This Video Does Not Show a Recent Russian Airstrike in Syria
The Claim
A video shows a Russian airstrike targeting a Tahrir al-Sham convoy in the direction of Idlib.
News posted on
Emerging story
Recently, social media recently shared a video that allegedly depict a Russian airstrike targeting a Tahrir al-Sham convoy in the direction of Idlib. The footage also captures secondary explosions, suggesting that the convoy contained a significant amount of ammunition.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating video and found the claim to be misleading.
Misbar's team conducted a reverse image search and found that the video dates to March 2021. The video shows Rocket attacks have struck the oil market in the Tarehin region of Al-Bab city in the Aleppo countryside. This coincides with similar attacks on the oil market in the Al-Hamran region, also located in the Jarabulus countryside of Aleppo.
On March 5, 2021, Al-Ghad channel released a TV report on YouTube featuring a widely shared video. In the video description, the channel noted that “explosions were heard in the cities of Al-Bab and Jarabulus in northern Syria due to a missile striking an oil refining area located north of Al-Bab, in regions controlled by armed opposition groups in the northern Aleppo countryside.”
Intensified Airstrikes in Northern Syria Target Opposition Forces After Aleppo Offensive
The circulation of the claim came after the news reported that Syrian and Russian military jets are increasing their attacks on opposition forces in northern Syria. Government aircraft, supported by Russian planes stationed in Syria, have conducted bombing raids on opposition targets in Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama.
According to the White Helmets volunteer rescue group, Syrian airstrikes in Idlib on Monday resulted in the deaths of at least 13 civilians, including women, with strikes hitting the Al-Jalaa Street area and near Shebab Mosque in the northwestern region. On the same day, Russian warplanes targeted a medical facility in Idlib, killing at least three civilians, two of whom died when their ventilators failed. Additionally, a Russian strike reportedly damaged a Franciscan convent in Aleppo, though the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani noted that no injuries were reported, according to Vatican News.
Syrian Rebels Gain Ground Near Hama Amidst Renewed Offensives
Syrian rebels have made significant advances against government forces, moving closer to the key city of Hama on Tuesday, according to reports from both rebels and a war monitoring group. This development follows their unexpected capture of Aleppo last week, which has shaken President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Insurgents have reportedly taken control of several villages, including Maar Shahur, located just a few miles north of Hama. In response, Syrian state media has indicated that reinforcements are being deployed to the area. An assault on Hama would increase pressure on Assad, whose allies in Russia and Iran have rushed to assist him in the face of a resurgent rebellion.
Additionally, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi noted in an Arabic interview that Tehran would contemplate sending troops to Syria if requested by Damascus, while Russian President Vladimir Putin called for an end to what he termed "terrorist aggression" in Syria, according to RIA reports.
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