Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident Code

RS3014

Incident date

February 10, 2018

Location

التمانعة, Taman'a, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.457626, 36.750314 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime warplanes struck the town of Taman’a, Idlib, reportedly wounding several civilians, local media reported.

Sham News Network reported how “Russian and Asiad military aircraft launched dozens of air raids,” wounding civilians in multiple towns across eastern Idlib on February 10th, including Taman’a.

While other sources provided similar reported, it was only Sham News Network who reported about injury of civilians following the strikes.

All sources, except one, pointed to Russia as the responsible; Sham News Network pointed to both “Russian and Asiad military aircraft”.

Step News Agency described that the airstrikes coincided with violent clashes between the opposition forces and the regime on the ground.

While Edlib Media Center and Step News Agency attributed blame to Russia, the event remains contested as Sham News Network pointed to both Russian and Syrian regime culpability.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between 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
    Unknown
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS176

Incident date

February 9, 2018

Location

شكفاتي وتوميشا, Shakfati and Tormmisha village, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.527674, 36.655691

Airwars assessment

According to a signal source, an unidentified number of civilians were killed followed an alleged Turkish air strike on Shakfati and Tormmisha village, Afrin.

Rumaf reported that At 16:00 on Friday, the Turkish invasion aircraft shelled the village of Shakfati and Tormisha, where it later emerged that the air invasion had committed a massacre against a family, destroying its home. The bodies were recovered at night when air strikes subsided.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS177

Incident date

February 9, 2018

Location

شيخ حديد, Sheikh Hadid, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.496944, 36.598333 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the occurrence of civilian casualties as a result of the Turkish artillery shelling targeting areas in the Sheikh Hadid area in the western countryside of Afrin. The Observatory later put the number killed in Sheikh Hadid at three.

No further details are currently available.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Sheikh Hadid, Afrin (شيخ حديد), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.496944, 36.598333. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3009

Incident date

February 9, 2018

Location

كفرحلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.062057, 36.871512 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded, some possibly killed, as an alleged Russian airstrike hit the Aleppo town of Kafr Halab, local media reported.

According to all of the available reports, a number of civilians were left wounded as the town of Kafr Halab was struck. However, Aleppo24 reported that civilians were both “killed and wounded.”

All sources reporting about the incident, agreed that Russia was to blame.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between February 1st - 28th 2018.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS167

Incident date

February 9, 2018

Location

اخجيلة, Akhjla village, Jandrissa, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.377381, 36.664178 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to a tweet by Roni Omar, one civilian, named Osman Hamo Na’so, was killed.

Afrin Now reported “shelling by the Turkish occupation army aircraft on the village of Qustal Khadriya and Qustal Mekdad in the area of Bulbula, and the village of Deir Sawan in the vicinity of Shara. Aircraft also bombed the village of Akhjla of the region of Jandrissa, wounding a civilian”.

Other sources also reported the wounding of a civilian.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Osman Hamo Na’so
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Osman Hamo Na'so, killed in an alleged Turkish airstrike on Akhjla village, Jandrissa, Afrin, 9th February 2018. (via Roni Omar)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Akhjla village, Jandrissa, Afrin (اخجيلة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.377381, 36.664178. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1724

Incident date

February 9, 2018

Location

قرية البحرة, Al Bahra village, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.73418, 40.77497 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In its monthly casualty report of 30th August 2018, the Coalition conceded it had caused civilian harm in an event not previously tracked by Airwars. This was later identified as a likely French airstrike – thougfh Paris has refused to confirm or deny this.

According to the official report, “February 9, 2018, near al-Bahrah village, Syria, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh-held building, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a motorcycle entered the impact area moments before the strike.”

The Coalition later supplied Airwars the Military Grid Reference System coordinates for the strike, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

While local sources did not make mention of this specific event, media outlets did report clashes in al Bahra around the same time. Ennabaladi noted that “battles are taking place today in the villages of al Bahra, Hajin and al Shaafa, following the advance of SDF during the past few days and its control of the town of Granij amid repeated attacks by the organization [ISIS].”

Syrian Free Army reported Coalition aircraft targeting “a group of members of the Islamic state” on the outskirts of al Bahra but said that this took place on February 8th.

In March 2020, Airwars and Liberation and De Morgen published a joint investigation revealing that France was refusing to accept responsibility for civilian harm in this event – despite all other allies ruling themselves out.

After confirming receipt from Airwars in June 2019 of details of possible French civilian casualty events, the defence ministry then ceased communication – refusing to answer all subsequent emails.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Previously unknown
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near al-Bahrah village, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU625450
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 30, 2018
  • February 9, 2018, near al-Bahrah village, Syria, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh-held building, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a motorcycle entered the impact area moments before the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For 9th February the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 9 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, three strikes [1 British] engaged three Daesh tactical units and damaged a Daesh-held building.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Friday 9 February – Tornados destroyed two Daesh buildings, whilst a Reaper struck a group of terrorists firing on the Syrian Democratic Forces….On Friday 9 February, a Reaper provided surveillance support to a series of coalition air strikes on terrorist targets, and conducted an attack with a Hellfire missile against a group of extremists who were firing upon the Syrian Democratic Forces. A Tornado flight also carried out successful attacks on two Daesh-held buildings. ‘

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

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.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

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.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS168

Incident date

February 9, 2018

Location

رمضانة, Ramadana, Jindires, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.498611, 36.655000 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, SotKurdistan, reported that, “on Thursday, the two men, Farhad Ibash (50) and Adel Abdul Hanan (50), were injured by the Turkish bombardment of Rumdana village, Syria.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Farhad Ibash
50 years old male injured
Adel Abdul Hanan
50 years old male injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Ramadana, Jindires (رمضانة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.498611, 36.655000. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS169

Incident date

February 9, 2018

Location

جولاق, Jolak, Jindires, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.391667, 36.693056 Note: The accuracy of this location is to District level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, named SotKurdistan, reported that a “70-year-old Issa Bakkar Issa was injured in the Turkish bombardment of the city centre of Jolak town in Jandarsa”, Syria.

There are no other known details relating to this allegation at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Issa Bakkar Issa
70 years old injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the district of Jolak, Jindires, Afrin (جولاق), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.391667, 36.693056. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]