Incident Code

RS2315

Location

مخيم الحقاف, Hakaf Camp, Al Suwayda, Syria

Geolocation

33.002185, 36.710386
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: R2173)

In this incident, described as a “massacre”, between ten and 20 civilians, including children and women, were killed and several were wounded as Russian or Assad-waged warplanes carried out several airstrikes on Hekaf Camp, Sweida, local media reported.

Several airstrikes reportedly hit on the afternoon of July 2nd Haqaf camp in Sweida, which is home to displaced Syrians. al-Araby reported that Russian-waged warplanes had dropped cluster bombs. 

Sources reported between ten and 20 civilian casualties. The highest death toll was given by Zaman al-Wasl, who cited Saad al-Haj, head of the Information Office, who said that between 16 and 20 civilians had been killed.

But most sources reported about 16 fatalities, including three to four children and three to six women. The Violation Documentation Centre (VDC) identified 16 victims by name, three male children, six women and seven men.

Among the victims was the al-Shu’ail family, who, according to Smart News, was from the al Hadia clan.

Most sources pointed to Russia as the culprit, while a smaller portion blamed the Syrian regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights and Enab Baladi attributed blame to both.

Victims

Family members (6)

Adult male killed
Adult female killed
Adult female killed
Adult female killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed

Family members (9)

Adult male killed
Child male killed
Child male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Child male killed
Adult female killed
Adult female killed

Invidivuals

Adult female killed

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Civilians reported killed
10–20
3 Children, 6 Women, 7 Men
Civilians reported injured
2

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Hakaf Camp (مخيم الحقاف), for which the generic coordinates are: 33.002185, 36.710386. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

Russian Military Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Russian Military position on incident
Not yet assessed
Russian Military Strike Report
Russia has not reported any strikes between June 1st - 31st 2017.
Syrian Regime Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Regime
Syrian Regime position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media From Sources (2)