Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CS780

Incident date

May 8, 2017

Location

حي الوهب, Tabaqah, Al Wahab (First Neighbourhood), Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.814722, 38.537778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Smart News Network two civilians died and seven were injured – in addition to the death of one member of IS and the wounding of two more – in an alleged Coalition airstrike or artillery strike on Tabaqa.

Other reports gave some context, with RFS noting that “Syrian Democratic Forces managed to control the First neighborhood and the national hospital in the city of the Tabaqa, after fierce battles with ISIL and with the support of international coalition aircraft, whose air raids on neighbourhoods led to great destruction.”

In its August monthly casualty report, the Coalition confirmed an event at Tabaqah that day, though these appear to be separate incidents.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected belligerents
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (5) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Wadah, Tabaqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV598674
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018
  • After a review of available information and the strike video it, was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 7th-8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, 15 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed eight fighting positions and a vehicle.” It later added that “Additionally, two strikes were conducted in Syria on May 7th that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Tabqah, Syria, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a fighting position.”

For May 8th - 9th, the Coalition reported: "Near Tabqah, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions" It later reported "Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria on May 8 that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Tabqah, Syria, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position and a mortar system; and damaged an ISIS supply route."

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected belligerents
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (5) [ collapse]