Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS1823

Location

الشعفة و, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S1697)

Multiple local sources named three children as killed and “many” more civilians wounded in an alleged Coalition air or artillery strike on Al Shaafa on November 3, 2018. Some sources reported that the airstrike targeted a house in a residential neighbourhood.

Euphrates Post for example reported: “The killing of three children, the children of Imad Mahmoud al-Haj Al Hussein from the city of Mohsen after international Coalition air raids targeted the town of Al-Sha’afa in the countryside of  the city of Abu Kamal yesterday.”

According to the Syrian Network, the victim family was originally from al Mouhasan city.

Syrian United Observatory mentioned “shelling” of the town – suggesting that artillery may have been responsible.

SANA also mentioned that “many civilians were injured” in the event.

In a civilian casualty assessment released November 3rd 2023, the Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that ” Based on pre-strike intelligence and surveillance, and post-strike battle damage assessment, it was determined that civilian casualties did not occur because of a Coalition strike.”

Victims

Family members (3)

Zaid I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein
Child male killed
Ziyad I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein
Child male killed
Aisha I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein
Child female

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Strike Status
Likely strike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported killed
3
3 Children
Civilians reported injured
5–10

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Sha’afa (الشعفة و), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.57888, 40.93441. 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
Open incident
Civilian deaths conceded
None
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
near Al Shaafa, Syria
MGRS coordinate
37SFU7742928044
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For November 3rd the Coalition publicly reported: “Near Hajin, 28 strikes engaged eight tactical units, and destroyed three headquarters buildings, two command and control centers, two supply centers, four weapons caches, three mortars, 10 staging areas, 1 firing position, and one guest house.”
French Military Strike Report
From October 31st to November 6th, the three CAESAR guns carried out 54 fire missions in the Hajin region, Syria, from Iraqi territory (illumination, harassment, destruction) from Iraqi territory. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 2 strikes, north of Abu Kamal, Syria.
Dutch Military Strike Report
or October 31st-November 6th, the Dutch MoD reports that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during nine missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in four: near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS vehicles, warehouses and fighting positions.
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2023-11-03
Original Source
November 03, 2018, near Al Shaafa, Syria, via Airwars report. Based on pre-strike intelligence and surveillance, and post-strike battle damage assessment, it was determined that civilian casualties did not occur because of a Coalition strike. 3220/CS1823 37SFU7742928044

Media from Sources (4)