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

R4341

Incident date

July 15, 2021

Location

الفوعة, Al Fu'ah, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Between five and six civilians, including one to four children, were killed and between seven and eight others, including two children, were injured in alleged Russian or regime artillery strikes on the Masbah area nearby al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021.

According to Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), at the time of reporting “the number of civilians killed in regime massacre in Masbah area nearby al-Fu’ah town in north-eastern Idlib jumped to six. Moreover, the death toll is expected to rise further as the bombardment left seven over persons injured, some seriously.” Their earlier reporting identified that five civilians, including one child, were killed and those killed “were workers who were breaking stones”. Shaam News also reported that five civilians, including a child, were killed.

In their report that identified six deaths and eight injuries from the strikes, Enab Baladi specified that all of those involved in the incident were civilians.

@Jon94447934 provided the names of the three children that were killed in the strikes: Hamza Ahmed Walid Sabbagh, Mohamed Khaled Sabbagh, Hussein Khaled Sabbagh.

A post from Khaled Abo Haydar on Facebook added three more names of civilians killed, including a child: Mohamed Khaled Abdel Gawad nicknamed Abu Khaled, Abdo Omar Qahawati  nicknamed Abu Omar, and Child Abdel Rahman Adel Slat.

A tweet from @Najdat567 emphasized that five of the civilians killed were the providers of their families and were doing back-breaking work as stone breakers for just “20 Turks per day” and that those workers were targeted with three shells.

Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR) reported a similar number of civilians killed, six, but added that three of them were children. A post by Syrian Civil Defense also identified eight others as being wounded, including two children, and listed the locations that were shelled as “civilians who cut stones, a swimming pool and a playground”.

SN4HR blamed Russian forces for the casualties, identifying “a shell equipped with a Krasnopol laser guidance system” as being used in the attack. However, SOHR named the regime as being responsible for the shelling. The other sources that reported on the incident, including Syrian Civil Defense and Shaam News, did not distinguish whether Russia or the regime was responsible, blaming both.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Hamza Ahmed Walid Sabbagh
Child killed
Mohamed Khaled Sabbagh
Child killed
ussein Khaled Sabbagh
killed

The victims were named as:

Mohamed Khaled Abdel Gawad
Adult male killed
Abdo Omar Qahawati
Adult male killed
Abdel Rahman Adel Slat
Child male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (1–4 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–8
  • 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 (32) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (26) [ collapse]

  • Workers were carrying rocks when they were stuck by alleged Russian or regime artillery shelling on July 15, 2021. (Images posted by Syrian Network for Human Rights)
  • Remnants of the shell fired by alleged Russian or regime forces on Masbah area nearby al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021. (Images posted by Syrian Network for Human Rights)
  • White Helmets carry the bodies of the victims following alleged Russian or regime artillery strikes on Masbah area nearby al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021. (Images posted by Syrian Network for Human Rights)
  • “Their only fault is that they seek to secure the livelihood of their families.” The first moments of the response of the Syrian Civil Defense teams to the massacre committed today by the regime forces and Russia by targeting civilians who were cutting stones in the village of Al Foah in Idlib countryside, which killed 6 civilians, including a child, and wounded 8 others, including two children. #whitehelmets
  • White Helmets load the bodies of those killed into an ambulance following alleged Russian or regime artillery strikes on Masbah area nearby al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021. (Images posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • White Helmets retrieve the body of one of the victims of the alleged Russian or regime artillery strikes on Masbah area nearby al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021. (Images posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Rescue workers put out a vehicle fire caused by alleged Russian or regime artillery strikes on Masbah area nearby al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021. (Images posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Rescue workers put out a vehicle fire caused by alleged Russian or regime artillery strikes on Masbah area nearby al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021. (Images posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Damage caused by strikes on the town of Al Fu'ah on July 15, 2021. (Image posted by @MMCSYR)
  • Damage and blood from the victims caused by strikes on the town of Al Fu'ah on July 15, 2021. (Image posted by @baladinetwork - Photo: Moaz Al-Abbas)
  • Rescue workers attempt to put out fires caused by strikes on the town of Al Fu'ah on July 15, 2021. (Image posted by @baladinetwork - Photo: Moaz Al-Abbas)
  • Damage caused by strikes on the town of Al Fu'ah on July 15, 2021. (Image posted by @baladinetwork - Photo: Moaz Al-Abbas)
  • Damage and blood from the victims caused by strikes on the town of Al Fu'ah on July 15, 2021. (Image posted by @anasanas84)
  • Remnants of the shell fired by alleged Russian or regime forces on Masbah area nearby al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021. (Images posted by @Najdat567)
  • An aerial image of the funeral for three children, Hamza Ahmed Walid Sabbagh, Mohamed Khaled Sabbagh, Hussein Khaled Sabbagh, killed in the strikes on al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021. (Images posted by @Jon94447934)
  • Image of Mohamed Khaled Abdel Gawad nicknamed Abu Khaled who was killed in al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021. (Image from Khaled Abo Haydar via Facebook)
  • Image of MAbdo Omar Qahawati nicknamed Abu Omar who was killed in al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021. (Image from Khaled Abo Haydar via Facebook)
  • Image of Abdel Rahman Adel Slat who was killed in al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021. (Image from Khaled Abo Haydar via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image of Abdel Rahman Adel Slat who was killed in al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021. (Image from Binnish deaths via Facebook)
  • Image of MAbdo Omar Qahawati nicknamed Abu Omar who was killed in al-Fu’ah town on July 15, 2021. (Image from Binnish deaths via Facebook)
  • Damage caused by strikes on the town of Al Fu'ah on July 15, 2021. (Image posted by Al Souria)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (1–4 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–8
  • 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 (32) [ collapse]

Incident Code

YS113 R4374

Incident date

August 18, 2021

Location

عفرين, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Airwars assessment

At least three civilians, including one to two women and a child, were killed and three to four others were injured in alleged Syrian Democratic Forces or Russian or regime strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “three civilians, including a child and a woman, were killed on August 18 when Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) used a missile launcher to shell al Mazout Street in west Afrin city”. Radio Al Kul specified that two women and a man made up the three civilians that were killed in the strikes.

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also identified three civilians as being killed and added that others were also injured in the strikes but did not provide a number. However, Syrian Civil Defense put the injury toll at four but referred to this as being the “preliminary toll”.

@EdlibEmc1 did not provide a specific number of how many people were injured but reported that “dozens” were injured.

The strikes reportedly caused a nearby fuel station selling diesel to catch fire. Shaam News added that “activists broadcast scenes of the bombing and the rise of smoke columns resulting from the bombing and fires, while the civil defense teams worked to secure the place and put out the fires.”

According to Baladi News’ correspondent, the bombing “was concentrated near one of the camps in the city, which resulted in massive destruction of public and private properties” and @Almohrar1 pinpointed the location as “near Al-Shifa Hospital and Dersim in the city of Afrin”. @SyrianCoalition identified 13 shells as being used in the bombing.

The majority of sources attributed the strikes to the SDF, with Zaman Al Wasl referring to the source of the strikes as an area controlled by the SDF called the “Tal Rifaat pocket” and Radio Al Kul sourcing the strikes from “the village of Al-Alqamiya and the town of Deir Jamal”. However, the Syrian Civil Defense identified the strikes as originating from an area controlled by the SDF and regime while the North Press Agency attributed the strikes to Russian planes. Enab Baladi added that the SDF did not claim responsibility for the strikes.

The incident occured at approximately 2:30 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1–2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–4
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Democratic Forces, Syrian Regime

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (39) [ collapse]

  • White Helmets with one of the victims of the strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Network for Human Rights)
  • Fires caused by the bombing of Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Fires caused by the bombing of Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • White Helmets bring an injured civilian to an ambulance following strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • The first moments of our teams' response to a missile bombardment on residential neighborhoods in the city of #Afrin, coming from areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces and the regime forces north of #Aleppo, which led to the killing of 3 civilians and the injury of 4 others
  • Damage caused by strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Macro Media Center)
  • Damage caused by strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Macro Media Center)
  • Damage caused by strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Macro Media Center)
  • Damage caused by strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Macro Media Center)
  • Missile strikes and shelling of Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Macro Media Center)
  • Missile strikes and shelling of Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Macro Media Centerl)
  • Rocket shelling of Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by @Step_Agency)
  • Huge fires in a gas station in the city of Afrin, north of Aleppo, as a result of the bombing of the city (Image posted by @mohmad_rasheed)
  • Huge fires in a gas station in the city of Afrin, north of Aleppo, as a result of the bombing of the city (Image posted by @mohmad_rasheed)
  • Huge fires in a gas station in the city of Afrin, north of Aleppo, as a result of the bombing of the city (Image posted by @mohmad_rasheed)
  • Smoke from the shelling and the fires it caused in Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by @Alassaf1977)
  • Smoke from the shelling and the fires it caused in Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by @Alassaf1977)
  • Destruction and fires caused by the shelling of Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by @SyrianCoalition)
  • Fires broke out from strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Radio Al Kul)
  • Fires broke out from strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Radio Al Kul)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of the body of one of the civilians killed in the bombing and fires in Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by @ibrahim78197182)
  • Image of the body of one of the civilians killed in the bombing and fires in Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by @ibrahim78197182)
  • Image of the body of one of the civilians killed in the bombing and fires in Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by @ibrahim78197182)
  • Smoke rising from the fires caused by strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by @maamo_walid)
  • Fires from the strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Afrin Mejilis)
  • Rescue crews try to put out the fires from the strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Afrin Mejilis)
  • Rescue crews try to put out the fires from the strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Afrin Mejilis)
  • Rescue crews try to put out the fires from the strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Afrin Mejilis)
  • Fires from the strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Afrin Mejilis)
  • Smoke rising from the fires caused by strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Afrin News)
  • Smoke rising from the fires caused by strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Afrin News)
  • Smoke rising from the fires caused by strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Afrin News)
  • Smoke rising from the fires caused by strikes on Afrin on August 18, 2021. (Image posted by Afrin News)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1–2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–4
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Democratic Forces, Syrian Regime

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Incident Code

R4403

Incident date

October 16, 2021

Location

الطريق بين باب الهوى وسرمدا, Road between Bab Al Hawa and Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.213399, 36.712567 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ten civilians were injured in the second incident of a ‘double-tap’ strike on the Sarmada, reportedly carried out by Russian or Syrian regime forces, on October 16th 2021. The strike represents a significant escalation of violence observed in the past month.

Details of the first incident are archived under incident R4402 on the Airwars site.

Syria Civil Defense described the incident: “Less than an hour after the first targeting, the regime forces and Russia bombed the area again, resulting in the injury of 10 civilians, and the outbreak of large fires in industrial facilities in the area”.

The first incident was reported to have killed at least four civilians, including the chief of police, and injuring at least 13 others – with some reported to be in critical conditions.

The incident occured during the day.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • First responders put out fires caused by alleged Russian or Syrian regime strikes on Sarmada October 16th 2021. Note that images may have been taken after the first strike - covered in R4403. Image via Atareb0city on Facebook.
  • Smoke rises over Sarmada after alleged Russian or Regime strikes. Note that images may have been taken after the first strike - covered in R4403. Image via Atareb0city on Facebook.
  • First responders put out fires in Sarmada after alleged Russian or Syrian strikes. Note this image is also included in R4403 - the first of the two strikes. Image via Atareb0city on Facebook.
  • First responders in the rubble of a building in Sarmada after alleged Russian or Syrian airstrikes carried out two strikes on October 16th 2021. Note this image is also included in R4403 - the first of the two strikes. Image via Atareb0city on Facebook.
  • First responders try to put out fires in Sarmada after alleged Russian or Syrian strikes on October 16 2021; in the second stirke at least ten people were wounded. Note that images may have been taken after the first strike - covered in R4403. Image via Atareb0city on Facebook.
  • Damage caused by alleged Russian or Syrian regime strikes on Sarmada October 16th 2021; Note that images may have been taken after the first strike - covered in R4403. Image via Atareb0city on Facebook.
  • First responders try to put out fires after alleged Russian or Syrian regime strikes on Sarmada, October 16th 2021. Note that images may have been taken after the first strike - covered in R4403. Image via Atareb0city on Facebook.

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention an industrial building being struck on the road between Bab Al Hawa border checkpoint (باب الهوى) and the city of Sarmada (سرمدا). Based on satellite imagery the coordinates of the exact location are: 36.213399, 36.712567.

  • Reports of the incident mention an industrial building being struck on the road between Bab Al Hawa border checkpoint (باب الهوى) and the city of Sarmada (سرمدا). Analyzing visual material from sources we have narrowed down the location to exact coordinates.

    Date taken:
    September 16, 2020

    Imagery:
    Google

  • Tagged photo from sources.

    Date taken:
    October 16, 2021

    Imagery:
    Agence France-Presse

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

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

R4433

Incident date

January 2, 2022

Location

محطة العرشاني لضخ المياه, Al Arshabi water station, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.948861, 36.556375 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one civilian, an employee of a water station, was injured when Al-Arshani water station was bombed by alleged Russian forces on January 2, 2022.

A tweet from @AlhasanMahar reported that Russian forces bombed Al-Arshani water station, which is “responsible for delivering water to about a quarter of a million civilians” in Idlib. @thiqanewsagency added that the station was completely out of service and Al Souria News identified the station as the only water station serving the city of Idlib.

@IrfaaSawtak quoted local civil defense forces who said that a worker at the station was injured. Syrian Network for Human Rights also identified one of the employees of the water station as having been injured in the strikes.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the airstrikes damaged “the station’s structure and its perimeter fence, in addition to severely damaging the main pipeline used for pumping, and other essential equipment.” The source also confirmed that the station is in a residential area and is free of any “military presence and equipment”.

Zaman Al Wasl also reported that airstrikes hit a factory for the productions of foodstuffs west of the city in addition to the strikes on the water station.

The Director-General of the Drinking Water Corporation, Muhammad Jamal Diban, said to Fresh Syria: “The Al-Arashani drinking water station in the city was bombed yesterday by Russian aircraft and was out of service, so we worked on emergency solutions, which is to operate the old project.”Diban added that “the project provides the city with 3,500 cubic meters per day, in addition to operating stations and internal wells to reduce the burden on residents.” Diban explained, “At the level of work, we have removed the rubble, secured the necessary supplies and changed the damaged parts. As a quick and temporary solution, we seek to supply the city of Idlib with water until the Al-Arashani station is repaired, which [supplies water to] 350 to 400 thousand people.”

The majority of the sources that reported on the incident attributed the airstrikes to Russian warplanes. A tweet from @adlbhamam1985, a local journalist, identified two raids as being carried out on Al-Arashani.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (30) [ collapse]

  • Alleged Russian strikes on the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @Najdat567)
  • Alleged Russian strikes on the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @Najdat567)
  • Alleged Russian strikes on the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @Najdat567)
  • Alleged Russian strikes on the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @Najdat567)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @omar_hajkadour)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @omar_hajkadour)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @omar_hajkadour)
  • Alleged Russian strikes on the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @omar_hajkadour)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @IrfaaSawtak)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @IrfaaSawtak)
  • Damage to the water tank at the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @faizaldoghim060)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @mesara8901)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @mesara8901)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by @mesara8901)
  • Russian warplanes launched dozens of air strikes since the early hours of the morning, targeting civilian properties and infrastructure in the Idlib region.
  • Russian strikes surrounding Idlib on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Russian strikes surrounding Idlib on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Russian strikes surrounding Idlib on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Damage to the Al-Arashani water station serving the city of Idlib caused by alleged Russian airstrikes on January 2, 2022. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Al Arshabi Water Station (محطة العرشاني لضخ المياه) in the vicinity of the city of Idlib (إِدْلِب). Analyzing audio-visual material from sources, Airwars has narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 35.948861, 36.556375.

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  • Panoramic stitch of imagery from sources, with tags.

    Imagery:
    @AlhasanMahar

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

R4456

Incident date

Location

الباره, Al Bara, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

A woman was injured in an alleged missile strike by Russian or Syrian regime forces in the Al Bara district in Jabal Al Zawiya in southern Idlib on August 6th, 2022.

The woman’s injuries were not specified though @RadioAlKul tweeted that she was “slightly injured” whereas all other sources reported that she was injured without further elaboration. The Syrian Civilian Defence also posted that a fire broke out in a civilian household as a result of the strike but did not specify whether it was the woman’s house.

@​​AlkneterOthman and @ZaitunAgency reported that the artillery shells were launched by “pro-Assad forces” and the Syrian Civilian Defence noted that Russia and the Assad regime were responsible for the strike.

The incident took place at some point during the day as the photographic evidence showed that it was daylight outside. It occurred in Al Bara in the countryside in southern Idlib.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • One woman was injured in a contested Russian and Syrian regime artillery strike on August 6th 2022 in Al Bara (Image via SCD / Facebook)
  • One woman was injured in a contested Russian and Syrian regime artillery strike on August 6th 2022 in Al Bara (Image via SCD / Facebook)
  • One woman was injured in a contested Russian and Syrian regime artillery strike on August 6th 2022 in Al Bara (Image via SCD / Facebook)
  • One woman was injured in a contested Russian and Syrian regime artillery strike on August 6th 2022 in Al Bara (Image via SCD / Facebook)
  • Syrian regime or Russian missile attack in Al Bara on August 6th 2022 reportedly left one woman injured (Image via @anasanas82 / Twitter)
  • One woman was allegedly injured after a Russian or Syrian regime strike on August 6th 2022 in Al Bara (Image via @ezaldeen_98 / Twitter)

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

R4488

Incident date

November 6, 2022

Location

كنصفرة, Kansafra, Idlib, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

On November 6th, 2022, in Kansafra, South of Idlib, between one to three civilians – one woman, or two women and a girl – were reportedly injured as a result of artillery shelling. While the Syrian Civil Defence (SCD) accused both the Russian and Syrian forces of carrying out the attack, other local sources claimed it was only conducted by the Syrian regime. @Sharqya_reporte added that the artillery shelling occurred in a residential neighbourhood.

SCD noted that a woman injured was sent to a hospital for treatment, without further precisions.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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 target
    Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • On November 6th 2022, in Kansafra, Idlib, artillery shelling reportedly injured between one to three civilians. Source: @Sharqya_reporte

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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 target
    Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1906

Incident date

February 17, 2017

Location

القسطل, Al-Kastal, Hama, Syria

Geolocation

33.924276, 36.69632 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A woman and a child were reportedly wounded during an airstrike on Al-Kastal, Hama, according to one local media source.

Smart News reported that the aerial bombardment was “likely to be Russian”.

One local source told the news agency that “raids likely to be Russian, on the village of Al Qastal – which is under the control of the “Islamic state” – wounded a woman and a child who were taken to hospitals in Raqqa”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

R4519

Incident date

June 21, 2023

Location

كفرنوران, Kafarnouran, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Between three and four civilians, including a child, were reported to have been killed and up to 11 others, including two children, a woman and an elderly man, were injured by shelling suspected by militants allied to the Syrian regime and/or Russian forces in the countryside village of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023.

The @SyriaCivilDefe initially reported that two civilians, a child and his father, were killed and eight others, including three children, were injured in the initial outcome of the shelling of the road connecting the village of Kafr Nouran and the town of Maarat Al-Naasan. The Syrian Civil Defense later updated their toll to three dead and 11 wounded, including two children, a woman and an elderly man.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights provided the names of the civilians killed: Mousab Barakat, his son Mohammad Mousab Barakat, and Salim Darwish, and @khaleedalkhteb added the name Ahmed Shaaban from Taftanaz to the list of civilians killed. A tweet from @mzmgr941 referred to Salim as a “youth” but did not specify his age.

A tweet from @DeryNews provided the names of the civilians injured: Mohammed Ata (male), Odai Mohammed Ata (male), Abd Al Karim Drousi (male), Mustafa Al Ali (male), Saddam Ata (male), Rahma Nassan (Female), Fouzi Taha (male).

North Press Agency put the number of civilians killed at three but added that seven civilians were killed, to varying degrees of severity.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that six rebels who were near the site of the attack were also injured.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, one of the shells struck a main street in the center of Kafr Nouran close to the municipality building while a second one landed near a street vendor on the road which connects Kafr Nouran and Maarat Al-Naasan. The Violations Documentation Center added that the victims were gathered near a car selling vegetables when the shelling occurred.

Images shared online show blood and shoes scattered on the road near a local street vendor.

Most reports directed blame for the attack towards the Syrian regime forces while other sources, including the Syrian Civil Defense, attributed the shelling to the Syrian regime and Russian forces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights specifically blamed the regime forces stationed in the 46th Regiment in the western countryside of Aleppo for carrying out the shelling.

Damas Post reported that the shelling also resulted in an exodus of residents from the town and material damage.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mousab Barakat مصعب ابن الشيخ محمود بركات
Adult male killed
Mohammad Mousab Barakat محمد مصعب بركات
Child male killed

Family members (3)

Mohammed Ata
male injured
Odai Mohammed Ata
male
Saddam Ata
male

The victims were named as:

Salim Darwish سليم عبدالكريم درويش
Adult male killed
Ahmed Shaaban
Age unknown killed
Abd Al Karim Drousi
Age unknown male injured
Mustafa Al Ali
Age unknown male injured
Rahma Nassan
Age unknown female injured
Fouzi Taha
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Marketplace
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1 child2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–11
  • 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 attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military
  • Belligerents reported injured
    6

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (31) [ collapse]

  • An elderly man injured by alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • An elderly man injured by alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Funeral for the father and son killed by alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • After artillery shelling by the regime forces and Russia today, Wednesday, June 21, targeted the village of Kafr Nouran, west of #Aleppo, killing 3 civilians and wounding 11 others.
  • A reporter of #Sham_Network in the town of Kafr Nouran in the western countryside of Aleppo transmits details of the artillery and missile shelling that targeted the town by Assad's forces and Iran's militias, which led to civilian deaths and injuries.
  • Martyrs, including a child and several injuries, in the shelling of the Assad regime's residential areas in Kafr Nouran, in the countryside of Aleppo, Maarat Al-Naasan and Katyan
  • Martyrs, including a child and several injuries, in the shelling of the Assad regime's residential areas in Kafr Nouran, in the countryside of Aleppo, Maarat Al-Naasan and Katyan
  • A massacre in Kafr Nouran by the missiles of the Russian external occupation. There are three martyrs and two injuries, including a woman.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of alleged Syrian regime and Russian shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by @anasanas84)
  • Salim Darwish, killed by alleged Syrian regime and Russian shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by @mzmgr941)
  • Leaving dead and wounded... Artillery shelling by #Assad's militia targets the town of Kafr Nuran in #Aleppo_rural

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of Mohammad Mousab Barakat, killed by alleged Syrian regime and Russian shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by @khaleedalkhteb)
  • Salim Darwish, killed by alleged Syrian regime and Russian shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by @Hamoudi_Free_Sy)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Moments filled with oppression and death... After artillery shelling by the regime forces and Russia today, Wednesday, June 21, targeted the village of Kafr Nouran, west of #Aleppo, killing 3 civilians and wounding 11 others.
  • Funeral for the victims of alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by Baladi News)
  • Funeral for the victims of alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by Baladi News)
  • Funeral for the victims of alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by Baladi News)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The child killed by alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by Baladi News)
  • Funeral for the victims of alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by @raa_hma1)
  • A horrific massacre committed by the forces of the criminal regime in the town of Kafr Nuran in the western countryside of Aleppo
  • Civilian victims of artillery shelling by the Damascus government forces targeting the village of Kafr Nuran in the countryside of #Aleppo

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Three martyrs. Among them is a child and more than ten injuries, as a result of the artillery shelling of the militia. Assad attacked the areas of Kafr Nouran in the southwestern countryside of Aleppo and Katyan in the countryside of Idlib, Maarat al-Naasan and the outskirts of Benin Jabal al-Zawiya were also targeted.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of Mohammad Mousab Barakat and his father, killed by alleged Syrian regime and Russian shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by Amer Amer via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Blood from a victim of alleged Syrian regime and Russian shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by Mustafa Hashem via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Victim of alleged Syrian regime and Russian shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by Mustafa Hashem via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Victim of alleged Syrian regime and Russian shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by Mustafa Hashem via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Victim of alleged Syrian regime and Russian shelling of Kafr Nouran on June 21, 2023. (Image posted by Mustafa Hashem via Facebook)

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Marketplace
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1 child2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–11
  • 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 attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military
  • Belligerents reported injured
    6

Sources (39) [ collapse]