Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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Incident Code

CS1723

Incident date

February 7, 2018

Location

Al Sabah Farm, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.32903, 40.29413 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On August 30th 2018, the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment of a possible civilian harm incident that was previously unknown to Airwars.

In the report, the Coalition wrote: “February 7, 2018, near al-Sabah Farm, Deir Ez Zor, Syria, via self-report. After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.”

The Coalition shared the location of this assessed strike with Airwars. A review of local reports from the area at the time identified no claims of civilian harm.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known 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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV17621030
    Military Grid Reference System

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

On Feb. 7 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of nine engagements against ISIS targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, seven strikes [2 or more British] engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed a command and control center, an ammunition storage facility, a fighting position and an ISIS staging area."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Wednesday 7 February – Tornados eliminated a Daesh observation post and a booby-trap team, whilst a Reaper struck a building from which fire had been directed at the Syrian Democratic Forces…On Wednesday 7 February, another Reaper tracked a number of terrorist targets in the same area [Euphrates] , allowing two Daesh-held buildings to be struck successfully by coalition fast jets. The Reaper dealt with a third such building used as a firing point against the SDF, whilst two Tornados destroyed a terrorist observation post, then attacked a building from which a Daesh team planting booby-traps was operating.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For February 7th-13th, the Netherlands report its F16s attacked ISIS fighters and a logistic storage facility near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor. Jets supported ground troops in 8 missions, including in the Al Anbar province, Iraq. Only weapons deployed in two missions.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 14-02-2018 | 12:00 Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-strijders en een logistieke opslagplaats aan. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 7 tot en met 13 februari 2018. De jachtvliegtuigen hielpen de grondtroepen, ook boven de Iraakse provincie Al-Anbar, tijdens 8 missies. Bij 2 werden wapens ingezet. Nederland strijdt boven Irak en Oost-Syrië in coalitieverband tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Between Feb 7th-13th, France reports 26 air sorties, during which two strikes were made in the Abu Kamal sector in support of the SDF fighting the last pockets of ISIS in the Euphrates Valley. .The Wagram Task Force continues its support for security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week a fire mission was carried out for the benefit of the Iraqi security forces.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les dernières poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS) poursuivent leurs efforts contre les dernières poches Daechies présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent sur l’ensemble du territoire, en particulier le long de la frontière irako-syrienne, autour de Kirkouk et dans le secteur des monts Hamrim. ACTIVITES 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 (bilan du 7 au 13 février), une mission de tirs d’interdiction a été réalisée au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes. Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1618 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 26 sorties aériennes (bilan du 7 au 13 février) au cours desquelles deux 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 : 7762 sorties / 1437 frappes / 2225 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1224

Incident date

September 5, 2016

Location

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.647038, 36.679174 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to nine civilians including three children died and as many as 30 or more were wounded in airstrikes on Maarat al Numan, according to local media. All sources blamed Russia, except for one which referred to both “Russian and Syrian warplanes”.

According to Syrian News “an elderly man and a child were killed and three others were wounded”. The source blamed Russia, adding that more than five houses were damaged in the attack which reportedly also struck “the office of the service of the locam council in the city”. One employee of the council was also said to have died, and “five cars belonging to him” destroyed.

Other sources that attributed the event to Russia included Baladi, Jisrtv, Eldepress news and RFS Media Office. Death counts varied between five and seven civilians. Additionally, Baladi said that 15 more were wounded.

Syria Hora and Almarra Today, also blaming Russia, said that 30 or more people were wounded.

The Shaam News Network provided the most detail on the event. It reported: “Activists said Russian warplanes targeted the southern entrance to the town of Maaret al-Numan. The area was crowded with civilians. Cluster bombs were fired which spread dramatically in the neighborhood, resulting in the martyrdom of six civilians and wounding of dozens more, most of them in critical condition”.

Meanwhile, a report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights said that “alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on the Local Council Service Office in Ma’aret Al Numan city in Idlib governorate, killing an employee and damaging the office equipment and a tractor in front of it”. SN4Hr later put death toll at nine including three children.

One source, the Smart News Agency, collectively blamed “Russian and Syrian warplane” for the death of seven non-combatants of whom up to three were children.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Haj Abdul-Latif Al-Bish
Child male killed
Mohammed, son of Abdul-Latif Al-Bish
Child male killed
Ala’a Al-Bish
Child killed

The victims were named as:

Ghazi Taleb Al-rehani
Child killed
Mahmood Khaled A’jameya
Age unknown male killed
Khaled Al-Rahmoon
Age unknown killed
Manwar Amer Al-Sa’eed
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 9
  • (3 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–30
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic footage of civilians killed in Maarat al Numan - the impact of suspected Russian shelling (Youtube via Mo’az Al-Shami)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    One of the killed child civilians - the victim of suspected Russian shelling on Maarat al Numan (Tweet via @jisrtv)
  • One of the wounded civilians in Maarat al Numan - his injuries sustained due to alleged Russian shelling (Tweet via @Atfalalsham) [Page no longer available - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • The Facebook post lists the victims of suspected Russian attacks on Maarat al Numan - photographs of the deceased reveal the human cost (via Al Marra Today)
  • Remnants of a cluster bomb and the photograph of one of the dead children - allegedly the work of Russia (Tweet by @shbabRevolution)
  • A part of a cluster bomb - found in Maarat al Numan. Suspected evidence of Russian warplane shelling (Tweet via @Abdulkaderhep2)
  • At_least_49_massacre_in_September_2016

    SN4HR report entitled: ‘no less than 49 massacres in September 2016 including 46 at the hands of the russian and Syrian regimes’ - includes details of alleged Russian attacks on Maarat Al Numan, September 5th (PDF via SN4HR) [Arabic]

  • At_least_49_massacre_in_September_2016_en

    SN4HR report entitled: ‘no less than 49 massacres in September 2016 including 46 at the hands of the russian and Syrian regimes’ - includes details of alleged Russian attacks on Maarat Al Numan, September 5th (PDF via SN4HR) [English]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

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 – 9
  • (3 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–30
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1755

Incident date

May 28, 2018

Location

باغوز فوقاني, Al Baghouz, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source reported that three civilians were killed after an air raid targeted the village of al Baghouz.

Sound and Picture stated that the three civilians were killed after “air strikes from a combat aircraft coming from the Iraqi side” struck the village in the countryside of Abu Kamal.

While the source was alone in saying this, several other reports made mention of Coalition airstrikes on al Baghouz in which “several members of Daesh were killed”. Baladi News said that ‘dozens’ of ISIS fighters were injured.

In January 2019, the Coalition announced that it had classed the event as non credible due to a lack of available evidence of civilian harm: “After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.”

The incident was first reported on May 28, 2018 at 11:00 am by .

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Baghuz Fawqani (باغوز فوقاني), for which the coordinates are: 34.4641667, 40.9452778

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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Stated location
    near al-Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU786153
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 31, 2019

  • May 28, 2018, near al-Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 28th, the Coalition publicly reported no airstrikes in Syria.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1021

Incident date

July 19, 2016

Location

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3353632, 40.1380348 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians died in an airstrike on Deir Ezzor, according to local reports. There was, however, only one source (LCCSY) that pointed to possible Russian involvement.

The Syrian Human Rights Committee published the names of four victims killed by “warplanes” in Deir Ezzor on July 19th, these are listed below.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mohammed Haj Said Mohammed Al-Ali
Adult male killed
Saleh Al-Ajin
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Al-Ajin
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Omar Hassan Al-Khalaf
Age unknown male killed

Summary

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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between July 16th – 27th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1787

Incident date

August 3, 2018

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa (possibly east of village), Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike near the village of al Sha’afa, local sources reported.

According to Sound and Picture, “vehicles carrying displaced civilians” were struck by Coalition aircraft, resulting in “a number of wounded”. This was reiterated by Marsad al Hassaka.

The Al Sha’afa Facebook page was the only source that identified the three harmed civilians as Ali al-Hihu, Musa al-Hihouh and “one of al-Fayadh’s sons“. The report stressed that “Thank God, no one died”.

One report named the ‘badia’ (desert) area as the location of the event – which would place it east of the village.

Step News reported that “Three members of the Islamic] State organization were killed in a coalition air strike targeting a car in the eastern town of Sousse # Deir al-Azur this morning.” It is not clear if this relates to the above event.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali al-Hihu
Adult male injured
Musa al-Hihouh
Adult male injured
Son of al-Fayadh
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU774280
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020

  • Aug. 3, 2018, in Al Sha’afa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3176/CS1787 37SFU774280

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 3rd, the Coalition reported that “On August 3 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of six engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, and destroyed five Daesh vehicles."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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

RS1038

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Location

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.212011, 37.171227 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians died and others were injured in a casualty incident in Al Maysar, Aleppo, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame.

According to SMO, Smart and LCCSY Russia was responsible. Smart alleged cluster bombs used in the attack. 

However, Syriamubashar, A_Alhorane and JHisrtv blamed explosive barrel bombs dropped from a helicopter, while the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed “regime missiles”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between July 16th – 27th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1425

Incident date

October 10, 2016

Location

Khan al Assal, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.169667, 37.040255 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that up to two civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khan al-Assal.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights,“two victims died due to suspected Russian warplanes missiles firing on Khan Al Asal town in Aleppo governorate western suburbs”.

However, Smart News Agency said that there were no reports of civilian casualties.

Syrian Press Center reported the use of cluster bombs in the attack.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 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 (11) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between October 1st – 19th 2016.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1051

Incident date

July 26, 2016

Location

كفر حمرة, Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.255362, 37.087714 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to five civilians died in Kafr Hamra, local media said. Most sources blamed Russia, however, some others (Sada_Altawhed, Shahed_Alep, Syrian Press Center) reported artillery shelling as well as airstrikes. Additionally, some reports did not identify the warplanes responsible.

According to Qasioun, “Russian warplanes carried out more than 20 raids in Kafr Hamra, killing five civilians and wounding tens more”.

Alaraby also put the death toll at five, blaming Russia, and adding that dozens more were injured.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Jum’a Mustafa Korj 
Age unknown male from Anadan killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 5
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between July 16th – 27th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 5
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]