Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident Code

CS806

Incident date

May 12, 2017

Location

القورية, Quriya, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.94995, 40.55731 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Euphrates Post, five named civilians died in an airstrike when the car they were in was struck in Quriya. According to one source, Zaman Alwasl, the victims died as they were returning from a picnic in nearby Badia. The US-led alliance later accepted responsibility for injuring one person in the event.

All sources but one at the time attributed their deaths to the US-led Coalition – though Syria News Desk said that warplanes belonging to the Syrian regime were responsible.

The source didn’t identify the warplanes responsible for the deaths, though an earlier report said that Coalition aircraft had been seen over Deir Ezzor.

RFS also put the death toll at five, including two children, and blamed the Coalition.

However, one source, Syria News Desk, said that the regime was responsible, reporting that “four members of the organization [IS] and five civilians were killed yesterday night, following two raids by regime military aircraft on the city of Qouriya controlled by the organization [IS] in the eastern suburb of Deir al-Zour.

Al-Hamd pointed out that the warplanes targeted two vehicles, one carrying four members of the organization and the other five civilians at the entrance of the eastern city of Qureia as they entered the city. The shelling also completely burned the cars and damaged cars passing by.”

In December 2018 the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event – though only for one person injured rather than the five reported fatalities: “On May 12, 2017, near Quriya, Syria, via Airwars report. The coalition aircraft engaged what was positively identified as an ISIS vehicle containing two known ISIS combatants. While ISIS combatants were killed in the attack, a civilian in the vicinity was unintentionally injured in the explosion.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Idris Abu Somar
Adult male killed
Sheikh Mahmoud Al Karad Abu Ahmed
Adult male killed
Muslim Aldrees
Adult male brother of Mohammed Aldrees killed
Mohammed al-Muslim
Adult male Mohammed Idris’s cousin killed
Abdul Salamah Abu Laith
Adult male Cousin of Mohammed Aldrees killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (2 children5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Syrian Regime

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • The funeral of five civilians, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on their vehicle in Quriya, May 12th (via Baladi)
  • Mohammed al-Adris "Abu Somer", killed in an airstrike on Quriya, May 11th (via Euphrates Post)
  • Abdul Salamah and Mahmoud Al-Karad two men killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Quriya, May 12th (via Euphrates Post)
  • The funeral of five men allegedly killed by Coalition airstrikes on their vehicle in Quriya, May 12th (via Zaman ALwasl)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 34.96, 40.55

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Killed by strike blast
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Quriyah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU422686
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 30, 2018
  • On May 12, 2017, near Quriyah, Syria, via Airwars report. The Coalition aircraft engaged what was positively identified as an ISIS vehicle containing two known ISIS combatants. While the ISIS combatants were killed in the attack, a civilian in the vicinity was unintentionally injured in the explosion.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 11th - 12th, the Coalition reported: "Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed three ISIS oil processing items and two ISIS well heads"

For May 12th - 13th, the Coalition reported: "Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed 16 ISIS oil tankers, two ISIS oil processing equipment, two fighting positions, and a vehicle"

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (2 children5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Syrian Regime

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0269

Incident date

October 16, 2023

Location

جوار مسجد الكنز, Vicinity of al Kanz Mosque, Gaza, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.519096, 34.447287 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On October 16th 2023, 11 civilians were reportedly killed and between 10 and 17 others were injured by an alleged Israeli airstrike on a residential apartment for the Ammar family near Al-Kanz Mosque in the Al-Rimal neighborhood  in central Gaza City.

Airwars identified the names of 11 members of the Ammar family who were killed. Three brothers – sons of Abdul Mohsen, 46 year old Osama Abdel Mohsen Ammar, 43 year old Iyad Abdel Mohsen Ammar and 37 year old Ahmed Abdel Mohsen Ammar were all killed. In addition, Ahmed’s two sons were also among those killed: Noman Ammar and Saeed Ammar. A post from Abu Ismail Al-Kajk described Osama as “the best brother and friend”.

During the same attack, two brothers – sons of Bashir Ammar, 61 year old Osama Hani Ammar and 64 year old Bayan Hani Ammar, were also reported to be victims of the incident. Alongside the brothers, Bayan’s wife, 52 year old Bushra Ammar and their child, 12 year old Mays Ammar, were killed according to a Facebook post by a friend. A post from Waheeb Osama gave condolences to his father Osama and his uncle Bayan, adding that his mother had died four months before “and my father could not bear her separation due to his excessive love for her”. Waheeb added that “my two brothers are in the hospital. My middle brother is in stable condition and the youngest is in stable condition, but in intensive care.”

A post by user Minsa pays tribute to his former student 23 year old Fahmy Bashir Ammar who worked in Al-Harazin Market in Al-Nasr. He has also been described as ‘the beloved, the kind, the precious’ in a further post on social media. Fatima Bashir Ammar, 16 years old, a sibling of Fahmy was also killed. An image posted by Ahmed Al-Helou shows the young Fatima in a pink head scarf.

Initial reporting of the incident recorded four fatalities and the injuries of 10 others, supported by an image capturing the injured being transported to hospital. However, reports from friends and family the day after the strike indicate the death of eleven civilians. A further 17 others were also reportedly injured, with some left in critical condition, according to a statement by members of the family. An image posted by @Mustafa3Ahed shows one man being brought to a medical facility on a stretcher.

In cases where sources attributed responsibility for the strike, they held the Israeli military responsible.

Where possible, names have been matched with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of fatalities in Gaza released on October 26th, 2023.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Osama Abdel Mohsen Ammar أسامة عبد المحسن عمار
46 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 953822871
Iyad Abdel Mohsen Ammar إياد عبد المحسن عمار
43 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 801022344
Ahmed Abdel Mohsen Ammar حمد عبد المحسن عمار
37 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 801560749
Noman Ammar نعمان عمار
Age unknown male killed
Saeed Ammar سعيد عمار
Age unknown male killed

Family members (6)

Osama hani Ammar أسامة هاني عمار
61 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 943743443
Son of Osama ابن أسامة عمار
male injured
Son of Osama ابن أسامة عمار
male injured
Bayan hani Ammar بيان هاني عمار
64 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 943743435
Bushra Ammar بشرى عمار
52 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 910719814
Mays Ammar ميس عمار
12 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 431570324

Family members (2)

Fahmy Bashir Ammar فهمي بشير عمار
23 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 405993056
Fatima Bashir Ammar فاطمة بشير عمار
16 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 422111476

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Religious Institution, Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (2–4 children1 woman6–8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–17
  • 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.
  • Impact
    Food
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (10) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Minsa
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @Mustafa3Ahed
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @cloner2004
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: amro
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: loveyou
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmed Al-Helou
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Islam
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: amin
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Dina
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of al Kanz mosque (مسجد بلال بن رباح) in Gaza city (غزة), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.519096, 34.447287. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Religious Institution, Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (2–4 children1 woman6–8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–17
  • 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.
  • Impact
    Food
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS072

Incident date

February 2, 2017

Location

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.371972, 37.5179666 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reportedly killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes shelling on Al Bab, Syria.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported: “The Turkish forces and warplanes renewed their shelling on areas in Al Bab city and its vicinity, which killed a civilian and injured others during the past 24 hours.”

Al Jazeera quoted the ISIS news outlet Al A’amaq saying that Al Bab was hit by 170 Turkish shells but did not mention civilian harm.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al Bab (الباب), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.371972, 37.5179666. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0179A

Incident date

October 13, 2023

Location

النصيرات, Nuseirat, Deir al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.450065, 34.392934 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On Friday, October 13th, 2023, an alleged Israeli airstrike hit the Aqel family home in Al Nuseirat, a refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, killing one girl from the Aqel family.

According to Safa News, at 12:28 the body of one killed civilian was recovered from the home. Khaber Press along with multiple Facebook users reported that the strike killed one civilian in the Aqel family’s home.

Adham Khaled Jabarin wrote in his Facebook post that the civilian who was killed was a Palestinian girl. No name or further identifying information was otherwise found by Airwars.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the strikes to Israeli forces. The exact time of the attack is unknown.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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
    Israeli Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Nuseirat (النصيرات), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.450065, 34.392934. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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
    Israeli Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS090

Incident date

August 21, 2017

Location

تل رفعت, Tal Ref’at, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.473056, 37.094444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian died and four more were wounded in alleged Turkish shelling of the town of Tal Ref’at, according to local media – though one report also said that the Syrian Free Army also targeted Kurdish units in the town.

Rumaf named Alia Omar Sheikh and Othman Zakaria Mustafa as killed. However, a later report by Rumaf said that Othman Zakaria Mustafa was a member of “the Asayish forces”, the Kurdish security forces. It published images showing the funeral procession.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “Turkish forces shelled areas in Tal Rifat town in the northern countryside of Aleppo, which is controlled by the Syria Democratic Forces. This resulted in the injury of four people”.

SDF press also pointed towards Turkey, reporting that “the Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries stationed in the towns of Mara and Kalgberin shelled the Tel Rifaat area with shells and heavy weapons. The shelling resulted in injuries among civilians, who were taken to a hospital.”

However, Ahmad al Farouh, pro-revolution activist from Mare’e, Aleppo, said that the Syrian Free Army targeted Kurdish units in the town with “artillery and mortars” – but made no mention of civilian harm.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Alia Omar Sheikh
Adult female killed
Othman Zakaria Mustafa
Adult male combatant killed
Depo Mohammed Champion
Age unknown injured
Abdul Basit Ali Sakran
Age unknown injured
Abdo Sukran
Age unknown injured
Mohammed Hassan Dibo
Age unknown injured
Mahmoud Hassan Dibo
Age unknown injured
Ghazi Rahal (refugee in the city of Tel Rifaat)
Age unknown injured
Louay Aboush (refugee)
Age unknown injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • An injured man recives medical treatment following an alleged Turkish or FSA airstrike. (via SDF)
  • Aftermath of an alleged Turkish or FSA airstrike. (via SDF)
  • Funeral procession of the victim. (via Rumaf)
  • Funeral procession of the victim. (via Rumaf)
  • Funeral procession of the victim. (via Rumaf)
  • Funeral procession of the victim. (via Rumaf)
  • Funeral procession of the victim. (via Rumaf)
  • Funeral procession of the victim. (via Rumaf)
  • Funeral procession of the victim. (via Rumaf)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Tal Ref’at ( تل رفعت), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.473056, 37.094444. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Free Syrian Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Free Syrian Army
  • Free Syrian Army position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS852

Incident date

May 23, 2017

Location

البارودة, Al Barouda, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.8965073, 38.8007712 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Sixteen civilians including six children and seven women died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Barounda village, according to local sources.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS) – who blamed the Coalition – initially reported the death of three non-combatants. Step News Agency also put the death toll at three – however, a subsequent report by RBSS said that the number of victims had increased to 16, with most of them displaced from Al Sukhna.

The Violations Documentation Center was among the sources blaming the Coalition. It named 13 victims. Further victims were named by other sources.

RBSS also published an image of a woman.There is no named on the photo but one of the comments says ‘May God have mercy on Umm Saddam’so’, she is Saddam’s mother. It puts the death toll at 16.

RFS also said that 16 civilians died with dozens more wounded and blamed the Coalition, reporting that civilian homes were targeted resulting in widespread destruction.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, six children and six women were among the 16 killed by Coalition missiles.

Sawarim [IS propaganda] referred specifically to “US raids”.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (9)

Roz Saddam al-Nayef al-Haj
Child female
Ibraheem Saddam al-Nayef al-Haj
Child male killed
Gezlan Saddam al-Nayef al-Haj
Child female killed
Fatima Ibraheem al-Nayef al-Haj
Adult female killed
Afra al-Khalifeh al-Haj
Adult female killed
Ibraheem al-Nayef al-Haj
Adult male killed
Ahlam Saddam al-Nayef al-Haj
Child female killed
Angam Saddam al-Nayef al-Haj
Child female killed
Mohammad Ahmad al-Nayef al-Haj
Adult male killed

Family members (3)

Hamoud al-Zend
Adult male killed
Wife of Hamoud al-Zend 1
Adult female killed
Wife of Hamoud al-Zend 2
Adult female killed

Family members (2)

Issa Al-Mousa Al-Hamoud
Adult male killed
His wife “Khawla Al Jaber
Adult female killed

The victims were named as:

Fozeh Mohammad Awwad al-Arab
Adult female killed
Daughter of Mohammed Nur al – Issa
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16
  • (5–6 children6–7 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • The children Ghezlan, Rose, Ibrahim, Ahlam, Angham Sadam al Nayef were among those killed in the allaged Coalition raid on Al Barouda, May 23rd/24th (via SN4HR)
  • Issa al Moussa al Hamoud, killed in an allaged Coalition airstrike on Al Barounda village, May 23/24the (via RBSS)
  • Victims of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Barouda in Raqqa on May 23rd, 2017. The woman isn't named but one of the comments in this posts says ‘May God have mercy on Umm Saddam so it would appear she is Saddam’s mother. (via RBSS on May 24th, 2017).
  • The aftermatch of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Barouda in Raqqa on May 23rd, 2017 (via RBSS on May 25th, 2017).
  • House of the victim Ibrahim al-Nayef al-Hajj in the town of Barouda after being targeted by an alleged Coalition airstrike on May 23rd, 2017 (via Al Raqqa Truth on May 25th, 2017).
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 22nd-23rd, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 13 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 15 fighting positions, two vehicles, a weapons cache; and damaged an ISIS supply route.” It later additionally added that on May 22nd “Near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed a fighting position, a VBIED, and a front-end loader.”
For May 23rd-24th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed three fighting positions and a mortar system." It added that on May 23rd "Near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes destroyed eight command and control nodes and destroyed a VBIED facility."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16
  • (5–6 children6–7 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0200b

Incident date

October 14, 2023

Location

الزيتون, Zeitoun, Gaza, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.485479, 34.444885 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On Saturday, October 14th 2023, at least 27 members of the Malika family including 11 women, two of whom were pregnant, were killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike on a house belonging to the Malika family in the Al Zeitoun neighborhood southeast of Gaza.

Malek Malika, a relative of the family, mourned the death of his “uncles and aunts, their sons, daughters and grandchildren”, and included their names – Muhammad Assad Malika (Abu Rashid), his wife Ahlam al-Sharbasi, their son Abdul Rahman Muhammad Malika, their daughters Maryam Muhammad Malika, Khadija Muhammad Malika, Aisha Muhammad Malika, Fatima Muhammad Malika, their pregnant daughter-in-law Batoul Murtaja, Ahmed Assad Malika, his wife Halima Rizq al-Hattab (Umm Osama), their sons Mahmoud Ahmed Malika, Omar Ahmed Malika, Alaa Ahmed Malika, Bilal Ahmed Malika, their daughters Nour Ahmed Malika, Mona Ahmed Malika, their pregnant daughter-in-law Malak al-Zamili, Hamdan Asaad Malika, his wife Elham Rizq al-Hattab, their sons Adam Hamdan Malika, Muhammad Hamdan Malika, their daughter Shaima Hamdan Malika, Amna Asaad Malika, her daughter Hoda Yahya Siyam, her son Muhammad Yahya Siam, Nafya Asaad Malika, and her daughter Marwa Amjad Abu al-Naga. These names were corroborated by Rabeha Nabeel and Aya Karim on social media.

Palestinian News and Shadi Press reported on the bombing, stating that the “Malika family was targeted in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza”. Sources on social media Ahmad Mazen and al Sharawmo attributed the bombing to Israeli forces. Mahmoud Harara reported that the burial ceremony for 15 of the victims from the Malika family took place at the Shujaiya cemetery, and included a video of the ceremony. Heba Shaban mourned the death of 25 members of the Malika family, while Ayman Malika, a relative of the family, said “More than twenty martyrs from the Malika cousin family died”, adding that the bombing came without warning. Sources did not specify any injuries.

Elham Rizq al-Hattab was a lawyer, according to a source on social media who offered their condolences, and Halima Rizq al-Hattab was killed with her entire family save for two of her sons. Muhammad Malika was mourned by his colleague at the Palestine Secondary School for Boys named Mahmoud Maher Abu Sharkh, saying he was a “A sweetheart, a beloved colleague with a beautiful smile.” Lama om Yazam and Ahmed Khodeh revealed that among the victims killed was a woman who was nine months pregnant, with the latter sharing a heartbreaking video of the baby that was killed – the identity of the mother is unclear as two of the victims killed, Batoul Murtaja and Malak al-Zamili, were reportedly pregnant. Ahmed Khodeh reported that the paramedic Mahmoud al-Sarhi who arrived at the site of the bombing found out that his fiancee, who had sent him a text the night of the bombing, was among those killed. Mahmoud mourned his fiancee on social media, saying “She has moved to the mercy of God Almighty (Princess) ‘Noor Ahmed Assad Malika’, my fiancée and my soul” – they were supposed to be married the following week.

Airwars was able to find all but three of the named victims among the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of fatalities in Gaza released on October 26th, 2023.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the strikes to Israeli forces.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (27)

Muhammad Asaad Malaka محمد اسعد ملكة
55 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 954893749
Ahlam Al-Sharbasi احلام الشرباصي
50 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 950608018
Abdul Rahman Muhammad Malaka عبد الرحمن محمد ملكة
11 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 433163672
Maryam Muhammad Malika مريم محمد ملكة
24 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 404604415
Khadija Muhammad Malika خديجة محمد ملكة
22 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 407055045
Aisha Muhammad Malika عائشة محمد ملكة
14 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 425892353
Fatima Muhammad Malika فاطمة محمد ملكة
17 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 424394914
Batoul Murtaja بتول مرتجى
19 years old female pregnant killed Matched to MoH ID 409914975
Ahmed Asaad Malika احمد اسعد ملكة
50 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 931695688
Halima Rizq Al-Hattab حليمة رزق الحطاب
50 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 954747283
Mahmoud Ahmed Malika محمود احمد ملكة
30 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 804672889
Omar Ahmed Malika عمر احمد ملكة
28 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 400564993
Alaa Ahmed Malika علاء احمد ملكة
24 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 405259896
Bilal Ahmed Malika بلال احمد ملكة
15 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 421208208
Nour Ahmed Malika نور احمد ملكة
27 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 402263669
Mona Ahmed Malika منى احمد ملكة
12 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 432265197
Malak Al-Zamili ملاك الزميلي
24 years old female pregnant killed Matched to MoH ID 405434580
Hamdan Asaad Malika حمدان اسعد ملكة
46 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 901652321
Elham Rizq Al-Hattab الهام رزق الحطاب
45 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 900656414
Adam Hamdan Malika ادم حمدان ملكة
16 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 421849217
Muhammad Hamdan Malaka محمد حمدان ملكة
7 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 435072376
Shaima Hamdan شيماء حمدان ملكة
19 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 421159443
Amna Asaad Malika امنة اسعد ملكة
killed
Hoda Yahya Siyam هدى يحيى صيام
female killed
Muhammad Yahya Siam محمد يحيى صيام
31 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 803548510
Nayfa Asaad Malika نايفة اسعد ملكة
44 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 903490837
Marwa Abu Al-Naga مروى ابو النجا
female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    27
  • (7–8 children11–12 women7 men)
  • 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
    Israeli Military

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Esams Family
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: M.k.si
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: M.k.si
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: A.Mahmoud Maher Abu Sharkh
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hamad s bakroun
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmed khodeh journalist
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Zeitoun (الزيتون) neighbourhood south of Gaza city (غزة), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.485479, 34.444885. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

{"type":"FeatureCollection","features":[{"type":"Feature","properties":{"stroke":"#ff0000","stroke-width":1,"stroke-opacity":1,"fill-opacity":0},"geometry":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[34.4469881,31.4901083],[34.4504213,31.4923543],[34.4526956,31.4911512],[34.4663426,31.4781225],[34.459133,31.4708755],[34.4528673,31.4713147],[34.4464299,31.4763657],[34.4424818,31.4798793],[34.4386193,31.4830268],[34.4341561,31.4849298],[34.4214963,31.4946094],[34.425144,31.496622],[34.427719,31.497793],[34.431195,31.4993664],[34.4332981,31.4980857],[34.4372034,31.4956706],[34.4410228,31.4930359],[34.4436407,31.4912793],[34.4469881,31.4901083]]]}}]}

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    27
  • (7–8 children11–12 women7 men)
  • 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
    Israeli Military

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS706

Incident date

March 4, 2016

Location

الصوانة, Sawaneh, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.76986, 37.55804 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between nine and 11 civilians were killed in airstrikes on Sawaneh according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime.

Shaam News Network reported: “Russian aviation has committed a massacre after midnight last night against civilians in the town of Sawana, southwestern city of Palmyra, eastern Homs, and claimed the lives of 11 martyrs and almost 50 wounded.”

ARA also put the death toll at 11, adding that “among the dead were two brothers who moved to the city of Palmyra recently, Basil Arif al-Khoja and Obeid Arif al-Khoja.”

However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights said that at least seven died in regime shelling.

Meanwhile, the Violations Documentation Center identified nine victims.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Basel Aaref al-Khawaja
Adult male killed
Ubeid Aaref al-Khawaja
Adult male killed

Family members (3)

Ghassan al-Salame
Adult male killed
Isa Ghassan al-Salame
Adult male killed
Wife of Isa Ghassan al-Salame
Adult female killed

Family members (2)

Maawiya Thiban al-Aayed
Adult male killed
Wife of Maawiya Thiban al-Aayed
Adult female killed

The victims were named as:

Emad Awad al-Faraj
Adult male killed
Mohammad Abdulla al-Mhawesh
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 11
  • (2 women5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 11
  • (2 women5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]