Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CS1871a

Incident date

December 12, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.68551, 40.83505 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of a civilian in an event near Hajin, Syria. The Pentagon later declared this to have been a US-caused incident.

Their September 2019 civilian casualty report noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

In its annual civilian harm report to Congress in May 2020, the Pentagon flagged this as a US action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Table from DoD's annual civilian harm report to Congress, May 2020, listing additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria conceded for 2018.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Previously unknown
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    in Hajin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU681397
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 26, 2019
  • December 12, 2018, in Hajin, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

On Dec. 12 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 26 strikes consisting of 52 engagements against ISIS targets.

Near Hajin, 25 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 18 fighting positions, four staging areas, five supply routes, three petroleum oil and lubricant facilities, two financial nodes, one improvised explosive device facility and damaged three fighting positions.
Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed one fighting position.
On Dec. 12 in Iraq, Coalition military forces did not conduct any strikes.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Incident Code

CS1829

Incident date

November 10, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.68972, 40.82999 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between four and 26 civilians died in alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on the town of Hajin on November 10th, 2018, according to local sources. An unknown number of others was injured.

Sources claimed that many of the victims were women and children. Sana News put the death toll at four, reporting that “the US-led coalition carried out airstrikes on residential buildings in Hajin city 110 km east of Deir Ezzor city, claiming the lives of two children and two women, and wounding others.”

Syrian Unified Observatory reported 10 killed civilians, also stating most of them were women and children. According to Sound and Picture, 26 civilians died in the airstrikes while attempting to flee the ISIS-held area. Local SDF forces had attempted and failed to negotiate with ISIS an evacuation corridor from the town around this time. 

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition deemed this incident credible and assessed that “Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on ISIS terrorists in a building. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the strike”, which differs from the toll of civilian casualties given by other sources.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 26
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to 34.6897222, 40.83 to the nearest village.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 10th, the Coalition publicly reported: "On Nov. 10 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 23 strikes consisting of 36 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 23 strikes destroyed two command and control centers, one IED facility, one logistic facility, five buildings, four tunnels, two staging areas, six supply routes, one fighting position and one UAS launch site."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From Nov 7th – 13th, France reports that the three CAESAR guns carried out 49 ‘fire’ missions from the Iraqi territory – 35 illumination, 14 destruction. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 1 strike in support of forces on the ground in Syria.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un renforcement à la frontière irako-syrienne. Si Daech a perdu ses capacités militaires, l’organisation terroriste conserve une capacité de nuisance, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué de manière significative. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 49 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 14 destruction – bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2101 missions de tirs. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La TF Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, du 5 au 11 novembre, un groupe d’instructeurs s’est rendu au poste de commandement de la 24ème brigade pour former pour former 20 stagiaires irakiens aux techniques du combat urbain. La TF Narvik forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Elle dispense actuellement des instructions au combat débarqué et au recueil de renseignement. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus) et conduit 1 frappe, en appui des FDS en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8636 sorties / 1479 frappes / 2278 objectifs neutralises.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For November 7th-13th, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during 8 missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in 3 missions near Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 7 t/m 13 November laat MinDef weten Nederlandse F-16’s te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Tijdens 8 missies werden 3 wapens ingezet boven Deir al Zour, Syrie. IS Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 26
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1827

Incident date

November 9, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.67595, 40.87086 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that between 11 and 26 civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hajin, in what some sources described as “a massacre”. 

In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for just one death in this event, with their monthly civilian casualty report noting: “Near Hajin, Syria, via media report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh facility. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.” Officials confirmed to Airwars that this matched our event CS1827.

Airstrikes were carried out in Hajin and Al Shaafa on the same day according to locals, and most sources reported on a combined number of civilian casualties as a result of airstrikes in both places. Zaman al Wasl News reported the death of 11 civilians, but did not specify the number of  casualties in each location.

Smart News and Al Haal added that air and artillery strikes were allegedly carried out by both the Coalition and the regime. The Coalition itself later complained of multiple strikes by an unnamed party (presumably the regime) into the Hajin Pocket. According to Al Haal’s named source, 18 civilians died in addition to six members of ISIS and dozens of wounded. 

This particular airstrike in Hajin allegedly targeted “Mohammed al-Latta’s shops, on al Ishreen Street”, a site which reportedly housed ISIS families and weapons. 

Reuters reported that the Syrian government protested to the United Nations about an air strike by the US-led coalition against Islamic State which it said killed 26 civilians in Hajin – to which the Coalition’s spokesman replied that the alliance had “successfully struck and destroyed an ISIS (Islamic State) observation post and staging area in Hajin, void of civilians at the time”. 

Sana News described the event as a “massacre” that claimed the lives of two children and two women, who were reported to be of the same family by the Syrian Network for Human Rights.Euphrates Post named five victims, all from the same family.

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

In May 2020, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon declared this as a US event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Mariam Al Abd Al Mukhlef Al Mulla
Adult female killed
Hiba Al Abd Mukhlef Al Mulla
Adult killed
Obeida Mahmoud Al Sharif Al Mulla
Child killed
Esraa Sharif al-Mukhalif Al Mulla
Age unknown killed
Son of Shahwan Abd Al Mukhlef Al Mulla
Child male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 26
  • (2–3 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • 'The martyrdom of Mrs. Israa Sharif Al-Mukhlif Al-Mulla, who was injured by the bombing of the international coalition of Hajin city a few days ago, raising the number of five martyrs from one family. The martyrs were originally from the city of Al Boulil in the countryside of Deir Ezzor.'
  • Pictures of destroyed houses, targeted in an alleged Coalition airstrike (via Euphrates Post, posted on November 12th 2017).
  • Pictures of destroyed houses, targeted in an alleged Coalition airstrike (via Euphrates Post, posted on November 12th 2017).
  • Table from DoD's annual civilian harm report to Congress, May 2020, listing additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria conceded for 2018.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 34.6897222, 40.83

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Killed by strike blast
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Hajin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU714387
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 27, 2019
  • Nov. 9, 2018, near Hajin, Syria, via media report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh facility. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 9th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 9 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 19 strikes consisting of 46 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 19 strikes engaged 15 tactical units, and destroyed six buildings, three tunnels, two command and control centers, one observation point, one vehicle borne IED, three supply routes and two weapons caches.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From Nov 7th – 13th, France reports that the three CAESAR guns carried out 49 ‘fire’ missions from the Iraqi territory – 35 illumination, 14 destruction. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 1 strike in support of forces on the ground in Syria.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un renforcement à la frontière irako-syrienne. Si Daech a perdu ses capacités militaires, l’organisation terroriste conserve une capacité de nuisance, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué de manière significative. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 49 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 14 destruction – bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2101 missions de tirs. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La TF Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, du 5 au 11 novembre, un groupe d’instructeurs s’est rendu au poste de commandement de la 24ème brigade pour former pour former 20 stagiaires irakiens aux techniques du combat urbain. La TF Narvik forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Elle dispense actuellement des instructions au combat débarqué et au recueil de renseignement. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus) et conduit 1 frappe, en appui des FDS en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8636 sorties / 1479 frappes / 2278 objectifs neutralises.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For November 7th-13th, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during 8 missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in 3 missions near Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 7 t/m 13 November laat MinDef weten Nederlandse F-16’s te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Tijdens 8 missies werden 3 wapens ingezet boven Deir al Zour, Syrie. IS Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 26
  • (2–3 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1821a

Incident date

October 31, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.67595, 40.87086 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injuries of four civilians in an airstrike near Hajin. There are indications that this was either a French or Dutch action.

In its April 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted one strike on a Daesh improvised explosive device factory. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the impact point.” The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The Pentagon’s annual civilian harm report to Congress issued in May 2019 initially flagged this as a US action. However, in the following year’s report the DoD noted: “the incident on October 31, 2018, in Hajin, Syria, that was assessed to have
resulted in injuries to four civilians was not attributable to U.S. military operations.”

Alongside the US, only Dutch and French aircraft within the Coalition potentially conducted strikes near Hajin on this date, according to official records.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Previously unknown
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near Hajin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU714387
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2019
  • Oct. 31, 2018, near Hajin, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted one strike on a Daesh improvised explosive device factory. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the impact point.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 30th-31st: “Near Hajin, six strikes engaged six tactical units, and destroyed nine vehicles, seven supply routes, and one vehicle borne IED.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Incident Code

CS1801a

Incident date

September 30, 2018

Location

Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.54567, 40.9562 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian in an event near Al Sousah.

In its February 2019 report, the Coalition noted the following: ” Coalition aircraft engaged multiple ISIS vehicles, including a machine-gun equipped pick-up truck engaging friendly forces with machine gun fire. The ISIS vehicles were destroyed in the attack but regrettably a civilian was also unintentionally killed when his vehicle entered the target area after the weapons were released.”

Airwars is aware of another event near al Sousah on this day that allegedly killed one civilian (CS1801) that has not yet been assessed by the Coalition. However, that allegation details artillery and the Coalition have confirmed to us that this incident was an airstrike with a precision munition.

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Al Sousah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU795244
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019
  • September 30, 2018, near Al Sousah, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft engaged multiple ISIS vehicles, including a machine-gun equipped pick-up truck engaging friendly forces with machine gun fire. The ISIS vehicles were destroyed in the attack but regrettably a civilian was also unintentionally killed when his vehicle entered the target area after the weapons were released.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

On Sept. 30 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 10 strikes consisting of 17 engagements against ISIS
targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, 10 strikes engaged 14 tactical units, and destroyed two command and control centers,
one truck, one up-armored vehicle, four fighting positions and two supply routes.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Incident Code

CS1792a

Incident date

August 25, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57114, 40.94263 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of three civilians and the injuring of a fourth in an event near Hajin.

In its November 2018 monthly report, the alliance noted the following: “On Aug. 25, 2018, near Hajin Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft struck a known ISIS safe house. Unfortunately, one civilian was unintentionally injured, and three were unintentionally killed during the attack. The safe house was destroyed.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

Local sources reported on air- and artillery strikes on Hajin which could be related to the same incident. According to @NorsForStudies, the Coalition used phosphorus shells in an attack on Hajin town, while @soundandpic blamed SDF for intensive artillery bombardments and described the burning of dozens of houses resulting “light bombs in the sky”. Jisr TV blamed the Kurdish as well. 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Hajin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU782272
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018
  • On Aug. 25, 2018, near Hajin Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft struck a known ISIS safe house. Unfortunately, one civilian was unintentionally injured, and three were unintentionally killed during the attack. The safe house was destroyed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition publicly reported the following at the time: "On August 25 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes consisting of three engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, three strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, and destroyed one Daesh supply route, one Daesh-held building and one Daesh vehicle."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘In the fight against terrorist organization ISIS, Dutch F-16s supported ground troops between August 22nd-29th during 10 missions over the Syrian province of Deir Ezzor.‘

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 29-08-2018 | 12:00 In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 10 missies boven de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 22 tot 29 augustus 2018.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For August 22nd – 28th, France reports that Task Force Wagram carried out six shooting missions in the Euphrates Valley. Since the beginning of its engagement, the it carried out 1870 shooting missions. Over the past week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal carried out 26 air sorties in support of the local forces engaged on the ground – but there were no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS), après avoir repris cet été la poche de Dashisha, sont actuellement dans une phase de réorganisation avant de lancer leur offensive dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, tout en accompagnant, dans les régions libérées récemment, le retour d’une forme d’administration. L’objectif, pour les FDS, est de permettre le retour à la vie normale et d’éviter le retour de Daech dans ces zones. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, si Daech a mené quelques attaques isolées cette semaine, la situation sécuritaire demeure relativement stable du fait de l’action des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) qui allie opérations de sécurisation et actions de rétablissement des infrastructures essentielles au retour à la vie normale de la population. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Alors que la frégate de défense aérienne « Chevalier Paul » patrouille en Méditerranée orientale, la TF Wagram et les aéronefs déployés sur les bases de Jordanie et des Emirats arabes unis (EAU) ont poursuivi leurs missions d’appui à la coalition. Un Atlantique 2 basé en Jordanie renforce le dispositif. Le C135 ravitailleur basé aux EAU a quitté le théâtre le 29 août. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Six missions de tir ont eu lieu cette semaine (bilan du 22 au 28 août inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1870 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux Emirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech au sein de la coalition. Une patrouille de Rafale a frappé, le 6 août dernier, deux entrées de grottes dans la région d’Al Qaim en Irak où tentaient de se dissimuler des combattants de Daech. Parmi ces derniers il s’est avéré que se trouvaient deux cadres importants de l’organisation : le chef des opérations pour la région de l’Anbar ainsi que le responsable financier pour la même région qui ont été tous deux neutralisés. Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 26 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 22 au 28 août inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8410 sorties / 1456 frappes / 2247 objectifs neutralisés.'

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1786a

Incident date

August 1, 2018

Location

near Ash Shajlah, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.47451, 40.95236 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later conceded the deaths of two civilians in an event near Ash Shajlah, Syria. The Pentagon later said this was a US action.

In its May 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted “Coalition aircraft conducted a strike against a Daesh staging area. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strike.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

In its annual civilian harm report to Congress in May 2020, the Pentagon declared this as a US incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Table from DoD's annual civilian harm report to Congress, May 2020, listing additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria conceded for 2018.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Previously unknown
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Ash Shajlah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU793165
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2019
  • Aug. 1, 2018, near Ash Shajlah, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted a strike against a Daesh staging area. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

On August 1 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted two strikes consisting of three
engagements against Daesh targets.
- Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed one Daesh staging area and one Daesh
vehicle-borne IED factory.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Incident Code

CS1780

Incident date

July 16, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.52491, 40.95789 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to thirteen civilians were allegedly killed when Coalition aircraft struck two or more houses in al Soussa, local sources reported.

In September 2019, the Coalition’s monthly civilian casualty report noted: “In Deir ez-Zor, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh explosive factory. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of the strike.”

Coalition officials subsequently indicated to Airwars that their own report was possibly a match to this incident. And in May 2020, the Pentagon declared this to be a US-perpetrated civilian harm event.

According to Boukamalna, the house of Haj Ali Al Mohsen Al Faress was targeted on July 16th. This was reiterated by most sources, stating that this led to “his death along with his wife.” Euphrates Post later identified his wife as Mrs. Nabieh and also noted that their daughter or grand-daughter Mona was also killed, in addition to five victims of Iraqi nationality in a neighbouring house.

Later reports noted that the house of Hamid al-Ali, located next to the Mohsen family house, was struck while it was inhabited by an Iraqi refugee family. Baladi News Agency reported that this resulted in “the death of all members of his family of five people, including women and children”.

Al Soussa Youth stated that the strike took place “ten minutes ago”, which corresponds to around 7:20am and Euphrates identified the location of the airstrikes to the Filasteen neighbourhood.

Most sources, including an initial report by Smart News Agency, noted the death of eight civilians, “including at least one woman and several others wounded.” Step News Agency however later reported the highest tally of thirteen civilians killed. According to the news outlet, four airstrikes targeted “the homes of civilians in the town of “Sousse” at seven o’clock this morning”, causing the destruction of three houses.

The report added that the number of victims was likely to rise as people were still trapped under the rubble, “due to the lack of medical staff or civil defense teams in the town, amid a severe shortage of medical and ambulatory materials.”

Al Soussa Youth later reported that Ali Al Muhsin Al-Faris, his wife and the daughter of Muhammad Ali Al-Mohsen had been buried and that “the son of Saleh Al Mohammed Al-Salim and the mother of Walid are in hospital and in a stable condition”.

The incident occured at approximately 7:20 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

Haj Ali Al Mohsen Al Faress
Adult male pictured killed
Mrs Nabieh
Adult female Wife of Haj Ali Al Mohsen Al Faress killed
Mona
Age unknown Daughter or grand-daughter of Haj Ali Al Mohsen Al Faress and Mrs Nabieh killed
Son of Muhammad Al-Ali Al-Muhsin
Age unknown male Said to have been severely injured injured
Son of Saleh Al Mohammed Al-Salim
Age unknown male injured
Mother of Walid
Adult female Association with family unclear injured

Family members (5)

Unnamed victim 1
Adult male Iraqi refugee family killed
Unnamed victim 2
Adult female killed
Unnamed victim 3
Child killed
Unnamed victim 4
Child killed
Unnamed victim 5
Child killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 13
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Ali Muhsen al Fares, killed in reported Coalition airstrikes on al Soussa (via Syrian Network for Human Rights)
  • A reported photograph of the aftermath of a lethal Coalition raid on al Soussa, July 16th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Soussa, for which the coordinates are: 34.528889, 40.9675. The alleged Coalition airstrike targeted the “house of Hamid al-Ali, located next to Mohsen family house,” Airwars was unable to verify the exact location of these civilian houses Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 34.528889, 40.9675

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    in Deir ez-Zor, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU797221
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 26, 2019
  • July 16, 2018, in Deir ez-Zor, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh explosive factory. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition publicly reported at the time that: “On July 16 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of four engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, and destroyed one Daesh vehicle, two Daesh supply routes and one Daesh-held building."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From July 11th to 17th, France report that Task Force Wagram carried out six artillery ‘shooting missions’ in the Euphrates Valley. In total since the start of the offensive on May 1st, it’s conducted 195 shooting missions. Aircraft conducted 24 sorties but there were no strikes.

‘IRAK – SYRIE – CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les deux dernières emprises territoriales de Daech a marqué un temps d’arrêt durant quelques jours, afin de stabiliser les zones récemment libérées. L’objectif des forces démocratiques syriennes reste d’éviter que des éléments de Daech ne se laissent dépasser et tentent de conduire des actions sur leurs arrières. L’offensive a depuis repris. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak Pour contrer l’organisation terroriste, plusieurs opérations sont menées par les forces de sécurité irakienne en Ninive et dans le désert de l’Anbar. Elles ont permis cette semaine la destruction de plusieurs tunnels, la mise hors de combat de dizaines de terroristes et la neutralisation de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes Élaboré à la demande de l’état-major de la 6e division irakienne, un stage « combat en zone urbaine » a été conduit par la Task Force Monsabert du 9 au 12 juillet. Le format retenu pour cette instruction résulte de l’analyse des retours d’expériences français et irakiens sur l’importance de la maîtrise des actes élémentaires du combat en zone urbaine. Cette formation couvre les techniques de progression, de sécurisation de bâtiment, ainsi que l’ensemble des savoir-faire caractéristiques du combat en zone urbaine. Ce stage, qui s’inscrit dans une dynamique de long terme, devrait contribuer chaque mois à la formation de quinze soldats des bataillons commando de la 24e brigade. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 195 missions de tirs, dont 6 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 11 au 17 juillet inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1854 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des operations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 24 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 11 au 17 juillet inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8238 sorties / 1453 frappes / 2244 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 13
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (29) [ collapse]