Double-tap attacks against White Helmets volunteers

During the war in Syria, humanitarian workers have faced significant risks while carrying out their duties. Civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and markets, was frequently struck in violation of international humanitarian law, and those who provided emergency assistance were often subjected to direct and repeated attacks. Syria Civil Defence (White Helmets) became a central part of the civilian response, with volunteers working under constant threat to rescue the injured and recover the dead.

One of the most concerning patterns that emerged during the war was the use of “double-tap” strikes, initial attacks on civilian areas followed by subsequent strikes targeting first responders, medical personnel, and civilians assisting the wounded.

This report documents the systematic use of “double-tap” attacks against Syria Civil Defence (White Helmets) volunteers during the Syrian conflict. Based on a decade of research and investigation by the White Helmets’ Investigation Support and Case-building Unit (ISCU), it analyzes 122 potential incidents and presents 12 detailed case studies, supported by witness testimonies, audiovisual evidence, and open-source data.

The findings establish that the vast majority of these unlawful attacks were perpetrated by Assad regime forces and their Russian allies, deliberately targeting first responders after initial strikes on civilian areas, schools, hospitals, and other protected sites. These attacks killed at least 70 White Helmets volunteers, injured over 200, and caused lasting harm to countless civilians. Their purpose was to obstruct life-saving rescue operations, spread terror among communities, and suppress the truth about atrocities through fear and disinformation.

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