s children and wife”:
Nahil Ayesh Al-Dajani, Umm Jihad, wife of Abu Jihad. One source said she was still alive while others referred to her as with the term “martyr”, implying she was also killed in the strike. The children were named as: Alaa Iyad Al-Dajani, (Abu Jihad’s son), (D) Youssef Al-Dajani, (Abu Jihad’s son), Abdul Rahman Al-Dajani, (Abu Jihad’s son), Suhad Al-Dajani (already mentioned above, married to Sameh Saidam), Abu Jihad’s daughter.

A Facebook post from the brother of Umm Medhat, named Hussam Al-Dajni, also documented the following civilian killed in the same attack: Balsam Farouk Al-Nono (Dr. Saidam’s sister in law). Multiple social media users described additional family members killed: Nawal Abdullah Ahmed Abu Nada (16 years old), Ahmed Abdullah Ahmed Abu Nada (15 years old), Anas Abdullah Ahmed Abundi (12 years old), Mohammed Abdullah Ahmed Abondi (6 years old), and Samah Abu Nada (Saidam). According to a Facebook post published by Anadolu Agency, those killed were all part of the same family unit. On this point, the outlet described them as the wife and four children of “Palestinian doctor Abdullah Abu Nada.” Footage of Abdullah Abu Nada grieving publicly was widely shared in the days following this incident. One Facebook user, posting on October 17, captioned this footage “Dr. Abdullah Abu Nada receives his family as martyrs 4 days after their house was targeted.” Other local sources added that the family was under the rubble during those 4 days.

@dryouceff reported that the strike occurred at Dr. Saidam’s home, which was located near Al-Hidaya Mosque in Tal Al-Hawa. Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the strikes to Israeli forces.

*Airwars has provisionally reconciled these names to those published by the Palestinian Ministry of Health on October 26, 2023. IDs from the MoH document are listed alongside names, and ages provided by the MoH. For cases where ‘children’ are referred to without additional biographical detail, Airwars assumes a range of at least 2.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured at approximately 1:00 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (25)

Dr Medhat Mahmoud Saidam الطبيب مدحت محمود صيدم
47 years old male Al-Shifa hospital Dr killed Matched to MoH ID 901363275
Majda Al-Dajani Saidam (Umm Medhat) مجدة الذجاني صيدم
Adult female Medhat Mahmoud Saidam's mother killed
Ahmed Mahmoud Saidam احمد محمود صيدم
36 years old male Medhat's brother killed Matched to MoH ID 801823527
Shamah Ahmed شامة أحمد
32 years old female Ahmed Mahmoud Saidam's wife killed Matched to MoH ID 803297258
Abdul Rahman Ahmed Saidam عبدالرحمن اياد الدجاني
6 years old male Ahmed and Shamah's son killed Matched to MoH ID 438972358
Magda Ahmed Saidam مجدة الذجاني صيدم
11 years old female Ahmed and Shamah's daughter killed Matched to MoH ID 432322493
Maryam Ahmed Saidam مريم احمد صيدم
1 years old female Ahmed and Shamah's daughter killed Matched to MoH ID 444179576
Fatima Ahmed Saidam فاطمة احمد صيدم
9 years old female Ahmed and Shamah's daughter killed Matched to MoH ID 433542990
Sameh Mahmoud Saidam سامح محمود صيدم
32 years old male Medhat's brother killed Matched to MoH ID 802862342
Suhad Iyad Al-Dajani سهاد اياد الدجاني
29 years old female pregnant Sameh's wife, also Abu Jihad's daughter killed Matched to MoH ID 410102594
Sameh Saidam سامح صيدم
Child male Sameh and Suhad's son killed
Mira Sameh Saidam ميرة سامح صيدم
5 years old female Sameh and Suhad's daughter killed Matched to MoH ID 440822229
Mohammad Saidam's female cousin
Adult female killed
Mohammad Saidam's female cousin's child
Child killed
Mohammad Saidam's female cousin's second child
Child killed
Nahil Ayesh Al-Dajani, Umm Jihad ناهل عياش الدجاني ام جهاد
Adult female wife of Abu Jihad killed
Alaa Iyad Al-Dajani علاء إياد الدجني
25 years old male Abu Jihad's son killed Matched to MoH ID 403741143
Youssef Al-Dajani يوسف اياد الدجاني
20 years old male Abu Jihad's son killed Matched to MoH ID 408447670
Abdul Rahman Al-Dajani عبدالرحمن اياد الدجاني
20 years old male Abu Jihad's son killed Matched to MoH ID 408447688
Balsam Farouk Al-Nono بلسم فاروق النانو
34 years old female Medhi's sister-in-law killed Matched to MoH ID 801183567
Ahmed Abdullah Abu Nada أحمد عبد الله ابو ندى
15 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 425925625
Anas Abdullah Abu Nada انس عبد الله ابو ندى
12 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 430087015
Muhammad Abdullah Abu Nada محمد عبد الله ابو ندى
7 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 436876460
Nawal Abdullah Abu Nada نوال عبد الله ابو ندى
16 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 424656262
Samah Abu Nada (Saidam) سماح محمود ابوندى صيدم
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    24 – 31
  • (12 children7 women7 men2 healthcare_personnel)
  • 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.
  • Impact
    Healthcare
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (45) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @PalinfoAr

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: MOH facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: MOH facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Gredto

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Gredto

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Saidam Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Khalaf Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Khalaf Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Dr. Shadi Subhi Awad facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Dr. Shadi Subhi Awad facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Dr. Shadi Subhi Awad facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Dr. Shadi Subhi Awad facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Dr. Ahmad Mokhalalati Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Dr. Ahmad Mokhalalati Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Dr. Ahmad Mokhalalati Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Dr. Ahmad Mokhalalati Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Dr. Ahmad Mokhalalati Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Saydam Family Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Anas Ahmad Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad ALameen facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad ALameen facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad ALameen facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad ALameen facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad ALameen facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad ALameen facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Anwar facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Anwar facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Anwar facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Anwar facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Anwar facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Anwar facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Anwar facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hussam Al-Dajni Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hussam Al-Dajni Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hussam Al-Dajni Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hussam Al-Dajni Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hussam Al-Dajni Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hussam Al-Dajni Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hussam Al-Dajni Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hussam Al-Dajni Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hussam Al-Dajni Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hussam Al-Dajni Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hussam Al-Dajni Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Iman majdalawi Facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Hidaya mosque (مسجد الهداية), within the neighborhood of Tal Al Hawa (تل الهوا), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.503611, 34.426944. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    24 – 31
  • (12 children7 women7 men2 healthcare_personnel)
  • 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.
  • Impact
    Healthcare
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1273

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

Local media reported that 18 civilians had died and up to 50 had been wounded in the last 48 hours – however, sources were conflicted as to whether the deaths were caused by the US-led Coalition or Russia. It should also be noted that these are general numbers and Airwars has not yet been able to break them down further to separate casualty incidents.

Ahmadalhashloum, Thefreesyrians and Hadialabdallah blamed Coalition air and artillery strikes for the casualties.

But Maherallosh referred to a “massacre committed by the International Air Force and Russian Airlines in the city of Al-Raqqa during the last 48 hours”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (5) [ 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
  • Apr 26, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

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
Official source

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.’

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]