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

RS1734

Incident date

December 4, 2016

Location

معرة النعمان , Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.647038, 36.679174 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a major civilian casualty event, up to 38 civilians including as many as 11 children died and dozens more were wounded when alleged Russian or Assad regime warplanes struck a major vegetable market in the town of Maarat al Numan. Sources said that the strike occurred at 2.45pm, when the market – which also sold “motorcycles, spare parts and car accessories” – was at its busiest.

Multiple sources published images depicting widespread destruction, which reportedly resulted in severe damage to as many as 40 shops.

Many sources blamed the Assad regime. According to the Smart News Agency, “25 civilians were killed and about 50 others were injured on Sunday night [Dec 4th] following an aerial bombardment of the vegetable market in the town of Ma’arat al-Nu’man, a southern suburb of Idlib. Aircraft of the regime launched a raid on the market, with rockets, killing and wounding about 75 civilians, including five children and three women in the initial death toll”.

Syrian Human Rights Committee, also pointing to the regime, put the death toll at 35 with dozens more injured. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, the White Helmets and Syrian Press Center also attributed the event to Assad.

However, Alarabita, Homs News24 and Zaitonmag said that Russia was responsible, as did the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who reported that there were “38 civilians confirmed dead including five children and six persons from the same family including a woman”.

There was some confused reporting from the Step News Agency, who initially pointed to Russia but then to the regime.

Aljazeera and the Shaam News Network reported that both Russian and Syrian aircraft were the culprits.

The incident occured at 14:45:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

Ahmed Abdul Muti Harami
male killed
Hassan Abdul Muti Harami
male killed
Hussein Abdul Muti Harami
male killed
Hamza Yousef Al - Harami
male killed
Abdullah Mohammed Yousif Al Harami
male killed
Mariya Abdul Muti Harami
female killed

The victims were named as:

Ibrahim Shahoud al-Hip
Age unknown female killed
Ahmed Son of Khaled Al-Ahmar (from the village of Maarata)
Age unknown male killed
Ahmed Samer Siraqi
Age unknown male killed
Ismail Habbou
Age unknown killed
Amjad son of Omar Al Saeed
Age unknown male killed
Hamada Al-Dan
Child killed
Hamad Mohammed Fawaz Al Ibrahim
Age unknown from Manat village killed
Hamid Hammado Al - Bassa
Age unknown killed
Rawan Alden
Child female displaced from Aleppo killed
Samer Kushit
Age unknown killed
Ismail Yasser Qayat
Age unknown male killed
Abdullah Mahmoud Al-Karwan
Child male killed
Azzam Qaroucheh
Age unknown killed
Aziz Ibrahim Hamidi
Age unknown killed
Ali Mahmoud Khashan
Age unknown killed
Omar Taha Al Saeed
Age unknown male killed
Omar Nawaf Al Ibrahim
Age unknown male from the village of Mantif killed
Mohammed Abdul Hamid Al Ali
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Abdul Hamid Al Ali
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Katlaty
Age unknown male killed
Mohamed Nawaf Al Ibrahim
Age unknown male from the village of Manatif killed
Mahmoud Imad Makhzoum
Age unknown male killed
Mahmoud Mohamed Al-Mandil
Age unknown male killed
Mostafa Mohamed El Abd
Age unknown male killed
Muhannad Hamo
Age unknown male killed
Nayef Alzad
Age unknown displaced from Tirean killed
Issam
Child killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    33 – 38
  • (5–11 children1–3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–50
  • 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 (36) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (53) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Translation: 'The massacre in the market of Ma'arat al-Nu'man was carried out by the warplanes.'

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    White Helmets footage showing the aftermath of the strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th.
  • Translation: 'Today's martyr Issam child from # Maarrah_Naman in Idlib governorate Oh Allah, clean his grave with your light'
  • Translation: 'A picture showing two children injured by the bombing of government warplanes by missiles at the vegetable market in the city of Ma'arat al-Nu'man in Idlib, causing a massacre on December 4'
  • Translation: 'The bombing of the government warplanes by rockets The vegetable market in the city of Ma'arat al-Nu'man in Idlib caused the massacre of an additional number of shops on 4 December'

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Translation: '# Massacre committed by Russian aircraft and the Assad regime against civilians, children and women in one of the markets of the city of Mara'a al-Nu'man.'
  • The aftermath of a strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Al Jazeera)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Maara)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Maara)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Maara)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Maara)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Maara)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Maara)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Maara)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Maara)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Maara)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Maara)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Maara)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Maara)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Blood on the ground following alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SHRC)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Smart)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Smart)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Smart)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Smart)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Smart)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Smart)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Smart)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Smart)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Smart)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Smart)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Smart)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Smart)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via Smart)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SNN)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SNN)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SNN)
  • Destruction following an alleged Russian or Assad regime strike on Maarat al Numan, Dec 4th (via SNN)

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 specific strikes between December 1st – 31st 2016.

On 6 January 2017, Russia, however, reported: “Since November 8, 2016, the aircraft carrier group of the Northern Fleet consisting of the heavy aircraft carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov, the heavy nuclear missile cruiser Pyotr Velikiy, the large ASW ship Severomorsk, as well as auxiliary vessels of the Black Sea Fleet, has been fulfilling counterterrorist missions on the territory of Syria”, adding that ”in the course of two months of their participation in the combat actions, naval aviation pilots have carried out 420 combat sorties, 117 of them were night ones.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    33 – 38
  • (5–11 children1–3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–50
  • 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 (36) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1506

Incident date

October 26, 2016

Location

حاس, Haas, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.615078, 36.597194 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (other) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a major casualty incident, which UNICEF called “tragic, shocking, outrageous and a war crime”, 38 named civilians including 18 children and up to six women died in multiple airstrikes on the Martyr Kamal Qal’aji school complex in the village of Haas, which was under the joint control of Armed opposition factions and the Fateh Al Sham Front. Sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Syrian  regime, though all agreed that the village had suffered intensive bombing which lasted up to 20 minutes and included the use of parachutes carrying bombs/missiles. As well as destruction to three schools within the complex, nearly civilian homes were also hit.

Alaraby quoted a media activist in Idlib, Jaber Abu Mohammed, who said that “a Sukhoi-22 warplane dropped six umbrellas loaded with high-explosive rockets. Activists on social networking sites posted pictures of the dead. The photos showed children who had lost their lives covered by blood and dust. Some of them had lost one of their limbs, in addition there were textbooks and school bags scattered in the ground by shelling”.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights published a detailed report on the incident in which it blamed the Syrian regime for the death of 34 civilians of which 12 were children and five were women. A number of teachers were also among those killed.

The report noted that it had been “proven that the targeted areas are civil areas where no military centers or weapon warehouses for armed opposition factions or extremist Islamic groups were fond before or during the attack.”

According to SN4HR, “On Wednesday 26 October 2016, at approximately 10:52 two SU22 fixed-wing government forces warplanes targeted the southern neighborhood in Hass village where the Martyr Kamal Qal’aji school complex, which contains three schools, is located. One of the three schools is an elementary school while the other two are secondary schools. The bombing lasted for about 20 minutes during which the war-planes fired no less than nine missiles carried by parachutes”.

SNHR spoke to Mr. Sad Al Din Zidan, via Facebook, who helped in aiding the students and told us of what he saw. he gave the following testimony: “I was in Ma’aret Al No’man when the Free Syrian Army observatory announced that there are warplanes soaring in the sky of Jabal Al Zawiya. The warplanes carried out the first airstrike on Hass village. I headed there and when I arrived, the warplanes carried out two consecutive airstrikes. The sound of the bombing was terrifying and the missiles were dropped with parachutes. A few minutes later, a new airstrike was carried out and it was only 30 meters away from me. We laid on the ground and Dr. Yousef Al Tarraf, who was aiding the wounded, sustained a critical injury. I saw children’s dead bodies everywhere and scattered body parts were all over the place between the destroyed schools. I went down to one of the shelters and found more than 150 students and a number of teachers who managed to get to the basement and save their lives. However, tens others lost their lives after these airstrikes.”

SN4HR published a WhatsApp by “Tarraf, a local media activist”: I headed to the targeted location in the southern parts of the village near the school complex after the first missile was dropped. The place was filled with people running and screaming for their children. Eight airstrikes were carried out consecutively on the same area. A great number of children and people, who went there to aid the injured, were killed including one of my relatives.” “I saw a woman calling her son and looking for him between the dead bodies. She found his scattered body parts in one of the streets near his school. The missiles also resulted in huge destruction in the school buildings and the surrounding houses. The area is completely a civil area, there are just schools and residential houses and nothing that could be targeted, but the regime targets children as if they were terrorists. The regime is wiping off a whole generation.”

LCCSY also blamed the regime.

However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and HNN attributed the event to Russia. The Observatory said that at least 37 people died including 15 students and four teachers at the school.

A report by HNN said that “Russian warplanes committed an appalling massacre in the afternoon [of October 26th] targeting a school in the town of Haas. Activists said the plane remained in the atmosphere of the town for several hours prior to the implementation of the raid on the school confirmed that the plane deliberately targeted the school. Those killed ranged from the ages of seven to 25”.

Qasioun was among several other sources that blamed Russia; it added that up to 50 people were wounded in the strikes.

Al Jazeera reported that “the United States, France and Turkey condemned the killing of 28 children in the bombing of the school in Idlib, accusing Russia of carrying it out”. It added: “For his part, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Aireault accused the Russians or the Syrian regime of involvement in the bombing of the town of Hass”.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights named 38 fatalities.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Abdullah Al Sheikh Najib
Child named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Mohammad Jamal Al Sheikh
Age unknown male named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Azzam Akram Qal’a Je
Age unknown named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Mrs. Amoun Aboud Al Younes
Adult female teacher, named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Mrs. Jouriya Na’san Al Na’san
Adult female wife of Aref, teacher, named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Aref Jamil al Na’san
Adult teacher, named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Mrs. Asmaa Mohammad Al Da’ief
Adult female teacher, named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Mrs. Jouriya Ahmad Al Qaddour
Adult female teacher, from Al Hammameyat, named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Bisan Khaled Al Gharib Al Farhat
Child female named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Bakkour Suliman Al Bakkour
Age unknown named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Amjad Ibrahim Al Qaddour
Age unknown named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Qasem Hasan Al Younes
Age unknown named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Aya Ahmad Al Gharib Al Farhat
Child female named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Eman AbdulHalim Eidou
Child female named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Abdullah Osama Al A’ma
Age unknown named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Fatima Mustafa Haj Suliman
Child female named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Mrs. Eman Ibrahim Al Qaddour
Adult female named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Abdullah Omar Al Najjar
Child male named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Abdullah Al Shawi
Age unknown male named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Ahmad Bakr Al Rahmoun
Child from Kafr Nabbouda, named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Osama Al Sha’ban
Age unknown named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Abdurrahman Ahmad Al Sha’ban
Child female named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
son of Abu Alaa Al Hamwi
Child male from Hama, named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Taymaa Mohammad Mamoud Al Salmou
Child female from Al Latamna, named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Jana Thafer Al A’raj
Child female named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Fatima Sameh Al Sheikh
Child female named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Hesham Khaled Al Shwarghi
Age unknown from Ma’rshamsha, named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
wife of Aboud Haj Suliman
Adult female named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
son of Ahmad Mustafa Al Yahya Al Darra'
Child male named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Nour Jamil Qal’a Je
Child female named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Rinad Khaled Al Da’ief
Child female named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Rim Awad Al Shartah
Child female named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Badea Awad Al Shartah
Child named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Umran Al Hamwi
Age unknown from Hama, named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Abdullah Omar Al Najjar
Age unknown named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Aisha Mahmoud Al Halabi
Child female named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Dr. Yousef Al Tarraf
Adult male named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed
Abdullah Mahmoud Osama Al A’ma
Child male named by The Syrian Network for Human Rights killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    38
  • (18–28 children4–6 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–50
  • 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 (51) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (39) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The very beginning of a 20 minute bombardment on a school complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. Footage shows injured men, women and children. (via Mouaz al Shami)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An image showing more than 10 bodies of deceased civilians in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Kamal Qal’a Ji Schools Complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. (via SN4HR)
  • Part of what is left of Kamal Qal’a Ji School Complex following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid. (via SN4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dr. Khaled Al Da’eif bidding farewell his girl Rinad, who was killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Kamal Qal’a Ji School Complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. (via SN4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of two girls killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Kamal Qal’a Ji School Complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. (via HNN)
  • The exact warplane which dropped the airstrikes on Haas. (via Halab Today TV)
  • The exact warplane which dropped the airstrikes on Haas. (via Halab Today TV)
  • Moments after the raid occurred on Haas. (via Halab Today TV)
  • Image showing the location of the Kamal Qal’a Ji School Complex. (via SN4HR)
  • Pictures showing the destruction that resulted from the alleged Russian and Syrian regime bombardment that struck Hass on 26th October 2016. (via SN4HR)
  • Pictures showing the destruction that resulted from the alleged Russian and Syrian regime bombardment that struck Hass on 26th October 2016. (via SN4HR)
  • Pictures showing the destruction that resulted from the alleged Russian and Syrian regime bombardment that struck Hass on 26th October 2016. (via SN4HR)
  • Pictures showing the destruction that resulted from the alleged Russian and Syrian regime bombardment that struck Hass on 26th October 2016. (via SN4HR)
  • A schoolbag found within the rubble. (via SN4HR)
  • School books found on the floor in the aftermath of the alleged raid. (via SN4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An image of one of the child victims of the alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Kamal Qal’a Ji School Complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. (via SN4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An image of one of the child victims of the alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Kamal Qal’a Ji School Complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. (via SN4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An image of one of the child victims of the alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Kamal Qal’a Ji School Complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. (via SN4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An image of one of the child victims of the alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Kamal Qal’a Ji School Complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. (via SN4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An image of two of the child victims of the alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Kamal Qal’a Ji School Complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. (via SN4HR)
  • A video depicting the exact moment the bomb was dropped on Hass. (via SN4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Footage depicting civilian casualties being pulled from the rubble. (via SN4HR)
  • The aftermath of the alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Hass, Oct 26th (via Abbas yehya)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image compilation showing children with missing limbs and other civilian casualties. (via Aamerdarwish darwish)
  • A video depicting the exact moment the parachute bomb was dropped on Hass. (via KMC)
  • An image depicting the aftermath of the alleged Russian and Syrian raid on Hass. (via Enabbaladi)
  • A child's schoolbag is left on the floor in the aftermath of the alleged raid on Kamal Qal’a Ji Schools Complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. (via Zamanalwasl)
  • Part of what is left of Kamal Qal’a Ji School Complex following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid. (via LCCSY)
  • A child's schoolbooks are left on the floor in the aftermath of the alleged raid on Kamal Qal’a Ji Schools Complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. (via LCCSY)
  • The parachute missile which was dropped on Haas. (via Maara-now)
  • The parachute missile which was dropped on Haas. (via Maara-now)
  • The parachute missile which was dropped on Haas. (via Maara-now)
  • The parachute missile which was dropped on Haas. (via Maara-now)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    5 of the child casulaties from the alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Haas. (via RevolutionSyria)
  • Bisan Khaled Gharib, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Kamal Qal’a Ji School Complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. (via ZakariaNassani)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child victim, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Kamal Qal’a Ji School Complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. (via Fh4301)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of two girls killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Kamal Qal’a Ji School Complex in Haas, 26th October 2016. (via Fh4301)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A decapitated arm still holds onto a schoolbag. The body of the child is not with the arm. (via Fh4301)
  • Pictures showing the destruction that resulted from the alleged Russian and Syrian regime bombardment that struck Hass on 26th October 2016. (via Alaraby)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Martyr Kamal Qal’aji school complex in the village of Haas (حاس). According to research conducted by SN4HR, the exact coordinates for this strike are: 35,615078, 36.597194. Cross referencing source material, we can confirm the accuracy of this location.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

On 20th October 2016, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported on the decisions made aimed towards stabilising the situation in Aleppo.

""Today, strikes by the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Syrian Air Force are finished at 10:00 (MSK) in the area of Aleppo. Early termination of the airstrikes is essential for holding a “humanitarian pause” on October 20, 2016”, said General of the Army Sergei Shoigu. According to him, it will allow to guarantee security of civilians leaving the city through 6 humanitarian corridors and to prepare casualty and medical evacuation from the eastern part of Aleppo.
“We apply to the leadership of countries influencing on armed formations active in the eastern part of Aleppo with a proposal to convince their leaders to stop warfare and leave the city,” stated the Minister of Defence.
According to General of the Army Sergei Shoigu, by the start of the “humanitarian pause” the Syrian troops will have been withdrawn to the distance safe for insurgents to leave the city with weapons through two special corridors: one – along the Kastello road, second – in the area of Suk al-Hai market."

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    38
  • (18–28 children4–6 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–50
  • 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 (51) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2754

Incident date

November 24, 2017

Location

مخيم سوق الرفاعي, Souh Al Rifa’i camp , Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.461111, 40.396944 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In this incident, described by some as a “massacre”, up to 37 civilians, including children, women, and entire families were killed and dozens were wounded as Russia or the Assad regime carried out aerial shelling of Souh Al Rifa’i camp for displaced people in Deir Ezzor, local media reported.

The local reports differed to a great extent as the death toll spanned from three to as many as 36. However, as understanding of the events unfolded it became clear that the lower end of the death toll was closer to 21, yet 37 fatalities were named by sources.

According to the correspondent of DeirEzzor24; “the warplanes of the Assad forces targeted several missiles at the camp of Suh Rifai for displaced people (…), resulting in more than ten martyrs, including children and women.” Initially, DeirEzzor24 identified eight civilian fatalities by name, including women and children.

However, their correspondent added that the number of fatalities was expected to rise due to the “large number of injured, some of them in critical condition and due to the absence of medical services in the region.”

The Syrian Network for Human Rights, who put the death toll at 21, said that 12 children and three women were among the fatalities.

Two days after the strikes, on November 26th, MadaSyriaMedia reported that the death toll had risen to 22, including 11 members of the Fahmi al-Kassar family and one Woman from al-Murabdeh.

36 civilians were later named by Euphrates Post, yet it remains unclear how many of these were children.

According to this source, “a large number” of civilians were left wounded while Thawra Suria referred to “dozens.”

Though the majority of reports identified Russia as responsible, the incident remains contested as DeirEzzor24 blamed the Syrian regime.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Daughter of Deeb Alwahsh
Age unknown female killed
Child of the daughter of Deeb Alwahsh
Age unknown female killed
Child of the daughter of Deeb Alwahsh
Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

Daughter of Hamad Hamadah
Age unknown female killed
Daughter of Hamad Hamadah
Age unknown female killed

Family members (3)

daughter of Aboud Saleh al-Lok
4 years old female killed
The daughter of Aboud Saleh Al-Louk
10 years old female killed
The son of Muhaidi Saleh Al-Lok
14 years old male killed

Family members (3)

Ali Almouthri al Hama
Age unknown killed
The first sister of Ali al Hama
Age unknown female killed
The Second sister of Ali al Hama
Age unknown female killed

Family members (6)

Abdel Fazza Al-Abdullah
Age unknown male killed
The daughter of Abdul Fazza Al-Abdullah
Age unknown female killed
Second daughter of Abdul Fazza Al-Abdullah
Age unknown female killed
Third daughter of Abdul Fazza Al-Abdullah
Age unknown female killed
Sister Abdul Fazza Al-Abdullah
Age unknown female killed
Fazza Abdel Fazza Al-Abdullah
Age unknown male killed

Family members (12)

Saad Fahmy Al-Kassar
Adult male killed
Family member of Saad Fahmy Al-Kassar
killed
Family member of Saad Fahmy Al-Kassar
killed
Family member of Saad Fahmy Al-Kassar
killed
Family member of Saad Fahmy Al-Kassar
killed
Family member of Saad Fahmy Al-Kassar
killed
Family member of Saad Fahmy Al-Kassar
killed
Family member of Saad Fahmy Al-Kassar
killed
Family member of Saad Fahmy Al-Kassar
killed
Family member of Saad Fahmy Al-Kassar
killed
Family member of Saad Fahmy Al-Kassar
killed
Family member of Saad Fahmy Al-Kassar
killed

The victims were named as:

Hassan al-Wahish al-Hamad al-Juru)
Age unknown male killed
The child of Ibn Muhammad Al-Hamad
Child killed
Wife of Awad al-Ubaid al-Ali
Age unknown female killed
Abdel Hamid Al-Muhaisen
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Sabah Al-Khuzaim
Age unknown male killed
Wife of Mahawi Al-Sharjee
Age unknown female killed
The daughter Mahil Al Sharjee
Age unknown female killed
A martyr [female] from the family of Al Murabdeh
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 37
  • (2–12 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–24
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

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 November 4th - 20th 2017.

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
    21 – 37
  • (2–12 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–24
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3218

Incident date

March 10, 2018

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.5714804, 36.4033699 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In what has been described by local media as a “genocide” between 20 and 37 civilians were reportedly killed, including an entire family of 16, and dozens more were wounded in alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Douma.

Sources mostly reported that it was a join Russian and Syrian regime attack on the residential neighbourhood.

According to Step, “Russian aircraft and helicopters launched several air strikes with rockets and explosive barrels targeted the city of Douma.” Napalm was also reportedly used, causing huge fires and explosions.

As many as 75 strikes were carried out in the “barbaric shelling” of the vicinity, according to the local media channel, SCDrifdimashq. 200 rockets were reportedly fired.

Dozens of civilians were trapped and wounded under the rubble of their own homes in the aftermath.

The Violations Documentation Centre also reported the deaths of two non-civilians, Slaiman Khaled Abdul Rawof and Muhannad Majed al-Barghouth.

There were as many as 37 civilians named killed, despite the highest reported death toll being 27.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (18)

Mahmoud Mohammad Slaik
Adult male killed
The martyr is his wife Soad Mahmoud Slaik
Adult female killed
Khaled Mahmoud Slaik
Adult male killed
Mahmoud Khaled Slaik
Child male killed
Yaman Khaled Slaik
Child killed
Mohammad Khaled Slaik
Child male killed
Mohannad Khaled Slaik
Child male killed
Wife of Khaled Mahmoud Slaik
Adult female killed
Fadia Nadbo "Zaidan"
Age unknown killed
Ayman Mahmoud Slaik
Adult male killed
Wife of Ayman Mahmoud Slaik
Age unknown female killed
Khairia Saleh al-Shaikh Soliman
Adult male
Kamal Ayman Salaik
Child killed
Kinan Ayman Slaik
Child killed
Wisam Ayman Slaik
Child killed
Ahmad Mahmoud Slaik
Age unknown male killed
Fatina Mahmoud Slaik
Age unknown killed
Martyr Barae al-Telawii, the son of Mrs. Fatina Slaik
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Toumeh
Child male killed
Sanaa Aybour
Adult female killed
Rana Ramadhan
Adult female killed
Mohammad Rashed
Child male killed
Ahmad al-Mansi
Adult male killed
Mahmoud al-Saour
Adult male killed
Mustafa Zarifeh
Adult male killed
Natheer Younes al-Qaseer
Adult male killed
Arif Tawfeeq al-Huri
Adult male killed
Mohammad Saif Hijazi
Adult male killed
Hassan Mohammad al-Sarmini
Child male killed
Omar Mohammad al-Rayes
Adult male killed
Sobhi Abbas Abu Ibrahim
Adult male killed
Abdulla Smoud
Adult male killed
Tareq Akram Khaleel
Adult male killed
Meriam al-Qaseer
Adult female killed
Nour Ibraheem al-Huri
Child female daughter of Arif Tawfeeq al-Huri killed
Tawfeeq Hatem Ward Al-Sham
Adult male killed
Rabea Majeed al-Ajweh
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 37
  • (4–11 children3–5 women16 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 (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • The exact moment airstrikes hit Douma, 10th March 2018. (via @aboalhodaalhoms)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dozens of bodies in the aftermath of airstrikes on Douma, 10th March 2018. (via @abazeid89)
  • A shell in the aftermath of airstrikes on Douma, 10th March 2018. (via @Damaskiagency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Douma, 10th March 2018. (via @Damaskiagency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Douma, 10th March 2018. (via @Damaskiagency)
  • Mustafa Zarifeh, killed on airstrikes in Douma., 10th March 2018. (via VDC)
  • Arif Tawfeeq al-Huri and his daughter Arif Tawfeeq al-Huri, killed on airstrikes in Douma, 10th March 2018. (via VDC)
  • Omar Mohammad al-Rayes, killed on airstrikes in Douma, 10th March 2018. (via VDC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dozens of bodies in the aftermath of airstrikes on Douma, 10th March 2018. (via SN4HR)
  • Sobhi Abbas Abu Ibrahim, killed on airstrikes in Douma, 10th March 2018. (via Douma Post)
  • Mostafa Zarifa Abu Haitham, killed on airstrikes in Douma, 10th March 2018. (via Rihan media)
  • Mohamed Saif Hijazi, killed on airstrikes in Douma, 10th March 2018. (via Maher hijaz)

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
    20 – 37
  • (4–11 children3–5 women16 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 (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS662a RS2072

Incident date

April 4, 2017

Location

سلقين, Salqeen, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.13951, 36.45413 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 37 civilians were killed, and between 12 and 50 were wounded, following an airstrike on Salqeen – according to local sources. Up to 17 children and five women were allegedly killed in this raid on the residential neighbourhood. According to Euphrates Post, “four of them a family from eastern Deir Ezzor”. The number of dead was reportedly likely to rise due to the severity of some of the wounded.

Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Many blamed Russia for the strikes, and others blamed the Syrian regime, however Qasioun News blamed the International Coalition for the raid; they were the only source to attribute blame to the Coalition.

Multiple sources such as Orient News, reported that warplanes “targeted a school, mosque and a popular market in the city of Salqeen”. The Syrian Network for Human Rights named al Rawda Mosque. Unayyapress amongst others, reported that residential buildings were also struck, trapping many civilians under the rubble. They added that more than one missile “targeted” the area “which led to the collapse of parts of buildings over the heads of its inhabitants”. Syria News Desk additionally reported that a clock tower was also caught in the raid and partially destroyed. 

The wounded were allegedly taken to medical facilities in other parts of Idlib. 

Multiple sources, including the Step News Agency, reported that vacuum missiles were responsible for the destruction on the vicinity.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Rahman Mohammed
Child male killed
Satoof AlKango
Child killed
Ahmed Abdel Salam
Child male killed
Ahed Izoo
Adult female killed
Abdel Rahman Abu Bara
Age unknown male killed
Nihad Nemour
Child killed
Raghda Nemour
Age unknown killed
Huda Nemour
Age unknown killed
Khaled Nemour
Child male killed
Mohammed Nemour
Child male killed
Mustafa Nemour
Child male killed
Ferenda Assaouzs
Age unknown killed
Unknown woman
Adult female killed
Unidentified man 1
Adult male killed
Unidentified man 2
Adult male killed
Unidentified man 3
Adult male killed
Unidentified girl
Child female killed
Unidentified girl
14 years old female killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 37
  • (14–17 children5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (18) [ collapse]

  • Members of the White Helmets rescue wounded civilians from the rubble in the aftermath of an airstrike on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via White Helmets)
  • Members of the White Helmets rescue wounded civilians from the rubble in the aftermath of an airstrike on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via White Helmets)
  • Members of the White Helmets rescue wounded civilians from the rubble in the aftermath of an airstrike on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via White Helmets)
  • Rubble which once was a mosque, in the aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via SN4HR)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via Smart)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via Smart)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via Smart)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via Smart)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via Smart)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @ShahbaPress)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @ShahbaPress)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @ShahbaPress)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @ShahbaPress)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @DarAlimantv)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @DarAlimantv)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @DarAlimantv)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @DarAlimantv)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @ALAMAWI)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

Russian Military Assessment:

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SBA709024
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 24, 2020

  • Apr. 4, 2017, in Salqeen, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3097/CS662a 37SBA709024

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 37
  • (14–17 children5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2648

Incident date

October 19, 2017

Location

الباغوز, Al-Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.43221, 40.99226 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In what some sources referred to as “a massacre”, more than 36 civilians were reportedly killed and dozens more injured when an airstrike struck a river crossing at Al-Baghouz. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes however some either did not attribute blame or blamed “unidentified warplanes”.

As many as six families were identified by local media. Including the Al Nimr family (four killed), the Al Khanafra family (ten killed), Mohsen Mohammed Al-Mahrath’s family (allegedly as many as nine killed), Osama Mohammed Al-Mahrath’s family (allegedly as many as nine killed), Fleih Raja Al Dahouk’s family (four killed) and an unknown family.

As well as this, seven other civilians were named by various local media.

Padlf News reported that “port of Albuqamal al-Baghouz River” was the “targeted” vicinity. It was left rendered out of use due to the amount of material destruction.

Two families were killed in the raid, according to Bukmalna. Additionally, some of the “the martyrs [were] of Iraqi nationality”.

As well as the named victims below, Syrian Press Center News reported that, ten civilians from the Al Nimr family were killed and four people from the Al Khanafra family were killed in the raids. Syrian PPC also reported one unidentified member of the Dawood family.

Fjr albokamal also reported that Mohsen Mohammed Al-Mahrath and his family and Osama Mohammed Al-Mahrath and his family were killed, however the numbers were unspecific. Another source later specified that there were nine victims from the Al-Mahrath family.

There are 23 named victims from this strike, however that does not include the unspecified number of families who were allegedly killed. It is therefore likely that this number was higher.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Fleih Raja Al Dahouk
Adult male killed
Wife of Fleih Raja Al Dahouk
Adult female killed
Child of Fleih Raja Al Dahouk 1
Child killed
Child of Fleih Raja Al Dahouk 2
Child killed

The victims were named as:

Fadel Mohsen Al - Mahouss
Age unknown from the village of Hawija Al Mushahde killed
Mohamed Assaad Al Mahzoum
Age unknown killed
Abdulkarim Aswad Hamod Al Fahed
Age unknown noted in the comments killed
Dawood
Age unknown killed
Bashir Mohammed Al-Hamid Al Ajaj
Age unknown killed
Fadel Mohsen Al-Mahous
Age unknown killed
Hossein Ali Mohsen Al Mahous
Age unknown killed
The wife of Idan Al Taha
Adult female killed
Wife of Mohammed Al Khalaf Al Mahath
Adult female killed
Mohsen Mohammed Al-Mahrath
Adult male "and his family" killed
Osama Mohammed Al-Mahrath
Age unknown male "and his family" killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 36
  • (2 children3 women3 men)
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Unknown

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • A victim of the airstrikes on Al-Baghouz river crossing, 19th October 2017. (via Nabd Al Boukamal)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A victim of the airstrikes on Al-Baghouz river crossing, 19th October 2017. (via Nabd Al Boukamal)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A victim of the airstrikes on Al-Baghouz river crossing, 19th October 2017. (via Nabd Al Boukamal)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Al-Baghouz river crossing, 19th October 2017. (via DeirEzzor24)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 36
  • (2 children3 women3 men)
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Unknown

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS414 RS1787

Incident date

December 12, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, al Dalla roundabout, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A heavy air raid on Ar Raqqah left up to 36 civilians dead according to multiple reports. While most blamed Russia, there were some claims that the US-led Coalition was responsible. It has since denied involvement.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered, the afternoon raids were concentrated mainly near the city’s al Dalla roundabout. Euphrates Post said the target was the al A’jili building, while Our Raqqa Media Group described “raids near the Odessa hotel and al Dalla roundabout and there’s a massacre and large number of cars and shops burnt.” It also said 60 people were injured.

ISIL’s media wing blamed Russia, saying it had conducted five raids on the city. Step News was among those who initially blamed the Coalition. But it later put out a correction noting “the raid that targeted al Dalla roundabout was by Russian planes and not coalition planes. It resulted in the deaths of more than 15 people and injury of dozens.”

The dead were named by local monitors.

In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other incidents in December 2016, Coalition officials said the event was presently assessed as ‘not credible.’

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Aya
7 years years old female killed
Judy Mahmoud Abadllah al Qaim
3 years years old female killed
Sahar Mahmoud Abadllah al Qaim
2 years years old female

Family members (1)

Ibrahim al Satiti's four children
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Abdallah al Ahmad
Age unknown male killed
Khaled Khalaf al Ali
Adult male killed
Mohammad Hassan al Assa’d
Age unknown male killed
Abd al Qader al Darda
Adult male killed
Mohammed Al-Birawi
Child male killed
Ibrahim Al-Birawi
Child male killed
Turki Mohammad Khalaf al Hassan
Age unknown male killed
Mahmoud Qasem al-Falah
Adult male killed
Ibrahim Omar Hamndales
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Noor Al-Firomi
Adult male killed
Mohammad al-Fallaj's wife
Adult male killed
Amjad Ahmad Al-Hassoon
Age unknown male killed
Fatima Fadil al Qaim
24 years years old female killed
Sohaib Walid Al-Jassem
Age unknown killed
Abdulqader Al-Issa
Age unknown male killed
Rashid Khaled Kalo
10 years years old male killed
Qassem al Khudar
Age unknown male killed
Abd al Qader al Kuwati
Adult male killed
Ibrahim al Matar
Age unknown male killed
Taha Al-Nazal
Adult male killed
Abd al Razzaq al Ibrahim
Adult male killed
Ibrahim Jassem al Salman
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim Jassem al Salman's brother
Age unknown male injured
Ibraheem Mohammad al-Ibraheem al-Stiti
Age unknown male killed
Hamadi al Sawaf
36 years old male killed
Majed al Suweiri
Age unknown male killed
Hammoud Qasim Al-Shiban
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18 – 36
  • (3–14 children2 women16 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–60
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (58) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (36) [ collapse]

  • Destruction at Raqqah December 12th 2016 following a Russian or Coalition raid which killed 21 civilians (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered)
  • Khaled Khalaf al Ali (via RBSS)
  • Mohammed and Ibrahim Al-Birawi were both killed in the air strike (via RBSS)
  • Mahmoud Qasem al-Falah (via VDC)
  • Ibrahim Omar Hamndales (via RBSS)
  • Mohammed Noor Al-Firomi (via RBSS)
  • Amjad Ahmad Al-Hassoon (via RBSS)
  • Sohaib Walid Al-Jassem (via RBSS)
  • Taha Al-Nazal (via RBSS)
  • Hammoud Qasim AL-Shiban (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Abd al Qader Ali al Kawati (via RBSS)
  • Sahib Waleed al Jassem (via a comment on a post on RBSS facebook page)
  • Majed al Sweiri (via RBSS)
  • Abdel Qader al Issa (via RBSS)
  • Aya and Judy (via Palmyra media cetnre)
  • Translation: SYRIA: 21 civilians killed in fresh raids on Raqqa
  • Translation: Photos showing the destruction resulting from Russian raids on Raqqa city.
  • Translation: Photos of the destruction left by Russian raids on Raqqa today.
  • Translation: 21 dead and dozens injured following Russian raids that targeted Raqqa city. Photos showing destruction.
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 of the reported civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For December 11th-12th, the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL chemical weapon facility and an armored vehicle.”

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 specific strikes between December 1st – 31st 2016.

On 6 January 2017, Russia, however, reported: “Since November 8, 2016, the aircraft carrier group of the Northern Fleet consisting of the heavy aircraft carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov, the heavy nuclear missile cruiser Pyotr Velikiy, the large ASW ship Severomorsk, as well as auxiliary vessels of the Black Sea Fleet, has been fulfilling counterterrorist missions on the territory of Syria”, adding that ”in the course of two months of their participation in the combat actions, naval aviation pilots have carried out 420 combat sorties, 117 of them were night ones.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18 – 36
  • (3–14 children2 women16 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–60
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (58) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1276

Incident date

July 26, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 29 and 36 civilians died in air and artillery strikes in Raqqa over the previous 24 hours, according to local sources. Most reports blamed the Coalition – though one also said that Russia had carried out strikes in the city. It should be noted that the numbers given in these reports are general numbers for the city.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 29 civilians had died in Coalition airstrikes across Raqqa neighbourhoods over the past 24 hours.

The Shaam News Network, put the figure higher, reporting on July 27th: “Yesterday, 36 civilians were killed and more than 50 wounded by air and artillery shelling of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the International Coalition for the city of Raqqa. Yesterday, 18 civilians were martyred in a similar attack on the city’s neighborhoods.” Q_Alenzy and Al Jazeera also reported these figures, as did Orient News, who cited the IS media agency A’amaq.

Watan.fm also reported that Russia had carried out strikes, saying on July 27th: “The US-led International Air Force aircraft and the Russian air force carried out two horrific massacres in the city of al-Raqqa, ISIS’s stronghold in Syria. Both sides killed dozens of civilians and injured others.”

In the third of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that the allegation provided insufficient information on the timing and location of the strike to make a determination.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    29 – 36
  • 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
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A child injured in an alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Raqqa, 26th July 2017. (via Dm42007)
  • A news bulletin reporting on the alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Raqqa, 26th July 2017. (via France24)

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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 14, 2020

  • Jul. 26, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. This report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3130/CS1276 37SEV008784

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 26th-27th: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed five vehicles, four fighting positions, three supply caches, a command and control node and an ISIS communications facility.” It additionally reported that “On July 26, near Raqqah, Syria, 18 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, two command and control nodes, an IED facility, a supply cache, and a logistics node; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” And that “On July 26, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and suppressed eight fighting positions.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Wednesday 26 July – a Reaper destroyed a terrorist truck in eastern Syria..A Royal Air Force Reaper flew an armed reconnaissance mission over eastern Syria on Wednesday 26 July. A group of armed terrorists were observed boarding a truck, and the Reaper’s crew tracked the vehicle as it headed west along a desert road, some 20 miles south-south-east of Hasakah, before engaging with a Hellfire missile once it was in an isolated location. The missile scored a direct hit which destroyed the truck.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    29 – 36
  • 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
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (11) [ collapse]