Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CS171

Incident date

February 2, 2016

Location

الغازلي, Al Ghazili, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.69735, 38.95634 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, CENTCOM later confirmed the death of a civilian in a US airstrike in Al Ghazili, near Ayn Isa.

According to the official release, “On Feb. 2, 2016, in Al Ghazili, Syria, near Ayn Isa, during a strike on an ISIL vehicle, it is assessed that one civilian was killed after unexpectedly driving into the target area after weapons were already in flight.”

Our researchers have so far not been able to locate any additional reports relating to this incident.

In January 2017 the Coalition stated that that it had not been involved in a claimed civilian casualty event in Hama governorate on this date. However an official later informed Airwars that the correct date for this secondary allegation was February 15th 2016.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 36.3106469, 39.0171129

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    in Al Ghazili, Syria, near Ayn Isa
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA961613
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 22, 2016
  • On Feb. 2, 2016, in Al Ghazili, Syria, near Ayn Isa, during a strike on an ISIL vehicle, it is assessed that one civilian was killed after unexpectedly driving into the target area after weapons were already in flight.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Near Ayn Isa, one strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]