Russian Military in Syria

Russian Military in Syria

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

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Incident Code

RS1374

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Location

الشيخ فارس, al Sheikh Faress, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

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

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

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

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

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

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 14
  • (7 children4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
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
    6 – 14
  • (7 children4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3587

Incident date

February 15, 2019

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

In what has been described my local media as a massacre, between eight and 14 civilians were killed, including women and children, and “dozens” were injured, following artillery strikes on the residential neighbourhood of Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib.

Most of the local media alleged that the Syrian regime were to blame for the strikes, however some sources did attribute blame to Russia. Smart News was among those who blamed Russian missiles. Hamah Now simply reported “army shelling”, however almost all sources did attribute blame to a belligerent.

According to sources, such as Baladi News, the Syrian regime forces were “stationed in the village of Abu Dali” which is where they shelled the city of Khan Sheikhoun with artillery and missile shells. Similarly, the Syrian Civil Defence stated that the artillery shelling came from the camp “Kubibat Abu Huda” and “Qabria” in the countryside of Hama, where the regime forces were based.

Multiple news sources including El dorar News, attributed the blame to the Syrian regime who were reportedly supported by the The Egyptian army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in the artillery strikes. As a “the main supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad”, the Egyptian army, “took part in the massacre of Khan Sheikhan in the village of Idlib on Friday.” Additionally another media outlet published an image showing remnants of a shell which had “made in Egypt” stamped on it.

The death toll was as high as eight or nine civilians from the first reports, however many sources claimed that the toll was likely to rise due to the severity of the injures. Despite this, as many as 14 named victims were published via various sources, 20 overall including the injured. However, it was not made clear through the reports whether or not the other names were civilians who were killed or injured.

@abuhuzaifa_ reported that three women and five children were killed in the artillery shelling. However, other reports placed the numbers as high as six children and four women. 

Additionally, an image of a civilian being burned alive was published alongside a photograph of a child. According to sources, the victim was that child who was burned by the artillery ammunition whist riding his bike. His sister was also reportedly killed in the bombardement.

SyriaCivilDefense posted that “10 rocket shells were fired by regime forces”, and that many of the wounded were transferred to a hospital in the aftermath.  They later posted there were as many as “25 rocket-propelled grenades” also fired into the vicinity. 

Cluster bombs were reportedly used by JisirTV.

Additional detail was published by …. who staged “Assad forces targeted the city of Khan Sheikhoun south of Idlib last night, with more than 50 high-explosive rockets, killing civilians and injuring 15 others, and activists said that among the dead [there were] four people with special needs.”

Two of the civilians with “special needs” were reportedly children.

The heavy shelling left extensive damage to civilian property due to the residential nature of the vicinity.

As many as 18 civilians were killed over 24 hours in the area, according to France24.

The incident occured at 15:30:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mohammad Razzouq al Qadah محمد رزوق قدح
Child male killed
Amna Razzouq al Qadah آمنة رزوق قدح
Child female Mohammad's sister killed

The victims were named as:

The wife of Juma Mhanna زوجة جمعة مهنا
Adult female killed
The wife of the son of Juma Mhanna زوجة ابن جمعة مهنا
Adult female killed
The son of Razouk Kadh ابن رزوق قدح
Child male killed
The daughter of of Razouk Kadh بنت زروق قدح
Child female killed
Mua’yad Al Alyan مؤيد العليان
15 years old male Not clear if dead or injured injured
Maryam Kaddour مريم قدور
60 years old female Not clear if dead or injured injured
Mohammed Al Alyan محمد العليان
13 years old male Not clear if dead or injured injured
Khalid Al-Muhanna خالد المهنا
14 years old male killed
Radiah al - Yusuf رضيه اليوسف
20 years old female killed
Ghorup Al abadu غروب العبدو
20 years old female killed
Aseel Al-Muhanna اسيل المهنا
2 years old female Not clear if dead or injured injured
Tuhamah Kirwan تهامه كيروان
22 years old female Not clear if dead or injured injured
Maryam Al-Khalifa مريم الخليف
12 years old female Not clear if dead or injured injured
Amna Razouk al-Qadah آمنة رزوق القدح
Child female killed
Hassan Mazen Al-Aindani حسن مازن العينداني
Child male killed
Ahmed Mazen Al-Aindani احمد مازن العينداني
Child male killed
Maryam Mazen Al-Aindani مريم مازن العينداني
Child female killed
Mazyan, wife of Mazen Al-Aindani مزين زوجة مازن العينداني
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 14
  • (5–6 children2–4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (50) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (19) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The exact moment artillery was fired on Khan Sheikhoun, and its aftermath showing victims being pulled from the rubble. 15th February 2019. (via Syrian Civil Defence)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • A news bulletin reporting on the artillery strike on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via Al Jazeera)
  • A news bulletin reporting on the artillery strike on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via TRTArabi)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mohammad Razzouq al Qadah, burning alive in the aftermath of an artillery strike on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via @abuhuzaifa_)
  • Mohammad Razzouq al Qadah, who was burned alive in the aftermath of an artillery strike on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via @abuhuzaifa_)
  • Rescue operations in the aftermath of an artillery strike on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via SyriaCivilDefense)
  • Rescue operations in the aftermath of an artillery strike on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via SyriaCivilDefense)
  • Rescue operations in the aftermath of an artillery strike on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via SyriaCivilDefense)
  • Rescue operations in the aftermath of an artillery strike on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via SyriaCivilDefense)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Rescue operations in the aftermath of an artillery strike on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via SyriaCivilDefense)
  • Rescue operations in the aftermath of an artillery strike on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via SyriaCivilDefense)
  • An artillery bombardement on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via Kafr zeita)
  • Rescue operations in the aftermath of an artillery strike on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via @Wesal_TV)
  • The aftermath of an artillery bombardement on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via @basharaldiab71)
  • The aftermath of an artillery bombardement on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via @basharaldiab71)
  • An artillery bombardement on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via @DirarKhattab )
  • An injured woman in the aftermath of an artillery bombardement on Khan Sheikhoun, 15th February 2019. (via Albawaba)
  • Remnants of a shell fired onto Khan Sheikhoun, 16th February 2019. Writing reads, "made in Egypt". (via Al Sharq News)

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 February 1st – 31st 2019.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 14
  • (5–6 children2–4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (50) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS500

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Location

قباسين, Qabasin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.43304, 37.5671053 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between four and 14 civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Qabasein.

In a news roundup the Shaam News Network reported “Russian enemy planes carried out dozens of strikes on the towns of Al Bab, Manbej, Jarablus and the town of Qabaseen causing the fall of dozens of dead and wounded in al Bab and Qabaseen.“

Ara News placed the casualty toll far higher than the Syrian Network’s estimate of four dead, citing media activist Nasser Tlajabina of Aleppo: “The bombing of residential buildings near Rehaoui Mosque and Jabal al-Sheikh Aqeel in town of Qabasin in the countryside killed at least 14 civilians, including four children and a number of women, and injured around 50.”

VDC has named four adult male civilian victims at Qabasein that day – though attributes their deaths to ‘air force shelling’.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

son of Mohammad Mustafa al-Moso
Adult male killed
Abo Saleh
Adult male killed
Mahmoud Merie al-Selo
Adult male killed
Zaki Akram
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 14
  • (0–1 children4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–50
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

In its military report published on 1st February 2016, the Kremlin said: “In the course of the last week, the Russian aircraft in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 468 combat sorties engaging 1354 terrorists’ infrastructural facilities in the Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, Homs, Damascus, Raqqah, Daraa and Deir ez-Zor provinces. Among them – 24 ones were carried out by Tu-22M3 long-range bombers from the Russian territory…Near Jeb Ghabishah (Aleppo province), a Su-24M bomber destroyed ammunition and POL storages of the ISIS terrorists.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 14
  • (0–1 children4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–50
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1740

Incident date

December 5, 2016

Location

ادلب المدينة, Idlib city, Idlib , Syria

Geolocation

35.9266201, 36.6180588 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 14 civilians were killed and between 15 and 24 were wounded in an aerial bombardment which struck Idlib city. It is unclear who was to blame, with most sources attributing blame to Russia, and some sources blaming the Syrian regime.

Smart News reported that according to two activists, the bombing of the warplanes struck “Al-Arbaeen Street and al-Madinah roundabout”.

According to sources, as many as seven children, one man and up to three women were killed. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that four of the children were from the same family, and two of the children were from another family. Additionally, it was reported that the death toll was expected to rise due to the severity of the injuries.

Sources reported that many civilians were trapped under the rubble due to the extensive material damage.

One source reported that missiles were used in the raid. There were as many as 18 raids on the city.

The incident occured during the day.

The victims were named as:

Wafaa Hassan Mohamamd Al Hassan
Age unknown killed
Sham Fahed Hsseino
3 years old female killed
Hassan Mohammad Hassan
38 years old male killed
Aya Ramadan al Himsi
7 years old killed
Omar Fahed Hsseino
4 years old male killed
Aya Ramadan
11 years old killed
Nadia Ramadan
Age unknown killed
Shadia al Omar
24 years old from Maar Shoureen killed
Mohammad Himsi
3 years old male killed
Suheila Ramadan
Child killed
Hasna Ramadan
Age unknown killed
Shaima Hussaino
Age unknown killed
A child from the Hussaino family
Child killed
Hassan Ahmed El Hassan
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 14
  • (3–7 children1–3 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–24
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • An injured child due to an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 5th December 2016. (via SN4HR)
  • A body trapped under the rubble due to an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 5th December 2016. (via Idlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 5th December 2016. (via syriahro)
  • The aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 5th December 2016. (via syriahro)
  • The aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 5th December 2016. (via syriahro)
  • The aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 5th December 2016. (via syriahro)
  • The aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 5th December 2016. (via syriahro)

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 specific strikes between December 1st – 31st 2016.

On 6 January 2017, Russia, however, reported: “Since November 8, 2016, the aircraft carrier group of the Northern Fleet consisting of the heavy aircraft carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov, the heavy nuclear missile cruiser Pyotr Velikiy, the large ASW ship Severomorsk, as well as auxiliary vessels of the Black Sea Fleet, has been fulfilling counterterrorist missions on the territory of Syria”, adding that ”in the course of two months of their participation in the combat actions, naval aviation pilots have carried out 420 combat sorties, 117 of them were night ones.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 14
  • (3–7 children1–3 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–24
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2227

Incident date

May 10, 2017

Location

سمومة, Samouma, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

35.933019, 38.094621 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 11 and 14 civilians were killed – from two families – and others were wounded, following an airstrike on Samouma, Aleppo, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the strikes. Some sources attributed blame to the Syrian regime, including the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, however most blamed Russia.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights specified that the Syrian regime helicopters dropped barrel bombs on the vicinity. Local journalist, Ahmad al Shibli, however reported Russian warplanes were responsible.

Sources reported that the victims were from the family of Abdel Wahab Al-Ahmad and the family of Abdul Aziz Jassim Al-Mahmoud, as well as two other young people – according to Step News.

The bombing consisted of seven raids, and destroyed as many as five houses.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Abdel Aziz Jassem al Mahmoud
55 years old male killed
Marwa al Mahmoud
16 years old female killed
Da’aa al Mahmoud
14 years old female killed
Louay al Mahmoud
12 years old male killed
Tarek al Mahmoud
9 years old male killed

Family members (7)

Zahra al Makiz
Age unknown female killed
Haifaa al Mahmoud
16 years old female killed
Bara’a al Mahmoud
14 years old female killed
Hiba
6 years old female killed
Buthaina
6 years old female killed
Hanan
4 years old female killed
Manal
3 years old female killed

The victims were named as:

Zakour Mustapha al Midhi
37 years old killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 14
  • (6–10 children1 woman)
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The list of casualties in the aftermath of the airstrike on Samouma, 10th May 2017. (via Ahmad al Shibli)

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 specific strikes between May 1st - 31st 2017.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 14
  • (6–10 children1 woman)
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS169

Incident date

November 19, 2015

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.5714804, 36.4033699 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Fourteen or more non-combatants were killed and dozens injured in the shelling of Eastern Ghouta.

Since the attack reportedly involved both airstrikes including cluster munitions (by either Russian or Assad regime aircraft), as well as ground artillery fire from pro-government forces, attribution for the deaths remains unclear.

According to SNN, the “‘Sharia public body’ in eastern Ghouta announced the cancellation of Friday prayers in all the mosques of the city due to the violent bombardment the city is suffering and to preserve the lives of Muslims.

“Despite news of the agreement of a truce between Assad forces and rebels in eastern Ghouta as a goodwill gesture, the city suffered heavy shelling with all types of weapons, rockets from Assad forces on Thursday, in addition to several raids by  Russian aircraft.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ghaleb al-Baghdadi
Adult male killed
Yousef Smoad
Adult male killed
Baraa Hasaba
Child female killed
Mohammad Taha al-Lamdani
Adult male killed
Yasser Hasan Abdul Aal
Adult male killed
Abo Khaled Nsair
Adult male killed
Lukman al-Sleek
Adult female killed
Mohammad Jamal Basheir al-Derra
Adult male killed
Qamar Killis
Adult female killed
Rabea Killis
Adult female killed
Rayan Yehya Merjan
Child female young girl who died from injuries sustained a few days previously “due to the Russian air forces shelling.” killed
Bashar Krenbe
Adult male killed
Mohammad Nour al-Sayed Hasan
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14
  • (3 children2 women7–9 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Rayan Yehya Merjan (via VDC)
  • A video shows the victim Ryan Yahya Morgan (via YASER ALDOUMANI2)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Another photo of Rayan Yehya Merjan (via VDC)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

No mention of strikes in Damascus governorate were made by Russia in its report for November 19th 2015.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14
  • (3 children2 women7–9 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3033

Incident date

February 19, 2018

Location

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.519286, 36.382427 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least four and as many as 14 civilians including ar least one woman and one child were killed and several others wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Saqba, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported.

The strikes in Saqba were part of a widespread intensified shelling of multiple residential neighbourhoods in eastern Ghouta on February 19th, local media reported. Orient News described the shelling as a “genocide.”

While several sources reported four fatalities, including one woman, other reports spanned from nine to 14 civilian deaths, the highest reported by Smart News Agency. Zaman al-Wasl and Ghouta_GMC identified 14 victims by name, hereof two women and one child. Besides the child, none of the remaining victims’ ages were specified.

Sources were conflicted in terms of culpability. While several, including Smart News Agency and Orient News pointed to both the Syrian regime and Russia, the Syrian Network for Human Rights and Baladi News blamed only the Syrian regime. Baladi News’ correspondent reported that “regime warplanes” launched more than 60 rockets.

According to Smart News Agency’s report, it is likely that both belligerents were responsible. The news channel cited the Civil Defence, who wrote on Facebook that Russian airstrikes had killed four civilians while adding that additionally ten civilians had been killed just hours previously by regime warplanes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abu Nizar al-Jamal
Age unknown male killed
Adel Obeid, Jamal Saad al-Din
Age unknown male killed
Abu Jamal Sheikh Qatana
Age unknown male killed
Abu 'Adab al-Sheikh
Age unknown male killed
Walid Korgik
Age unknown male killed
Abu Na'im al-Bashash
Age unknown male killed
Khadija al-Sheikh Khalil
Age unknown female killed
Hossam Zaidlani
Age unknown male killed
Jamal Saad Eddin
Age unknown male killed
Firas Al Dokki
Age unknown male killed
Haytham Al Sin
Age unknown male killed
Girl daughter of Abu Hassan Kalthoum
Child female killed
Basima Al-Masri
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 14
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • The civil defense treating wounded civilians following the contested shelling of Saqba, Damascus, February 19th, 2018 (via Syria Civil Defense)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A wounded girl, victim of the contested shelling of Saqba, Damascus, February 19th, 2018 (via Qusay)
  • A wounded child, victim of the contested shelling of Saqba, Damascus, February 19th, 2018(via Damascus Media Center)
  • One of the many wounded of the contested shelling of Saqba, Damascus, February 19th, 2018 (via Smart news Agency)
  • One of the many wounded of the contested shelling of Saqba, Damascus, February 19th, 2018 (via Smart news Agency)
  • One of the many wounded of the contested shelling of Saqba, Damascus, February 19th, 2018 (via Smart news Agency)
  • One of the many wounded of the contested shelling of Saqba, Damascus, February 19th, 2018 (via Smart news Agency)
  • Footage from under and after the contested aerial shelling of Saqba, Damascus, February 19th, 2018, that inflicted great civilian harm and left parts of the city in rubble (via Orient News)
  • Footage from under and after the contested aerial shelling of Saqba, Damascus, February 19th, 2018, that inflicted great civilian harm and left parts of the city in rubble (Smart News Agency)

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 February 1st - 28th 2018.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 14
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1619 RS2624

Incident date

October 11, 2017

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.466049, 40.907593 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Thirteen civilians reportedly died, including seven children and five women, following an attack on Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor. Local sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing blame to the US-led Coalition, while others blamed Russia.

At present, the culpable party remains unclear. The majority of sources alleged or suspected that Russia was responsible. However, the US-led Coalition received one allegation. Moreover, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported: it was not known whether the warplanes that targeted Abu Kamal city belong to the Coalition or the Russians. In addition, Euphrates Post’s initial assessment referred to explosive barrel bombs, and so the Regime also cannot be ruled out as a suspect.

13 Victims were listed by Euphrates Post as well as a family member by the name of Ja’far Al Rawa.

Baladi placed the death toll lower than most saying that “Eight civilians, including children and women from one family, were killed on Wednesday by coalition shelling targeting their home near Omar Mosque in the town of Abu Kamal, east of Deir al-Zour.” The source added that the aircraft targeted the city in a number of raids; centred on the vicinity of Aisha hospital and near the Mosque of Al-Hadi and Omar Mosque in Abu Kamal.

Al Jazeera said that one girl remained trapped under the rubble, with other reports suggesting many others were wounded, some in a critical condition.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (13)

Ahmed Saleh Al-Rawai
Adult male Via Euphrates Post killed
Hanan Al-Razaj
Adult female Via Euphrates Post killed
Rouba Ahmad Al-Rawi
female Via Euphrates Post killed
Rana Ahmed Al Rawi
Age unknown female via Anqido Mudan al-Gharbyia killed
Kinda Ahmed Al-Rawi
Age unknown female killed
Rana and Kinda’s child 1
Age unknown killed
Rana and Kinda’s child 2
Age unknown killed
Rana and Kinda’s child 3
Age unknown killed
Rana and Kinda’s child 4
Age unknown killed
Rana and Kinda’s child 5
Age unknown killed
Wife of Riad Ahmad al-Rawi
Adult female killed
The child of Riad Ahmad al-Rawi
female killed
Naba’ Manhal Al-Rawi
Child female

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 14
  • (6 children6 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • A picture reveals the destruction of a civilian house following an airstrike on Abu Kamal, Deir ez-Zor, on October 11, 2017 (Via Euphrates Post)
  • A picture shows the destruction and smoke rising from the scene of reported Coalition or Russia airstrike on Abu Kamal, Deir Ez-Zor, October 11, 2017 (via Syria NPC)
  • A picture shows the destruction in a civilian house following Coalition or Russia airstrike on Abu Kamal, Deir Ez-Zor, October 11, 2017 (via Syria hr)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Abu Kamal (البوكمال), for which the coordinates are: 34.466049, 40.907593. One source mentions that residential houses were struck in the vicinity of the Omar (عمر) mosque, however, due to limited information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.  

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 Abu Kamal, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 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 October 10th – 11th the Coalition reported that “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed two ISIS vehicles and two trailers.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 14
  • (6 children6 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]