(Previous Incident Code: S364)

Up to eleven civilians died in a Coalition airstrike which at the time was also blamed on Russia and the Assad regime. However the Coalition has confirmed striking oil installations and tankers in the vicinity on this date, and killing five drivers.

According to Ara News, “Unidentified warplanes shelling oil refineries in Badeyet Kisham killed 10 workers and wounded 15. The number of death is likely to rise due to the seriousness of some injuries.” Baladi News placed the initial death toll at 6, again citing unidentified warplanes.

The FSA and Daral Akhbar blamed Russia, while the Syrian Network said the regime was responsible, as did Syrian Newsdesk which reported: “Seven civilians were killed, including three children, and 15 others wounded yesterday evening, due to regime warplanes targeting with four raids the town of Khisham which is under the control of the organization of the Islamic state east of Deir al-Zour city.”

Shaam News initially blamed Russia, but later said the Coalition was responsible for 11 civilians killed. Syrian PC also reported that “Coalition warplanes carried out raids in Badeyet Al kisham oil fields and killed 11 civilians – most are drivers and civilians who work in the industry – and wounded dozens. The death toll is likely to rise due to serious injuries.”

Deir Ezzor 24 named three victims.

The Coalition noted in February 2017 that the incident was still being assessed. On March 4th it confirmed responsibility: “Dec. 11, 2016, near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS oil tanker trucks it is assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed. After warning shots were fired truck drivers vacated their vehicles and moved a safe distance away. Aircraft engaged targets and following munition release five of the drivers returned to their vehicles and were killed by munition’s impact.”

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to within a 100 metre box.