(Previous Incident Codes: R2805RS3001)

In this event, described by many as a “massacre”, up to 27 civilians, including children and women, were killed and dozens were wounded as the city of Arbeen, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, was subject to heavy aerial shelling, allegedly carried out by either Russia or the Syrian regime.

Some sources, including the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR), first reported that five civilians were killed by the strikes. However, shortly after it amended that number to “at least 21”, which included nine children and two women.

Four children were identified by name, while Arbeen City’s Facebook page, who identified 14 of the reported 19 fatalities by name, also noted that nine of these were “young people”, not specifying their exact age.

Smart News Agency, who reported 19 fatalities, including six children, said that the warplanes carried out more than 14 raids. Damascus Media Center mentioned that the strikes hit a popular market and residential neighbourhoods in the city.

Some report referred to “several” wounded while others, such as Al Latamna Youth Group, mentioned “dozens of injured”, including women and children, adding that many more were trapped under the rubble.

Most of the sources, who identified a culprit, pointed to the Syrian regime. However, Al Latamna Youth Group attributed blame to Russian warplanes.