Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS1900

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S1776)

According to several local sources including ISIS, the Coalition killed between 50 and 100 civilians when an airstrike struck Al-Baghouz in the final stages of the fight against ISIS’ last territorial stronghold.

While reports varied on the exact number of civilian casualties, most sources claimed that the majority of the victims were women and children. Syria TV specified that among the dead were two women and two children. Al Souria and al Jisr TV, citing ISIS, gave a casualty tally of 100, but said this was both dead and injured.

Sputnik News, citing SANA, placed the toll lower, at 70 civilians killed and injured.

According to SANA News itself, which is affiliated to the Syrian government, the airstrike struck an IDP camp on the outskirts of Al-Baghouz.

SANA added that the incident occurred on February 12th and while LCCSY reported the same, it published its own report on February 11th, thus confirming the event date to be a day earlier.

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed. The Coalition told Airwars that, specifically, the media claims of a strike against an IDP camp were being assessed.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Civilians reported killed
50–100
2–100 Children, 2–100 Women, 1–100 Men
Civilians reported injured
1–2

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Baghouz (الباغوز), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.4641667, 40.9452778. 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
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
SOUTHWEST ASIA - Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve launched a precision strike in support of Syrian Democratic Forces against an ISIS command and control facility, formerly used as a mosque in Baghouz Fawqani, Syria, on Feb. 11, 2019. ISIS used the former mosque to direct attacks and employ vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices against CJTF-OIR and partner forces. Otherwise protected under the Geneva Convention, ISIS caused the mosque to lose its protected status afforded by the Law of Armed Conflict. “This mosque lost its protected status when ISIS deliberately chose to use it as a command and control center,” said U.K. Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, CJTF-OIR deputy commander-strategy and information. “This strike on ISIS will further hasten their defeat in the MERV.” Coalition Forces, comprising 74 partner nations and five international organizations, are deployed in support of CJTF-OIR, working by, with and through partner forces to bring about the enduring defeat of ISIS.
French Military Strike Report
From Feb 6th-12th, French MoD report 7 firing missions by Task Force Wagram on the Hajin area of Syria, from Iraqi territory. Additionally, French Rafales carried out 21 sorties and 6 airstrikes.
UK Military Strike Report
Monday 11 February – Typhoons supported the Syrian Democratic Forces east of Abu Kamal in Syria, striking two Daesh strong-points, including a heavy machine-gun position...As the Syrian Democratic Forces have continued their operations to clear the last small remaining pocket of Daesh-held territory that has been identified in eastern Syria, Royal Air Force aircraft have maintained daily armed reconnaissance support, delivering air attacks if needed by the SDF on the ground. On Monday 11 February, the SDF encountered two Daesh strong-points on the eastern bank of the Euphrates, across the river from Abu Kamal. These strong-points were directing fire, including from a heavy machine-gun, at close range against the SDF, so assistance was requested from two RAFTyphoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker. The Typhoons conducted an accurate simultaneous attack on both strong-points, hitting each with a Paveway IV guided bomb, and successfully eliminated the threat to the SDF.

Media from Sources (1)