Incident Code

YS169

Location

الغزاوية, Al Ghazawiya, Aleppo, Syria

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

At least one civilian, a civilian male, was injured on August 22nd after artillery shells – allegedly launched from regions jointly controlled by the regime and Syrian Democratic Forces – struck the village of Al Ghazawiya, in the Afrin countryside north of Aleppo.

According to a report from Zamal al Wasl, five shells were launched towards the village in the evening, causing material damage, and wounding the civilian who works as a cleaner and was in the center of the village at the time. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the number of shells launched at three, while highlighting the presence of a Turkish military base near the Al Ghazawiya village.

Various reports across local news outlets and regional agencies corroborated the information on the strikes and the casualty, including Syria TV, Al Mohrar Media, and Al Araby News. The Syrian Civil Defence later released an official statement confirming the reports, stating that the civilian was seriously wounded and that “(its team) inspected the places that were bombed and made sure that there were no other injuries.” The Civil Defense added that residential neighborhoods and agricultural lands were affected by the shelling. A tweet from @zanakhalil2 reported that “civilians” were injured and @almohrarmedia2 reported about “civilian casualties” but did not specify how many civilians.

While the shelling has been reported by all sources as originating from regions jointly controlled by the regime and the SDF, it is unclear which of the belligerents was responsible.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Artillery
Strike Status
Contested strike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Contested
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported injured
1–2
1 Man

Military Statements

YPG Assessment
Suspected belligerent
YPG
YPG position on incident
Not yet assessed
Syrian Regime Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Regime
Syrian Regime position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media From Sources (9)