The Deliberate Targeting Of Civilians With Laser-guided Weapons In Syria
Overview
This report by the White Helmets documents the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure in Northwest Syria using Russian-made Krasnopol laser-guided missiles in 2021. These precision-guided weapons were used by the Assad Regime with devastating effects on civilian lives and properties.
Key Findings
- Incidents Documented: The White Helmets recorded 63 attacks using Krasnopol shells, marking the first documented use of this weapon in the ten-year Syrian conflict by the organization.
- Civilian Casualties: Although Krasnopol shells were used in only 4% of the attacks, they caused 20% of civilian deaths in 2021. The shells' precision and the necessity of an external designator (e.g., drones or ground units) indicate intentional targeting.
- Impact on Civilians: The attacks have compounded the suffering of 4.2 million people in Northwest Syria, with 2.8 million internally displaced, 1.7 million of whom live in temporary camps. Ninety percent of the population is food insecure, heavily reliant on humanitarian aid.
- Targeted Infrastructure: Attacks have targeted homes, hospitals, medical points, and even White Helmets centers, significantly impacting the region's already strained healthcare and support systems.
Case Studies
The report includes case studies highlighting the impact on:
- White Helmets Volunteers: Two volunteers were killed, and several others injured in separate attacks.
- Medical Facilities: Attacks on medical points and hospitals have rendered essential services out of operation, affecting thousands of civilians.
- Civilian Homes: Numerous homes have been destroyed, resulting in significant civilian casualties, including children.
Methodology
The report is based on:
- Eyewitness accounts from White Helmets volunteers.
- Statements from civilians.
- Photographic evidence and additional research.
Recommendations
The White Helmets call for:
- Establishing a special investigation by the United Nations into the use of advanced weapons in Syria.
- Imposing sanctions on those facilitating the sale of such weapons to the Assad Regime.
- Public condemnation of these attacks in diplomatic arenas.
- Legal actions to end impunity and bring perpetrators to justice.
- Supporting peaceful solutions to the Syrian conflict in line with United Nations Resolution 2254.
Conclusion
The use of Krasnopol missiles in Syria signifies a troubling trend of deliberate, precise attacks on civilians, violating international humanitarian laws. The report urges immediate international action to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable.
