Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

RS1952

Incident date

March 9, 2017

Location

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo , Syria

Geolocation

36.29353, 37.04466 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as three civilians were killed – and others were wounded – in an airstrike on the residential neighbourhood in Anadan, Aleppo, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Almost all sources blamed Russian warplanes, however the White Helmets was one of a few who attributed blame to the Syrian regime. 

According to Smart, areas of farmland were also destroyed in the raid.

Additionally, it was reported by more than one source that cluster bombs were used in the strike. Syrian Press Centre alleged that there were four cluster bomb strikes. 

The wounded were taken to medical points.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mustafa Mahmoud Shaheen
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A news bulletin reporting on the alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Anadan, Aleppo, 9th March 2017. (via Halab Today TV)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mustafa Mahmoud Shaheen, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Anadan, Aleppo, 9th March 2017. (via Anadan martyrs)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Anadan (عندان), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.29353, 37.04466. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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 March 1st - 31st 2017.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1940

Incident date

March 4, 2017

Location

الدانا, al-Dana, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.216625, 36.767664 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to seven civilians, including children and women, were killed and “dozens” more were wounded as al-Dana, Idlib, in three airstrikes, carried out by Russia or the Syrian regime, local media reported.

Three men from the same family were reportedly among the victims. Multiple sources added that one or two children and several women were also killed.

According to Syria Mirror, “Russian aircraft on 4 March 2017 shelled the town of Dana in the northern countryside of Idlib with four raids, three of which were concentrated on populated areas north of the city, while the fourth targeted the rocky heights near the town. Our correspondent in rural Idlib said that five civilians were killed and 10 others injured in an initial incident, according to the Civil Defense and the Free Police in Al-Dana”.

A large majority of the sources attributed blame to Russia. However, one source, SMO-SY News, identified the Syrian regime as the culprit.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Moaz Mustafa Al-Sayadi
Adult male killed
Tarek Moaz Al-Sayadi
Adult male killed
-Mustafa Tarek Al-Sayadi
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 7
  • (1–2 children2 women3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–24
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • Footage of the moment al-Dana, Idlib, is hit by the contested airstrikes on March 4 2017 (via Jsirtv)
  • Footage of the moment al-Dana, Idlib, is hit by reportedly three airstrikes on March 4 2017 and the following rescuing efforts by the civil defense (via Syria defence center of idlib)
  • Footage of the chaotic aftermath of the contested airstrikes on al-Dana.
  • The immediate aftermath of the contested strikes targeting al-Dana, Idlib, on March 4 2017 (via Step News Agency)
  • The immediate aftermath of the contested strikes targeting al-Dana, Idlib, on March 4 2017 (via Step News Agency)
  • Footage of the civildefense trying to rescue civilians from under the rubble in al-Dana, Idlib, after the city was hit by airstrikes on March 4 2017 (via HNN)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The contested airstrikes on al-Dana, Idlib, on March 4 2017, caused multiple casualties, including women and children (via @braaaseralkdar)
  • The contested airstrikes on al-Dana, Idlib, on March 4 2017, caused multiple casualties, including women and children (via @HadiAlabdallah )
  • Muaz al-Sayadi was reportedly among the civilian casualties as al-Dana, Idlib, was targeted by contested airstrikes on March 4 2017 (via VDC)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the town of al-Dana (الدانا) . Analysing audio-visual material from sources we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 36.216625,36.767664.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between March 1st - 31st 2017.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 7
  • (1–2 children2 women3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–24
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1933

Incident date

February 28, 2017

Location

ترملا, Tramla, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.5250124, 36.4741687 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three members of one family were killed – including a father, daughter and granddaughter – and others were wounded, following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Tramla, local media reported. All sources except Idlib Media Centre – who said the regime was responsible – attributed blame to Russia. 

According to sources, a vacuum missile struck the residential homes in the neighbourhood, killing three civilians from one family.

Graphic and distressing images published show the baby with its skull mostly destroyed, while the man is almost unrecognisable.

The incident occured during the day.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Tarmala, 28th February 2017. (via Wala Bajasir)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mohammed Hamoud al-Kashto, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Tarmala, 28th February 2017. (via Wala Bajasir)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mohammed Hamoud al-Kashto, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Tarmala, 28th February 2017. (via Wala Bajasir)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Tarmala, 28th February 2017. (via Wala Bajasir)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Tramla (ترملا), for which the generic coordinates are:35.5250124,36.4741687. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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 February 1st - 31st 2017.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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

RS1929

Incident date

February 27, 2017

Location

اريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.8141415, 36.6017972 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 20 civilians were killed, and dozens more were wounded, in an airstrike on Ariha. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Around half the sources blamed Russian warplanes, while the rest pointed to the Syrian regime. Some sources such as Idlib Media Centre blamed both parties for the raids.

SMO reported that the rockets used were highly explosive, while others said they had sighted vacuum bunker-buster missiles.

The airstrikes reportedly struck residential homes, which led to the collapse of three buildings and huge amounts of material damage. It was reported that an entire family of four were killed when a missile struck and destroyed their home.

Additionally, dozens of other civilians were trapped and wounded. According to RFS, a child was stuck under the rubble for hours after the raid. Similarly, other sources reported there were many missing civilians and the White Helmets worked tirelessly to dig people out of the rubble.

Many of the wounded were allegedly unidentifiable due to “charring” of the bodies.

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Zain Anas Sarmini
Child male brothers killed
Omar Anas Sarmini
Child male brothers killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 20
  • (2–8 children2–4 women1–3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–30
  • 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 (30) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (31) [ collapse]

  • White Helmets attempt to dig civilians out of the rubble in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Halab Today)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A boy is buried under the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via aboalhodaalhoms)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child is pulled out of the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Omar Madaneya)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A body is pulled out of the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Mohammed Masri)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Mohammed Masri)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Mohammed Masri)
  • A body is pulled out of the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Mohammed Masri)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child is pulled out of the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Mohammed Masri)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child is pulled out of the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Mohammed Masri)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Shehab)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Shehab)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Shehab)
  • A body is pulled out of the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Shehab)
  • Omar and Zain Anas Sarmini, brothers killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Shabab revolution)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Syriacivildefense)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Syriacivildefense)
  • The exact moment and aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Sada Al-Sham)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child is buried under the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Euronews)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child is pulled out of the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Shabab Revolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child is pulled out of the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Shabab Revolution)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Halab Today)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via HNN)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via HNN)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via HNN)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via HNN)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via HNN)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Idlib media centre)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Idlib media centre)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Idlib media centre)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via Idlib media centre)
  • White Helmets search for missing civilians in the rubble following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Ariha, 27th Feb 2017. (via HNN)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ariha (اريحا), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.8141415,36.6017972. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.  

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 February 1st – 31st 2017.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 20
  • (2–8 children2–4 women1–3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–30
  • 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 (30) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1782

Incident date

December 10, 2016

Location

بِنِّش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.953725, 36.711248 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In this major event, local sources reported that alleged Russian airstrikes killed between zero and 15 civilians, including three children, and wounded up to 24, as they struck the city of Binnish, Idlib.

While Qasioun News said that there were no reports of casualties, the remaining sources reported up to 15 fatalities, including children. Eight victims were identified by name.

There is doubt as to whether one of the victims, Mustafa Haj Kadour, was a civilian or an opposition fighter. The Violations Documentation Center classifies him as a civilian while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Firas Al Ahmad refer to him as a “fighter” or “rebel militant”.

According to Qasioun News’ correspondent, alleged Russian warplanes dropped cluster bombs. LCCSY added that Russian forces had used vacuum missiles in the strikes.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that Russia struck the “Mustafa Amouri School in the city of Binsh in the countryside Idlib, which led to the partial destruction of the building and exit from service on 10 December.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mustafa Haj Kadour
Adult male killed
Ahmed Amouri Al Assaad
Child male killed
Ahmad Omar Fayyad
Child male killed
Ahmad Muhammad Haj Talib
Child killed
Abd al-Lateef Mostafa al-Omer
Adult male killed
Amer Hasan al-Saeid
Adult male killed
Ahmad Abd al-Lateef Qara Ali
Adult male killed
Abd al-Moeti Jomea Istaifi
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 15
  • (3 children5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (18) [ collapse]

  • Footage of the immediate chaotic aftermath in Binnish, Idlib, after being struck by the alleged Russian airstrikes on 10 December, 2016 (via Ahmed Fallaha)
  • Footage of the immediate chaotic aftermath in Binnish, Idlib, after being struck by the alleged Russian airstrikes on 10 December, 2016 (via Mouaz Al Shami News)
  • The alleged Russian strikes on Binnish, Idlib, reportedly destroyed the Mustafa Amouri School (via SN4HR)
  • Destruction caused by the alleged Russian strikes targeting Binnish Idlib on 10 December 2016 (via @Maaramc13)
  • Destruction caused by the alleged Russian strikes targeting Binnish Idlib on 10 December 2016 (via @Maaramc13)
  • Destruction caused by the alleged Russian strikes targeting Binnish Idlib on 10 December 2016 (via @Maaramc13)
  • Destruction caused by the alleged Russian strikes targeting Binnish Idlib on 10 December 2016 (via @Maaramc13)
  • Destruction caused by the alleged Russian strikes targeting Binnish Idlib on 10 December 2016 (via @Maaramc13)
  • Mustafa Haj Kadour was reportedly killed by the alleged Russian airstrikes targeting Binnish, Idlib, on 10 December, 2016 (via Firas Al Ahmad Facebook)
  • Mustafa Haj Kadour was reportedly killed by the alleged Russian airstrikes targeting Binnish, Idlib, on 10 December, 2016 (via Firas Al Ahmad Facebook)
  • Ahmed Amouri Al Assaad was reportedly killed by the alleged Russian airstrikes targeting Binnish, Idlib, on 10 December, 2016 (via Coordinators of the-revolution in the city of Binnish)
  • Ahmad Omar Fayyad was reportedly killed by the alleged Russian airstrikes targeting Binnish, Idlib, on 10 December, 2016 (via Almasjedalkabeer Facebook)
  • Ahmad Muhammad Haj Talib was reportedly killed by the alleged Russian airstrikes targeting Binnish, Idlib, on 10 December, 2016 (via Coordinators of the-revolution in the city of Binnish)
  • Destruction caused by the alleged Russian strikes targeting Binnish Idlib on 10 December 2016 (via Idlib Media Centre Facebook)
  • Destruction caused by the alleged Russian strikes targeting Binnish Idlib on 10 December 2016 (via Idlib Media Centre Facebook)
  • Abd al-Lateef Mostafa al-Omer was reportedly killed by the alleged Russian airstrikes targeting Binnish, Idlib, on 10 December, 2016 (via VDC)
  • Amer Hasan al-Saeid was reportedly killed by the alleged Russian airstrikes targeting Binnish, Idlib, on 10 December, 2016 (via VDC)
  • Ahmad Abd al-Lateef Qara Ali was reportedly killed by the alleged Russian airstrikes targeting Binnish, Idlib, on 10 December, 2016 (via VDC)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Binnish (بِنِّش), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.953725,36.711248. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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 infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 15
  • (3 children5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1765

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Location

سَرْمِين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.904042, 36.726111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between five and 10 civilians, including three to five children, a woman, and three men, were killed and at least 15 others were injured in airstrikes against the town of Sarmin in Idlib, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible.

The wounded were taken to a local field hospital to receive medical treatment. Most sources reported at least nine or 10 civilians were killed while only @HalabTodayTV published the low estimate of five civilian deaths.

According to Syria News Desk, the town of Sarmin was under the control of the opposition at the time of airstrikes. The airstrikes reportedly struck a popular market, causing widespread destruction of buildings and homes. Many of those killed were refugees from other besieged areas that were seeking shelter in Sarmin.

The majority of local sources, including the Local Coordination Committee of Syria and @MousaAlomar, identified Russian planes as responsible for the airstrikes. However, there were reports from Syrian Network for Human Rights that regime planes carried out the attacks.

Other sources, including Syria News Desk and @Alkhabar_Agency, were not able to definitively identify who to blames and listed both Russian and regime planes as carrying out airstrikes in the area.

Graphic images and videos from the scene of a civilian massacre in Sarmin showed the bodies of adults and children killed in the airstrikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Saleh Habab
Age unknown killed
Omar Faris Habab
Child killed
Tahseen Jamal Al-Din
Age unknown From Darayya killed
Mohammed Jamal Al-Din
Age unknown From Darayya killed
Ghaith Saleh Bare
Child killed
Jameleh Hafar
Age unknown female Wife of Mustafa Abboud killed
Tariq Majed Samoud
Child killed
Abdul Samad Mufid Samoud
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 10
  • (3–5 children1 woman3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–24
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images from the scene of a civilian massacre, Sarmin - Dec. 6th (via youtube)
  • Civil Defense teams rescued civilians from the rubble following the airstrike, Sarmin - Dec. 6th (via @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • The victims of airstrikes against Sarmin - Dec. 6th (via @SN4HR)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Sarmin (سَرْمِين), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.904302, 36.728363. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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
    5 – 10
  • (3–5 children1 woman3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–24
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1763

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Location

كفرسجنة, Kafr Sajna, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.52447, 36.590051 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to eight civilians were killed and 15 injured in multiple airstrikes on Kafr Sajna, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible.

Step News, who put the death toll at four with a “number” of injuries, reported that “warplanes launched four airstrikes with surface rockets this morning [6th] on Kafr Sajna – targeting one civilian in the south of the town, near the school compound and killing four civilians who have not yet been identified because the bodies are charred.”

Up to 15 civilians were also wounded in the incident, with Madar Daily News reporting that on Kafr Sajna, there were “three airstrikes, killing six civilians and wounding 15 others”.

Idlib News Network reported that it was specifically Russian “SU-35” warplanes that struck the town.

Some sources, such as Syria News Desk, placed responsibility with Assad’s regime, however. They reported that “five civilians were killed and ten others were wounded by regime planes launching three raids striking the town of Kafr Sajna.”

LCCSY, who placed responsibility for the event with Russia, stated that eight civilians died in the attack on Kafr Sajna.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Khaldoon Al-Saeed
Adult male killed
Mohammed Haj Ali
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 8
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–15
  • 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 (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Translation: Bombing Kafr Sajneh on 6th December 2016
  • Translation: +18 Russian & Syrian Regimes crimes in Idlib

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Translation: The bodies in Kfrgana after air raids on the town.
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Kafr Sajna, December 6, 2016. (Via: Step News)
  • An airstrike on Kafr Sajna, December 6, 2016. (Via: Step News)
  • Translation: Five civilians were killed and ten others were wounded today by regime planes launching three raids on the town of Kafr Sajna - under the control of the opposition in Idlib south.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Kafr Sajna (كفرسجنة), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.52447,36.590051. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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
    4 – 8
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–15
  • 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 (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1762

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Location

زردنا, Zardana, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.045776, 36.750791 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and three civilians were killed during an airstrike on Zardana, Idlib, according to local media reports – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible.

Idlib Media Centre, who stated that one woman died in the attack, reported that it was because of a “missile launched by Russian occupation planes”.

The source LCCSY, however, reported that “Assad’s warplanes stepped up raids on the cities and towns of the southern countryside”, including Zardana.

Whilst most sources corroborate the claim that one woman was killed and a number of others were injured in the attack, one source – a tweet from Mohammed Alshekh – stated that three civilians had died in Zardana. 

The was no further available information with regard to how many civilians were wounded in the incident.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 woman)
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'A photo showing the location hit by the missile launched by Russian occupaton planes in Zardana in the northern Idlib countryside which resulted in the martyrdom of a woman and the injury of others.' (via Idlib Media Center)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Zardana (زردنا), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.045776,36.750791. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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
    1 – 3
  • (1 woman)
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]