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

RS720 CS188

Incident date

March 10, 2016

Location

خشام, Khusham, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3020098, 40.2914143 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least two civilians including a girl and a woman died in airstrikes on the town of Khusham. While the majority of the sources allege that this was a Coalition incident, other reports say Russia was responsible.

According to Free Deir Ezzor, Russian raids targeting oil fields in Khusham killed two civilians displaced from Qaryatain, Homs: “Abir Mohamamd al Farrah and the child Shaymaa Hassan al Ammar“. It claimed that the death toll had reached 20, including eight children – though no other sources alleged this tally. A tweet by With God’s Help We Will Triumph and Al Qaryatain Round the Clock also blamed Russia.

However, according to a tweet by Rania Daughter of Douma, these two people died in an alleged Coalition raid. Other sources also alleged that the Coalition was responsible. These included Homs Deir Ba’alba and Syria Rebels Gathering. Hassan Kanjo, self-described as an independent journalist, reported “a very violent bombing the extent of which has never been seen before in the city of Deir Ezzor by coalition planes“, while Aletihad Press said that Coalition warplanes carried out several raids killing “a number of civilians” including the six-year-old girl. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “two civilians from the province of Homs were killed in a strike on the city of Deir Ezzor” – and said that the Coalition carried out the raid.

Homs Media Center and SYRCU were among other sources blaming the Coalition, however, Shouqi Sabra said that Russia was responsible.

In their February 2020 civilian casualty report, 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:

Family members (2)

Abir Mohamamd al Farrah
Adult female killed
Shaymaa Hassan al Ammar
Child female Child of Abir Mohammed al-Farrah killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 20
  • (1–8 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
    Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (21) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • "Martyred: Shymaa Hassan Abd al Kafi al Ammar and the wife of Mohammad Abd al Kafi al Ammar. Their house was bombed by Russian planes" (via With God’s Help We Will Triumph' twitter)
  • "Abir Adallah al Farra and the child Shaymaa Hasan al Ammar martyred in coalition raids targeting Kisham village in the countryside of Deir Ezzor" (via Rania Daughter of Douma twitter)

Unknown Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Unknown

Russia has published no known record of strikes in Syria for March 1st to March 30th.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

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
    37SFV174073
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 2, 2020
  • March 10, 2016, in Khusham, 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. 2924/CS188 37SFV174073

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition did not publicly report any strikes in Khusam city for March 9th-10th.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 20
  • (1–8 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
    Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (21) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2570

Incident date

September 29, 2017

Location

البوليل, Al-Boleil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.20253, 40.37126 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As a result of multiple air raids over the town of Al Boulil on September 29th, 20 civilians were killed, according to local sources. The raids were reportedly likely to be Russian.

Most of the deceased were seated in a bus when a rocket exploded close to it, wrecking the bus and killing those inside.

Dozens were reportedly wounded, according to local media.

Three female IDPs from al Sukhna city were included in the death toll.

As many as 46 houses were reportedly completely destroyed and nearly 100 were partially destroyed.

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Anas Issa Abdul-Baghdadi
5 years old killed
Hamad Sharif Mulla
Age unknown killed
Adnan Farhan al-Rahl al-Bulbulil
Age unknown killed
Hassan Ani Hussein
Age unknown killed
Makhlif Ani Hussein
Age unknown killed
Tahsin Khalid Al-Faisal
Age unknown killed
Jamil Amer Al-Faisal
Age unknown killed
Abdul Rahman Al-Sulaiman
Age unknown killed
Mohamed Hatem Al-Rayes
Age unknown killed
Yasser Al-Muhaisin Al-Khalaf
Age unknown killed
Sabha Hamad Al-Khalaf
Age unknown killed
Fatima Mohammed Al-Hussein
Age unknown killed
Shaima Ali Almta’eb
Age unknown killed
Anod Al Kadro
Age unknown killed
Fares Al-Afara
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    19 – 20
  • (1 child3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Picture of Hamad al-Sharif al Mullah, one of the deceased as a result of the bombing on Boulil on September 29th (via Facebook: Sharqiya Voice)
  • Picture of Fares Hamoud al Afara, one of the deceased as a result of the bombing on Boulil on September 29th (via Facebook: Sharqiya Voice)
  • Picture of Khalid Mohammed Saleh Al-Khalif Hamad, one of the deceased as a result of the bombing on Boulil on September 29th (via Facebook: Sharqiya Voice)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    19 – 20
  • (1 child3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

R2452c

Incident date

October 6, 2017

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

In what has been described as a “massacre”, as many as 20 civilians were killed – including women and children – and dozens more were wounded – following airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun. Local media reported that Russian warplanes were to blame, though some sources including the Violations Documentation Centre blamed the Syrian regime.

Initial reporting by the @SyrianCoalition tweeted that five civilians were killed including three women. Additionally, they did not attribute blame to any belligerent for the strikes. 

The highest death toll was @ZakariaNassani who alleged that 20 civilians had been killed. They also tweeted a graphic video showing civilian casualties.

Aletihadpress reported that “At least seven people, four of them children, were killed after Russian raids on the city of Khan Sheikhoun”. They added that Civil Defence workers were attempting to search for missing victims under the rubble of two residential buildings which collapsed.

@SyriaCivilDefe alleged that “residential areas were targeted”. Enabbaladi reported that “Russian warplanes targeted the market of the city of Khan Sheikhoun with space rockets”.

Alsouria, who blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia, alleged that there were three strikes. 

One source alleged multiple strikes: “The first attack targeted a number of houses and shops of the city, destroying it completely. The second raid targeted the center of the popular market for the city, which led to a number of casualties and martyrs as a result of air strikes”.

Many graphic images were published showing dead children.

The incident occured at 11:30:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Adult female killed
Adult male killed
Child male (from Al Latamina) killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 20
  • (2 children2 women1 man)
  • 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

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dead children in the aftermath of an airstike on on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via @ZakariaNassani)
  • Syrian Civil defence rescuing civilians from the rubble in the aftermath of a airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via @SyrianCoalition)
  • Syrian Civil defence rescuing civilians from the rubble in the aftermath of a airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via @SyrianCoalition)
  • Syrian Civil defence rescuing civilians from the rubble in the aftermath of a airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via @SyrianCoalition)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Syrian Civil defence rescuing civilians from the rubble in the aftermath of a airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via @Wesal_TV)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child casualty in the aftermath of an aftermath of a airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via @MOAZALSHAMY)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child casualty in the aftermath of an aftermath of a airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via @MustafaSejari)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child casualty in the aftermath of an aftermath of a airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via @MustafaSejari)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child casualty in the aftermath of an aftermath of a airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via @MustafaSejari)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child casualty in the aftermath of an aftermath of a airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via @MustafaSejari)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A casualty in the aftermath of an aftermath of a airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via Sharek.team.Syria)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mohammad Ziad Saloum al-Abd, killed in an airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via VDC)
  • The exact moment an airstrike struck Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via Sharek.team.Syria)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via Sharek.team.Syria)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child casualty in the aftermath of an airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via Sharek.team.Syria)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Ahmad Aref al-Nasif, killed in an airstrike on Khan Sheikhoun, 6th October 2017. (via VDC)

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

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 20
  • (2 children2 women1 man)
  • 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

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS990

Incident date

July 11, 2016

Location

Turmanin, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.22833333, 36.81527778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Alleged Russian warplanes struck an oil market on the road between Termanin and Darat Ezza causing huge fires, chaos and destruction on July 11th 2016 and killing up to 20 civilians, according to sources on the ground. Reports referred to the attack as a “massacre” due to the level of destruction and high death toll.

None of the reports mentioned the Syrian regime. Local sources such as Zaman Alwasl News reported sighting Russian warplanes. Al Jazeera, Syrian Network for Human Rights and LCCSY also suspected Russian warplanes for the  attack on the oil tanks.

According to the Halab News Network, “Russian warplanes launched more than six raids on the town of Turmanin. It was targeted with rockets on the outskirts of the town on the side near Dara Aza. It also targeted a public road between the two towns [A road dedicated to crossing vehicles and holding diesel tanks].”

The Shaam News Network said that Russian warplanes also targeted Altahmana – the outskirts of the Southern countryside of Idlib – with no documented injures.

Different sources claimed varying numbers of killed and wounded. Smart News put the numbers as high as 20 killed, whereas, Ana News reported the death of nine civilians. Halab News Network said that eight people were killed and several others wounded, “in addition to the burning of about 30 trucks to transport fuel oil, as a result of air strikes on the town of Turmanin”.

Smart News said that more than 20 were injured, the majority civil defence members left in critical conditions. It added that the critically injured were transferred to a hospital in Turkey. Ara News claimed that three members of the civil defence team who were injured were from Killi and Darat Ezza centres.

Quaison News put the numbers slightly lower, at 15 injured, but also reported that the death toll was likely to rise due to the seriousness of the injures.

Syrian Network for human rights use of cluster bombs have proved with photographic evidence that cluster bombs were used in Turmanin.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ibrahim Mohamed Omar
37/38 years old male from Kafr Hamra, Aleppo, Correspondent for Al Jazeera Direct killed
Haitham Abd Alelah Al Hasan
31/32 years old male from Kelli town, Civil Defence member in Kelli, Idlib killed
Hasan Abdul Raheem Barade’i
24/25 years old male from Kelli town, Civil Defence member in Kelli, Idlib killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 20
  • (3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (35) [ collapse]

  • Civil Defence members mourn their friends who were killed by Russian warplanes in Turmanin on 11th July 2016.
  • Image of cluster ammunition remnants fired by suspected Russian warplanes on Termanein town, July 11th 2016.
  • Suspected warplane shelling at the oil market between Termanin and Darat Ezza (Youtube by Baladi)
  • Further scenes of alleged shelling in Termanin - The White Helmets extinguish the fires (Youtube by Baladi)
  • Plumes of smoke rise from the oil market between Termanin and Darat Ezza - the aftermath of alleged Russian shelling (via Sin)
  • Local people at the aftermath of an alleged Russian shelling on the oil market near Termanin (via Ana news)
  • A large cloud of smoke rises from the oil market between Termanin and Darat Ezza - the result of alleged Russian strikes (via Syrian_newsdesk)
  • The scene at the oil market between Termanin and Darat Ezza - following alleged Russian shelling (via Zamanalwasl)
  • The White Helmets attempt to put out the blaze following an alleged attack on the oil market (via Aljazeera)
  • A photograph of smoke rising from where alleged Russian warplanes targeted the oil market (via Syrianpc)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians flee the site of destruction following alleged Russian shelling (via Qasioun)
  • The journalist Ibrahim Al Umar from aljazeera was killed by suspected Russian warplanes (via Enab baladi news)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Photos of the wounded paramendics and civil defense team (Tweet by @AhmadRashed1986)
  • Destruction at the oil market due to alleged Russian shelling (Tweet by @ShehabAgency)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The civil defense team arrive at the scene to rescue the wounded - contains graphic footage. (Youtube by The White Helmets)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The civil defense team arrive at the scene to rescue the wounded - contains graphic footage. (Youtube by The White Helmets)
  • Suspected evidence of warplane shelling at the oil market (Tweet by @Hasan_khaleil) [Page no longer available - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • A destroyed oil truck, allegedly struck by Russian warplanes (Tweet by @Hasan_khaleil) [Page no longer available - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • Charred ground at the oil market following alleged Russian strikes (Tweet by @Hasan_khaleil) [Page no longer available - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic photographs of the wounded following alleged Russian raids on the oil market (via Smart)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A wounded man is treated in a clinic for injuries sustained during an alleged attack by Russian warplanes (via Smart)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic photographs of the wounded following alleged Russian raids on the oil market (via Smart)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Two civilians are treated in a clinic after sustaining injuries caused by alleged Russian attacks (via Smart)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian is treated by a medic after sustaining injuries in alleged Russian airstrikes (via Smart)
  • Hassan Baradi’ - killed in alleged an Russian warplane attack on the oil market (Tweet by @SN4HR)
  • Burnt out vehicles on the Mazut road - where suspected Russian planes targeted an oil market (Tweet by @taha_alhlo)
  • Numerous photographs of burnt out trucks at the oil market (Tweet by @alhadathnews)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The journalist, Ibrahim Al Umar, from Aljazeera was killed in the alleged Russian attacks (Tweet by @mohamad_msry)
  • Haitham Al-Hassan, a member of the civil defense, was killed in Turmanin due to alleged Russian warplanes shelling (Tweet by @ZakariaNassani)
  • Footage of the suspected Russian warplanes shelling in Termanin (Youtube by Smart)
  • A cluster incubator, suspected Russian, at Termanin (via SN4HR)
  • Footage by The White Helmets of fires and smoke following alleged Russian attacks on the oil market near Termanin (Youtube by The White Helmets)
  • Cluster bombs and missiles allegedly Russian targeted the oil market (Video by Halab Today TV Facebook)
  • The Yearly report by SN4HR includes details about the Aljazeera journalist, Ibrahim Mohammad Omar, killed in the alleged Russain attacks on the oil market (PDF by SN4HR) [English]

  • The Yearly report by SN4HR includes details about the Aljazeera journalist, Ibrahim Mohammad Omar, killed in the alleged Russain attacks on the oil market (PDF by SN4HR) [Arabic]

Unknown Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Unknown

Russia has not reported any strikes between July 1st – 14th 2016.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 20
  • (3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS440 RS1825

Incident date

January 12, 2017

Location

جبل الاربعين, Al Arbaeen Mountains, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.805363, 36.618816 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 20 civilians were killed, and others were wounded, according to reports, following an alleged Russian and or Coalition airstrike on a militant-occupied building in the Al-Arba’een Mountains.

Shaam News reported that seven civilians died including “four children and three women in addition in addition to others wounded.”

Step News blamed the US-led Coalition, reporting that “International Coalition aircraft launched several air strikes this afternoon targeting a residential building belonging to Turkestan fighters in Al-Arba’een Mountain area in the outskirts of Ariha in western Idlib.”

This led to the complete collapse of the building, allegedly killing more than ten people in an initial toll which included women and children from Turkestan families who were in the building.

Members of the civil defense team were allegedly digging civilians out of the rubble hours after the incident.

Similarly, AlAmawi news said that “Coalition planes launched several raids at noon today targeting al Turkistan HQ in al Araba’een mountain”.

In addition, Syrian media activist Omar madaniah said that the Coalition “bombed a building in al Arba’een mountain housing Turkistani families,” leaving “more than 20 martyrs under the rubble”.

Almasdar reported that Russian jets struck “a six-story building inhabited by Turkestan militants who used it as HQ – which also housed their families leading to the total collapse of the building.”

According to sources the extent of the damage to residential homes was great, and many civilians remained trapped under the rubble for hours.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 20
  • (4 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A victim in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrikes on Al-Arba'een Mountain, 12th January 2017. (via @MousaAlomar)
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
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For January 11th-13th the Coalition did not publicly note any strikes in Idlib governorate.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 20
  • (4 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1481 CS343b

Incident date

October 18, 2016

Location

الرميلة, al Rumaila, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.962828, 38.97563 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Twenty civilians, reportedly from three families, died and more were wounded in airstrikes on Raqqa’s al Rumaila neighborhood, local media said. Most reports attributed the event to Russia, though one source said that the Coalition carried out a strike which led to civilian casualties.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, “Russian planes targeted the al Rumaila neighborhood at the end of Al Saqiya road with several air raids which led to the martyrdom of three civilian families.”

@ALAMAWI and @ShahbaPress – also blaming Russia – putting the death toll at “20 civilians, including three families”.

However, @Q_Alenezy pointed towards the Coalition, saying “there were a number of martyrs and wounded after Coalition aircraft targeting the neighborhood of Al Rumaila in the city of Ar Raqqah yesterday night [Oct 18th].”

In their June 2020 civilian casualty report, 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.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20
  • 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, US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Saad Alenezi reports a number of dead and wounded in alleged coalition raids on Al Rumaila neighbourhood 'last night'. 19th October 2016
  • Alamawi news reports activists saying 20 killed, including three families, and other civilians wounded following alleged Russian raids on Al Rumaila neighbourhood in Raqqa 'last night'. 19th October 2016
  • RBSS reports alleged Russian strikes 'last night' on al Rumaila neighbourhood -towards the end of al Saqiya street. 19th October 2016
  • Sallah al Muftah reports alleged Russian strikes on Al Rumaila neighbourhood 'last night' killing three civilian families. 19th October 2016
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

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 October 1st – 19th 2016.

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
    37SEV027801
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 24, 2020
  • Oct. 18, 2016, in Raqqah, 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. 3071/CS343b 37SEV027801

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition reported no strikes in Raqqa from Oct 17th-19th.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20
  • 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, US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1136

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Location

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.180995, 37.151892 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 20 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in air and artillery strikes on the Fardous neighbourhood of Aleppo, local sources reported. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible – though several blamed both parties. According to Sky News and the Step News Agency, the raids took place on a popular market in the area.

Syria News Desk reported that “20 civilians were killed and 15 others were wounded following a raid by Russian aviation on the Fardous neighborhood. The bombing led to the complete collapse of a residential building.”

Other sources blaming Russia included Jisirtv and Baladi. Al Jazeera said that “two dozen people died and dozens more were wounded in Russian raids”.

However, other sources including Alyemen Today attributed the event to the regime.The Syrian Network for Human Rights (who gave the lowest death count of three including a child), reported the use of explosive barrels, while @ALAMAWI accused “Assad helicopters” of killing ten civilians.

Alsharq published general figures on civilian harm in Aleppo. It reported that “53 civilians were killed in the province of Aleppo as a result of shelling with rockets and cluster bombs by Russian and Assad regime warplanes on the neighbourhoods of Al Fardous, ‘Pilgrimage Bridge’ in Aleppo and the towns of Aouijl and Kfarahmrh and Hayan and Dara Aza in the countryside of the province”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 20
  • (1 child2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–24
  • 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 (21) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • News bulletin reporting on the damage caused by the alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid which struck Al Fardous, causing huge material destruction on 13th August 2016. (via, Aleppo AMC)
  • The aftermath of the incident in Al Fardous. (via, JisirTV)
  • Wounded civilians receiving medical treatment amidst chaos following an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Alamawi)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Wounded civilians receiving medical treatment amidst chaos following an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Alamawi)
  • Wounded civilians receiving medical treatment amidst chaos following an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Alamawi)
  • Wounded civilians receiving medical treatment amidst chaos following an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Alamawi)

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 August 12th – 13th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 20
  • (1 child2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–24
  • 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 (21) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS328

Incident date

December 28, 2015

Location

تل رفعت, Tall Rif`at, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.472576, 37.096272 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 20 civilians, including two women and six children, were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the neighbourhoods of Tel Rifa’at in the northern countryside of Aleppo, according to multiple sources.

The Shaam News Network initially reported that three non-combatants were killed and other injured but later put the death toll at more than 20, stating that most of the victims were women and children, including unidentified displaced people from outside the city, killed in four strikes by Russian warplanes on civilian homes. The Network posted a distressing video and images depicting child victims being treated in a medical facility.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights also posted images of children wounded in the attack and reported on the incident, putting the death toll at at least nine, including one child. They subsequently reported that one woman, Mrs. Maha Abdullah Al Najar, age 34, was also killed.

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Adult female listed as coming from Mahe but killed at Tal Rifa’at killed
Adult male listed as coming from Mahe but killed at Tal Rifa’at killed
Child female listed as coming from Mahe but killed at Tal Rifa’at killed
Child female listed as coming from Mahe but killed at Tal Rifa’at killed
Child male listed as coming from Mahe but killed at Tal Rifa’at killed

The victims were named as:

Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Child male killed
Child male killed
Child male killed
Adult male listed as coming from Mahe but killed at Tal Rifa’at killed
Adult female listed as coming from Mahe but killed at Tal Rifa’at killed
Adult male listed as coming from Aleppo but location of death not given killed
Adult male listed as coming from Aleppo but location of death not given killed
Adult male listed as having died from injuries sustained in this strike killed
Mrs. Maha Abdullah Al Najar
34 years old female named by SNHR killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20
  • (6 children2 women10 men)
  • 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 (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child writhes in agony following alleged airstrike on Tal Rifa'at, December 28th. (via, SNN)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian raid. (via, SNN)
  • Moments after the airstrike hit the neighbourhood. (via, Tal Rifa’at Station)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured or deceased child on the floor. (via, SNN)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Upsetting footage of injure children being treated in a medical facility in Tal Rif'at. (via, SNN
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Injured civilians being rescued by the White Helmets from inside a building. (via, Aleppo News Centre)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

For December 25th-28th, Russia has reported that “In the course of three days, since December 25, the Russian aviation group has performed 164 combat sorties engaging 556 terrorists’ objects located in the Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Hama, Homs, Damascus, Deir ez-Zor and Raqqah provinces.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20
  • (6 children2 women10 men)
  • 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 (17) [ collapse]