Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

SDF00043a

Incident date

September 25, 2023

Location

الحوايج, Al Hawayj, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

A woman, Shahnaz Ayed al-Hussein al-Sayyid Haiba, was killed allegedly by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on September 25th, 2023 in Al Hawayj, in eastern Deir Ezzor.

Local reporter Abdulmuain Aldandal claimed she was killed by shell fragments while trying to escape with her children. Another local source (@DeirEzzor24) also stated the casualty was caused by mortar shelling, and claimed the shell fell near her home.

There is, however, some disagreement regarding the weaponry used. Another local source, Zaman Al Wasl, alleged she was killed by SDF snipers, who had “deliberately targeted” her.

This incident is a potential duplicate of incident SDF00043, or has a potential link to it. At the time of reporting, there was not enough information to clarify whether these casualties occurred together.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Shahnaz Ayed Al-Hussein Al-Sayyid Haiba
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (5) [ collapse]

YPG Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

SDF00044

Incident date

September 25, 2023

Location

درنج, Daranj, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

On 25 September 2023, a young man was reportedly injured as a result of being shot by members of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Daranj, located in eastern Deir Ezzor.

A report from Shaam News identifies Ibrahim Khalil Al-Watban as the young male injured, adding that he was seriously injured. Furthermore, the news account reported that Ibrahim was shot near the Al-Mansara river crossing near the town of Daranj.

This version of events has been reported by a series of Facebook and Twitter posts, such as @alkhabour21 and @qipqa, that conform to the narrative provided by Shaam News.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (1)

Ibrahim Khalil Al-Watban
Adult male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (6) [ collapse]

YPG Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

SDF00043

Incident date

September 25, 2023

Location

الحوايج, Al Hawayj, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

A woman was killed by a bullet wound allegedly fired by the Syrian Democratic Forces on the 25th of September, 2023, in the town of Al Hawayj, in the eastern Dier Ezzor region.

Shaam News, who reported the incident, stated she was the wife of Hamoud Al-Hussein Al-Mulhim. Naher Media, who corroborated this, reported that she had been shot in the chest by a stray bullet.

This incident is a potential duplicate of incident SDF00043a, or has a potential link to it. At the time of reporting, there was not enough information to clarify whether these casualties occurred together.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Wife of Hamoud al-Hussein al-Mulhim
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (3) [ collapse]

YPG Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

SDF00042

Incident date

September 21, 2023

Location

بلدة غريبة, Ghariba, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

A young boy, Muayad Ahmed al-Khudair, was injured on September 21st, 2023 in the town of Ghariba, when he was struck by bullets allegedly fired by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Al-Khudair, who has been reported as either 12 or 13 years old, was herding sheep near the bank of the Euphrates River when he was shot.

Euphrates Post alleged the SDF was stationed on the other side of the river. Naher Media corroborated this claim, stating that the SDF was firing from a military point located there.

Al-Khudair, who was taken to a hospital, was said to be in critical condition at the time of reporting.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muayad Ahmed al-Khudair
Child male 12-13 years old injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Agriculture
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Muayad Ahmed al-Khudair, believed to be either 12 or 13 years old, was herding sheep when hit by a bullet allegedly fired by the SDF

YPG Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Agriculture
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

SDF00036

Incident date

September 11, 2023

Location

الحصان, Al Hassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

A young man, Muhammad al-Olayan, sustained bullet wounds during an alleged-SDF raid on the town of Al Hassan, west of Deir Ezzor, on September 11th, 2023. Naher Media, who identified al-Olayan, stated he had subsequently been transferred to the Al-Furat Hospital, inside the town, for treatment.

Shaam News corroborated these findings, and alleged that the SDF had been carrying out “random raids, searches, and arrests” on the town. Local source Mohab Nasser specified that the SDF had been raiding civilian homes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muhammad al-Olayan
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Muhammad al-Olayan, injured by alleged SDF gunfire in the town of Al Hassan on September 11, 2023. (Image posted by @nahermedia)

YPG Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

SDF00039

Incident date

September 11, 2023

Location

درنج, Daranj, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

On Monday September the 11th 2023, it is reported that two children were injured by gunfire bullets during a raid carried out by SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) in the town of Daranj, in Deir Ezzor, eastern syria. This version of events is reported by multiple independent Twitter users (@Mohab_Nasser2, @K_Almostafa, @GydyNwaf38285) as well as national news outlets such as Naher Media and Dery News.

It is further reported by Shaam News and Al Araby News that the two children Ibn Ahmed Al-Khamis and his cousin Yassin Al-Hawas, from the town of Darnaj, were injured near the Euphrates River by the leader of the SDF Ankil as a result of clashes between Arab clans and SDF fighters. Journalist Akhbar Al Shahil took to Facebook to corroborate this version of events and added that Ibn Ahmed Al-Khamis and Yassin Al-Hawas were attacked “because they were close to the Euphrates River”.

AlAraby News further reported that the source of the shooting was in the Al-Ashara area, on the opposite bank of the Euphrates River, currently under the control of the Syrian regime.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ibn Ali Al-Hanoush ابن علي الحنوش
Child injured
Yassin Al-Hawas ياسين الحواس
Child injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (10) [ collapse]

YPG Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

SDF00038

Incident date

September 11, 2023

Location

الدحلة, Al Dahla, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Airwars assessment

At least one person, a young man named Hussein Nahar al-Gharut, was reportedly killed by gunfire allegedly from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the town of Al Dahla, in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor on Monday, September 11th 2023. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the victim as being a member of local militant groups. However, SN4HR, Ain al-Furat Network and Orient News claimed that he was a civilian.

According to Ain al-Furat sources, Hussein Nahar al-Gharut was reportedly asked by SDF members to stop at a military checkpoint. When he refused, Ain al-Furat claims, they opened fire on him, leading to his immediate death. The Rasd Syria Network for Human Rights corroborated these events.

All of the sources attributed the shooting to the SDF.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (1 man1 undetermined)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG
  • Suspected target
    Tribal Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–1

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

YPG Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (1 man1 undetermined)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG
  • Suspected target
    Tribal Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–1

Incident Code

SDF00035

Incident date

September 9, 2023

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha’fa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

A man, Khalaf al-Fayyad, was wounded after being hit by an alleged-Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) sniper bullet in the town of Al-Sha’fa, east of Deir Ezzor, on the night of September 9th, 2023.

Naher Media stated that al-Fayyad, who installs and maintains solar paneling, was on his way home when he was injured. Furat Post correspondent claimed the sniper, aligned with the SDF, was on a rooftop when the round was fired. It is unclear whether there were multiple snipers, or if this was committed by a single individual. Shaam News alleges several bullets were fired.

The incident occured during the night.

The victims were named as:

Khalaf al-Fayyad خلف الفياض
Adult male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Khalaf Al-Fayyad, wounded by alleged SDF sniper fire in Al Sha’fa on September 9, 2023. (Image posted by Ayn Ala Aljazeera via Facebook)

YPG Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (11) [ collapse]