Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CS1576

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Location

Al Shuhadaa, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.96377, 39.007897 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 13 and 21 civilians reportedly died following airstrikes on al Shuhadaa neighbourhood north of Raqqah city, according to local sources. The civilians were said to have gathered around a water well in the area. This was the second reported attack on the city’s water supply in two days.

Shahba Press said it had documented 13 killed, including seven children and “dozens” wounded, Fifteen were allegedly killed by Al Raqqa Truth. All other sources suspected 13 killed and all bar three directly blamed the US-led Coalition.

UNOCHA also blamed the Coalition, noting in a later report that “On 3 October, airstrikes in Al-Shuhadaa neighbourhood in northern Ar-Raqqa city also hit water wells where a group of civilians were gathering, reportedly killing at least 21 people, including three children, and injuring many others. As a result, the last two wells in the city reportedly became inoperable.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Shuhadaa mosque (لشهداء حي) near the water tower on Al Qitar street (القطار), for which the approximate coordinates are: 35.963770, 39.007897. Sources mention that strikes “hit water wells where a group of civilians were gathering (…). As a result, the last two wells in the city reportedly became inoperable.”

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Shuhadaa mosque (لشهداء حي) near the water tower on Al Qitar street (القطار).

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 21
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

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 information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 3rd – 4th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 30 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 14 fighting positions, two vehicles, and a logistics node; and suppressed four fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Oct. 3, near Raqqah, four strikes destroyed three ISIS fighting positions and a VBIED.” And that “On Oct. 3, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed an ISIS communication system.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 21
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]