Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS1855

Location

الكشمه, Al Kashma , Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6205556, 40.9386111
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S1729)

Between five and 20 civilians were reported killed in an alleged airstrike which was said to have targeted Al Kashma. All sources blamed the Coalition for the incident.

Al Araby reported that “Local sources told Al Araby Al Jadid that the raids left 15 dead civilians, mostly children and women, in addition to dozens of wounded.” More than one other source supported the claim that most of the casualties were women and children.

According to Shaam News, “International coalition planes carried out heavy air raids this morning [25th] targeting a gathering of displaced persons and fugitives from clashes in the towns of Abu Hasan and al-Kashma in the eastern countryside. Activists said that at least 15 people, mostly women and children, were wounded.” Shaam was the only source to report that the targeted area was a camp for displaced people.

Al Sha’afa Facebook page claimed that numbers of casualties was likely to rise as civilians remained trapped under the rubble. They were also the only source to report that some of the casualties were children as young as 10 years old.

In its December 2020 monthly civilian casualty report, the Coalition assessed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that it had conducted no strikes in the geographical area which corresponded with civilian harm claims.

The Coalition once again assessed this event two years later. On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike
Strike Status
Likely strike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported killed
5–20
2–4 Children, 2–4 Women
Civilians reported injured
12–24

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Kashma (الكشمه), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.6205556, 40.9386111. 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
Non credible / Unsubstantiated
Reason for non-credible assessment
No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
Civilian deaths conceded
None
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
in al Kashma, Syria
MGRS coordinate
37SFU777326
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For November 25th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 25 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 14 strikes consisting of 26 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 14 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units and destroyed one vehicle, two fighting positons, two supply routes, one UAS launch site, three buildings, one command and control center and one weapons cache.
French Military Strike Report
From Nov 21st-27th, France report that Task Force Wagram carried out 62 firing missions (35 lighting, 27 destruction) from Iraq territory. Aircraft carried out 16 sorties and two strikes.
Dutch Military Strike Report
For November 21st-27th 2018, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16's supported ground troops in the fight against IS during 9 missions. Weapons were deployed during 3 missions above Deir Ezzor in Syria, targeting vehicles, logistical places and IS-fighters.
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2020-12-15
Original Source
Nov. 25, 2018, in al Kashma, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3245/CS1855 37SFU777326
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2022-03-10
Original Source
Nov. 25, 2018, near al Kashmah, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 2932/CS1855 37SFU77772632674