Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

R4384

Incident date

September 4, 2021

Location

الكفير, Al Kafir, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.781561, 36.321330 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and four civilians, including one to two women and one child, were injured in alleged Russian or regime artillery strikes on al-Kafir on September 7, 2021.

According to the Syrian Civil Defense (SCD), a woman was seriously injured in artillery shelling in al-Kafir

@baladinetwork put the injury toll at three injuries from the strikes while Nedaa Post identified four civilians, a child, two women and a man, as being injured.

Other source that reported on this incident referred to “civilians” as being injured but did not specify how many civilians.

The SCD pointed out that civilian homes were affect by the artillery shelling.

Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the shelling. The Syrian Civil Defense attributed the incident to both the regime and Russia while Radio Al Kul blamed only the regime for the artillery shelling. 7al News specifically identified regime forces stationed in “Jorin” camp, west of the city of Hama, as being responsible for the strikes.

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Syrian Civil Defense members search an affected area following artillery shelling of the village of al-Kafir on September 7, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense via Facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Kafir, the generic coordinates for which are: 35.781561, 36.321330. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Incident Code

YS116

Incident date

September 7, 2021

Location

الشيخ ناصر, Al Sheikh Nasser, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.52484, 37.68642 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one civilian was injured and livestock were killed in alleged Syrian Democratic Forces or regime artillery shelling of Al Sheikh Nasser village on September 7, 2021.

The Syrian Civil Defense (SCD) reported that a civilian was injured in Al Sheikh Nasser village by artillery shells coming from an area controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and regime forces. Zaman Al Wasl that the civilian’s injuries were to varying degrees.

Images posted by SCD show a cow that was killed in the strikes along with extensive property damage. @HalabTodayTV also reported that in addition to the civilian that was injured, a number of livestock were killed.

The Nedaa Post correspondent reported that “the Syrian Civil Defense teams in the Al-Bab area in the countryside of Aleppo provided first aid to the injured and secured the place after the shelling stopped.”

Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the strikes, with some sources only referring to the sources as originating from areas controlled by the SDF while others attributed the strikes directly to the SDF.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Syrian Democratic Forces, Syrian Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Damage to a building caused by strikes on Sheikh Nasser village on September 7, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • A cow killed by strikes on Sheikh Nasser village on September 7, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • Damage to a building caused by strikes on Sheikh Nasser village on September 7, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Sheikh Nasser (الشيخ ناصر), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.52484,37.68642 . Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Syrian Democratic Forces, Syrian Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

YS117

Incident date

September 7, 2021

Location

العلوات, Al Alwat, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.524689, 37.950569 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least three civilians, including a child, were injured in alleged shelling by the Syrian Democratic Forces on the village of “Al-Alwat” in the northern countryside of Manbij on September 7, 2021.

Baladi News was the only source to report on this incident. No other information is available at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Alwat (العلوات), allegedly located in the vicinity of the city of Manbij (مَنْبِج). The generic coordinates for Manbij are: 36.524689, 37.950569. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

R4386

Incident date

September 7, 2021

Location

ادلب, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.93062, 36.63393 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between four and five civilians, including a child, were reported killed and up to 15 other civilians injured in alleged Syrian regime or Russian artillery attacks in Idlib city, on September 7 2021. Andalou Agency was alone in reporting that the attack was also carried out by Iranian backed militias.

This attack was widely noted as being the first escalation of violence since a ceasefire deal between Russia and Turkey signed in March 2020.

The area of the city, reported as the neighbourhood Al-Dabit, was described by one Twitter user as being “crowded with civilians” (@Muslim98F16). The buildings most affected by the shelling were reported to include a family swimming pool (thought to be “Al Husari pool”), with one source claiming that a wedding party was also present (@sarkiss18).

Syrian Civil Defense posted on Facebook: “A dangerous escalation of the regime and Russia forces on the city of #Idlib, the largest population center in northwestern #Syria, indicates a new catastrophe… Who will stop these deadly attacks on civilians?”

One of the victims was reported by multiple sources to be Dr Noureddin Ghafir, who was killed alongside his 12 year old son, Majed Al-Din Ghafir. Dr Ghafir was reported to be a professor at the Faculty of Administration and Economics and Al-Nahda University. Some sources mentioned that he was also the Vice President of Idlib University for Administrative Affairs. An adult man Abu Ahmad Sabbagh was also named on Facebook by Abdallah Amiri to have died as a result of injuries sustained in the incident.

Multiple sources mentioned that a young woman, Jude Yasser Shara, was also killed as a result of the artillery shelling. Shara was reported to have recently graduated from an undergraduate degree, and was working in a kindergarten in Idlib City:

“A 21-year-old woman, named as Joud Yaser Shreit, who was a BA graduate in Psychology and the head of al Seraj al Munir Kindergarten for Memorizing the Holy Quran, was one of the victims who were killed in Syrian regime’s heavy artillery bombardment of al Dbeit neighborhood in the west of Idlib city on the evening of September 7” (Syria Network for Human Rights).

Her last Facebook post, uploaded minutes before she died, was circulated by the Idlib Media Center. She had written: “Oh God, good in every choice, and light in every darkness, and ease in every difficulty, the reality of all that we wish. Oh God, by the size of the beauty of your paradise, show me the beauty of the next in my life and fulfil for me what I wish, and comfort my heart. Oh God, the satisfaction that makes our hearts calm, our worries fleeting, and our misfortunes easy”.

Laser-guided missiles were widely reported to have been used in the attack, with Syria Press alleging that it was the Russian ‘Krasnapol’ missile. Other sources referred to the artillery as rocket-propelled grenades or surface-to-surface missiles.

The incident occured during the night.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Noureddin Ghafir نور الدين غفير
Adult male killed
Majed Al-Din Ghafir مجد الدين غفير
Child male killed

The victims were named as:

Jude Yasser Shara جود ياسر شريط
21 years old female killed
Abu Ahmad Sabbagh ابو احمد صباغ
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (1 child1 woman2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–15
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (43) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (27) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Doctors tend to a child harmed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery attacks on Idlib City, September 7 2021 (image published by MMC via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The face of a child reported to have been killed by alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery attacks on Idlib City, September 7 2021 (Image published by MMC via Facebook).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Doctors attempt to treat a child with head injuries resulting from alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery shelling on Idlib City, September 7 2021 (Image published by MMC via Facebook)
  • A building turned to rubble with fire burning in the wreckage, a result of alleged Syrian regime or Russian artillery shelling on Idlib City September 7 2021 (image published by MMC via Facebook)
  • Smoke rises over Idlib City, as reported by Idlib Media Center (MMC) to indicate artillery shelling on September 7 2021.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    "More than 5 martyrs and dozens wounded in the bombing of the Syrian regime forces targeting a wedding party in a popular swimming pool in the vicinity of the city of #Idlib" via @sarkiss18 on Twitter

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The dismembered body of what appears to be a child, reportedly killed by Russian or Syrian regime artillery strikes in Idlib City on September 7 2021 (Image posted by @sarkiss18 via Twitter)
  • A building on fire in Idlib City on September 7 2021, reported to have resulted from Russian or Syrian regime artillery attacks (Image posted by @sarkiss18 on Twitter)
  • "The rise of Dr. "Nour El-Din Ghafir", a teacher at the Faculty of Administration and Economics at Al-Nahda University, and his child, "Majd El-Din Ghafir", following the bombing of the city of #Idlib" - @SRoudinah2 via Twitter
  • Video posted by Al Jazeera showing the aftermath of reported shelling on Idlib City, September 7 2021.
  • White Helmets volunteers search through the rubble in Idlib City resulting from Russian or Syria regime artillery attacks, as reported by Syria Network for Human Rights.
  • White Helmets volunteers use torches to search through the rubble of a collapsed building, posted by Idlib Plus. Reports allege the building was hit by Russian or Syrian Regime "laser guided shells" (Idlib Plus).
  • The aftermath of reported shelling by Syrian Regime or Russian forces in Idlib City September 7 2021. White Helmets search through the rubble at night and appear to carry a body found in the wreckage. Video via @IdlibPlus on Twitter
  • Image taken by White Helmets Volunteers after the reported shelling of Idlib City September 7 2021, allegedly carried out by Syrian Regime or Russian forces (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense via Facebook)
  • White Helmets volunteers look over a body in an ambulance, related to the reported artillery shelling on Idlib City September 7 2021 (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense via Facebook)
  • Dr Noureddin Ghafir was reportedly killed alongside his son on September 7 2021 when Russian or Syrian artillery shelling hit Idlib City (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense via Facebook)
  • An image of a child's toy in rubble posted by Syrian Civil Defense reported to have been taken in the debris caused by Russian or Syrian Regime artillery shelling on Idlib City September 7 2021. Multiple reports mentioned that a family swimming pool had been affected by the shelling.
  • A man stands in front of a building reported to have been hit the previous night by Russian or Syrian artillery shelling in Idlib City September 7 2021 (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense via Facebook)
  • An image posted by Syrian Civil Defense after Russian and Syrian regime forces allegedly hit Idlib City with artillery strikes.
  • Hadaf Kindergarten post a tribute to Majed Al-Din Ghafir, reportedly killed in Russian or Syrian regime artillery shelling on Idlib City September 7 2021. Image posted via Facebook. Image reads: And give good tidings to the patient We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return Administering and teachers of #Model _ Goal _ Kindergarten 😔 We extend our deepest condolences and condolences to the family of Al Ghafir for the death of Dr. (Nouruddin Ghafir) And the distinguished and decent child (Majd Al-Din Ghafir) May Allah accept them from the martyrs, raise their position, and empty their family and family patience and solace, O Most Merciful of those who show mercy.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention strikes in the vicinity of the Al Mutlaq roundabout, the Bilal mosque, and the Al Hosary swimming pool. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for the Al Mutlaq roundabout are: 35.908632, 36.634269. The generic coordinates for the Bilal mosque are: 35.929709, 36.623699. The generic coordinates for the Al Hosary pool are: 35.905023, 36.649437.

  • Distribution of landmarks mentioned in sources across Idlib.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

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 status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (1 child1 woman2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–15
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (43) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI070

Incident date

September 4, 2021

Location

هرور, Hiror, Dohuk, Iraq

Geolocation

37.229298, 43.438993 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to three civilians, including two women, were reported injured in alleged Turkish artillery shelling on Hirrur on September 4th 2021. There were claims that chemical weapons or white phosphorus were used in the attack.

A resident of the village of Hirrur told IQ News, “Turkish artillery bombed our village this evening, as a result of which a woman and her daughter were wounded, and they were taken to the hospital for treatment.”

Christian Peacemaker Teams reported that Haji Abdullah Hiruri, his wife and their daughter were farming when the artillery strikes occurred at 6.30 pm. When they gained consciousness they began vomiting and had severe burns. They were helped by neighbors who took them to Zakho hospital for treatment.

ANF News also reported that three civilians were injured in an artillery strike near their home.

According to Rudaw News, Turkish forces dropped six bombs and they landed nearly a kilometer from Abdullah Hassan’s house. Hassan, his wife Hadiya Mustafa, and their daughter Zhiman were hospitalized two hours after smoke from the bombs reached their house.

“A Turkish bomb brought this to me. Smoke came towards me and I said ‘go inside as this smoke stinks.’ I went into the house,” Mustafa, 66, told Rudaw. Adeeb Mousa, who lives in the same village, said that six bombs landed in the vicinity of the village and one of them “produced a black smoke” that spread to Hassan’s house. The others emitted a yellow smoke. Hassan was discharged from the hospital a day after the attack while his wife and daughter were discharged two days after the attack.

This was not the first time that Haasan and his family have been impacted by the conflict. They narrowly survived an alleged Turkish bombardment in late June when shrapnel hit the front of their house.

ANF News later added that Turkish forces also used chemical weapons during the bombardment. Those affected by the chemicals “had shortness of breath, redness in their eyes and an irregular heartbeat.” A video posted by ANF News claimed to show a chemical weapon attack on Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) tunnels in the Werxelê area.

Dr. Rasul Mohammed, the doctor who provided them with first aid at the nearby Rozana health center, told Rudaw: “They had breathing issues. Their eyes teared up and were painful. Two of them felt nauseous and dizzy. It was strange to me to see that a bombardment could cause these symptoms.” Amir Ali, head of Zakho health directorate’s media office, said that he was in touch with the specialists regarding the incident, but that “there is no equipment to know whether it was 100 percent a poisonous gas or something else.”

In an article published by Roj News on September 9th 2021, Jihad Abdullah, a relative of the three victims, said they were still feeling dizzy and unwell after being discharged from hospital. Mr. Abdullah accused hospital staff of failing to investigate whether his family had been exposed to chemicals gas: “This incident that has befallen us is no less than the incident in Halabja. But unfortunately we have been neglected. We have registered a complaint with the Human Rights Institution. But the hospital does not give us an accurate report until we can use it as evidence. ” After reviewing video footage of an alleged chemical weapons attack in another part of northern Iraq, Gisela Penteker, a director at the International Union of Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), told ANF that the footage warranted further investigation and called on the United Nations to “start an investigation”.

All of the sources attributed the attack to Turkey.

The incident occured at 18:30:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Abdullah Hassan
76 years old male injured
Hadiya Mustafa
Adult female injured
Zhiman
28 years old female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Causes of injury / death
    Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Image of Hadiya Mustafa being treated at a hospital following an alleged chemical attack on the village of Hirrur on September 4, 2021. (Image posted by Rudaw News)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Hiror (هرور), for which the generic coordinates are: 37.229298, 43.438993. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Causes of injury / death
    Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI067 YI002

Incident date

August 30, 2021

Location

مخيم قاديا, Qadia Camp, Dohuk, Iraq

Geolocation

37.059570, 42.620141 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two children were killed and three to four others, including two children and an elderly man, were injured – all from the same family – when an alleged Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) or Turkish IED exploded in Qadiya refugee camp.

According to the Kurdistan Democratic Communities Union (KCK), “in the late evening hours of August 30, 2021, an explosion occurred in the Qadiya refugee camp in the Zaxo region of the Kurdistan Region Iraq, killing two children and injuring numerous people”. The statement added that those living in the camp are Yazidi people who fled when ISIS occupied their towns in the Sinjar region.

Bas News quoted the Yazidi activist and former deputy in the Iraqi parliament, Vian Dakhil, as saying that the bombing “resulted in the death of two innocent children and the injury of 5 others, including three critical injuries”. Bas News added that among the two children killed was a one year old and a nine year old from the same family, in addition to an officer with Asayish, the Kurdish security and intelligence organization.

Abdulstar Mustafa, deputy head of Zakho emergency hospital, told Rudaw’s Yousif Musa that “At 10:15 we were told that an explosion had occurred at Qadia camp and there were injuries. Our teams got there immediately. We received five of the injured. Of those five injured, two of them died before they arrived.”

Rudaw News added that two children, aged four and nine, were injured, as well as a 63-year-old man. Hassan Ibrahim, the grandfather of the deceased, told Rudaw an explosive device was put under their caravan. He was injured in the explosion and taken to hospital for treatment.

The director of the Asayish district of Zakho, Shavan Sindi, told BasNews, “The explosion was caused by an explosive device that was planted in front of the cabin of an officer with the rank of major in the Kurdistan Region’s Asayish forces, Sheikh Hassan Ibrahim Samuqi, who was wounded in the explosion.” He added that the officer had been subject to death threats from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

Al Taakhi Press reported that the explosion was caused by an explosive device planted in front of a cabin belonging to Hassan Samouqi. Al Taakhi also reported that two children were killed but put the toll of injuries at three, all from the same family, including Samouqi.

The mayor of Simel District, Khalil Mahmoud, added that the explosion caused damage to four cabins and a car.

The majority of sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to the PKK. However, the KCK blamed Turkey for the attack and refuted claims by the Kurdistan Democratic Party that the PKK was responsible, stating that “All witness accounts and the manner of the explosion indicate that this was an attack by the Turkish state”.

The incident occured in the evening.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    YPG, Turkish Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Victims of the bombing of Qadia Camp on August 30th arrive at the hospital for treatment. (Image posted by Rudaw News)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Qadia refugee camp (مخيم قاديا), for which the generic coordinates are: 37.059570, 42.620141. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

YPG Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    YPG
  • YPG position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    YPG, Turkish Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

R4380

Incident date

August 26, 2021

Location

طفس, Tafas, Daraa, Syria

Airwars assessment

A major bombardment of the town of Tafas in Daraa caused up to three civilian deaths and up to six more injuries, according to extensive local reporting. Both the Assad regime and to a lesser extend Russia were blamed for the attacks.

Horan Free Media, citing its local correspondent, initially described the death of one young civilian male and six injuries “including critical cases” in the attack. The Syrian Observatory also described the deaths of a man and woman.

All sources were agreed on one fatal victim, 26 year old Hafeza Mar’i al-Rabadawi, a woman. Horan for example noted that “a medical source from Tafas Hospital told the Ahrar Horan Gathering that the woman, Hafeza Mar’i al-Rabadawi, died directly as a result of the bombing, while all 6 injured people were treated in the city hospital.”

Adding some confusion to reporting, a second woman’s death – that of Sabah al-Bardan – was also initially claimed by the outlet, though this was later denied on its own Telegram channel, which reported that Ms al-Bardan was in fact alive. The Syrian Network instead reported the death of Ms al-Bardan, as did several other local sources.

A third fatal victim was named by several sources including Qasioun as Samir Reshan Al-Zoubi, a young man.

The White Helmets, which posted a video showing at least six strikes on the town, declared that “Civilians were killed and wounded in a major military escalation by the regime and Russia forces on the city of Tafas in Daraa governorate.” Halab Today said that more than 30 missiles had targeted the town, while Thiqa News claimed that 50 missiles had struck. It was one of several local sources to report three civilian deaths.

In a separate video, Shaam News showed what it described as “the state of panic and fear among the students, after missile shelling by the Fourth Division militias on the vicinity of a school during work hours in Tafas city.”

The Syrian Network condemned what it said was “the bombing of civilian-populated areas by the Syrian regime which fails to distinguish between populated civilian areas and military targets, resulting in the destruction of homes that threatens and forcibly displaces the residents of those areas.”

Baladi News was alone in suggesting the attack may have been in response to local rebel actions, noting that “The area is witnessing a security alert by regime forces, after a military vehicle was targeted with an explosive device on the Nawa – Sheikh Maskin road, west of Daraa, and the regime’s ranks were killed and wounded.”

The incident occured in the morning.

The victims were named as:

Hafeza Mar’i al-Rabadawi
26 years old female killed
Sabah al-Bardan
Adult female Reported as either killed or injured injured
Samir Reshan Al-Zoubi
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1–2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • 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.
  • Suspected attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military

Sources (30) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (15) [ collapse]

  • Reported victim of Regime and/ or Russian strikes on Tafas on August 26th 2021 (via Horan Free Media)
  • Medics attend to a victim of a Russian or Regime strike on Tafas, August 26th 2021 (via Horan Free News)
  • 'The moment the Fourth Division militias bombed Tafas, 26th August 2021' (via Horan Free Media)
  • Damage caused to Tafas by Regime and/ or Russian shelling on August 26th 2021 (via Horan Free Media)
  • Damage caused to Tafas by Regime and/ or Russian shelling on August 26th 2021 (via Horan Free Media)
  • Damage caused to Tafas by Regime and/ or Russian shelling on August 26th 2021 (via Horan Free Media)
  • Damage caused to Tafas by Regime and/ or Russian shelling on August 26th 2021 (via Horan Free Media)
  • Damage caused to Tafas by Regime and/ or Russian shelling on August 26th 2021 (via Horan Free Media)
  • Damage caused to Tafas by Regime and/ or Russian shelling on August 26th 2021 (via Horan Free Media)
  • 'Less than two days after the signing of a settlement agreement in #Daraa, direct scenes from the bombing of the Assad militia on the town of #Tafas'

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    '#Daraa: More than thirty treacherous missiles fell on the city of Tafas within minutes. There are a lot of injured'

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Unidentified injured male reportedly harmed in Regime and/ or Russian strikes on Tafas, August 26th 2021 (via @syria7ra)
  • '#Urgent #Daraa The death of a woman and the injury of 6 civilians as Assad's militias targeted residential neighborhoods in the city of Tafas, west of Daraa, with rocket launchers.'
  • '3 martyrs so far and 7 wounded in Tafas city 1- The martyr Samir Tarshan Al-Zoubi (M) 2- The martyr Hafiza Al-Salkhadi (F) 3- The martyr Sabah Halima (F) #Battle of dignity '

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1–2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • 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.
  • Suspected attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military

Sources (30) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS472

Incident date

August 23, 2021

Location

الدردارة, Al Dardarah , Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.743148, 41.842804 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least two civilians, including a woman, were injured in alleged Turkish shelling of al-Dardarah village on August 23, 2021.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “a young man and a woman were injured due to Turkish bombardment on al-Dardarah village”.

Nabd News provided the names of the civilians injured: Amena Al Faris (21 years), and Khidr al-Fars (39 years)”.

In addition to the injuries, houses in the village sustained material damage.

Nabd News added that the two civilians were “lightly wounded” and that their health condition was stable following treatment and discharge from the hospital they were being treated at, the Martyr Legarin Hospital in the town of Tel Tamr.

All of the sources attributed the strikes to Turkey.

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

mena Al Faris (21 years), and Khidr al-Fars (39 years)
21 years old injured
Khidr al-Fars
39 years old injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Dardarah (الدردارة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.743148, 41.842804. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]