Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS156

Location

كبش, Kabsh, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.1308734, 38.8404465
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S147)

At least six civilians were killed and four injured in what was reported as a Coalition drone strike at Kabsh in northern Al Raqqah.

The attack targeted what was described as “a small convoy of vehicles transporting passengers”. A minibus carrying the civilians was said to have been destroyed.

The Syrian Press Centre was the only source not to attribute blame to the Coalition, citing “an unknown party”.

In July 2017, the Coalition classed the event as non credible on grounds of available evidence of civilian harm: “Dec. 12, 2015, near Kabsh, Syria, via Airwars report: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.”

Given that the Coalition has confirmed targeting vehicles at Raqqah that day, Airwars has requested additional information – and continues to assess this event as likely.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
4

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Kabsh (كبش), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.1308734, 38.8404465. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

U.S.-led Coalition Assessment
Suspected belligerent
U.S.-led Coalition
U.S.-led Coalition position on incident
Non credible / Unsubstantiated
Reason for non-credible assessment
Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
Civilian deaths conceded
None
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
near Kabsh, Syria
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
The Coalition did not publicly report any strikes in Al Raqqah for December 11th-12th 2015.
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2017-07-07
Original Source
After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.
Unknown Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Unknown position on incident
Not yet assessed