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

RS895

Incident date

June 12, 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

Between 17 and 40 civilians died including up to 18 children – and up to 100 others were wounded – in airstrikes on one of the largest vegetable markets in Idlib, according to multiple local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this major casualty incident was the work of Russia or the Syrian regime.

According to the Shaam News Network: “Activists said Russian warplanes targeted a popular vegetable market in Al Furun street near the educational complex in the city of Idlib with several missiles that caused large fires. There were reports of a massacre against unarmed civilians, with body parts scattered across the market”.

It put the initial death toll at 30, with dozens more wounded, adding that most of the bodies were “charred”.

Another report by SNN said that victims were “burnt in cars” and that shops selling fuel were among the buildings bombed “during the rush hour when civilians were making their purchases from the market”.

A very graphic SNN video showed the charred remains of bodies and distressing footage of members of the White Helmets removing victims – with their entrails hanging out – from the scene.

A later SNN report put the death toll as high as 40, while many other reports form other news outlets said that the death count was likely to continue to rise.

However, other sources blamed the regime: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, put the death toll at 34 (nine children, three women and 22 men).

According to LCCSY, regime “warplanes targeted a vegetables market in the city with two missiles, killing more than 34 civilians and injuring 50 others”.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported the death of 33 non-combatants in a regime strike, of which 11 were children and one a woman.

Souriat – who was among other sources that didn’t identify the warplanes responsible for the event – put the number of wounded as high as 100, adding that 35 civilians died, most of them “burned to death”.

Siryahora tweeted that “18 children were burnt [suggesting they were killed] in a Russian strike” on the market. The tweet included a graphic image of members of the White Helmets holding a charred child victim in the air.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 40
  • (5–18 children1–3 women22 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24–100
  • 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 (62) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A very graphic video of charred bodies removed from the rubble (Youtube by SNN)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    "Video shows the destruction caused by several airstrikes by warplanes on areas in Idlib city, one of the airstrikes targeted a popular market area, which killed 34 persons they are 9 children, 3 cictizen women and 22 man" (Facebook Video by SOHR)

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 June 1st – 31st 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 40
  • (5–18 children1–3 women22 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24–100
  • 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 (62) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2363

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Location

مخيم الجويزات قرب الشريدة, Juweizat camp near Al Sharida, Raqqa, Syria

Airwars assessment

In a major civilian casualty incident, multiple local sources reported that between 20 and 40 civilians – including four or five entire families – died and dozens more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Juweizat refugee camp near Al Sharida. Reports said that the camp was completely burnt as a result of this attack.

According to Marsad Al Hasaka, “yesterday [July 23rd], Russian aircraft targeted the village of Al-Shuraida and Al Juweizat refugee camp in the south-eastern Raqqa countryside, and committed a massacre that killed more than 20 civilians”.

However, Ahmad Shibli, who noted that “more than five families were killed” and that other families were still missing, put the death toll as high as 40.

Euphrates Post added that there had been “dozens of martyrs and wounded” in this event.

 

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

All of the Al Madad family
Source doesn't give the number of people from the family killed. killed
All of the Al Said family
Source doesn't give the number of people from the family killed. killed
The Abu Arab family
Source doesn't give the number of people from the family killed. killed
The family of Hamoud Al Jassim Al Sheikh
Source doesn't give the number of people from the family killed. killed

Family members (2)

Al Sheikh Mahmoud
Adult male killed
Son of Al Sheikh Mahmoud
Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

One son of Abu Rakan
Age unknown male killed
One son of Abu Rakan
Age unknown male

Family members (2)

Son of Khazzam Al Mulhem
Age unknown male Source doesn't state how many of Khazzam Al Mulhem's sons were killed - only "the sons of..." killed
Son of Khazzam Al Mulhem
Age unknown male Source doesn't state how many of Khazzam Al Mulhem's sons were killed - only "the sons of..." killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 40
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 40
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS918

Incident date

June 19, 2016

Location

الثورة‎, Al-Thawrah (Tabaqah), Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.8295049, 38.5360909 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A major civilian casualty event took place on al Tabaqa city in the Ar Raqqah countryside, reportedly killing at least six civilians and wounding as many as 40, including women and children. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame.

Wwalfwasel reported that “more than 40 people” were killed, however this figure is much higher than the majority of other sources.

A Tweet by theofficemedia described the raid as a ‘very intense bombardment’ in which rockets and cluster bombs were used by warplanes.

Syrian Press Center blamed Moscow, as did LCCSY and Qasioun news.

According to Qasioun, most of those killed were women and children.

According to Alsouria, al Tabaqa was under the control of so-called Islamic State, they alleged through working together the regime and Russia have caused considerable material damage in the area and many have been killed in order to regain control.

Shahed-ayan has also news blamed Moscow for the airstrikes, which they reported to have killed sixteen, wounded thirty and caused ‘big material damage in residential buildings’.

However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights referred to both Russian warplanes and regime helicopters operating in the area. Syrian News and Zamanalwasl also blamed the regime.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Daasha Osbkiat Nsorna
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 40
  • (1–2 children1–2 women)
  • 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
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Tabaqa, June 19th (via Alsouria)
  • An airstrike on Tabaqa, June 19th (via Syrian Press Center)
  • Suspected Russian fighter jets attack the town of al Tabaqa, Ar Raqqahh (via Qasioun)
  • "clashes between the regime forces and elements of the "Islamic State" (Daesh) near the oil revolution field" (via Syrian News)
  • Aftermath following alleged bombs on residential areas in al Tabaqa countryside (via Zamanalwal news)
  • Smoke rises on the city of al Tabaqa following airstrikes (via Shahed-ayan)

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 June 1st – 31st 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 40
  • (1–2 children1–2 women)
  • 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
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS300

Incident date

December 22, 2015

Location

بزينة, Bzeina, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.4825877, 36.4399767 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 20 and 40 civilians were reported killed and dozens injured in devastating alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Bzeina, according to multiple reports. While the destruction of the market and surrounding homes was extensive, the aircraft may have been targeting rebels. Videos filmed at the scene show some casualties and rescuers in military fatigues – with all of those listed as killed adult males.

Activists told Shaam News Network the afternoon bombing targeted the centre of a popular market which was teeming with non-combatants, wounding many and causing widespread damage to the market. They added that the death toll was likely to rise due to the seriousness of injuries.

All4Syria quoted local resident and media activist Adam Shami: “Russian planes today targeted a popular market in the small village of Bzeina in the Marj region. Its entire population doesn’t exceed 500 families, along with some displaced families. But the warplanes have utterly destroyed Bzeina’s small marketplace.”

Smart News cited a local doctor who said medical facilities were overwhelmed by the casualties: “The doctor added that there are cases of amputation among the victims, ‘especially as the market area was crowded with children and women.’”

VDC and Syria 2011 have both reported 20 victims, including seven people they could not identify.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Nayef al-Houri
Adult male killed
Mohammad Hassan al-Keilani
Adult male killed
Adham Eteibani or Otaibana
Adult male killed
Alaa Mohammad Haussain
Adult male killed
Hassan Mohammad Haussain
Adult male killed
Yazan Diab
Adult male killed
Mohammad Abdulqader
Adult male killed
Omar al-Sheikh Suleiman
Adult male killed
Abdulrazzaq Barakat
Adult male killed
Abdo Zeitoun
Adult male killed
Abdulrazzaq Turkmani
Adult male killed
Abo Nizar Hmadeh
Adult male killed
Ismaeil al-Kurdi
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 40
  • (13 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    40–200
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Victims of a major alleged Russian airstrike on Bzeina December 22nd 2015. (via @AdamsRashidi)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A graphic video of the aftermath of the alleged Russian airstrike on Bzeina. Shows bodies being taken from the rubble. (via, Quasion)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

For December 18th-23rd, Russia reported that “In the course of five days, on December 18-23, aircraft of the Aerospace Forces in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 302 combat sorties engaging 1093 objects in the Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Homs and Deir ez-Zor provinces.” No mention was made of Damascus governorate.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 40
  • (13 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    40–200
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2566

Incident date

September 29, 2017

Location

ارمناز, Armanaz, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.084046, 36.5034 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 15 and 40 civilians were killed in two separate air raids using thermobaric rockets targeting a residential neighbourhood in Armanaz according to local media. Sources all blamed either Russian or Syrian regime raids for the attack.

Most sources alleged the second airstrike was aimed at Civil Defence teams and other civilians trying to remove victims of the first strike from underneath the rubble, which would explain the extraordinarily high death toll.

More than 30 houses were totally destroyed.

12 rockets vacuum missiles were used, according to Syrian Civil Defence.

Some sources reported that dozens of others were wounded, however the highest count is Smart News who reported 75 were injured.

ZamanAlwasl reported the a Sukhoi 24 plane belonging to the regime carried -out a second strike as the White Helmets and ambulance teams attended the scene.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mostafa Hamzeh Shoeib
Adult male killed
Daughter of Mostafa Shoeib
Adult female killed

Family members (4)

-From Desoki family 1
Child male killed
From Desoki family 2
Child male killed
From Desoki family 3
Child male killed
From Desoki family 4
Adult female killed

Family members (2)

Nihad Elian
Adult male killed
Montaser Elian
Adult male killed

Family members (2)

Mayada Jamous
Adult female killed
Abo Omer Jamous
Adult male killed

Family members (2)

Tasneem Abdullah Younes
Adult female killed
Son of Tasneem Abdullah Younes
Child male killed

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Salim Abd Rabo
Adult male killed
Asad Naesan
Adult male killed
Hasan Asho
Adult male killed
Yaser Daw
Adult male killed
-Mohammad Yehya
Adult male killed
Khadijeh Jafa
Adult female killed
Taha Mostafa Affas
Adult male killed
Amani Shoeib
Adult female killed
Zakia Bashar Naesan
Adult female killed
Khadijeh Hosain Beri
Adult female killed
Loay Faqous
Adult male killed
Mohammad Mhaikel
Adult male killed
Dibo Danoun
Adult male killed
Mohammad Abo Yaeroub
Adult male killed
Riham Raboue
Adult female killed
Rayan Mohammad Shoeaib
Child female killed
Bashar al-Naesan
Adult male killed
Wife of Maher Disoki
Adult female killed
Nour Alath
Age unknown

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 40
  • (7 children6–8 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–75
  • 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 (38) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • Picture of villagers burying the dead in the two airstrikes on Armanaz on September 29th (via Twitter: 7UFCmSxd0IUBffH)
  • Photo of Civil Defense Teams working tirelessly to remove victims from under the rubble after the two airstrikes on Armanaz on September 29th (via Syrian Network for Human Rights)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Picture of a baby girl, allegedly wounded by the two airstrikes on Armanaz on September 29th (via Syrian Network for Human Rights)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of wounded civilians following the Sept 29th strikes on Armanaz.
  • Aftermath of the strikes
  • Aftermath of the strikes

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic footage of civilians following alleged regime strikes on Armanaz, Sept 29th 2017

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Translation: "Watch : Rescued children from the rubble of the Russian raids on the town of Armanaz in rural Idlib"

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    More victims of the strikes.

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 type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 40
  • (7 children6–8 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–75
  • 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 (38) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1972

Incident date

March 15, 2017

Location

القصور, Al Qusour neighbourhood, Idlib city, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

34.745632, 36.710601 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between eight and 39 civilians were killed, and dozens more were injured, following a raid which targeted residential housing in Al Qusour neighbourhood, Idlib city, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing blame to Russia and others to the Syrian regime. Various sources blamed both parties for the raid.

Al Jazeera reported that an entire four story building collapsed following a targeted attack with a missile strike. A whole family of eight displaced civilians were allegedly killed.

Another figure estimated that as many as 13 people were the same family were killed, including a doctor. Other sources reported that the missile used was highly explosive, resulting in huge amounts of material damage. There were also reports of the use of vacuum missiles.

According to sources, as many as ten people were trapped under the rubble, and up to 20 people were allegedly missing in the immediate aftermath of the raid. Photographic evidence shows members of the White Helmets searching for missing victims in the rubble.

Details of the incident were published in a report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights on April 11th, almost a month after the attack. “On Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at approximately 03:25, fixed-wing warplanes we believe were Russian fired two missiles in no less than five minutes that targeted two sites of a close proximity. The first missile targeted a multi-floor residential building in al Qosour neighborhood in the southern parts of Idlib city, which resulted in the killing of 24 civilians including 15 children, one infant, and six adult females. Most of the victims were IDPs from Aleppo suburbs. Additionally, the building was heavily destroyed. The second missile fell nearly 100 meters from the same residential building.”

Furthermore the report gave details from the victims, “Mahmoud al Sayeh, a doctor from Aleppo suburbs, lost all of his family -seven children and their mother- in the massacre. Mahmoud, whom we contacted via WhatsApp, told us that he woke up to the sound of a warplane soaring. A few minutes later, he heard the missile ripple and his children’s screams for help: “The missile was directed, and it wasn’t a free-fall missile. The rubble piled up on me, but I was hardly managed to dig a small crack in the rock rubble to breath. A few minutes later, I heard the sound of civil defense vehicles and ambulances, which was followed by a second missile.” 

Mohammad added that he remained under the rubble for nearly two and half hours until the civil defense pulled him out and took him to the medical center: “I sustained fractures in my ribs and my right leg. I was the only one to survive from my family. Russia has killed them all.” 

“Ahmad Rahhal, a local media activist, told SN4HR, via Facebook, that he was able to distinguish the Russian warplanes from their voice and the high altitude at which they were flying, and also through the observatory that determined that the warplane took off from Hmeimim. Ahmad added that he went to where the two missiles fell in al Qosour neighborhood and saw the targeted residential building that was turned into rubble: “I arrived in al Qosour neighborhood a few minutes after the first attack. The warplane was soaring above the neighborhood and fired a second missile that fell near the destroyed building. I saw the civil defense pulling out victims’ dead bodies and the injured. There was one among the injured whose hand was amputated. I saw the civil defense save two children from under the rubble.” 

Omar al Mkahhal, a member of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, told SNHR that civil defense and Red Crescent teams pulled out more than 20 dead bodies from the rubble including two doctors from al Bab city in Aleppo suburbs who fled to Idlib city recently: “The Russian warplanes were who carried out the airstrikes at dawn. The sound of the explosion was too high although the bombardment was with only one missile.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (11)

Raghad Al Sayeh
12 years old from the city of Bab killed
Obada Al Sayeh
16 years old from the city of Bab killed
Hamza Al-Sayeh
13 years old from the city of Bab killed
Aseel Al-Sayeh
11 years old from the city of Bab killed
Wa'im Al-Sayeh
10 years old from the city of Bab killed
Baybars Al-Sayeh
7 years old from the city of Bab killed
Qatada Al Sayeh
6 years old from the city of Bab killed
Rimas Al-Sayeh
5 years old from the city of Bab killed
Rand Al Sayeh
3 years old from the city of Bab killed
Leen Al-Sayeh
2 years old from the city of Bab killed
Mohamed Sayeh
47 years old Engineer from the city of Bab killed

The victims were named as:

Obada Mohammed al
14 years old killed
Suad Haji Hamidi Bitar
Adult female killed
Sabah Al Ismail
3 years old female killed
Yasmine Ismail
2 years old female killed
Dua’a Ghourab
Adult female killed
Ola Abdel Wahid
Adult female killed
daughter of Ola' Abd al-Wahid
Child female two days old killed
Hind Ismail
Adult female killed
Khadija Arj
Adult female killed
Khadija Nassif
Adult female from Andan killed
Khadija Mustafa Nasif
2 years old from Andan killed
Islam Harmoush
Child female killed
Majed Harmoush
Age unknown killed
Joud Harmoush
Age unknown killed
Nassif Taasef
67 years old killed
Qatada Al Sayeh
6 years old killed
Wafa Akhtarini
32 years old killed
Hamzah Mahmoud Al-Sayeh
11 years old killed
Rand Mahmoud Al - Sayeh
1 years old male killed
Rimas Mahmoud Al-Sayeh
Child killed
We'am Mahmoud Al-Sayeh
Child killed
Asl Mahmoud al-Sayeh
Age unknown killed
Lin Mahmoud Al-Sayeh
Child killed
Mohammed Al-Sayeh
Age unknown male killed
Khaddoj Mohammed Korg
60 years old from Andan killed
Hanadi Darwish
23 years old female pregnant from Andan killed
Sabah Abdul-Samia Ismail (Darwish)
3 years old from Andan killed
Ola Abdel Wahid
37 years old pregnant killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 39
  • (4–16 children4–6 women2–3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (41) [ collapse]

  • A search for the missing in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Al Jazeera Arabic)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A search for the missing in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Al Jazeera Mubasher)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian casualty is pulled from the rubble in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Step news agency)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian casualty is pulled from the rubble in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Thiqa agency)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian is pulled from the rubble in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via AleppoAMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Wounded and dead civilians are pulled from the rubble in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via White helmets)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Efforts continue into the night to search for missing victims in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Baladi News)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian casualty is pulled from the rubble in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Ma’ara Media Center)
  • A search for victims in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Enabbaladi)
  • A search for victims in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Al Jazeera)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Syrian-mirror)
  • A search for victims in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Zaitonmag)
  • A search for victims in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Syrian-reporter)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Syrian-reporter)
  • A man trapped under the rubble in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Syrian-reporter)
  • A search for victims in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Syrian-reporter)
  • Rand Al-Sayeh, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via @kalimahorra1)
  • Khadija Mustafa Nassif, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via @adnanmodlej)
  • A search for victims in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via @ShehabAgency)
  • A search for victims in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via @ShehabAgency)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A search for victims in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via @ShehabAgency)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via @ShehabAgency)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via @SafaPs)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via @SafaPs)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via @SafaPs)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via @SafaPs)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Idlib media centre)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Idlib media centre)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Idlib media centre)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Idlib media centre)
  • A search for victims in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Step news agency)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Step news agency)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Step news agency)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Step news agency)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Step news agency)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via LCCSY)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via LCCSY)
  • A search for victims in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via White helmets)
  • Location of the residential building targeted. (via SN4HR)
  • Victims of the alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Mostafa Al Sayh)
  • Victims of the alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Idlib city, 15th March 2017. (via Mostafa Al Sayh)

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 March 1st – 31st 2017.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 39
  • (4–16 children4–6 women2–3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2422

Incident date

September 10, 2017

Location

معبار الحويجة, بلدة البوليل, al-Hawayj crossings, al Boulial town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.0528105, 40.4941326 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 15 and 39 civilians including up to nine children were killed and dozens more were wounded in a what local media called a ‘horrific massacre’ when alleged Russian airstrikes hit al-Huwayj crossings on the Euphrates river in the town of al-Boulial on September 10th 2017, local sources reported.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the ‘massacre was carried out by Russian planes, which provide[d] air cover for the regime forces and militiamen loyal to them.’

Abu Ayman al-Ali told 7al News that warplanes bombed a waterway while civilians were on boats and transport ships and trying to cross to the other side.

The AFP and Geroun  added that nine children were among the dead, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claimed that ’13 children and women were killed’.

Euphrates Post said nineteen bodies were identified by name, while the rest were unmarked charred bodies. Six bodies reportedly floated downstream and were lost. The bodies were all buried in the Tomb of Tel Harem.

Twenty-three boats and transport ships were destroyed in these strikes, Sharqiya Voice reported.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Al-Khalifa Al-Dabbous
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Al Hussein Al - Khader Al - Maddad
Age unknown male killed
Awwad Al-Khalaf Mohammed
Age unknown male killed
Ahmed Hamada Al Ali
Age unknown male killed
Asa’d Khader Al Abdul Al Wahab
Age unknown male killed
Jassem al Ahmad al Khalfan
Age unknown male killed
Mahmood Dheeb Al-Jassim
Age unknown male killed
Mohamed Mahmoud Dheeb Al-Jassim
Age unknown male killed
Mahand Khalil Al Khabour
Age unknown killed
Mohsen Ali Al Hussein
Age unknown male killed
Ahmad Ali Al-Mohammad
Age unknown from Al-Sobha killed
Deiri Khamis Al-Fahal
Age unknown male from Mouhassen killed
A’kba Amer al-Ali
Age unknown killed
Tahseen Ibrahim Al-Hajji
Age unknown killed
Farouk Omar Al-Fathi
Age unknown male killed
Ahmed Mustafa Al-Taha Mohi Al Hassan Al-Rashed
Age unknown male killed
Abdul Aziz al-Khalaf
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Ali Al Hassan
Age unknown male killed
Abdullah Saleh Al-Rayes
Age unknown male killed
Hassan al-Dabaan
Age unknown male killed
Faraj Salma
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Al-Qaderi
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    34 – 39
  • (2–9 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–20
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Mohammed Al-Qaderi was killed by alleged Russian airstrikes in the town of al-Boulial on September 10th 2017. (via Alghad News)
  • Hassan al-Daaban, one of the sons of Harita, was one of the victims killed of alleged Russian airstrikes on al-Huwayj crossings, Sept 10th (via Euphrates Post)
  • Deiri Khamis Al-Fahl was one of the victims killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on on al-Huwayj crossings, Sept 10th (via Euphrates Post)
  • Mohammed Khader al-Hussein was one of the victims killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on on al-Huwayj crossings, Sept 10th (via Euphrates Post)
  • Mohammed Khalifa Al-Dabbous Abu Al-Nour was one of the victims killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on on al-Huwayj crossings, Sept 10th (via Euphrates Post)
  • Faraj Salma was killed by alleged Russian airstrikes on on al-Huwayj crossings, Sept 10th (via Alghad News)
  • A map of Deir Ezzor city and its western desert. (via SOHR)
  • A map of the region comtrolled by the regime forces with Russian air support. Thie includes the mountain overlooking Deir Ezzor city. (via SOHR)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    34 – 39
  • (2–9 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–20
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS237 RS926

Incident date

June 21, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.94727, 39.00887 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 38 civilians including six children and three women were killed and up to 150 injured in airstrikes on Raqqa, according to multiple sources.

While most alleged that Russia carried out the attack, the United States later admitted responsibility – though admitted only three civilians deaths: “June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike targeting an ISIL headquarters building, it is assessed that three individuals were killed after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon.”

This was revised on April 30th 2017 with the Coalition noting that “June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria: Number 12 and 13 on Nov. 9, 2016, U.S. Central Command press release were both based on the same report. The actual assessment was that on June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, during a strike on an ISIS headquarters four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

An initial report by Shaam News blamed Russia, but it then changed its position: “Coalition planes launched raids on al Dalla roundabout and the area of the electricity company in Raqqa which led to civilians deaths and wounded.”

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently named 27 or more victims.

However, according to the total number of identified victims across other sources, the death toll reached no less than 38, including at least six children and several women.

Syrian Press Center – who blamed Russia – said that the following locations were targeted:

“one raid near al Rahman laundry

one raid near the electricity HQ

one raid near Shukri Bozan gas station.”

In July 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the location for this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Abd al Sattar Rashid al Zoro
10 years old killed
Mohammad Rashid al Zoro
15 years old male injured

Family members (2)

Ibrahim Matar al Wakka
male killed
Musha’al Ibrahim al Wakka
Child injured

Family members (6)

Saleh al Jamal Al Nayef
Age unknown killed
The wife of Jamal Al Nayef
female killed
Child of Jamal Al Nayef
Child killed
Abdallah Jamal al Nayef
Adult male killed
The wife Abdallah Jamal al Nayef
Adult female killed
Child of Abdallah Jamal al Nayef
Age unknown killed

Family members (6)

Yasser al Satouf
Age unknown male killed
Khaled al Satouf
Age unknown male killed
Fadi al Satouf
Age unknown killed
Wafaa al Satouf
Age unknown killed
Fadia al Satouf
Age unknown killed
Wafaa al Satouf
Child killed

Family members (3)

Dr. Mohammad Ali al Heito
Adult male killed
Wife of Dr. Mohammad Ali al Heitoand
Adult female killed
Son of Dr. Mohammad Ali al Heito
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Al Sheikh Khalil Al Yaseen
Age unknown male killed
Ammar Abdullah Al Hasan
Age unknown killed
Mouhammad al-Ahmad
Age unknown male killed
Mouhannad Abu Heif
Age unknown male killed
Tawfeeq Al A’nizan
Age unknown male killed
Jamal Al Batran
Age unknown killed
Mohammad al Sheikh Khalil al Yasin
Age unknown male killed
Mohammad Al Ahmad al A’zzami
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim Juma’a al A’far
Age unknown male killed
Ammar Abdallah Al Hassan al Satouf
Age unknown killed
Jomaa al A’bo Al Fannash
Age unknown male killed
Daughter of Jomaa al A’bo Al Fannash
Age unknown female killed
Khalif Al Ibbo al Fanash
Age unknown killed
Na’el al Fayyad
Age unknown killed
Khashab al Khashab
Age unknown killed
Tahseen al Hamoud
Age unknown killed
Jamila Hussein al Jazra
Age unknown killed
Hani al Hafez
Age unknown killed
Hussein Issa al Noaimi
Child killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    23 – 38
  • (6–7 children4 women11 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    150
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (46) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (26) [ collapse]

  • A photo of the young man Muhannad Ismail Abu Haif killed following alleged Russian raids on the city. (via RBSS)
  • Riyad Khudar al Said (via RBSS)
  • Mohammad Al Ahmad al A’zzami (via RBSS).
  • Ammar al Sattouf (via RBSS)
  • Jma’a al Ibbo al Fanash (via RBSS)
  • Khalif Al Ibbo al Fanash (via RBSS)
  • Na’el al Fayyad (via RBSS)
  • Khashab al Khashab (via RBSS)
  • Ibrahim Matar al Wakka, was killed with his two children in the air strike (via RBSS)
  • Musha’al Ibrahim al Wakka’ was killed and his brother Hafez Ibrahim al Waka’a was injured seriously leading the his feet being amputated (via RBSS)
  • Hani al Hafez (via RBSS)
  • Jamal Saleh al Batran (via RBSS)
  • Video showing regime shelling of Ar Raqqah (Youtube via RT Report)
  • Material destruction in Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Material destruction in Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Material destruction in Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Material destruction in Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Material destruction in Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Hani al Hafez died following alleged Russian action near the electricity station in Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Abdallah Fayyad al Saleh al Hussein, a victim of alleged Russian action on Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Jamal Saleh al Batran died following alleged attacks by Russian aviation (via RBSS)
  • Hussein Issa al Noaimi died in alleged Russia aerial bombardment on Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • "the shelling also resulted in the destruction of five houses completely, in addition to three other combustion, as well as physical damage to seven shops and damage to its contents almost entirely" (via Syrian News Desk)
  • The aftermath of aerial bombardment on Ar Raqqah (via Erem)
  • Names of sixteen of alleged deceased (via @syria1@news1)
  • Smoke from alleged Russian attacks on Ar Raqqah (via @shaamnews)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 35.9505639, 39.0094148

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008781
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 30, 2017
  • Nov 9, 2016

  • during a strike targeting an ISIL headquarters building, it is assessed that three individuals were killed after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon.

  • “June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria: Number 12 and 13 on the Nov. 9, 2016, U.S. Central Command press release were both based on the same report. The actual assessment was that on June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, during a strike on an ISIS headquarters four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 20th-21st, the Coalition reported: “ Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes struck an ISIL-used bridge and destroyed five ISIL oil pump jacks.”

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 June 1st – 31st 2016.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    23 – 38
  • (6–7 children4 women11 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    150
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (46) [ collapse]