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

RS1000

Incident date

July 13, 2016

Location

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.93, 36.74 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 21 civilians died and as many as 55 more were wounded in a major civilian casualty event in Al Rastan, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame.

Syrian Press Center reported a Russian warplane carried out the raid, using missiles.

However, Qasioun News blamed the regime for the airstrike, calling it a “massacre” in which least 43 people were wounded, “the majority were women and children”.

Al Jazeera also blamed the regime, citing air and artillery strikes. A Civil Defence member who was filming as he rescued blamed the regime as did several other local news sources.

All4Syrian News blamed both Russian warplanes and the Assad regime. They also put the number of civilians killed at 21.

LCCSY reported at the end of the day that “27 martyrs were reported in #Homs most of them were killed during Russian airstrikes on #Rastan.”

The report also claims there were 4 unidentified bodies.

Orient news and SMO Syria placed the number of wounded as high as 50. All4Syria put the numbers slightly lower at over 30. Qasioun reported that the hospitals were full of wounded, creating a chaotic environment. There is video evidence showing a makeshift hospital formed to hold wounded civilians.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mohammed Adnan Karman
Age unknown male killed
Hussam Adnan Karman
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Ziad Al-Takes
Age unknown male killed
Ahmad Ayyub
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Mahmood Abbas
Age unknown male killed
Abdul-Mun’im Al-Shimali
Age unknown male killed
Ahmad Taktak
Age unknown male killed
Khaled Fayez Al-Youssef
Age unknown killed
Mohammed Al-Fares
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Khatib
Age unknown male killed
Hamza Masharqa
Age unknown killed
Nada Mohammed Ali Ayoub
Age unknown killed
Farhan Shah’houd
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16 – 21
  • (3 women8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    30–55
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Destruction caused to a local market and residential buildings following and believed to be, joint Russian and Assad regime raid in Al Rastan. 13th July 2016. (via, Syrian Newsdesk).
  • Locals carry a wounded man to safety following a raid on Al Rastan by Russian and the Assad regime. (via, Syrian Newsdesk).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Rows of dead bodies in Ar Rastan, victims of alleged warplane shelling on the market (Youtube by Arastan Arastan)
  • A cloud of dark smoke rises in Ar Rastan following suspected warplane shelling (via SMO Syria)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16 – 21
  • (3 women8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    30–55
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1169

Incident date

August 19, 2016

Location

الغنطو, Ghantou, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.82179, 36.69605 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ten named civilians including two children and two women died and dozens more were injured in airstrikes on Ghantou in Homs, local media reported. The majority of sources blamed the Assad regime, though some others attributed the event to Russia.

Smo-syria, @syriapost1, @ALAMAWI and Halab Today said that Russia was responsible. Halab Today put the death toll at 11 including two children and one woman.

However, LCCSY pointed to both Russia and the regime, reporting that “22 civilians died, mostly due to air strikes on Al-Ghantu and Talbisah”.

But most other reports attributed the event to the Assad regime.

A number of other sources didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. For example, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported three strikes, killing “at least 13 people, including a male child, a female child, four citizen women and a judge”.

RFS Media Center added that “one of the raids targeted a school in the town”.

The Violations Documentation Center, who blamed “Syrian government and affiliated militias” named 13 civilian fatalities. They also named Farid Abd Al Satar Othman, a fighter, as killed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Rayed Abdulla al-Ahdab
Adult male killed
Ahmad Khaled al-Ahdab
Adult male killed
Mahran Khaled al-Ahdab
Adult male killed

Family members (5)

Fatme Ghassan al-Kenn
Adult female killed
Ghufran Ghassan al-Kenn
Adult female killed
Ramiye al-Kenn
Adult female killed
Shijaa Hassan al-Kenn
Adult male killed
Taybe Hsain al-Kenn
Child female killed

Family members (2)

Abdul Rahman Omar Obeid Jahwani
Child male killed
Radiye Khaled Jahwani
Adult female killed

The victims were named as:

Ayman al-Basha
Adult male killed
Mustafa Mohammad al-Hsain "al-Qadi"
Adult male killed
Mustafa Nabhan
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 22
  • (2 children2–4 women7 men)
  • 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 (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (13) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of a strike on Ghantou, Aug 19th (via SND)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian casulties are carried from the scene following an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Motasem homs)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A family of civilian casualties in the aftermath of the raid which killed up to 13 civilians. (via, SN$R)
  • Mehran Khaled Ahdab, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, VDC)
  • Ahmed Khaled Ahdab, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, VDC)
  • Raed Abdullah Ahdab, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, VDC)
  • Taiba Hassan Alken, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, VDC)
  • Shujaa Hassan Alken, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, VDC)
  • Farid Abd Al Satar Othman, fighter. (via, VDC)
  • The exact moment the alleged raids fell. (via, Srg-syria)

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    The bodies of civilian casualties. (via, Ghantou homs)
  • A news bulletin highlighting the destruction. (via, Ghantou homs)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured man seeks help following an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, RFS Media Center)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

On August 19th 2016, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported that, "at 10:55 in the morning, the Zeliony Dol and Serpukhov small-sized missile ships of the Black Sea Fleet during the combat maneuvering performed 3 launches of cruise missiles Kalibr from fire positions in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea against facilities of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist grouping in Syria.
As a result, a command centre and a terrorist base near the Dar-Taaza inhabited area as well as a plant manufacturing mortar munitions and a large depot with armament were destroyed in the Aleppo province. The objective monitoring data confirmed the elimination of the planned targets." They added that allegedly "for the security of civilians, the flight path of the cruise missiles was planned over uninhabited territories".

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 22
  • (2 children2–4 women7 men)
  • 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 (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3324

Incident date

March 21, 2018

Location

كفر بطيخ, Kafr Batikh, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.781729, 36.72122 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In what sources on the ground referred to as “a horrific massacre”, up to 22 civilians, between 16 and 19 of them children, were killed and dozens more civilians were wounded in airstrikes by alleged Russian aircraft in Kafr Batikh. Local sources told New Arab that a Russian warplane bombed the school of the village with four airstrikes.

Sources told Al Araby news that the first raid targeted the school and caused material damage and injuries among the students. The warplane then returned to bomb the school a second time while the children were fleeing the building. The children ran to hide in a cave, which was dug previously to allow them to shelter during air raids. A third raid then targeted the shelter, which resulted in more civilian deaths.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least 20 civilians (17 children and 3 women) killed as suspected Russian warplanes fired a missile on a shelter of residents, under the ground, near a school in the centre of Kafr Batikh village in Idlib governorate eastern suburbs, on March 21, 2018.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted that about 15 of those killed were part of the Qassoum family. Three other young girls were part of the Aslan family. The SOHR also reported that at least 16  children were aged between 2 and 11 years old.

@RamadanSyria reported that among the victims were the three sisters Mariam (8), Afaf (7) and Bara’a Saleh Aslan (9). Batoul Mohammad Qassoum (4) was killed alongside her brother Omar (3) and Ghofran (2).

The Syrian Human Rights Committee reported the airstrikes took place in the morning, and caused significant damage to civilian homes.

According to the Syrian Civil Defence, it took their teams more than five hours to recover all the bodies of victims from underneath the rubble.

Whereas nearly all sources reported that Russia had been responsible for the airstrikes, the Syrian Human Rights Committee blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime.

The incident occured in the morning.

The victims were named as:

Family members (14)

Mohammed Bakro Qassoum محمد بكرو قسوم
Child male killed
Amana Abdel Rahman Qassoum أمانة عبد الرحمن قسوم
Child female killed
Omar Bakro Qassoum امل محمد حندوش
Child male killed
Fatima Mohammed Aslan (wife of Mohammed Qassoum) محمد أصلان زوجة محمد قسوم
Adult female killed
Omar Mohammed Qassoum عمر محمد قسوم
3 years old male killed
Batoul Mohamed Qassoum بتول محمد قسوم
4 years old female killed
Rahaf Fawaz Qanab (wife of Ahmed Omar Qassoum) رهف فواز قنب زوجة أحمد عمر قسوم
Adult female killed
Zahra Qassoum زهراء قسوم
Child female killed
Maryam Abdel Moneim Qassoum مريم عبد المنعم قسوم
Child female killed
Aya Ibrahim Qassoum أية ابراهيم قسوم
Child female killed
Shahad Ibrabim Qassoum شهد ابراهيم قسوم
Child male killed
Naima Abdul Ma'nim Qassoum ة نعيمة عبد المعنم قسوم
Child female killed
Bushra Abdul Karim Aslan wife of Mahmoud Qassoum بشرى عبد الكريم أصلان زوجة محمود قسوم
Adult female killed
Ghufran Mahmoud Qassoum غفران محمود قسوم
2 years old female killed

Family members (3)

Bara’a Saleh Aslan براءة صالح أصلان
9 years old female killed
Maryam Saleh Aslan مريم صالح اصلان
8 years old female killed
Ghafaf Saleh Aslan الطفلة غفاف صالح أصلان
7 years old female killed

The victims were named as:

Amal Mohammed Handoush الطفلة أمانة عبد الرحمن قسوم
Child female killed
Maram Ali Hammadi مرام علي حمادي
Child female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    19 – 22
  • (16–19 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (37) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dead children in the aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via Edlib Media Centre).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via Edlib Media Centre).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dead children in the aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via Edlib Media Centre).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dead child in the aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via Edlib Media Centre).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via Edlib Media Centre).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via Edlib Media Centre).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Footage showing dead children in the aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via Edlib Media Centre).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Syrian Civil Defence volunteers are removing bodies from underneath the rubble after the airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via Syrian Network for Human Rights).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Syrian Civil Defence volunteers are removing bodies from underneath the rubble after the airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via Syrian Network for Human Rights).
  • Batoul, Ghufran, and Omar Qassoum, killed in airstrikes, March 21st 2018 (via Syrian Network for Human Rights).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dead children in the aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via @aboalhodaalhoms).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dead children in the aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via @aboalhodaalhoms).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dead children in the aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via @Wesal_TV).
  • Man carrying one of the killed victims after airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via @Wesal_TV).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers pulling bodies from underneath the rubble in the aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via @Wesal_TV).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers pulling bodies from underneath the rubble in the aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via @Wesal_TV).

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    Aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via @Omar_Madaniah).

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    Dead children in the aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via @ANews_Arabic).
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via @tahaasi3).
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via @tahaasi3).
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via @tahaasi3).
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via Arab 48).

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    Report by Orient TV on the location of the airstrikes in Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018.

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    Report by Al Jazeera Mubasher on the location of the airstrikes in Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018.
  • Report by France 24 Arabic on the location of the airstrikes in Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018.

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    Dead children in the aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via The Syrian Human Rights Committee).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via Bawaba Idlib on Facebook).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via Bawaba Idlib on Facebook).
  • Photo's of the victims of the airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via @RamadanSyria).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dead children in the aftermath of airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018 (via Baladi News).
  • Report by Orient TV Arabic of March 22th 2018 on location of the airstrikes in Kafr Batikh on March 21st 2018.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Footage of Syrian Civil Defence volunteers pulling bodies underneath the rubble after the airstrikes on Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Report by SyriaTV on the location of the airstrikes in Kafr Batikh, March 21st 2018.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    19 – 22
  • (16–19 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1236 RS2350

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Location

زور شمر, Zor Shamer, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.78379, 39.36559 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 22 civilians including as many as 11 children died in airstrikes on Zor Shamer, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame.

There were no reports of injured civilians.

@eldorar, Syrian free army, Ahmad Shibli and the Smart News Agency pointed towards the Coalition – as did the Syrian Network for Human Rights, who put the death toll at eight.

@ShahbaPress reported that of ten civilians killed seven were from the same family.

Other deaths counts varied between 10 and 15.

According to Baladi, “Coalition aircraft killed 12 civilians, mostly children and women, in a bombing onthe village of Zour Shamr. Civilians were leaving the village in response to a coalition request to do so. The Coalition had dropped leaflets asking civilians to evacuate. They were therefore surprised by the bombing.”

However, other sources – including Sawarim and Shaam and Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS) – blamed Russia. RBSS put the death toll at more than 22 including 11 children, reporting that the victims included seven people from the family of Haj Hassan al-Hammadi and the wife of Walid al-Taka in addition to two of her daughters.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights pointed towards the Coalition, putting the death toll at 15 including three children and four women.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Zuhur, wife of Walid Hassan Al – Assaf
Adult female named by RBSS and Hasaka Rasd killed
Iman al-Ali al-Assaf
18 years old male named by RBSS and Hasaka Rasd killed
Ihsan al-Ali al-Assaf
15 years old named by RBSS and Hasaka Rasd killed
Khalil Al Ali Al Assaf
8 years old named by RBSS and Hasaka Rasd killed
Said Ali Al Assaf
5 years old named by RBSS and Hasaka Rasd killed

Family members (1)

People from the family of Abdullah Hassan al-Hammadi, nicknamed Haj Hassan
Age unknown named by RBSS and Hasaka Rasd killed

Family members (1)

Family of Shawah Al – Hassan Al – Hammadi
Age unknown named by RBSS and Hasaka Rasd killed

Family members (1)

Family of Ahmed Hassan Al – Hammadi
Age unknown named by RBSS and Hasaka Rasd killed

Family members (1)

Shuwaq Hassan Al-Hammadi family
Age unknown named by Ar Raqqa Al Mydanya killed

Family members (1)

Obaid family
Age unknown named by Ar Raqqa Al Mydanya, missing killed

Family members (3)

Wife of Walid al-Taka
Adult female killed
Daughter of Walid al-Taka 1
Child female killed
Daughter of Walid al-Taka 2
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 22
  • (5–11 children2–4 women1 man)
  • 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 (27) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 19th-20th: “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, a supply cache, and a tunnel; and suppressed a mortar team.” It additionally reported that “On July 19, near Raqqah, Syria, 19 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units; destroyed 34 fighting positions, two IEDs, and a VBIED; and damaged four fighting positions and a mortar position.” And also that “On July 19, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes destroyed two ISIS fighting positions and a storage facility and suppressed a mortar system.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘ Wednesday 19 July – Tornados destroyed an explosives warehouse in northern Iraq, whilst Typhoons and Tornados struck a command post and defensive position in Raqqa…Update: air strikes against Daesh – GOV.UK In northern Iraq, intelligence had identified a warehouse near Hawijah in which large quantities of homemade explosives were being stored by Daesh. A flight of RAF Tornados attacked the building with two Paveway IV guided bombs, and demolished it on Wednesday 19 July. A mixed pair of one Tornado and one Typhoon meanwhile provided close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighting to clear the terrorists from Raqqa. A coalition surveillance aircraft identified a Daesh defensive position, and our aircraft conducted a successful attack with a Brimstone missile. A terrorist command post was also identified within the city, and this was struck with two Paveway IVs.’

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 22
  • (5–11 children2–4 women1 man)
  • 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 (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS378

Incident date

January 12, 2016

Location

معرسة الخان, Ma’arasta Al Khan, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.38032, 37.0744 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 10 civilians including three women and two children were killed and ten to 12 wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Ma’aratsa Al Khan, according to multiple sources. The targets appear to have included a civilian bus.

The Shaam News Network reported that “Russian aircraft committed a massacre in the town of Ma’arasta Al Khan west of the two Shi’ite villages“, claiming 13 lives and wounding more than a dozen.

The White Helmets put the death toll at 10, with 12 others wounded, but did not say who the “warplanes” that carried out the two raids belonged to.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights produced three reports.The first blamed the Assad regime and said 10 civilians including three women were killed.

However, subsequent reports said Russian warplanes were responsible for shelling the road that leads to the town of Hayyan, next to “the Great Mosque in Ma’ar Setat Al Khan town in northern Aleppo suburbs that is under the control of armed opposition.” It put the death toll at 12 civilians including two children and two women, adding that almost 12 others were injured.

Orient TV interviewed a survivor who placed the death toll as high as 22: “We don’t understand why we are being targeted; the front line is over there, why are we civilians being targeted? Not a single military person is here, yet more than 5 women and 7 or 8 children and 10 men waiting to collect bread were killed.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali Mohammad Awso
Adult male the VDC it blames Syrian Regime aircraft killed
Wafaa Mohammad Misto
Child female the VDC it blames Syrian Regime aircraft killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 22
  • (2 children3 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–12
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

  • Members of the White Helmets rescue victims of an airstrike by "warplanes" on Ma'arasta Al Khan, January 12th 2016. (via, The White Helmets)
  • Interviews discussing the airstrike in Ma'arasta Al Khan which killed between 10 and 22 civilians. (via, Al Jazeera)
  • White Helmets who attempt to clear the rubble of a civilian home which was destroyed by an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Radio Al Kul)
  • White Helmets clearing the rubble, possibly in an attempt to rescue a trapped civilian, 12th January 2016. (via, Radio Al Kul)
  • Chaos in Ma'arasta Al Khan as civilians and White Helmets attempt to clear the rubble in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Radio Al Kul)
  • A car damaged in the raids. (via, Radio Al Kul)
  • Another photograph showing the extent of damage to the residential homes in Ma'arasta Al Khan. (via Radio Al Kul)
  • A damaged van from the alleged raid on Ma'arasta Al Khan. In the background an Ambulance can be seen. (via. Radio Al Kul)
  • Another car damaged in the raids. (via, Radio Al Kul)
  • A photograph showing the extent of the damage to the inside of a Mosque in Ma'arasta Al Khan. (via, Radio Al Kul)
  • Another image showing the extent of the internal damage to the Mosque in the aftermath of the incident. (via, Radio Al Kul)
  • Another image showing the extent of the internal damage to the Mosque in the aftermath of the incident. (via, Radio Al Kul)
  • Damage to the infrastructure of the Mosque following an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid on 12th January 2016. (via, Radio Al Kul)
  • Part of a shop or market which was damaged in the alleged airstrikes. (via, Radio Al Kul)
  • Damage to the infrastructure of the Mosque following an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid on 12th January 2016. (via, Radio Al Kul)
  • A civilian casualty is carried from the scene where the alleged Russian and Syrian Regime airstrike hit. (via Radio Al Kul)
  • Valuable items are transported form the Mosque in order to protect them from the rubble. (via, Radio Al Kul)
  • An injured civilian is rescued from the rubble. (via, Radio Al Kul)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian is rescued from the rubble by the White Helmets. (via, Radio Al Kul)
  • Damage to the infrastructure of civilian homes. (via, Radio Al Kul)

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 11-15 January.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 22
  • (2 children3 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–12
  • 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

RS999

Incident date

July 13, 2016

Location

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.81374, 36.60964 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A Russian “vacuum missile attack” allegedly caused huge destruction in the local market of Ariha. Residential housing was reportedly also been damaged as a result of the airstrike. Many of the reports differed in the numbers given, however, it is most likely that up to 22 civilians were killed. There was only one mention of the Syrian regime, and it was not confirmed.

Al Jazeera reported more than 20 civilians were killed by four Russian warplanes. They also alleged that many of the injured were in a critical condition. Al Jazeera later went on to report that the majority of those killed were women and children. A further report by the channel, however, pointed towards the regime.

Alarabia News claimed that they were unaware whether the raids were Russian or the Syrian regime. They also reported that 11 civilians were killed, and three of them were children.

Horya News said that 14 civilians were killed, and there were more than 20 wounded. Al Kawakbi for Human Rights reported that “activists confirmed” that Russian warplanes were responsible – and that the numbers of wounded were “unspecific”.

Shaam also placed the numbers of killed at over 20 civilians. A local news source placed the number at 22, as did Halab Today.

Jisirtv also blamed Russia for the airstrike, and described the incident as a “massacre”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ahmad Rihana
Age unknown injured
Shahid Rihana
injured

Family members (2)

Mustafa Amjad Abras
Age unknown injured
Wala’a Abras
Age unknown injured

The victims were named as:

Arif Sweydani
Age unknown killed
Mustafa Bizmwi
Age unknown killed
Ratib Madi
Age unknown killed
Walid Umari
Age unknown killed
Abdulsalam Kaddad
Age unknown male killed
Ahmad Kurabi
Age unknown male killed
Kutaiba Bakir
Age unknown killed
Zakaria Sha’ar
Age unknown killed
Khaled Muhanad Trecy
Age unknown killed
Abdul-Rauf Kaddah
Age unknown male killed
Mahmod Saloh
Age unknown male killed
Abdul-rauf Amiin Kaddah
Age unknown killed
Immad Zakkaria Beik
Age unknown killed
Haitham Zakkaria Beik
Age unknown killed
Zakaria Ammar Beikr
Age unknown killed
Khaled Fahed Trecy
Age unknown killed
Aman Abdulall
Age unknown reported missing
Abdulhadi Rajab
Age unknown male injured
Majid Badawi
Age unknown injured
Majd Summak
Age unknown injured
Ghalib Bizmawi
Age unknown injured
Nidal Al-Adel
Age unknown injured
Najah Kurba
Age unknown injured
Khayreya Shitat
Age unknown injured
Eydo Bakir
Age unknown injured
Hussein Natora
Age unknown male injured
Ibtisam Zakaria Jatal
Age unknown injured
Umar Shitat
Age unknown male injured
Ammar Awad
Age unknown injured
Ahmad Kattan
Age unknown male injured
Mohammed Habboush
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16 – 22
  • (3 children4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (18) [ collapse]

  • The market place in Ariha, destroyed by a Russian airstrike. 13th July 2016. (via. khaledaboayman tweet).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A man injured due to the Russian airstrikes on Ariha marketplace. 13th July 2016. (via. Al Jazeera).
  • Footage of the civil defense rescue mission in Ariha following suspected Russian vacuum missiles (Youtube by The White Helmets)
  • The Aljazeera news channel reported on scenes of a devasted Ariha market following suspected warplane attacks - the correspondent alleged more than 20 killed (Youtube via Aljazeera)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Photographs of two infants alleged killed in a "regime massacre" (Tweet by @Alresalahpress)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A young man killed in alleged attacks, and scenes of destruction in Ariha - the results of a suspected Russian vacuum missile (Facebook post via Al-kawakbi for Human rights)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Local people work through the rubble, the White Helmets provide aid and medics tend to victims in Ariha (Youtube via Ariha Today)
  • A news correspondent reports from the scene in Ariha, where an alleged Russian missile killed over twenty and destroyed buildings (Youtube via Ariha)
  • Demolished buildings in Ariha market, in the city of Jericho, the results of alleged Russian missiles (Tweet by @aboaymankhaled)
  • Streets in the city of Jericho following suspected Russian aerial bombardment (Tweet by @paltimes2015)
  • The White Helmets stand in a cloud of dust at the scene in Ariha market (Tweet by @Step_Agency)
  • Local people congregate at the scene in Ariha market, where alleged Russian warplanes struck (Tweet via jisrtv)
  • A photo taken from above of a street near Ariha market where suspected Russian warplanes struck, resulting in the death of over twenty civilians (via Syriahr facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Scenes of suspected Russian attacks on Ariha Market in the city of Jericho (Tweet by @syrian191124)
  • Locals gather at the place where alleged Russian missiles struck (via Syrian pc)
  • A street in the city of Jericho, where a suspected Russian missile hit causing significant human and material destruction (via LCCSY)
  • A blaze in Ariha market, city of Jericho. (via LCCSY)
  • Locals attempt to rescue victims of alleged Russian missile attack (via LCCSY)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16 – 22
  • (3 children4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1043

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Location

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1375975, 36.8284035 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 22 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on civilian homes and the main market in Al Atarib, according to local media – though it is unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame.

Many sources alleged that both parties carried out tens of strikes. LCCSY, for example, said that Russian raids were carried out “with the participation of Assad warplanes”.

According to SRG, Al-Atareb hospital was put out of service following Russian strikes, while Mohalkahtieb reported that “more than 20 raids” on the main market killed more than 20 and wounded 40.

Amna_Ali_ was MONG numerous sources that also blamed Russia and published extremely graphic images of victims. Most of the victims were children, said Syrianfreeyouth.

According to Sourita, “Russian and Syrian warplanes struck the local market in Al-Atareb and civilian houses which killed 22 civilians, the  majority children, and injured tens of people.”

Akhbar Alan provided more detail, though it didn’t identify the culprits. According to the source, “Warplanes carried out many raids in Al-Atareb city in Aleppo yesterday [July 24th]. In less than half an hour warplanes carried out 16 raids, six of them with cluster bombs, 5 with missiles, and 9 with heavy machine guns. The shelling focused on the local market, a main road and also the hospital in the city which resulted in it being out of service. Activists said 24 civilians were killed due to the intensive raids with 65 others were wounded, some critically”.

While this report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed Russia, there was some confusion in reporting, with an earlier report saying that regime missiles killed at least six civilians in Al Atarib.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mhammad Sayyed Hasan
53/54 years old male killed
Mahmood Othman Jalloul
Adult male killed
Mohammed Ahmad
Adult male killed
Ayyoub Mohammed
Adult male killed
Ramadan Al-Shilo
Adult male killed
Fayez Sabbagh
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 22
  • (1 woman6 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–65
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (21) [ collapse]

  • 'Mohammad Sayed Hasan, born in 1962, media activist, from Al Atareb city in Aleppo governorate, died on August 1, due to alleged Russian warplanes missiles fired on Al Atareb city in July 25, 2016.' (via SN4HR)
  • The destruction at the market in Al Atarib following suspected Russian shelling (Youtube via Qasioun)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A correspondent reports on the civilian cost of alleged Russian strikes at the market in Al Atarib (Youtube via Syrianpc)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic photograph of a civilian covered in blood, killed in alleged suspected warplane shelling on the market in Al Atarib (Tweet via Kmosto) [Page no longer available -accessed via Airwars archive]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A severely wounded civilian is treated for injuries to the head, the consequence of alleged warplane shelling on Al Marja (Tweet via Kmosto) [Page no longer available -accessed via Airwars archive]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A wounded civilian in Al Marja, the result of suspected warplane shelling (Tweet via Kmosto) [Page no longer available -accessed via Airwars archive]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A graphic image of an adult male civilian either dead or severely wounded in Al Marja (Tweet via Kmosto) [Page no longer available -accessed via Airwars archive]
  • The market in Al Atarib, demolished after suspected warplane shelling (Tweet via @MohAlkhatieb)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Images of the dead in Al Atarib after alleged Russian shelling - the tweet states "we only have Allah" (Tweet via @AmnaAli_0)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children killed by suspected Russian shelling in Al Atarib market (Tweet via @Syrianfreeyouth)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Further graphic images of critically wounded and dead, the human cost of alleged raids on Al Atarib (Tweet via @almnsterbalaah)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A little boy killed in alleged Russian shelling on the market at Al Atarib (Tweet via @taha _alhlo)
  • The White Helmets conduct rescue mission in Al Atarib (via Akhbar Alan)
  • A building destroyed in suspected Russian shelling on Al Atarib (via RFS)
  • Local people at the site of destruction in Al Atarib following alleged Russian strikes (via Syria news)
  • Dust remains in the air on a street in Al Atarib following alleged Russian raids (via Rudaw)
  • The_Yearly_Report_for_2016_en

    SN4HR report entitled 'The Yearly report for 2016' - gives details of the death of Mohammed Sayyed Hassan - a media activist suspected killedin Russian shelling on Al Atarib (PDF via SN4HR) [English]

  • The_Yearly_Report_for_2016

    SN4HR report entitled 'The Yearly report for 2016' - gives details of the death of Mohammed Sayyed Hassan - a media activist suspected killedin Russian shelling on Al Atarib (PDF via SN4HR) [Arabic]

  • Mohammad Sayyed Hasan - allegedy killed in Russian shelling (via SN4HR PDF)
  • The media activist Mohammad Sayyed Hasan - allegedy killed in Russian shelling (via SN4HR PDF)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mohammad Sayyed Hasan - allegedy killed in Russian shelling (via SN4HR PDF)

Unknown Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Unknown
Official source

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 22
  • (1 woman6 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–65
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1022 CS273a

Incident date

July 19, 2016

Location

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.93062, 36.63393 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In what has been described as a massacre, committed by both Russian and Assad regime and coalition warplanes, between 10 and 23 civilians were killed and as many as 35 more wounded on July 19th in Idlib city. Other sources claimed that the Coalition was involved in the incident. According to Shaam News Network the raids took place just before midnight.

A local journalist tweeted that three locations in the city were targeted. “Russian warplanes shelling targets three areas in Idlib; Al-Nakhla roundabout, Al-Saha parking lot near Omar Bin Al-Khattab mosque and young offenders jail”. He also reported that 10 were killed and 35 civilians were injured.

Smart News reported that 10 civilians were killed, and a local added that an entire family including a woman and her unborn baby were included in those killed. Smart News called the incident a massacre and also blamed Russia for the airstrikes.

Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed “allied warplane shelling” for the airstrike.

A local news channel tweeted that “At least 12 martyrs and and many injured due to Russian warplanes shelling in neighbours of Idlib tonight.” However, another local news channel – Alsouria News – claimed that “23 were martyred including children and no less than 30 wounded in Russian and coalition warplanes shelling in Idlib.” This was the highest reported death toll.

Most of the civilians killed were already displaced from Aleppo, according to Shaam News Network.

Activist Ghayth Al-Sayed told Alsouria “a Russian warplane and another one from the coalition took turns in shelling Idlib with more than 15 raids in the morning which killed 15 in initial toll and wounded more than 30 who were taken to medical points for treatment.”

The scale of the injuries meant that local field hospitals announced it needed quantities of blood for the injured.

The raids continued overnight in Idlib to the 20th of July.

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

The incident occured at approximately 11:00 pm local time.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 23
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    30–35
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • The destruction caused by alleged Russian and coalition warplanes on 19th July 2016, Idlib. (via Alsouria).
  • Tweet reporting alleged Russian raids on various locations in Idlib city: Al Nakhla roundabout, Al Saha parking lot near Omar Bin Khattab mosque and the Young Offenders jail killing 10 and injuring 35. 20th July 2016
  • Syrian Network for Human Rights tweets that government warplanes [and allies] carried out raids on Idlib on the 19th killing three people at least including a woman and a baby. 20th July 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

Unknown Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Unknown
Official source

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

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
    37SBV865788
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020

  • July 19, 2016, in Idlib, 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. 3017/CS273a 37SBV865788

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 23
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    30–35
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]