Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CS1812

Incident date

October 18, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa: Ammar bin Yasser moque, al Boubadran village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.544353, 40.958265 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 10 and as many as 60 civilians were reported killed  by the US-led Coalition after a strike or strikes hit the Ammar bin Yasser mosque in Al Boubadran village near al Soussa. The event may have been confused in some media and social media reports to one or two additional nearby civilian harm events over a 30 hour period. In October 2020, the Coalition itself classed the incident as a duplicate report.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported at the time that the strike occurred “at around 12:00, during the Friday Prayer”.

According to most other reports the strike took place around noon – although Eldorar and Baladi News claimed that worshippers leaving an evening prayer service were struck. Other reports confused this strike and associated imagery with an event on October 19th at another mosque in al Soussa (see below.)

An ISIS propaganda video showed multiple male corpses among the rubble of the entirely destroyed mosque, along with at least one dead child. An eyewitness in the film stated: “They knew that this place is a place to spread religion, the guys were here to learn but they wanted them to oppose their religion, the Coalition cannot face our brothers in the front lines, so they destroy mosques, this mosque I saw it I was an eye witness.”

Deir Ezzor Radio said that “at least 30 civilians died including two children” in the mosque strike. Zaman al Wasl instead said the toll was 15 including women and children, noting that “the civilians are 6 Syrians and 9 members of displaced Iraqi families.”

Bukamal Live named a victim as Diaa Latouf Al Dibs from Abu Kamal. Euphrates Post named the same victim as Mohammed Dia’a Abdul Latif al-Dabbas – while a footnote to that story asserted that 38 civilians in total had died in the attack. Euphrates Post itself placed the toll at 10 however – while noting two other major civilian harm events in the near vicinity. Sana News (the official Syrian state media outlet) also placed the civilian toll at 10.

A Reuters report indicated that the Coalition had deliberately struck the mosque believing it to be an ISIS command and control centre. ‘The U.S.-led coalition said it destroyed a mosque which Islamic State fighters had turned into a headquarters in al-Sousa to defend their last territory. The strike on Thursday killed 12 militants, disabling a command center they had used to attack coalition forces and their allies, it said. “Such Daesh misuse of the mosque is another example of their violation of the law of war and made the mosque a valid military target,” spokesman Colonel Sean Ryan said, using the Arabic acronym for Islamic State. The coalition monitored the facility to know when only fighters were present, and it investigates “all credible allegations of civilian casualties”, he said in an emailed statement in response to questions from Reuters.”

The Syrian Observatory initially placed the toll for this and the previous event at al Soussa on October 18th at 24 civilian fatalities, noting that “the number of martyrs is still increasing due to some wounded being in a serious condition, and the presence of missing persons.” On October 22nd the Observatory lowered its estimate to 18 killed on both events, along with 11 ISIS fighters: “18 Iraqi citizens of the families of Daesh including 7 children and 4 women, were killed in the bombardment which targeted a mosque and a house in Al-Susah town, on 18th October 2018.”

Madar News, citing a local activist, said 43 people died in the two October 18th events. Marsad al Hassakah placed the toll for the two events lower, reporting that “Eighteen Iraqi civilians, including seven children and four citizens, were martyred in the air bombardment of a mosque and an adjacent house.”

According to reports, multiple Coalition airstrikes targeted the ISIS-occupied town of al Soussa between Thursday October 17th and Friday October 18th causing mass casualties. As well as the Ammar bin Yasser mosque which was struck at noon on the Thursday along with the home of Mohammed al-Obeid al-Hattab earlier that same morning (event S ), the Othman mosque was also reported hit the following day at Friday prayers (event S ). Deir Ezzor Radio said that overall, 60 to 70 civilians including 10 children died in the three Coalition strikes on the town. Sana News placed the overall death count at 62.

The Syrian Observatory placed the toll for the three events at 47 civilians and 9 ISIS fighters killed. Al Jazeera said approximately 65 civilians were killed with dozens injured in the three events.

In its civilian casualty report for October 2020, the US-led Coalition said that this review was a ‘duplicate’ of a previous assessment of the same incident: “1. Oct. 18, 2018, in Al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. The Coalition actions identified in this allegation is a duplicate of allegation 2620 (Not Credible, published January 31, 2019). 3206/CS1812 37SFU796242”

The incident occured around midday.

  • Mohammed Dia’a Abdul Latif al-Dabbas Age unknown male Bukamal Live named a victim as Diaa Latouf Al Dibs killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • (2–5 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    ISIS propaganda video posted on Facebook by Muhajareen Al Furat, Siraj Aldyin 2018 and Al Soussa village Facebook pages on the 20th of October 2018.
  • The destroyed mosque at al Bubadran in which up to 60 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on October 18th (image with al Free Deir Ezzor Radio – most likely grabs from an ISIS propaganda video)
  • The destroyed mosque at al Bubadran in which up to 60 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on October 18th (image with al Free Deir Ezzor Radio – most likely grabs from an ISIS propaganda video)
  • The destroyed mosque at al Bubadran in which up to 60 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on October 18th (image with al Free Deir Ezzor Radio – most likely grabs from an ISIS propaganda video)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Duplicate
    Assessed to be a duplicate of another report that has already been assessed.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Al Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU796242
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 29, 2020
  • 1. Oct. 18, 2018, in Al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. The Coalition actions identified in this allegation is a duplicate of allegation 2620 (Not Credible, published January 31, 2019). 3206/CS1812 37SFU796242

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition publicly reported the following at the time: "On Oct. 18 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 10 strikes consisting of 14 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Abu Kamal and Hajin, 10 strikes engaged 29 tactical units, and destroyed two command and control centers, one IED facility, one vehicle-borne IED facility, one mortar team headquarters, one building and two staging areas."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Oct 17th-24th, Dutch MoD reports that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during nine missions. Weapons were deployed in six of these missions – against ISIS fighters and vehicles near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor.

Midden-Oosten In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 6 zijn wapens ingezet tegen ISIS-strijders en voertuigen. Dat gebeurde in de provincie Deir al Zour, in de omgeving van Abu Kamal.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

France report that between Oct 17th-23rd, the three CAESAR guns of Task Force Wagram conducted 17 firing missions, from Iraqi territory. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties and conducted eight strikes north of Abu Kamal in Syria.

'OPÉRATION 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, se poursuit. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent sans évènement particulier relevé cette semaine. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué en volume. 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 Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont ainsi réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 17 missions de tir (éclairement, harcèlement, destruction – bilan du 17 au 23 octobre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1992 missions de tirs. 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 17 au 23 octobre inclus) et conduit 8 frappes, en appui des FDS au nord d’Abou Kamal en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8582 sorties / 1472 frappes / 2271 objectifs neutralises.'

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • (2–5 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1440

Incident date

September 5, 2017

Location

مسجد الامام النووي, Ar Raqqah: Near Imam Al Nawawi mosque, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.954672, 38.999162 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ten civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike in the Nahdah neighbourhood of Raqqa. Initially only reported on by one source, 3 of the victims were identified: Ahmad Al Tufi, also known as Lattoufi Lattoufi (adult, male), his wife and Layal Ramzi Ahmed Al Tufi (adult, female).

During investigations of this event for the April 2019 joint Airwars and Amnesty report War in Raqqa: Rethoric versus Reality (www.raqqa.amnesty.org), Amnesty field researchers named the other victims as well and could identify the location of the strike. The report notes: “An entire family of 10 – Six children aged between 13 years and 15 months, their parents, their bed-ridden grandmother and their 14-year-old cousin – were killed when their home was destroyed by a Coalition air strike at midday on 5 September 2017.”

Based on an interview with relative Mohammad Ahmad Al Tadfi, Amnesty’s field notes report: “The family was hiding in a six-storey building (5 floors and an attic) near the Imam Nawawi mosque and the Ibn Khaldoun school, opposite the villa of Dr. Ahmad Obeid. Mohammad’s [the interviewee] brother had a flat in the semi-basement where they died. The family had been unable to leave because Mohammad’s mother was a diabetic who could not be moved easily. However, the SDF forces were very close so Mohammad went out to try to find a way to them. He left the house at around 10am on the day in question. The strike occurred at around midday.

Mohammad added: “I visited my brother barely two hours before the tragedy. I had managed to find some insulin for my mother and I rushed over to bring it to her. I was planning to return later with my wife and children.”

The incident occured around midday.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (7 children2 women1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • Amina Al-Ali (via Amnesty International)
  • Lattuf Tadfi with children (clockwise) Lattuf, Alloosh, Shahed, Mohammed, Amina, Marwa (via Amnesty International)
  • Building in which members of the Tadfi family died (via Amnesty International)
  • Building in which members of the Tadfi family died (via Amnesty International)
  • Building in which members of the Tadfi family died (via Amnesty International)
  • Building in which members of the Tadfi family died (via Amnesty International)
  • Building in which members of the Tadfi family died (via Amnesty International)
  • Building in which members of the Tadfi family died (via Amnesty International)
  • Building in which members of the Tadfi family died (via Amnesty International)
  • Building in which members of the Tadfi family died (via Amnesty International)
  • Building in which members of the Tadfi family died (via Amnesty International)
  • Via Amnesty International

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Before the strike on August 31, 2017

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

  • After the strike on September 8, 2017

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Duplicate
    Assessed to be a duplicate of another report that has already been assessed.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 2nd – 3rd the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 19 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions, four logistics nodes, three IEDs, two staging areas, a mortar system, a vehicle, and a command and control node.” It also reported that “On Sept. 2, near Raqqah, five strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and suppressed two fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 2, near Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed a fighting position.” And in addition that “On Sept. 2, near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions.”
For September 3rd-4th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 21 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed 13 fighting positions, two pieces of ISIS communications infrastructure, two vehicles, a VBIED, a command and control node, and a logistics node." It also reported that "On Sept. 1, near Raqqah, five strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units." And that "On Sept. 2, near Raqqah, five strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and suppressed two fighting positions."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (7 children2 women1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Incident Code

CS1418

Incident date

August 25, 2017

Location

The National Hospital, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.949994, 39.003815 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Sources initially reported three people were killed following alleged US-led Coalition air strikes on The National (Al Watani) Hospital in Raqqa. Subsequent reports identified nine victims.

Mohammad Jom’a al Taha (b. 1951), an agricultural engineer, and two of his sons, were killed in the offensive. According to sources the family was displaced people from Deir Ezzor Governorate. Syrianpc referred to the use of “artillery shelling” by the International Coalition, as did multiple other local media sources. The majority of sources hold the US-led Coalition responsible for the attack or cited the use of artillery. Airwars understands that only the Coalition have access to artillery in Raqqa.

The Al-Subeeh family were also listed as killed in the attack on Raqqa city, however, sources did not specify whether they were also near The National (Al Watani) Hospital. The victims of the family were named by sources.

See also CS1416

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (2 children1 woman2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Mohammed Juma al-Tah, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the national hospital in Raqqa, 25th August 2017. (via Oqba Matar Matar)
  • Son of Mohammed Juma al-Tah, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the national hospital in Raqqa, 25th August 2017. (via Oqba Matar Matar)
  • Son of Mohammed Juma al-Tah, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the national hospital in Raqqa, 25th August 2017. (via Oqba Matar Matar)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident refer to the National Hospital, for which the coordinates are: 35.949994, 39.003815. Syrian Network for Human Rights report mentioned “February 23 Street”, which is 500 m from the hospital compound.

  • The National Hospital and February 23 Street, three blocks (500 m) from the hospital.

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Duplicate
    Assessed to be a duplicate of another report that has already been assessed.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 25th-26th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, two logistics nodes, two command and control nodes, a VBIED, an ISIS UAS, a vehicle, and an ISIS headquarters; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It was additionally reported that “On Aug. 25, near Raqqah, Syria, 31 strikes engaged 18 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 11 fighting positions, two command and control nodes, five vehicles, and three heavy machine guns.” And that “On Aug. 25, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed a command and control node and two fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Friday 25 August – Typhoons and Tornados attacked three terrorist positions in Raqqa, and three in Tal Afar…A mixed Typhoon and Tornado pair delivered three further Paveway attacks in Tal Afar on Friday 25 August, hitting two mortar teams and a Daesh-held building. Over Raqqa, our aircraft continued to support the Syrian Democratic Forces, and used Paveway IVs against two sniper positions and another terrorist strongpoint. The focus for RAF missions remained on Raqqa over the weekend.’

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For Aug 23rd-29th, France report 8 strikes in Iraq and 11 strikes in Syria, plus 46 artillery missions in Tal Afar, Iraq.(@EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (2 children1 woman2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS642

Incident date

March 29, 2017

Location

الصفصاف, Al Safsaf, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.831167, 38.634195

Airwars assessment

According to Smart News Agency, which pointed towards the Coalition, a local source “pointed out that the aircraft launched two raids on the village of Safsaf, near the city of al Tabaqa (55 km west of the city), killing seven civilians, including two women and two children, and wounding 12 others”.

Other sources reported Coalition strikes but did not mention civilian casualties.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Duplicate
    Assessed to be a duplicate of another report that has already been assessed.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al-Safsaf, Syria
    Nearest population center

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For March 28th-29th, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, one strike destroyed an ISIS pump jack.” ” Near Tabqah, 12 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, four oil tanker trucks, two front-end loaders, a mortar system, and a vehicle; and damaged a supply route.”
For March 29th-30th, the Coalition reported: "Near Ar Raqqah, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; and destroyed five oil tanker trucks, three vehicles, two tractors, an oil trailer, and a tactical vehicle." Near Tabqah, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; and destroyed two fighting positions, a vehicle, and a tactical vehicle."



French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

"In the past week, France reports carrying out 10 strikes of which 2 planned. They have destroyed 13 targets. In Iraq, all six strikes were carried out in the Mosul area at the request of Iraqi troops engaged in the ground combat. In Syria, two strikes were carried out in the western region of Raqqa, in support of the offensive near the Tabqah dam. Two other strikes were carried out against planned targets, one of which was led by the Atlantic 2, in order to put the Daesh oil infrastructure out of use. Task force Wagram carried out 27 missions in Mosul."

"Chammal Appréciation de la situation Point de situation des opérations au 30 mars 2017 En Syrie, la semaine a été marquée par les opérations menées par les Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS) dans la région de Tabqah. Alors que l’aéroport a été repris, les combats se poursuivent pour reprendre le barrage de Tabqah. Le contrôle de ce verrou revêt un caractère stratégique dans la manœuvre d’isolement progressif des approches de Raqqah destinée à préparer l’offensive visant à reprendre la ville. Dans le reste du pays, la situation n’a pas connu d’évolution significative en dépit d’affrontements violents, notamment dans les régions de Palmyre et Deir Ez Zor. En Irak, Daech poursuit sa campagne d’action asymétrique dans les régions de l’Anbar et dans la poche de résistance d’Hawijah sans pour autant avoir conduit d’action d’ampleur cette semaine. Dans la région de Mossoul, l’isolement de la ville a été consolidé par la 9e division depuis Badush au Nord-Ouest en avançant le long du Tigre en direction de l’Est. Dans la ville même, l’offensive n’a pas connu d’avancée significative cette semaine. Si Daech ne semble plus disposer de moyens suffisants pour mener des actions offensives coordonnées, les positions des combattants sont durcies et protégées dans le quartier de la vieille ville, et le piégeage du terrain comme l’utilisation de véhicules suicides chargés d’explosif (VBIED-Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices) ainsi que la présence de population civile rendent difficile les progressions. Dans ce contexte, les forces de sécurité irakiennes des FEDPOL (police fédérale irakienne) et des ERD (Emergency Response Division – division d’intervention Rapide) ont consolidé et sécurisé leurs positions au sud de la Médina tandis que l’ICTS a amorcé une série d’opérations périphériques qui ont permis de progresser à l’Ouest de la Médina et de consolider l’isolement de ce quartier. Activité de la force Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 27 sorties aériennes dont 20 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 7 de recueil de renseignements. 10 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français, dont 2 planifiées. Elles ont permis la destruction de 13 objectifs. En Irak, les 6 frappes réalisées ont toutes été menées dans la zone de Mossoul sur demande des troupes irakiennes engagées dans les combats au sol. En Syrie deux frappes ont été réalisées dans la région ouest de Raqqah, en appui de l’offensive des FDS à proximité du barrage de Tabqah visant à parfaire l’isolement de la ville. Deux autres frappes ont été réalisées contre des objectifs planifiés, dont une guidée par l’Atlantique 2, afin de mettre hors d’usage des infrastructures pétrolières utilisées par Daech. Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram a poursuivi cette semaine ses missions de tir en appui de la 9e division. Les 27 missions réalisées l’ont été en appui des combats visant à resserrer l’encerclement autour de la ville de Mossoul, dont 22 missions de neutralisation, et 5 missions d’appui éclairant ou fumigène. L’effort a été marqué sur les points de franchissement du Tigre et dans les collines surplombant la région de Badush, zone refuge de combattants de Daech, faisant passer aux artilleurs de la TF Wagram le cap symbolique des 600 missions d’artillerie."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS578

Incident date

March 16, 2017

Location

الجينة, Al Jina, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.117309, 36.802243 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A unilateral US drone strike on a mosque complex near al Jina town killed between 37 and 62 civilians according to multiple reports and eyewitness statements. While the US has admitted it carried out the attack, officials have claimed that al Jina’s Omar Ibn al Khattab mosque where the casualties occurred was not targeted in the raid. The Pentagon instead insisted that “an al Qaeda in Syria meeting location” had been struck – though announced an investigation into reported civilian deaths.

The evening attack at al Jina – which was initially blamed by many on Russia – was in fact according to the Washington Post conducted by two US Reaper drones , which fired six Hellfire missiles at the location at around 7pm before dropping a 500lb bomb. The results were devastating.

At least 300 people were reportedly present for an evangelical religious class at Jina’s new mosque when it was struck – among them some children. According to Step News, “US aircraft targeted a Dawah centre of al Dawah Wa al Tabligh. The group holds a weekly meeting in one of their centres every Thursday which is attended by dozens of students of religious studies, sheikhs, shariaa experts and fighters in the Islamic factions and civilians from the region.” In Islamic theology according to Wikipedia, “the purpose of da’wah is to invite people, both Muslims and non-Muslims, to understand the worship of Allah as expressed in the Qur’an and the sunnah of the prophet Muhammad and to inform them about Muhammad.”

Suspicions of US involvement were first raised by online monitors including Bellingcat, after missile fragments were found at the scene. After initially claiming a unilateral strike that day was in Idlib, CENTCOM confirmed to Airwars late on the night of March 16th that the attack at Al Jina had in fact been by the US.Spokesman Major Josh Jacques told reporter Samuel Oakford that the target was “assessed to be a meeting place for al Qaeda, and we took the strike… It happened to be across the street from where there is a mosque.” He said the mosque was not the target, and that it wasn’t hit directly. Both CENTCOM and the Pentagon told Airwars that they were further investigating the attack.

In an effort to discredit claims that it had targeted worshippers, the Pentagon also issued a photograph which it said showed the mosque at al Jina intact. However this appeared to backfire, with most commentators noting that both buildings including that targeted were in fact mosques.

The White Helmets – more usually seen aiding casualties from Assad regime or Russian strikes, led the rescue effort. It eventually estimated that at least 50 people had died. As Shaam News reported, “The bombing was following by residents and rescue teams putting out a call to all defense teams in the region calls for help for all defense centers and ambulance crews in the area to go to the site shelling and help lift the martyrs out of the basement.”

One angry eyewitness told Smart News: “This is a praying center. For those aged from 8 to 60 years old. Unarmed civilians. Where is the terrorism? They are unarmed, not terrorists. Peaceful civilians praying. I am one of them, there are no terrorists here. There are almost 250 people including children and the elderly. Many are under the rubble and we don’t have the equpiment to lift them. Assad, Europe and Russia took everything from us, how can we lift them? By our hands? All you do is send us a food basket, we don’t need it anymore. Keep it for yourselves.” A number of cities and towns in the area reportedly cancelled Friday Prayers for fear of further attacks.

Syria News Desk claimed that 15 children were among the dead. While this number cold not be verified, the White Helmets have named five victims under the age of 17, and a child was filmed being rescued from the rubble at al Jina.

The militant Islamic rebel group Ahrar al Sham – the apparent target of the US attack – later issued a statement attacking “the shameful spectacle where the an international community has turned from a passive silent party in towards the Syrian case to a contributor to the killing of the Syrian people.”

Turkey’s deputy Prime Minister condemned the US attack as a ‘war crime.’ However Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that “In principle, we have no doubts that the US military targeted terrorists.”

The White Helmets have named 29 civilian casualties and  26 of 100 or more people reportedly injured in the attack.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

  • Mohammad Khaled Orabi Child killed
  • Hasan Omar Orabi Child
  • Ahmad Nouri Issa Adult killed
  • Mustapha Nashat Said al Sheikh Adult killed
  • Ahmad Kiyali Age unknown killed
  • Ali Mustapha Child killed
  • Abd al Rahman Hasim Child killed
  • Ahmad al Zein Age unknown killed
  • Ismail Hamada al Sheikh Age unknown killed
  • Nadim Abu Bashir Kababi Adult male killed
  • Nassim Hussein Abbas Adult killed
  • Adel Mohammad Qitaz Child killed
  • Ibrahim Abboud Adult killed
  • Kinjo Haj Yusuf Adult killed
  • Abu Hussein Taliha Age unknown killed
  • Abd al Al Qader Janat Adult killed
  • Abd al Latif Mu’del Age unknown killed
  • Nader Fatloun Age unknown killed
  • Safwat al Zein Adult killed
  • Bashir al Ghabra Age unknown killed
  • Abd al Ghafour Abd al Ghafour Age unknown killed
  • Adel Mohammad Rashid Age unknown killed
  • Mohammad Abd al Salam Age unknown killed
  • Saleh Fatloun Age unknown killed
  • Mustapha Nasser Yasin Age unknown killed
  • Mufid A’kal Age unknown killed
  • Ibrahim Qatiba Age unknown killed
  • Ibrahim Bassamiya Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    37 – 62
  • (5–15 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    100
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (97) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (27) [ collapse]

  • Post by Aleppo White Helmets on March 17th, 2017, depicted the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Jina.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by Step News Agency on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by HNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by SNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by SNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by SNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by HNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Post by Airwars revealing that the US admitted to have carried out the strike on the mosque in Al Jina.
  • Tweet by @sonawa1
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was struck in an alleged Coalition airstrike, according to an SNN Facebook post on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to Halab Today TV on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to Halab Today TV on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to Smart News Agency on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Cleaning up the rubble after an alleged airstrike targeted Al Jina, posted by the Aleppo White Helmets Facebook page on March 17th, 2018.
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video showing the remains of one of the victims being pulled out of the rubble, posed by SNN on March 17th, 2018.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Duplicate
    Assessed to be a duplicate of another report that has already been assessed.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al-Jina town, west Aleppo, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SCV022991
    Military Grid Reference System

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

A CENTCOM press release issued in the early hours of March 17th 2017 stated: “U.S. forces conducted an airstrike on an Al Qaeda in Syria meeting location March 16 in Idlib [later corrected to Aleppo], Syria, killing several terrorists.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    37 – 62
  • (5–15 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    100
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (97) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS093

Incident date

July 8, 2015

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, claimed that two civilians were killed and others wounded, “some of them injured badly.”

In a possible linked event, Al Hurra reported that the coalition targeted and killed Daesh leader Abu Abdallah Al Ozbeki [‘the Uzbek’], outside a hotel in the centre of Raqaa. Citing SOHR’s director Rami Abdel Rahman, it was reported that a number of civilians may also have died in the attack.

However Raqaa is Being Slaughtered Silently, while reporting coalition strikes on the city, made no mention of civilian casualties in its own coverage of the day.

The Coalition later declared this to be a duplicate of another reported event in Raqqa on this date (CS094) where it had determined civilian harm.

In its monthly civilian casualty report for October 2019 – published on December 5th of the same year – the US-led Coalition noted: “July 8, 2015, in Raqqa, Syria, via Airwars report. The Coalition actions identified in this allegation are duplicates of those in allegation 57 (Credible with one civilian unintentionally wounded, published 22 January 2016). 2801/CS093 37SEV008785”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Duplicate
    Assessed to be a duplicate of another report that has already been assessed.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Raqqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008785
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 5, 2019
  • July 8, 2015, in Raqqa, Syria, via Airwars report. The Coalition actions identified in this allegation are duplicates of those in allegation 57 (Credible with one civilian unintentionally wounded, published 22 January 2016). 2801/CS093 37SEV008785

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The coalition noted intense new activity above the city for July 8th-9th 2015, reporting that “Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck 20 ISIL staging areas.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]