Incident Code

RS2821

Location

الصرمان, Al Sarman, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.606005, 36.852539
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: R2637a)

Between two and three civilians were killed, and six others were wounded – including women and children – in airstrikes which struck Al Sarman. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with both Russian warplanes and Syrian regime helicopters receiving allegations.

There is some confusion over how many civilians were killed. The Violations Documentation Centre published the names of an adult female and a male child. Fresh-Syria News, however, reported that two women were killed.

Some sources reported that three civilians were wounded, while others reported as many as six were wounded. Both agree that women and children were included.

More than one source reported that explosive barrel bombs were used in the airstrikes which were dropped by helicopters, meaning that regime involvement can’t be ruled out.

According to Al Etihad Press, “military and helicopter gunships launched a heavy bombardment of southern Idlib on Thursday [December 28th], which could be described as the heaviest attack on the region in months.”

@mohamed1aldaher reported that 19 civilians were killed on the 28th in various locations in Idlib.

Victims

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
2–3
1 Child, 1–2 Women
Civilians reported injured
3–6

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Sarman (الصرمان), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.606005, 36.852539. 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
The Russian Ministry of Defence announced being active in unspecified parts of Syria until December 11th, 2017.
Syrian Regime Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Regime
Syrian Regime position on incident
Not yet assessed