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

RS4234

Incident date

December 4, 2019

Location

حنتوتين, Hantouten, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

An unknown number of civilians were injured in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes with barrel bombs on the town of Hantouten on December 4, 2019.

According to @ZaitunAgency, civilians were wounded when regime helicopters bombed the town of Hantouten with barrel bombs. @MasarPressNet also reported on civilians being injured but did not specify how many.

Both @MMCSYR2 and Enab Baladi News also reported that Hantouten was bombed but did not mention civilian casualties.

All of the sources reported that the regime was responsible except for Shaam News, which mentioned the regime and Russia carrying out strikes in the surrounding areas across Idlib.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

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
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4225

Incident date

December 4, 2019

Location

كفرسجنة, Kafrsijna, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

As many as four civilians, including three men and one child, were killed and between two to three civilians, including three men, were injured in a series of alleged Russian airstrikes that targeted the village of Kafrsijna, Idlib governorate, on December 4th 2019, according to local sources.

A Syrian Civil Defence (SCD) volunteer told Smart News: “Russian warplanes targeted a group of workers who were working in the olive harvest in the village of Kafrsijna south of Idlib city, killing three of them and wounding three others”. The source added that the wounded were taken to a nearby hospital and that SCD volunteers were still searching the site of the bombing for victims underneath the rubble.

@mahmoodalsobih and @abo1mnhal reported that the strikes targeted civilian homes.

Several sources revealed the identities of three men killed: Fahad Al Abdullah and Hassan Al-Sabeeh, from Kafrsijna, and Mahmoud Nasser Al-Jaman from the town of Heish.

Fahad Al Abdullah worked in education, according to several of the sources.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that a child was also killed. @abdalbast001, who reported on the strike on Kafrsijna, said the child had been killed in a separate strike in Saraqib.

@abo_rashed_101 and @abo1mnhal reported that two people had been injured in the strike, their injuries were described as serious.

Other sources put the number of injured at three. Husam Ahmad Saloum gave the names of the injured civilians as Salim Al-Saleh, Ali Al Eisa and Malek Al-Sbeeh. According to the source, Russian warplanes targeted the village in a series of strikes. The first strike was at 21:39, targeting the vicinity of the town, a strike at  21:43 targeted the perimeter of the town. These were followed by two more strikes at 21:44 and 21:50.

@liveuamar said the number of people killed in the attack had risen to four.

Almost all of the sources said Russian aircraft had carried out the strikes.

The incident occured between 9:39 pm and 9:50 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (0–1 children3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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
    Russian Military

Sources (36) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An image of a body, partially buried under rubble, that was posted alongside a tweet about an alleged Russian airstrike on the town of Kafrsijna, Idlib governate on December 4th 2019. (Image uploaded to Twitter by @abo1mnhal)
  • A map, generated by @liveuamar, shows the situation around the town of Kafrsijna at the time of an alleged Russian airstrike on December 4th 2019. (Image uploaded by @liveuamar)
  • Hassan Al-Sabeeh was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in the town of Kafrsijna, Idlib governate on December 4th 2019. According to a Syrian Civil Defence (SCD) volunteer the strike targeted a group of civilians who were participating in the olive harvest. (Image uploaded to Facebook by Yusufwaice)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of Mahmoud Nasser Al-Jaman, killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in the town of Kafrsijna, Idlib Governate on December 4th 2019. According to a Syrian Civil Defence (SCD) volunteer, the strike targeted a group of civilians participating in the olive harvest. Mr. Al-Jaman was from the town of Heish. (Image uploaded to Facebook by Abu Jood)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (0–1 children3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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
    Russian Military

Sources (36) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4226

Incident date

December 4, 2019

Location

النهر الأبيض, Nahr Abyad, Jisr Al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

An unknown number of civilians were reportedly injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Nahr Abyad area in Jisr al-Shughour, Idlib governorate, on December 4th, 2019, according to sources.

Shaam News Network reported that “activists said that heavy airstrikes by Russian warplanes targeted the Nahr Abyad area in the Jisr al-Shughur area, leaving wounded civilians”.

@ZaitunAgency, @media_idlib and Husam Ahmad Saloum said Russian warplanes carried out 11 airstrikes on Nahr Abyad.

Three planes were used to carry out the strike, according to Husam Ahmad Saloum.

The Facebook page, Edlib News Report 2020, said the strikes had targeted an ammunition depot belonging to the Turkestan Party.

All of the sources said Russian planes had carried out the strikes.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on December 4th, 2019.

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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
    Russian Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Photo taken after alleged Russian airstrike on the Nahr Abyad area in Jisr Al Shughur on December 4th, 2019 (via JMC on Facebook).
  • Photo taken after alleged Russian airstrike on the Nahr Abyad area in Jisr Al Shughur on December 4th, 2019 (via JMC on Facebook).
  • Photo taken after alleged Russian airstrike on the Nahr Abyad area in Jisr Al Shughur on December 4th, 2019 (via JMC on Facebook).
  • Photo taken after alleged Russian airstrike on the Nahr Abyad area in Jisr Al Shughur on December 4th, 2019 (via JMC on Facebook).
  • Photo taken after alleged Russian airstrike on the Nahr Abyad area in Jisr Al Shughur on December 4th, 2019 (via JMC on Facebook).
  • Rescue workers are seen following an alleged Russian airstrike on the Nahr Abyad area in Jisr Al Shughur on December 4th, 2019 (Image uploaded by @media_idlib)
  • Rescue workers are seen following an alleged Russian airstrike on the Nahr Abyad area in Jisr Al Shughur on December 4th, 2019 (Image uploaded by @media_idlib)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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
    Russian Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4227

Incident date

December 4, 2019

Location

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

As many as three civilians, including two children and one teacher, were killed, and up to 11 civilians, including four children and women, were injured in a series of alleged airstrikes carried out by either the Syrian or Russian airforce which targeted the city of Saraqib on December 4th, 2019. The strikes hit residential areas and caused significant destruction to homes and local businesses, according to local reports.

Several sources reported that Sukhoi Su-22 warplanes were used in the strikes. Sources reported that up to six missiles struck the city, while others said that aircraft dropped its “full payload”. Our Syria, @Ahmad_1alshble and others, specified that vacuum bombs were used in the attack. Almost all of the sources said the Syrian regime was responsible for the strikes. One source, Shaam News Network, reported that Russia “carried out very violent raids” in Idlib during the same period, including in Saraqib.

Ayman al Omar, 6, from Al Naqeer village in southern Idlib was killed, according to SN4HR and others. Another source, Husam Ahmad Saloum, gave the victim’s name Ayman Mohammed Khaled and said he was 4-years-old.

The Smart News Agency reported that two children died in the strikes. Step news agency reported that a “civilian working as a teacher” was also killed alongside a child.

Most sources put the number of injured in the attack at between 10 -11. One source, Step News, said that “dozens” were injured.

Ten people were injured in the strikes, according to MMC, “most of them in serious condition”. In an Al Jazeera Arabic video report about the incident, three children, one girl and two boys, could be seen to be pulled from under the rubble. The report mentioned that eleven people were wounded, including 4 children. Three children were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to Smart News Agency.

Three sources corroborated the names of persons injured in the attack. One source, Justice organization, also provides the age and gender of the victims: Ahmad Al-Omar, 12 years old (M), Mohammad Obeidin, 60 years old (M), Samah Ghannoum, 18 years old (F), Fatima Kafr Tony, 5-year-old (F) and Imad Qadouni, 40 years old, (M). The source, Abu Muhammad Al Shamee, provides the names of four additional people injured: Marah Al Omar, Ahmed Obaidin Deeb Sheikh Deeb, Qasim Al-Omar and Abdul Karim Al-Omar.

An Al Jazeera report stated that the attack took place in the evening, whilst video filmed shortly after the attack show the event took place during daylight hours.

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Obeidin محمد عبيدين
60 years old male injured
Samah Ghannoum سماح غنوم
18 years old female injured
Fatima Kafr Tony فاطمة كفر طوني
5 years old female injured
Imad Qadouni عماد قعدوني
40 years old male injured
Ahmad Al-Omar عبدالكريم العمر
12 years old male injured
Marah Al Omar مرح العمر
Age unknown injured
Ahmed Obaidin Deeb Sheikh Deeb أحمد عبيدين ديب الشيخ ديب
Age unknown injured
Qasim Al-Omar قاسم العمر
Age unknown injured
Abdul Karim Al-Omar عبدالكريم العمر
Age unknown injured
Ayman ايمن العمر
6 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1–2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–24
  • 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

Sources (44) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (54) [ collapse]

  • An image uploaded following a series of alleged airstrikes on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. The strike was allegedly carried out by regime or Russian aircraft. Caption: "The moment the Su-22 warplanes targeted the city of Saraqeb in the eastern countryside of Idlib, which resulted in the death of a martyr and several wounded" (Uploaded via MMC)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (Uploaded via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via MMC)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via MMC)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via MMC)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via MMC)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via MMC)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via MMC)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via MMC)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via MMC)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Saraqib, Idlib province on December 4th, 2019. (via MMC)
  • The aftermath of an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on Saraqib, uploaded with caption "Saraqeb today" on Dec 4th, 2021 (Uploaded by @alepman1)
  • The aftermath of a series of alleged regime or Russian airstrikes on the town of Saraqeb on December 4th, 2019. (Uploaded by @anasanas84)
  • The aftermath of a series of alleged regime or Russian airstrikes on the town of Saraqeb on December 4th, 2019. (Uploaded by @anasanas84)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Two young boys are seen being carried by first responders following a series of airstrikes by regime or Russian jets that targeted Saraqib on December 4th, 2019. (Uploaded by @mahmoudalbakor1)
  • First responders review damage from a series of alleged regime or Russian airstrikes in the town of Saraqib on December 4th, 2019. (Uploaded by Ebaa)
  • Damage in the town of Saraqib following a series of alleged regime or Russian airstrikes on December 4th, 2019. (Uploaded by Ebaa)
  • Damage in the town of Saraqib following a series of alleged regime or Russian airstrikes on December 4th, 2019. (Uploaded by Ebaa)
  • Damage in the town of Saraqib following a series of alleged regime or Russian airstrikes on December 4th, 2019. (Uploaded by Ebaa)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    First responders rescue injured people from the rubble following a series of alleged airstrikes carried out by regime or Russian aircraft on December 4th, 2019. (Uploaded by muawiya.hasn.aga)
  • Destruction in the town of Saraqib following a series of alleged airstrikes carried out by regime or Russian aircraft on December 4th, 2019. (Uploaded on muawiya.hasn.aga)
  • First reponders are seen in the city of Saraqeb following a seried of alleged airstrikes perpetrated by regime or Russian aircraft on December 4th 2019. (Uploaded by Central Referral Ambulance System)
  • First reponders are seen in the city of Saraqeb following a seried of alleged airstrikes perpetrated by regime or Russian aircraft on December 4th 2019. (Uploaded by Central Referral Ambulance System)
  • An injured person is transported from the scene of an airstrike in the city of Saraqib, Syria on December 4th, 2019. The strike was carried out by regime or Russian aircraft. (Uploaded by Central Referral Ambulance System)
  • An injured person is transported from the scene of an airstrike in the city of Saraqib, Syria on December 4th, 2019. The strike was carried out by regime or Russian aircraft. (Uploaded by Central Referral Ambulance System)
  • First reponders prepare to evacuate an injured person from the scene of an alleged airstrike carried out by regime or Russian aircraft on December 4th, 2019 in Saraqib, Syria. (Uploaded by Central Referral Ambulance System)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1–2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–24
  • 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

Sources (44) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4230

Incident date

December 4, 2019

Location

حاس, Hass, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

One man was injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on the town of Hass, Idlib Governorate on December 4th 2019, according to multiple reports.

The Syrian White Helmets, Al Hadath Syria and Idlib plus all reported that a man had been injured and accused Russia of carrying out the strike.

@NagiNajjar said Russian planes targetted the town with “missiles”.

@SyrianCoalition reported that 14 airstrikes, carried out by Russia and the Syrian regime, took place across the Idlib countryside.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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
    Russian Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • An injured man is evacuated by members of the Syrian White Helmets. This image was uploaded alongside a breakdown of events thats occurred across Idlib Governorate on December 4th, 2019. The post included reference to an alleged Russian strike on the town of Hass that injured one man. (Uploaded by Alhadath.Syria)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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
    Russian Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4228

Incident date

December 4, 2019

Location

كفرنبل, Kafar Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

One person was killed and as many as eight people, including three children and three women, were wounded in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Kafar Nabl, Idlib governorate, on December 4th, 2019. The majority of the sources accused the regime of carrying out the strikes, some sources mentioned the presence of Russian aircraft in the area at the time.

Shaam News Network reported that one person had been killed in Kafar Nabl following “violent Russian and Syrian regime air raids”. No further information was provided regarding the identity of the victim.

The Syrian White Helmets release a statement saying: “Eight civilians were wounded, including three children and three women, and a large amount of material damage was caused to homes and properties after Assad forces’ helicopters targeted the al-Bureij farm area, west of the city of Kafr Nabl with barrel bombs”. Their staff assisted victims buried under the rubble of their homes. Both Enab Baladi and @media_idlib carried the statement in their reports about the incident.

Husam Ahmad Saloum also reported eight injuries, including two women and two children.

@oulaalassaad and @ZaitunAgency both reported that civilians had been injured in the strike without providing further details. They attributed the action to the Syrian regime.

@Sentry_Syria posted a tweet at 2:39 stating that a Russian warplane had been spotted flying southeast over Kafranbel (Kafr Nabl) twelve seconds prior.

@Step_Agency said the barrel bomb strike on Kafr Nabl had been carried out “in conjunction with intense drone activity over the region”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–8
  • 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

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (15) [ collapse]

  • Images attached to a Tweet uploaded by @abdalkaderlhep2 on December 4th, 2019. The caption reads "A violent bombing campaign by Assad's helicopters on the cities and towns of Idlib countryside. A child martyr in Bzabur, martyr of a woman in Maarat Hurmah and injuries in Kafranbel and Al-Bureij."
  • Images attached to a Tweet uploaded by @abdalkaderlhep2 on December 4th, 2019. The caption reads "A violent bombing campaign by Assad's helicopters on the cities and towns of Idlib countryside. A child martyr in Bzabur, martyr of a woman in Maarat Hurmah and injuries in Kafranbel and Al-Bureij."
  • Images attached to a Tweet uploaded by @abdalkaderlhep2 on December 4th, 2019. The caption reads "A violent bombing campaign by Assad's helicopters on the cities and towns of Idlib countryside. A child martyr in Bzabur, martyr of a woman in Maarat Hurmah and injuries in Kafranbel and Al-Bureij."
  • An image attached to a Tweet uploaded by @MMCSYR2 on Decemember 4th, 2019. The caption reads: "Helicopters of the regime forces target with barrel bombs the vicinity of the city of Kafr Nabl in the southern Idlib countryside"
  • Member of the Syrian White Helmets attempt to locate injured people following an alleged regime or Russian strike in the Al-Bureij farm area, west of the city of Kafr Nabl on December 4th, 2019. (Image uploaded by @ media_idlib)
  • Member of the Syrian White Helmets attempt to locate injured people following an alleged regime or Russian strike in the Al-Bureij farm area, west of the city of Kafr Nabl on December 4th, 2019. (Image uploaded by @ media_idlib)
  • Member of the Syrian White Helmets assist injured people following an alleged regime or Russian strike in the Al-Bureij farm area, west of the city of Kafr Nabl on December 4th, 2019. (Image uploaded by @ media_idlib)
  • Member of the Syrian White Helmets attempt to locate injured people following an alleged regime or Russian strike in the Al-Bureij farm area, west of the city of Kafr Nabl on December 4th, 2019. (Image uploaded by @ media_idlib)
  • Damage following an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Kafr Nabl on December 4th, 2019. (Image uploaded by Our-syria)
  • Damage following an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Kafr Nabl on December 4th, 2019. (Image uploaded by Our-syria)
  • Member of the Syrian White Helmets search for injured people following an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Kafr Nabl on December 4th, 2019. (Image uploaded by The Syrian White Helmets)
  • Member of the Syrian White Helmets search for injured people following an alleged regime or Russian airstrike on the city of Kafr Nabl on December 4th, 2019. (Image uploaded by The Syrian White Helmets)

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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–8
  • 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

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4229

Incident date

December 4, 2019

Location

بزابور, Bzabour, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

One child was killed and eight civilians, including between three to seven children and between one to five women, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Bzabour, Idlib governorate, on December 4th, 2019, according to local sources. All of the named victims appear to come from the same family.

The director of the media office of the Civil Defence in Jericho said in a statement to Smart News Agency that a girl was killed and seven civilians were injured as a result of “Syrian regime helicopters dropping two explosive barrels on a house in the village of Bzabou”.

Enab Baladi reported that eight civilians were injured, three women and three children, and said the strike resulted in “extensive destruction of property, homes and some facilities”.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the airstrike targeted a boys school and killed the girl Fatima Qutaiba al Aasi. The airstrike partially destroyed the school’s building and damaged its furniture. Other sources say the airstrike targeted a family home.

The source, Husam Ahmad Saloum, said the Zapour Boys School was damaged in the strike.

Ktalata Today and ArihaToday reported the names those injured in the attack: Mohamed Ahmed Al-Asi, Abdul Alim Muhammad Al-Asi (child), Abd al-Rahman Muhammad al-Asi (infant) and Aya Muhammad Al-Asi (child).

The Syrian Civil Defence posted on Facebook that their teams had rescued seven civilians, including five children, from underneath the rubble.

@almo3tasem91 reported that family members injured in the attack were recovering in the hospital.

Most sources alleged that Syrian regime helicopters had carried out the strike. Shaam News reported the death of a child in Bzabour and said Russian and Syrian regime warplanes carried out “very violent and air raids” on December 4th, 2019.

@IdlibPlus said the strike took place in the afternoon.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Fatima Qutaiba al Aasi فاطمة قتيبة العاصي
female Referred to as a child by sources. killed
Mohamed Ahmed Al-Asi محمد أحمد العاصي
male injured
Abdul Alim Muhammad Al-Asi عبد العليم محمد العاصي
male Referred to as a child by sources. injured
Abd al-Rahman Muhammad al-Asi عبد الرحمن محمد العاصي
male Referred to as an infant by sources. injured
Aya Muhammad Al-Asi اية محمد العاصي
Referred to as a child by sources. injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–8
  • 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
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Bzabour, Idlib governorate, on December 4th, 2019 (via MMC on Facebook).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Bzabour, Idlib governorate, on December 4th, 2019 (via MMC on Facebook).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Syrian Civil Defence volunteer helping a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Bzabour, Idlib governorate, on December 4th, 2019 (via @IdlibPlus).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Bzabour, Idlib governorate, on December 4th, 2019 (via Syrian Network for Human Rights).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Syrian Civil Defence volunteers rescuing children from underneath the rubble after an alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrike on the town of Bzabour on December 4th, 2019 (via SCD on Facebook).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers rescuing children from underneath the rubble after an alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrike on the town of Bzabour on December 4th, 2019 (via SCD on Facebook).
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime strike that killed a young girl and left seven members of her family injured in the town of Bzabour, Idlib governorate, on December 4th, 2019. (Uploaded by @almo3tasem91)

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown 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
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–8
  • 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
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4243

Incident date

December 7, 2019

Location

كفرومة, Kafrouma, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

One man was reportedly wounded in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on the town of Kafrouma, Idlib governate on December 7th, 2019, according to local reports.

Mohamad Rasheed said one man was injured in Kafrouma by Russian airstrikes and barrel bombs.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that Russian aircraft had carried out strikes on Kafruma on December 7th, 2019.

A correspondent for Zaitun Media Agency said: “Since the early morning hours, Russian warplanes and Syrian helicopters bombed the villages and towns of “Kafr Sijnah, Hazarin, Trisha, Al Halba, Kafr Nabl, Hass, Hassem, Karsa, Kafruma, Balshon, Bazabour, and Urm Al Jouz in the southern and eastern Idlib countryside”.

@ media_idlib reported that members of the Syrian White Helmets had put out a fire and made entry into a house in Kafrouma after Russian aircraft targeted residential neighborhoods with several air raids

@syrian191124 said the Russian strikes had resulted in extensive damage to the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab mosque.

The incident occured around dawn.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • A member of the Syrian White Helmets puts out a fire following an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on the town of Kafrouma, Idlib governate on December 7th, 2019. (Uploaded by @ media_idlib)
  • A member of the Syrian White Helmets puts out a fire following an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on the town of Kafrouma, Idlib governate on December 7th, 2019. (Uploaded by @ media_idlib)
  • A member of the Syrian White Helmets puts out a fire following an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on the town of Kafrouma, Idlib governate on December 7th, 2019. (Uploaded by @ media_idlib)
  • A member of the Syrian White Helmets puts out a fire following an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on the town of Kafrouma, Idlib governate on December 7th, 2019. (Uploaded by @ media_idlib)
  • Damage to the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab mosque following an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on the town of Kafrouma, Idlib governate on December 7th, 2019. (Uploaded by @syrian191124)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]