Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

RS2946

Incident date

January 30, 2018

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

In what has been described by local media as a massacre, as many as 15 civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Souq Al Hal (markets) in Ariha. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids.

Sources differed when reporting on the number of civilian deaths, with Syrian Network for Human Rights reporting as low as six deaths, while others reported as many as 15 had died. The number of wounded was counted by most media as in the dozens.

An entire displaced family from Darya was said to be included in the death toll.

Images and footage show the devastating amount of destruction caused to local shops and civilian housing. In addition, huge fires blazed in the vicinity.

@shahed_alep reported that it was a fish market, however images show the destruction of various shops.

One source reported that there as many as four raids on the vicinity, with hundreds of bombs.

As well as the named civilians, two unidentified adult males were listed by Violations Documentation Centre.

The incident occured in the morning.

The victims were named as:

Mouhammad Jalal Kamoun
Child male killed
Karam Jalal Kamoun
Child male killed
Shireen al-Salama
Adult female killed
Morsel Mohammad Braik
Adult male killed
Abd al-Ilah Othman
Adult male killed
Lotfi Qorbi
Adult male killed
Zakaria Haj Soliman
Adult male killed
Mustafa Fares Tako
Adult male killed
Jamal Sharif
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 15
  • (2 children1 woman8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    18–24
  • 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 (32) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (21) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Chaos in the aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via Smart News Agency)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Chaos in the aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Chaos in the aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via Qasioun News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via Enab baladi News)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via Syria.TV News)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Chaos in the aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via Idlib Syrian Civil Defence)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A dead child in the aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via @YmMWi2d1RA5hKJM)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via @shehab_Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via @shehab_Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via @shehab_Agency)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via @shehab_Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via @mohamed1aldaher)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via @mohamed1aldaher)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Chaos in the aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via @sada4sahel)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Morsel Mohammad Braik, killed in airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via VDC)
  • Mustafa Fares Tako and Jamal Sharif, killed in airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via lcv.Msebeen)
  • Mustafa Fares Tako and Jamal Sharif, killed in airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via lcv.Msebeen)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mustafa Fares Tako, killed in airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via Ahmad Tako)
  • Lotfi Qurabi Abu Ramiz (right), killed in airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via Eyad Batal)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via SN4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Chaos in the aftermath of airstrikes on markets in Ariha, 30th Jan 2018. (via EMC)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 15
  • (2 children1 woman8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    18–24
  • 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 (32) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2941

Incident date

January 29, 2018

Location

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.859101, 36.797731 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the first out of a series of three intensive raids in Idlib on the 29th, as many as 14 civilians were killed, and up to 25 were injured, in an attack on a potato market, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for these strikes.

Euphrates Post reported that five of the victims were from one family.

Footage shows the chaos in the aftermath of the raid, with bodies scattered about the street, alongside rubble and fire.

As many as 25 civilians were wounded, with many taken to medical facilities by the Syrian Civil Defence, who reportedly spent hours digging victims from the rubble.

Zamanaswl reported that “there are critical cases among the injured, which is likely to increase the number of victims.”

Coast Event reported that “The first raids were carried out by the Russian warplanes Su-25 of the type of machine gun. The potato market was targeted by several rockets, killing 12 [civilians] and injuring three.”

There was, according to media, also distinctive destruction to residential homes in the vicinity.

Three anonymous civilians were also listed by Saraqib Media Centre.

The incident occured in the morning.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Ali al-Mohammad
Adult male from Mardikh killed
Imad Haj Ahmad
Adult male from Sheikh Ahmed killed
Mosa Ismaeil al-Ahmad
Adult male from Sarakb killed
Najdat al-Hamad
Adult male from Sheikh Ahmed killed
Mahmoud Zakzak
Adult male from Ariha killed
Ahmad al-Jaileh
Adult male from Karatin killed
Jomea Bashan
Adult male from Sheikh Ahmed killed
Ibraheem Jomea al-Hamad
Adult male from Sheikh Ahmed killed
Fajer al-Ahmad
Adult male killed
Zaher Zakzak
Adult male killed
Abd al-Aziz Abd al-Razzaq al-Aboud
Adult male killed
Khadouj
Adult female killed
Ibraheem Abo Khaled
Adult male killed
Emad Hajj Ahmad
Age unknown injured
Zahir Zakzak
Age unknown injured

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 14
  • (1 woman2–13 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–25
  • 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 (24) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (29) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of a raid on a potato market in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of a raid on a potato market in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Hadi Al Abdullah)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of a raid on a potato market in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Smart News Agency)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of a raid on a potato market in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via AJArabic)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via AJArabic)
  • Bodies in the aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via AJArabic)
  • Bodies in the aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via AJArabic)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Bodies in the aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Saraqib Media Center)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Bodies in the aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Saraqib Media Center)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Bodies in the aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Saraqib Media Center)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Bodies in the aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Saraqib Media Center)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Bodies in the aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Saraqib Media Center)
  • Mahmoud Zakzak and Zaher Zakzak, brothers killed in airstrikes on Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Ariha Today)
  • Mahmoud Zakzak and Zaher Zakzak, brothers killed in airstrikes on Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Ariha Today)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via SN4HR)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 14
  • (1 woman2–13 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–25
  • 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 (24) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USYEMTr143-C

Incident date

January 29, 2018

Location

القمعلة, Al Qam`alah, Bayda, Yemen

Geolocation

14.06654, 45.50265 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two people, including a 14-year old boy, were reportedly killed by a US drone strike in Al Qam`alah, in the Dhi Naem area of Bayda governorate, on January 29th 2018. In a later email to the Long War Journal, a US Central Command spokesperson stated that a strike had targeted AQAP in Bayda on January 29th. Since there were no other known reported strikes in Bayda on that day, this event is treated as declared.

Sources, including Al-Arabi and Al-Masdar Online, named those killed as Yahia Abdullah al-Hassbi and Abdul Aziz Muhammad Al-Mashriqi. Associated Press later reported that 14-year old Yahia was killed as he tended goats seven kilometres from a checkpoint that AQAP had previously tried to seize. Other sources also indicated that a child had died in the strike. According to relatives and three local human rights workers, a passing construction worker, Al-Mashriqi, was also killed in the strike.

Other sources, however, suggested that the one or both of the individuals killed in the strike were members of the Yemeni government army and/or were AQAP militants.  According to Al-Arabi, sources indicated that both Yahia and Abdul were AQAP members fighting against the Houthis in the area, and said that their tribe, the Al Omar, had disavowed them three years previously. AQAP militants have been previously reported to have fought alongside pro-Hadi forces.

A local source told Al-Masdar Online that the strike, which targeted a “resistance point” in the Al-Maqqa area, had killed two resistance elements named as Yahia and Abdul, and had wounded others. The source also said that continued drone flights prevented paramedics from reaching the wounded, for fear of follow-up strikes.

A pro-government commander, Mohamed al-Ghunaimi, told Anatolia Agency that the two killed were pro-government fighters.  “We are sure the Americans conducted the air strike. They always bomb us and accuse us of being Al-Qaeda,” he said.

Accounting for these conflicting reports, Airwars has assessed that there were reports of between one and two civilian deaths, and between one and two militant deaths. At least two combatants were reportedly injured in the strike.

In its annual civilian casualty report to Congress issued in April 2019, the US Department of Defense stated that it had assessed “no credible reports of civilian casualties resulting from US military actions in Yemen during 2018″.

Responding to Airwars’ publication of its Yemen dataset and accompanying report in October 2020, CENTCOM dismissed all but two civilian harm claims under President Trump, asserting that “USCENTCOM conducted a thorough review of the information AirWars provided regarding allegations of potential civilian harm caused by USCENTCOM strikes in Yemen from 2017-2020… The bulk of the information asserted by AirWars, however, did not correspond with dates and locations of U.S. military strikes or raids in Yemen.   Other AirWars allegations either did not allege civilian harm or were not assessed as credible upon our review.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Yahia Abdullah al-Hassbi
14 years old male Reported by some sources to be a combatant killed
Abdul Aziz Muhammad Al-Mashriqi
Adult male Reported by some sources to be a combatant killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1–2
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • A fragment of the missile that reportedly killed Yahia Al-Hassbi (AP, November 14th 2018)
  • A fragment of the missile that reportedly killed Yahia Al-Hassbi (AP, November 14th 2018)
  • Fourteen-year-old Yahia al-Hassbi was reportedly killed in the US strike. Several sources indicated that he was killed while tending to goats, though some instead reported that he was a combatant. (AP, November 14th 2018)
  • Abdul Aziz Muhammad Al-Mashriqi was reportedly killed in the strike. Some sources suggested that he was a civilian construction worker, while others indicated that he was an active combatant (AP, November 14th 2018)

Geolocation notes

Reports on the incident mention the village of Al Qam`alah (القمعلة) for which the generic coordinates are: 14.06654,45.50265. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No reason given
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Civilian casualty statements

US Forces
  • Nov 5, 2020
  • Apr 29, 2019

  • C. U.S. military action in Yemen against al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and ISIS During 2018, U.S. forces deployed to Yemen continued to work towards disrupting and degrading the terrorist threat posed by AQAP and ISIS. U.S. forces conducted 36 airstrikes against AQAP and ISIS operatives and facilities in Yemen and supported United Arab Emirates and Yemen-led efforts to clear AQAP from Shabwah Governorate. DoD has no credible reports of civilian casualties resulting from U.S. military actions in Yemen during 2018.

  • Via email: U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) continues to focus on ways to minimize civilian casualties during its military operations. We assess or review all reports of civilian casualties because such assessments or reviews help us identify ways to improve our operations and counter misinformation and propaganda. We routinely share the results of every one of our assessments in Department of Defense (DoD) reports to Congress, including annual reports, many of which are publicly available. We also share the results of our assessments or reviews with the public via the USCENTCOM website and our statements to the media. Individuals wishing to understand U.S. military operations in Yemen more fully should consult these official sources of information. USCENTCOM conducted a thorough review of the information AirWars provided regarding allegations of potential civilian harm caused by USCENTCOM strikes in Yemen from 2017-2020. Of the information AirWars provided, one strike on September 14, 2017, was assessed to have caused injuries to two civilians. Also, as previously released by USCENTCOM to the public in February 2017, USCENTCOM acknowledged there may have been civilian casualties during a raid on January 29, 2017. The bulk of the information asserted by AirWars, however, did not correspond with dates and locations of U.S. military strikes or raids in Yemen. Other AirWars allegations either did not allege civilian harm or were not assessed as credible upon our review. Consistent with our mission, our authorities, and our obligations under the law of war, USCENTCOM will continue to conduct military actions in Yemen when required to protect the Nation and our allies and partners from al Qa’ida and ISIS terror cells that are committed to inflicting terror. In every strike and raid, we take careful measures to minimize civilian harm and take responsibility for our actions. When our military operations result in reports of civilian harm, we will continue to assess the credibility of such reports to help us identify ways to improve our operations and respond as appropriate.

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

In a major move toward transparency, US Central Command (CENTCOM) provided details to FDD’s Long War Journal on US air strikes against Al Qaeda’s branch in Yemen. Since early 2017, the military previously provided little information on the Yemen air campaign, typically providing only an aggregate number and limited detail on high-value target strikes.
In an email to LWJ, CENTCOM’s Major Josh T. Jacques disclosed the dates and locations of the last five months of strikes in Yemen. The information revealed that since the beginning of 2018, the US campaign against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen has focused on three governorates: Hadramout (eight strikes), Al Bayda (17), and Shabwa (three), demonstrating the eastern reach of the terrorist group.
Last year’s publicized strikes were concentrated in the central governorates of Al Bayda and Marib.
Location of US air strikes against AQAP and the Islamic State in 2018:
– Jan. 2018: Ten total strikes. The US conducted 8 strikes against AQAP in Bayda on Jan. 1, 3, 9, 12, 13, 20, 25, and 29. An additional strike against AQAP in Shabwah occurred on Jan. 26. An additional strike against the Islamic State occurred on Jan. 12 in Bayda.
– Feb. 2018: Six total strikes, all in Al Bayda governorate. Strikes occurred on Feb. 7, 11, 12, 16, and 24 (two strikes were conducted on Feb. 24).
– Mar. 2018: Seven total strikes, six of which occurred in Hadramout. Strikes occurred on Mar. 4 (two strikes), 5, 7, 8, and 13. An additional strike in Bayda occurred on March 29. [AQAP’s apparent entrenchment in eastern Yemen is concerning. In addition to the concentration of strikes in Hadramout, CENTCOM previously disclosed that AQAP operated training camps in the governorate as recently as April 2018, when they were targeted by American strikes.]
– Apr. 2018: Four total strikes, one each in Shabwah (April 26) and Al Bayda (April 23), and two in Hadramout (both on April 11).
– May 2018: One strike, in Shabwah on May 14.
– Jun. 2018: No strikes to date.
The US military has stepped up its counterterrorism campaign against al Qaeda’s branch in Yemen as well as the Islamic State since President Trump took office in 2017. Last year, the US launched 131 strikes (125 against AQAP and six against the Islamic State), nearly tripling the previous yearly high of 44 strikes in 2016.
At the current pace, the US will fall far short of that mark; there have been 28 strikes reported by CENTCOM in Yemen in the first five months of 2018.
This counterterrorism campaign has targeted AQAP’s infrastructure, including its training camps and media operations, which serve as a hub for al Qaeda’s global communications. The US has killed several mid-level AQAP leaders and media officials in its air campaign.
Despite suffering setbacks after seizing large areas of southern and central Yemen between 2015-2016, AQAP remains a persistent threat to both the embattled Yemeni government and US interests worldwide. AQAP still controls remote rural areas in Yemen and operates training camps. The group’s master bomb maker, Ibrahim al Asiri, who has engineered several bombs which have evaded airport security, remains one of the most wanted jihadists on the planet.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1–2
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2945

Incident date

January 29, 2018

Location

الصناعية, Sina'iya , Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.902778, 36.725833 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two to seven civilians were injured in airstrikes which hit an industrial area in Sina’iya, according to local media. Sources all attributed the blame to Moscow.

Rockets ad missiles allegedly “targeted” the vicinity, however there were no civilian deaths.

Three women and three children were included in the number of wounded.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–7
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–7
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2944

Incident date

January 29, 2018

Location

معصران, Ma'saran, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.70683, 36.802053 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 12 civilians were killed, including a family of five, and dozens more were injured, in airstrikes on Ma’saran, according to local media. Sources either blamed Moscow for the strikes or “warplanes”.

In raids which struck civilian housing, a mother and her four children were killed, in the middle of the night.

Euphrates Post however, reported up to as many as 12 civilian deaths.

According to local media, members of the Syrian Civil Defence worked until the following day, rescuing bodies from the rubble in the aftermath of the strikes.

Victims were taken to local medical points to receive treatment.

The incident occured during the night.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Nour Omer Abo Kersh
Adult female killed
Aysha Ajini
Child female killed
Khadija Ajini
Child female killed
Kawthar Ajini
Child female killed
Mariam Ajini
killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 12
  • (4 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (10) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of airstrikes on Ma'saran, 29th Jan 2018. (via @apdalrhmah)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Four children killed in airstrikes on Ma'saran, 29th Jan 2018. (via @aboalhodaalhoms)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Ma'saran, 29th Jan 2018. (via @SyriaCivilDef)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Ma'saran, 29th Jan 2018. (via @SyriaCivilDef)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Ma'saran, 29th Jan 2018. (via @SyriaCivilDef)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of airstrikes on Ma'saran, 29th Jan 2018. (via @SyriaCivilDef)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Ma'saran, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Ma'saran, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Ma'saran, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Ma'saran, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 12
  • (4 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2942

Incident date

January 29, 2018

Location

مشفى سراقب, Saraqeb Hospital, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.859101, 36.797731 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a second round of strikes on the 29th, a charity hospital supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was reportedly  hit in an aerial attack by alleged Russian warplanes, killing as many as five civilians and wounding others. Sources all attributed the blame to Moscow.

Wounded civilians from a raid on the potato market (see incident R2744) were being treated in Owdai hospital when it was struck.

According to a report published by Médecins Sans Frontières, “At around 10:20 am on 29 January, Owdai hospital (also known as Al Ihsan hospital) in Saraqab City in Idlib Governorate was damaged by two airstrikes, which destroyed part of the hospital building. Other medical staff said a first strike hit the hospital waiting room and a second hit an area in front of the hospital, destroying an ambulance parked there. The facility receives donations of medicines and supplies for its emergency department from MSF.

The attack occurred while the hospital was receiving injured people from an airstrike that occurred about an hour earlier hitting Saraqab´s main market, killing eleven people, according to the hospital manager. He said the attack on the hospital itself resulted in at least five deaths, including a child, and injuries to at least six people including three medical staff.

Owdai hospital has now been closed indefinitely.

The 18-bed Owdai hospital is the only public hospital in Saraqab District in the eastern Idlib countryside serving a population of 50,000. Prior to the attack, the hospital had an emergency room and outpatient department, and provided general and trauma surgery. The hospital performed an average of 3,800 consultations a month.”

Local media reported that a doctor broke his leg in the strike, a police officer was injured, as were three journalists.

Footage published shows civilians being dug from the rubble in the aftermath of the raid.

The incident occured at 10:20:00 local time.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 5
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (20) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of an airstrike on a hospital in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Hadi Al Abdullah)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on a hospital in Saraqeb, 29th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via Baladi News Network)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via Baladi News Network)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via Baladi News Network)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via Baladi News Network)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via Baladi News Network)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via Baladi News Network)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via Baladi News Network)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via Baladi News Network)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via Ebaa News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via Ebaa News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via Ebaa News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via Ebaa News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via Radio Al Kul)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via @waleedayoub344)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via @SyrianCoalition)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Saraqeb hospital, 29th Jan 2018. (via SN4HR)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 5
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2940

Incident date

January 28, 2018

Location

مصطفى الشيخ, Mustafa Sheikh, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.519135, 36.552968 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as two civilians were killed and others were injured in airstrikes on Mustafa Sheikh, according to local media. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the raids.

There is confusion over whether one adult male died or one child. No sources point to two civilian deaths, however some sources differed while reporting the age of the victim.

Additionally, local media reported that “others” were wounded, however this was unspecified.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Iyad Ibraheem Bsais
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child1 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 (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • The exact moment an airstrike struck Mustafa Sheikh, 28th Jan 2018. (via Ibrahim Zaydan)
  • Iyad Ibraheem Bsais, killed in airstrikes on Mustafa Sheikh, 28th Jan 2018. (via Osama Al Na’ssan)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child1 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2939

Incident date

January 28, 2018

Location

كفرنبل, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.6155094, 36.5471898 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two raids killed as many as two civilians in Kafr Nabil, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to Russia, while Violations Documentation Centre amongst others blame the Syrian regime.

According to media, as many as ten civilians were also injured in the raids, including three women and three children.

RFS Media Office is the only source to report that two civilians were killed. The others named one adult male. An image of him was published on a civilian Facebook Page.

There are no other details at this time.

The incident occured around midday.

The victims were named as:

Tayseer Khaled al-Othman
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Kafr Nabil, 28th Jan 2018. (via Ebaa News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Kafr Nabil, 28th Jan 2018. (via Ebaa News Agency)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes in Kafr Nabil, 28th Jan 2018. (via Ebaa News Agency)
  • The exact moment an airstrike hit Kafr Nabil, 28th Jan 2018. (via @Omar_Madaniah)
  • Tayseer Khaled al-Othman, killed in airstrikes on Kafr Nabil, 28th Jan 2018. (via Ibrahim Al Qasim)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]