Military Reports

Military Reports

Netherlands MoD for October 6, 2014 – October 7, 2014
Original
Annotated

Report Date

October 7, 2014

Notes

The Netherlands became the 5th international coalition member to carry out airstrikes in Iraq, reporting that its F-16s had dropped 3 bombs on ISIL forces fighting Peshmerga troops.

October 7th 2014 – 2 Nederlandse F-16’s hebben vanmorgen voor het eerst wapens gebruikt in Irak tegen de terroristische organisatie ISIS. De jachtvliegers gooiden in totaal 3 bommen op bewapende ISIS-voertuigen die Peshmerga-strijders onder vuur namen in het noorden van het land. Bij de aanval zijn voertuigen vernietigd en mogelijk ook ISIS-strijders omgekomen.

De 8 jachtvliegtuigen, inclusief 2 reserve, die Nederland tegen ISIS inzet zijn sinds afgelopen vrijdag allemaal in hun operatiegebied. Zondag voerden F-16’s de eerste vluchten uit zonder wapens te gebruiken, dat gebeurde nu dus wel.

De F-16’s zijn niet alleen geschikt om ISIS-kampen en commandoposten te bombarderen, maar ook munitieopslagplaatsen, militair materieel zoals tanks en mortieropstellingen. Vanuit de lucht ondersteunen zij verder grondtroepen, in dit geval Iraakse troepen en Koerdische strijders, die tegen ISIS strijden.

Report Date

October 7, 2014

Notes

The Netherlands became the 5th international coalition member to carry out airstrikes in Iraq, reporting that its F-16s had dropped 3 bombs on ISIL forces fighting Peshmerga troops.

October 7th 2014 – 2 Nederlandse F-16’s hebben vanmorgen voor het eerst wapens gebruikt in Irak tegen de terroristische organisatie ISIS. De jachtvliegers gooiden in totaal 3 bommen op bewapende ISIS-voertuigen die Peshmerga-strijders onder vuur namen in het noorden van het land. Bij de aanval zijn voertuigen vernietigd en mogelijk ook ISIS-strijders omgekomen.

De 8 jachtvliegtuigen, inclusief 2 reserve, die Nederland tegen ISIS inzet zijn sinds afgelopen vrijdag allemaal in hun operatiegebied. Zondag voerden F-16’s de eerste vluchten uit zonder wapens te gebruiken, dat gebeurde nu dus wel.

De F-16’s zijn niet alleen geschikt om ISIS-kampen en commandoposten te bombarderen, maar ook munitieopslagplaatsen, militair materieel zoals tanks en mortieropstellingen. Vanuit de lucht ondersteunen zij verder grondtroepen, in dit geval Iraakse troepen en Koerdische strijders, die tegen ISIS strijden.

  • Archive image of a Netherlands F-16 released on October 7th 2014 - the first day of Dutch strikes in Iraq.
    Leeuwarden, 01 oktober 2014. De luchtmacht is vandaag vertrokken richting het nieuwe missiegebied. Deze nieuwe missie is gericht tegen het IS. FOTO:MCD/EVERT-JAN DANIELS

CENTCOM for October 5, 2014 – October 6, 2014
Original
Annotated

Report Date

October 6, 2014

October 6th – U.S. and partner nations’ military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Sunday and today using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct three airstrikes. Separately, U.S. military forces used remotely piloted and rotary wing aircraft to conduct three airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq.

In Syria, one strike destroyed an ISIL tank near Taqba Airfield west of Ar Raqqah.

One strike destroyed two ISIL fighting positions south of Kobani.

One strike southeast of Dayr az Zawr destroyed an ISIL tank.

To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed fighter and remotely piloted aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. All aircraft departed the strike areas safely.

In Iraq, two strikes northeast of Fallujah struck two small ISIL units and destroyed two ISIL mortar placements and an ISIL bunker.

An airstrike west of Ramadi [British – but see below] damaged an ISIL-held building. To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed remotely piloted and rotary wing aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. In addition, the Kingdom of Belgium and the United Kingdom participated in these airstrikes.

Report Date

October 6, 2014

Report Summary

  • 6 total strikes
  • 3 in Iraq (264 – 266)
  • 3 in Syria (104 – 106)

Confirmed Actions

US, Belgium, UK

October 6th – U.S. and partner nations’ military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Sunday and today using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct three airstrikes. Separately, U.S. military forces used remotely piloted and rotary wing aircraft to conduct three airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq.

In Syria, one strike destroyed an ISIL tank near Taqba Airfield west of Ar Raqqah.

One strike destroyed two ISIL fighting positions south of Kobani.

One strike southeast of Dayr az Zawr destroyed an ISIL tank.

To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed fighter and remotely piloted aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. All aircraft departed the strike areas safely.

In Iraq, two strikes northeast of Fallujah struck two small ISIL units and destroyed two ISIL mortar placements and an ISIL bunker.

An airstrike west of Ramadi [British – but see below] damaged an ISIL-held building. To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed remotely piloted and rotary wing aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. In addition, the Kingdom of Belgium and the United Kingdom participated in these airstrikes.

Belgian MoD for October 5, 2014 – October 6, 2014
Original
Annotated

Report Date

October 6, 2014

Notes

Belgium became the 4th member of the international coalition to carry out strikes in Iraq, reporting a precision strike with F-16s against ISIL combatants who were threatening Iraqi troops.

Op zondag 5 oktober hebben de chef Defensie, de commandant van de Luchtcomponent en een delegatie van het kabinet van de Minister van Defensie een bezoek gebracht aan onze landgenoten die sinds 27 september werken in Jordanië. Zes F-16’s en een samengesteld detachement van een 120-tal militairen zijn gestationeerd op de Jordaanse luchtmachtbasis van Azraq. Van daaruit nemen ze deel aan de internationale actie tegen de terreurgroep Islamitische Staat (IS of DAESH).

Zoals tijdens de operaties boven Libië in 2011, reageerde Defensie ook nu weer bliksemsnel op de beslissing van de politieke wereld. Alle bezoekers waren ter plaatse onder de indruk van de manier waarop het detachement in een minimum van tijd een goedwerkende organisatie had uitgebouwd. In enkele dagen tijd waren ze klaar voor de dienst. Al op 1 oktober konden ze de eerste opdrachten boven Iraaks grondgebied uitvoeren.

Twee dagen later [October 3rd 2014] volgden de eerste gewapende verkenningsvluchten. De F-16’s toonden zich klaar om in te grijpen op vraag van het commandocentrum in Qatar. Op zondag 5 oktober, nota bene tijdens het bezoek van de generaals Van Caelenberge en Van de Voorde, werden de Belgische F-16’s een eerste keer opgeroepen voor een aanval op vijandelijke strijders die Iraakse veiligheidstroepen viseerden. Ze voerden de aanval succesvol uit met een precisiewapen, nadat ze eerst elk risico op schade aan onschuldige burgers of installaties volledig hadden uitgesloten.

Report Date

October 6, 2014

Notes

Belgium became the 4th member of the international coalition to carry out strikes in Iraq, reporting a precision strike with F-16s against ISIL combatants who were threatening Iraqi troops.

Op zondag 5 oktober hebben de chef Defensie, de commandant van de Luchtcomponent en een delegatie van het kabinet van de Minister van Defensie een bezoek gebracht aan onze landgenoten die sinds 27 september werken in Jordanië. Zes F-16’s en een samengesteld detachement van een 120-tal militairen zijn gestationeerd op de Jordaanse luchtmachtbasis van Azraq. Van daaruit nemen ze deel aan de internationale actie tegen de terreurgroep Islamitische Staat (IS of DAESH).

Zoals tijdens de operaties boven Libië in 2011, reageerde Defensie ook nu weer bliksemsnel op de beslissing van de politieke wereld. Alle bezoekers waren ter plaatse onder de indruk van de manier waarop het detachement in een minimum van tijd een goedwerkende organisatie had uitgebouwd. In enkele dagen tijd waren ze klaar voor de dienst. Al op 1 oktober konden ze de eerste opdrachten boven Iraaks grondgebied uitvoeren.

Twee dagen later [October 3rd 2014] volgden de eerste gewapende verkenningsvluchten. De F-16’s toonden zich klaar om in te grijpen op vraag van het commandocentrum in Qatar. Op zondag 5 oktober, nota bene tijdens het bezoek van de generaals Van Caelenberge en Van de Voorde, werden de Belgische F-16’s een eerste keer opgeroepen voor een aanval op vijandelijke strijders die Iraakse veiligheidstroepen viseerden. Ze voerden de aanval succesvol uit met een precisiewapen, nadat ze eerst elk risico op schade aan onschuldige burgers of installaties volledig hadden uitgesloten.

UK MoD for October 5, 2014 – October 6, 2014
Original
Annotated

Report Date

October 6, 2014

Last night [October 5th 2014], 2 of our aircraft, flying in support of Iraqi security forces, successfully used Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to attack ISIL terrorists, fortified in a building near Ramadi, who were firing on Iraqi soldiers.

Report Date

October 6, 2014

Last night [October 5th 2014], 2 of our aircraft, flying in support of Iraqi security forces, successfully used Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to attack ISIL terrorists, fortified in a building near Ramadi, who were firing on Iraqi soldiers.

Incident Code

CI007

Incident date

October 5, 2014

Location

يت, Hit, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

33.6387394, 42.8278537 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

It was reported by several sources in Hit that Coalition or Iraqi jets struck a number of civilian houses, killing up to 22 persons. Eight children and 3 women were reportedly among the dead.

One of those quoted on the event was Nabil Souri, an Iraqi citizen working at Hit hospital, who learned that many in his family had been killed including his parents and six others: “I was in the hospital the moment the alliance bombing hit the townhouses in Hit. We were informed that there were dead and wounded, including critically wounded, who were on their way to the hospital to be treated.”

The official spokesman for local Sunni tribes, Sheikh Abdul Razzaq al-Shammari, told Rudaw that the coalition was responsible: “Twenty people were killed and 40 wounded, mostly women and children, and a large number of the wounded died on Monday, following the aerial bombardment of the international coalition aircraft on the city of Hit.”

However, al-Gharbiya News reported that while many civilians had indeed died in the bombing, this had been the result of an erroneous Iraq Air Force strike. Al Jazeera also interviewed a city official by phone, who said that “The town yesterday endured bombings carried out by coalition planes and Iraqi military planes. They targeted Al Jabad, Al Qadissia, Al Ummal and al Mukhabarat streets. More than 24 civilians were killed, most of them women and children.”

The UN cited the attack in its quarterly report, noting that: “On 6 October, an air strike allegedly hit civilian buildings in Heet [sic], killing at least 18 civilians (including three women and eight children), with an undetermined number of wounded. Other sources, however, reported that the target of the air strike was ISIL, and that the three civilian houses had been hit with resulting civilian casualties in subsequent shelling of the area.” The UN attributed the attack generally to Iraq and its allies – including possibly the coalition.

Graphic images allegedly showing children killed in the Hit incident emerged on October 6th. These were later used for anti-Assad propaganda purposes in Syria, for example for October 26th 2014.

Responding to allegations of civilian casualties at Hit, CENTCOM internally reviewed all records of strikes on the town between October 1st and October 5th 2014. According to a report declassified in August 2015, “No strikes IVO [in vicnity of] Hit struck any civilian structures.” Based on information presently available, it appears likely the strike was the work of Iraqi aircraft.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18 – 24
  • (8 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    43
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Al Jazeera Arabic shows footage of destruction in HIt (0’20”), speaks to a local dignitary and blames both Iraqi and coalition planes.
  • Photo published in Al Gharbiya with no caption
  • Residents looking for victims amongst the rubble (via Al Jazeera)

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
    a:1:{i:0;s:21:"insufficient_evidence";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    IVO Hit, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2015

  • CCA JOC reviewed all strike reports IVO Hit between 1 Oct 14 to 6 Oct 14. No strikes ICO Hit struck any civilian structures. All strikes IVO Hit during the potential DTG were conducted against either PID ISIL fighters or equipment, to iNlude vehicles. All strikes IVO Hit during the potential DTG were observed by CC JOC personnel on ISR feeds.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18 – 24
  • (8 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    43
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

CENTCOM for October 4, 2014 – October 5, 2014
Original
Annotated

Report Date

October 5, 2014

October 5th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Saturday and today using fighter aircraft to conduct three airstrikes. Separately, in Iraq U.S. military forces used attack, bomber, fighter and helicopter aircraft to conduct six airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq.

In Syria, one strike northwest of Al Mayadin destroyed an ISIL bulldozer, two ISIL tanks and destroyed another ISIL vehicle.

Two strikes northwest of Ar Raqqah struck a large ISIL unit and destroyed six ISIL firing positions.

To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed fighter aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. All aircraft departed the strike areas safely.

In Iraq, four strikes northeast of Fallujah struck two mortar teams, a large ISIL unit and two small ISIL units.

One strike southeast of Hit destroyed two ISIL Humvees.

One strike northeast of Sinjar destroyed an ISIL Humvee.

To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed attack, bomber, fighter and helicopter aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. All aircraft departed the strike areas safely.

Report Date

October 5, 2014

Report Summary

  • 9 total strikes
  • 6 in Iraq (258 – 263)
  • 3 in Syria (101 – 103)

Confirmed Actions

US

October 5th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Saturday and today using fighter aircraft to conduct three airstrikes. Separately, in Iraq U.S. military forces used attack, bomber, fighter and helicopter aircraft to conduct six airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq.

In Syria, one strike northwest of Al Mayadin destroyed an ISIL bulldozer, two ISIL tanks and destroyed another ISIL vehicle.

Two strikes northwest of Ar Raqqah struck a large ISIL unit and destroyed six ISIL firing positions.

To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed fighter aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. All aircraft departed the strike areas safely.

In Iraq, four strikes northeast of Fallujah struck two mortar teams, a large ISIL unit and two small ISIL units.

One strike southeast of Hit destroyed two ISIL Humvees.

One strike northeast of Sinjar destroyed an ISIL Humvee.

To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed attack, bomber, fighter and helicopter aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. All aircraft departed the strike areas safely.

Netherlands MoD for October 4, 2014 – October 5, 2014
Original
Annotated

Report Date

October 5, 2014

Notes

Reports that its aircraft have begun missions over Iraq

Nederlandse F-16’s hebben zondag voor het eerst gevlogen boven het conflictgebied in Irak. De jachtvliegtuigen voerden 2 vluchten uit, steeds met 2 toestellen. Er zijn afgelopen week nog geen wapens ingezet. Een overzicht van Defensie-operaties in de week van 29 september tot en met 5 oktober 2014.

Nederland zet 8 F-16’s in bij de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Daarvan zijn 2 toestellen reserve. Het complete F-16-detachement telt ongeveer 250 mannen en vrouwen. Daarnaast zendt Nederland tot 130 militairen uit om de Koerdische en Iraakse strijdkrachten te adviseren en te trainen.

Report Date

October 5, 2014

Notes

Reports that its aircraft have begun missions over Iraq

Nederlandse F-16’s hebben zondag voor het eerst gevlogen boven het conflictgebied in Irak. De jachtvliegtuigen voerden 2 vluchten uit, steeds met 2 toestellen. Er zijn afgelopen week nog geen wapens ingezet. Een overzicht van Defensie-operaties in de week van 29 september tot en met 5 oktober 2014.

Nederland zet 8 F-16’s in bij de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Daarvan zijn 2 toestellen reserve. Het complete F-16-detachement telt ongeveer 250 mannen en vrouwen. Daarnaast zendt Nederland tot 130 militairen uit om de Koerdische en Iraakse strijdkrachten te adviseren en te trainen.

  • Dutch MoD graphic outlines anti-ISIS forces being sent to Middle East

CENTCOM for October 3, 2014 – October 4, 2014
Original
Annotated

Report Date

October 4, 2014

Oct. 4, 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Friday and today using a mix of fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct nine airstrikes. Separately, in Iraq U.S. military forces used attack, fighter and bomber aircraft today to conduct five airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq.

In Syria, two strikes, south of Ayn al Arab destroyed an ISIL armored personnel carrier, an ISIL vehicle and struck a small ISIL unit.

Two strikes east of Ayn al Arab destroyed an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL building, three artillery positions and struck a large ISIL unit.

Two strikes southeast of Dayr Az Zawr destroyed one ISIL tank and one ISIL vehicle.

One strike southwest of Ar Raqqah damaged Taqba Airfield.

One strike west of Ar Raqqah destroyed an ISIL artillery piece.

One strike south of Al Hasakah destroyed an ISIL depot and logistics complex.

To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed fighter and remotely piloted aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. In addition, the Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also participated in these strikes. All aircraft departed the strike areas safely.

In Iraq, two strikes northeast of Fallujah destroyed one ISIL vehicle and struck a small ISIL unit.

One strike south of Rabiyah struck a large ISIL unit.

One strike north of Hit destroyed two ISIL humvees.

One strike north of Ramadi destroyed an ISIL armored personnel carrier.

To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed attack, bomber and fighter aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations.

Report Date

October 4, 2014

Report Summary

  • 14 total strikes
  • 5 in Iraq (253 – 257)
  • 9 in Syria (92 – 100)

Confirmed Actions

US, Jordan, Saudi_arabia, UAE

Oct. 4, 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Friday and today using a mix of fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct nine airstrikes. Separately, in Iraq U.S. military forces used attack, fighter and bomber aircraft today to conduct five airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq.

In Syria, two strikes, south of Ayn al Arab destroyed an ISIL armored personnel carrier, an ISIL vehicle and struck a small ISIL unit.

Two strikes east of Ayn al Arab destroyed an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL building, three artillery positions and struck a large ISIL unit.

Two strikes southeast of Dayr Az Zawr destroyed one ISIL tank and one ISIL vehicle.

One strike southwest of Ar Raqqah damaged Taqba Airfield.

One strike west of Ar Raqqah destroyed an ISIL artillery piece.

One strike south of Al Hasakah destroyed an ISIL depot and logistics complex.

To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed fighter and remotely piloted aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. In addition, the Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also participated in these strikes. All aircraft departed the strike areas safely.

In Iraq, two strikes northeast of Fallujah destroyed one ISIL vehicle and struck a small ISIL unit.

One strike south of Rabiyah struck a large ISIL unit.

One strike north of Hit destroyed two ISIL humvees.

One strike north of Ramadi destroyed an ISIL armored personnel carrier.

To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed attack, bomber and fighter aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations.