Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CS1823

Incident date

November 3, 2018

Location

الشعفة و, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources named three children as killed and “many” more civilians wounded in an alleged Coalition air or artillery strike on Al Shaafa. Some sources reported that the airstrike targeted a house in a residential neighbourhood.

Euphrates Post for example reported: “The killing of three children, the children of Imad Mahmoud al-Haj Al Hussein from the city of Mohsen after international Coalition air raids targeted the town of Al-Sha’afa in the countryside of  the city of Abu Kamal yesterday.”

According to the Syrian Network, the victim family was originally from al Mouhasan city.

Syrian United Observatory mentioned “shelling” of the town – suggesting that artillery may have been responsible.

SANA also mentioned that “many civilians were injured” in the event.

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Zaid I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein
Child male killed
Ziyad I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein
Child male killed
Aisha I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein
Child female

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–10
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Zaid I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein (via Euphrates Post)
  • Ziyad I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein (via Euphrates Post)
  • Aisha I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein (via Euphrates Post)
  • Images of the three children killed in the alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Shaafa, Nov 3rd.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 3rd the Coalition publicly reported: “Near Hajin, 28 strikes engaged eight tactical units, and destroyed three headquarters buildings, two command and control centers, two supply centers, four weapons caches, three mortars, 10 staging areas, 1 firing position, and one guest house.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

From October 31st to November 6th, the three CAESAR guns carried out 54 fire missions in the Hajin region, Syria, from Iraqi territory (illumination, harassment, destruction) from Iraqi territory. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 2 strikes, north of Abu Kamal, 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 un temps d’arrêt. Les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions. 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. Les FSI ont assuré la sécurisation du pèlerinage chiite de l’Arbaïn, ce qui a permis à ce rassemblement religieux de se tenir dans des conditions de sécurité satisfaisantes. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. 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 réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 54 missions de tir (éclairement, harcèlement, destruction – bilan du 31 octobre au 6 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2052 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 31 octobre au 6 novembre inclus) et conduit 2 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 : 8618 sorties / 1478 frappes / 2277 objectifs neutralisés.'

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

or October 31st-November 6th, the Dutch MoD reports that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during nine missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in four: near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS vehicles, warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 31 oktober t/m 6 november laat MinDef weten Nederlandse F-16’s te hebben ingezet tijdens 9 missies, ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Bij 4 van deze missies werden wapens ingezet boven de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour bij Abu Kamal. Hierbij zijn voertuigen, opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities van ISIS vernietigd.‘

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–10
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1762

Incident date

June 4, 2018

Location

الجزاع, Al Helo or al-Jazza village, Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.09601, 41.08939 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (other) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Several sources reported up to fifteen civilians killed, including ten children and an unspecified number of women, when Coalition or other aircraft allegedly targeted the village of al Helo/ Al Jazza near al Dashisha, in southern Hassaka.

Marsad al Hassaka initially stated that the bombardment took place “at dawn today” and caused the death of 8 civilians, among whom were members of the al Mudhi family. The source also claimed that “internationally banned cluster bombs” were used in the strike. In a second post it raised the tally, noting that “warplanes carried out a new massacre in the southern countryside of Al-Hasakah. The likely Coalition aircraft targeted the village of Al-Jazaa, resulting in a new massacre and the deaths of 11 civilians from the village, in addition to the injury of others. The number of martyrs is still increasing due to the presence of serious injuries and missing persons under the ruins caused by the aerial bombardment of the village.”

Zaman al Wasl also made mention of the specific munitions used, stating that the Coalition “bombed the village of ‘Jazaa’ north of the town of ‘al Dashisha’ with cluster munitions”, killing and wounding about 10 people.

Baladi News reported the highest tally: fourteen civilians, mostly women and children and “dozens seriously injured”. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported eleven civilians killed, including five children. SOHR stressed that the death toll is expected to rise due to the critical situation that some victims were in and the fact that there were still people missing underneath the rubble caused by the strike.

Step News Agency reported a death toll of fourteen civilians. However, Al Hayat has made clear that this number is based on the total number of civilians casualties in that area since the start of the month.

Cluster munitions are not known to be used by Coalition or Iraqi forces – though have been documented as being fired by both Assad government and Russian aircraft. There is however confirmation through tweets from both the ‘SDF Front’ and Iraqi mobilization units that they launched a campaign in the vicinity of the Iraqi-Syrian border near al Dashisha.

In July 2019, Human Rights Watch published the following assessment of this event: “On or around June 4, 2018 at 5 a.m., an airstrike hit a house on the outskirts of al-Helo village, killing 15 civilians, including 10 children, and injuring 2 more, according to witnesses and relatives of victims. Both the US-led coalition and Iraqi forces reported engagements near al-Shaddadi, where al-Helo village is located, at this time, Airwars reported.

“Witnesses said that the plane dropped one large and later two smaller munitions. The first strike killed 9 of the 17 civilians in the house. Three survivors fled and were then hit in a strike outside the house. A third strike killed a man and two of his children who had survived the initial strike and were attempting to flee.

“Witnesses said that they were concerned about follow-up strikes so only went to the strike site around 5 p.m. Only two victims there survived.

“Human Rights Watch visited the site on February 9 and could identify a large crater where a house had been. Satellite imagery reviewed showed the destruction of a single building from detonation of at least one large air-dropped munition between about 10:30 a.m. on June 3 and 10:30 a.m. on June 4, 2018. Two additional detonation sites were identified during the same period corresponding to witness accounts.

“Human Rights Watch spoke to one survivor of the attack and a witness from the village. They said that no ISIS fighters were in the house, which was located on a road leading to the oil rig under ISIS control. ISIS members guarding the rig often used the road.

“One of the survivors said she had received medical treatment supported by the World Health Organization. However, she said that neither the SDF nor the coalition had contacted them or provided assistance, and that she did not know how to file a claim.

“The coalition assessed the strike and found that ‘After a review of available information it was assessed that no coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.’ On May 29, the coalition told Human Rights Watch that based on information provided they would assess the allegations.”

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (1)

al Mudhi family
Up to eight members of one family killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • (10 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'Iraqi heavy artillery heavily bombarded terrorist barracks in the Syrian town of al dashisha near the Iraqi border, where battles are currently taking place between the SDF and the terrorist organisation Daesh.'

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

According to Human Rights Watch, which visited the scene, the village’s name is al-Helo: “GPS Coordinates: 41°5’22″E 36°5’46″N (MGRS: 37SFV 88096 96619)”.

  • Satellite image taken June 6, 2018 of US-led coalition airstrike locations in al-Helo village. Damage analysis by Human Rights Watch; Imagery © DigitalGlobe-Maxar Technologies 2019; Sources: EUSI, Google Earth. [Human Rights Watch]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Jazaa village, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 26, 2018

  • June 4, 2018, near Jazaa village, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 4th, the Coalition stated that “On June 4 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 17 strikes consisting of 20 engagements against Daesh targets.... Near Al Shadaddi, two strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit and destroyed one Daesh logistics hub and one Daesh heavy machine gun."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Monday 4 June – a Reaper destroyed an armed terrorist truck concealed under cover in eastern Syria…A Reaper provided further close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces in the Euphrates valley on Monday 4 June. An armed terrorist truck was reported to be to the north of Abu Kamal, and the Reaper’s crew were able to identify the vehicle, parked under cover in an attempt to conceal it, after a thorough search. A Hellfire missile destroyed the vehicle, with a number of subsequent secondary explosions as ammunition on the vehicle caught fire.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France report that the Wagram Task Force continues to support the offensive against the last pockets of Daesh present in the Euphrates Valley. Since the launch of the offensive on May 1st, it has carried out 111 shooting missions including 16 for the past week – May 30th to June 5th. Over the past week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal have carried out 20 sorties in support of local forces engaged on the ground, mainly missions of intelligence gathering and aerial reconnaissance. No airstrikes were carried out.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, l’activité majeure demeure l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie. Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes conduisent actuellement l’offensive finale contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes au nord-est de la Syrie. Cette offensive finale a été préparée avec soin par la Coalition qui a fourni un effort conséquent pour affiner le renseignement sur le dispositif de Daech et préparer le terrain pour les forces engagées au sol. Dans ce cadre, le nombre de frappes menées par la Coalition en mai a augmenté de 123 % par rapport à son niveau du mois d’avril. L’offensive est coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes qui ont augmenté leur présence le long de la frontière irako-syrienne pour empêcher toute fuite de terroristes des zones de combat vers l’Irak. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, l’action des forces de sécurité irakiennes se poursuit sur un rythme élevé, notamment dans l’Anbar et les monts Hamrim, mais aussi plus au nord en Ninive, et plus à l’ouest dans le désert de Jazirah. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Task Force Monsabert : poursuite de l’accompagnement de la 6e division irakienne Cette semaine, trois nouvelles formations ont débuté : une séquence d’entrainement au profit de compagnies commandos irakiennes, une instruction armement et une instruction à la lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés. 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 demeure engagée en appui de l’offensive menée contre Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, elle a réalisé 111 missions de tirs dont 16 pour la semaine écoulée (bilan du 30 mai au 5 juin inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, elle a réalisé 1770 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 20 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 30 mai au 5 juin inclus), essentiellement des missions de recueil de renseignements et de reconnaissance aérienne. Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8115 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For the 2nd straight week, Dutch F-16s fired weapons near Abu Kamal and Hajin in Deir Ezzor. The Dutch MoD reported that between May 30th-June 5th, aircraft targeted ISIS fighters and logistics centers in three missions. Jets supported ground troops in 9 missions, including in Nineveh, Iraq.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 06-06-2018 | 12:00 In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 3 daarvan zijn wapens ingezet. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal en Hajin in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Hierbij zijn onder andere ISIS-strijders en logistieke opslagplaatsen aangevallen. Ook is gevlogen boven de Irakese provincie Ninawa. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 30 mei tot en met 5 juni 2018. Militaire instructeurs in Irak leren Koerdische strijders gebieden te beveiligen. Daarbij staan onder meer wapenhandelingen, medische verzorging, oorlogsrecht en civiel-militaire samenwerking op het programma. De door de coalitie opgeleide instructeurs verzorgen een deel van de opleiding. Een Nederlands chirurgisch team opereert in een Amerikaans role 2-hospitaal in westelijk Irak. Het team werkt nauw samen met Noorse medici.’

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • (10 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1754

Incident date

May 27, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa: al Boubadran, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.528889, 40.9675 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, two civilians were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the town of Al Soussa.

Euphrates Post, Lawhat Bukmalna and Deir Ezzor 24 reported that Issa Mohammed al-Debs, an Abu Kamal local, was killed by an air raid on the Boubdran district of Al Soussa “last Sunday”.

Lawhat Bukmalna later clarified that the incident took place on May 27th. The source also stressed that one civilian was killed in the strike, along with several civilians injured.

However, Euphrates Post and Masar Press also reported the “martyrdom of a woman” in the same district of Al Soussa, on a Sunday but did not provide a name. A later report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights confirmed that both civilians were killed as “International Coalition warplanes fired missiles on al Boubadran neighborhood in al Sousa town”.

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Issa Mohammed al-Debs
Adult male killed
Unknown
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Issa Muhammad al-Dibs, an Abu Kamal local, allegedly killed by a Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of al Soussa (السوسة), for which the coordinates are: 34.528889, 40.9675. The “al Boubdran (البوبدران)” area or neighbourhood is also mentioned, but Airwars was unable to find any mention of this neighbourhood. It is possibly an area where people of the Bu Badran sub-tribe from the Baggara tribe were living

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 27th, the Coalition reported that: “On May 27 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of five engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes destroyed three Daesh fighting positions.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For May 23rd to 29th, France reports that task force Wagram continued its support of the offensive against the last pockets of ISIS in the Euphrates Valley, where it conducted 11 shooting missions. French aircraft carried out 20 sorties, mainly missions of intelligence gathering and aerial reconnaissance. No strikes were carried out.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, l’activité majeure demeure l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie. Réduction des dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, après avoir terminé la conquête de la bande frontalière avec l’Irak, les forces démocratiques syriennes ont débuté avec l’appui de la Coalition, leur progression vers le nord et vers l’ouest où se trouvent les derniers emplacements de Daech. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes maintiennent leur présence sur l’ensemble du territoire et poursuivent la planification d’opérations ciblées. Elles assurent actuellement des missions de ratissage et de contrôle de zone en Ninive et dans l’Anbar. Ces opérations permettent toujours de trouver, désamorcer et détruire de nombreux engins explosifs laissés par Daech. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation des contrôleurs aériens avancés irakiens Les moyens aériens français sont régulièrement engagés depuis le mois de mars dans la formation des contrôleurs aériens avancés irakiens. La formation au sol est réalisée par des instructeurs américains et australiens. Les phases pratiques d’entraînement au guidage sont réalisées avec la participation d’aéronefs français et américains. Au total, trois sessions d’entraînement ont été réalisées en trois mois permettant aux soldats irakiens de travailler leurs procédures de guidage aérien. Ces formations participent à la montée en gamme de l’armée de l’air irakienne qui réalise aujourd’hui régulièrement des frappes contre Daech en totale autonomie. 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 demeure engagée 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, 95 missions de tirs ont été réalisées, dont 11 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 23 au 29 mai). Depuis le début de son engagement, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1754 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations L’activité des forces aériennes françaises engagées dans l’opération Chammal se poursuit en appui des forces engagées au sol. Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 20 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 23 au 29 mai), essentiellement des missions de recueil de renseignements et de reconnaissance aérienne. Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 8095 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1613

Incident date

October 9, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.959329, 39.003542 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two men died as a result of US-led Coalition artillery strike on Raqqah city, local sources alleged.

The Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality” reported that “Ala’Eddin Haj Ibrahim, and his neighbour Mohammed AbdelHadi al-Zein, both aged 51, were killed by an artillery strike outside Ala’eddine home.”

The victims wife, Aisha gave a testimony to Amnesty stating that “There was often a lot of shelling, from the air and on the ground. There was nowhere safe but we could not get out of the city.”

Despite the source reporting that the strike occurred on the 9th October 2017, Aisha confirmed that the date was actually the 5th September 2017, at 10.30am.

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

The incident occured at 10:30:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mohamed Abdel Hadi Zein
Adult male 51 killed
Abdul Hadi Ahmed Al Zein
Child male not named by Amnesty killed
Ala’Eddin Haj Ibrahim
years old male 51 killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Mohamed Abdel Hadi Zein and Abdul Hadi Ahmed Al Zein, both killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 9th October 2017. (via Raqqa Media Center)
  • Alaedin Haj Ibrahim, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 9th October 2017. (via Amnesty)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the city of Ar Raqqah (الرقة‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to the limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 9th-10th the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in Raqqa.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1590a

Incident date

October 1–5, 2017

Location

Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.96345, 39.00068 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, between 11 and 23 civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa. Although Airwars assesses single sourced incidents as “weak”, researchers have assessed this incident “fair” due to the depth of material provided by Amnesty.

The report summarised that “A coalition airstrike destroyed a one-storey house close to the railway line killing five children and their parents and four neighbours.”

The house was near Sharia al Qitar (close to the railway line – hence then name “Railway Street”) and had a courtyard, according to the field notes.

Iman, Zuhair’s daughter, survived the strike. She said IS fighters were two streets over, on Sharia al Qitar itself. Civilians were prohibited from going there as it was the siege line. She went on to tell Amnesty in a testimony that “As well as my family and the four neighbours, the strike also killed a Kurdish family of 12. They were displaced and I don’t know their names. They were mostly women and children.”

The Kurdish family were allegedly displaced people; their names are unknown but they were all women and children. Iman saw two young children pulled from the rubble.

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (7)

Zuhair Juma al Khalaf
60 or older years old male killed
Rabaa’
30-35 years old female Zuhair's wife killed
Mohannad
6 years old male Zuhair’s & Rabaa’s son killed
Abir
5 years old female Zuhair’s & Rabaa’s daughter killed
Yasmine
3 years old female Zuhair’s & Rabaa’s daughter killed
Osama
10 years old male son of second wife killed
Amal
8 years old female daughter of second wife killed

The victims were named as:

Ahmad
Age unknown male neighbour killed
Maha
Adult female neighbour killed
Um Ahmad
Adult female neighbour killed
Unidentified girl
Child female neighbour killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 23
  • (6 children3 women2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Not yet assessed.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 23
  • (6 children3 women2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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

CS1536

Incident date

September 27, 2017

Location

Imam al Nawawi mosque, al Nahda neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.957219, 38.99924 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to family members and local reports, four civilians including, Fawaz Yousef Sulaiman Al-Zureiqat aka Abu Yusuf, died in a Coalition strike on the al Nahda neighbourhood, near the al Imam al Nawawi mosque.

Mr al Zureiqat’s death was also reported by his nephew, who noted that “We note the death of my uncle Fawaz Yousef Sulaiman Al-Zureiqat (Abu Yusuf) today in Raqqah. I am with God and I am returning to Him. We will accept the duty of consolation on Thursday and Friday in my home.”

According to the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, “An air strike killed four men who were burying their neighbour, Mohammed al-Wadi (47), who had been killed by Islamic State fighters the previous day, in another neighbour’s garden. During the war the dead were buried in parks and gardens, as it was impossible to reach the cemetery, which was outside Raqqa.” The garden belonged to Abdul Rahman al-Qantar.

The father of Abdallah al-Wadi gave a testimony to Amnesty International stating that, “My son was shot dead by Daesh (IS) fighters and the following morning four neighbours were burying him in the garden of a nearby house when an air strike killed all four of them.”

Amnesty International field notes claim that a “small impact radius missile” was fired on the vicinity.

Ismail Akkush was named in Airwars incident CS1535, with two other victims. However due to the extensive Amnesty research discovering he was killed with three other named men, we have removed him from that incident and assessed his death occurred at this location.

In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible. Their report noted: “After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

In their subsequent monthly civilian casualty reports, however, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of Amnesty’s civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

The incident occured at 06:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Fawaz Yousef Sulaiman Al-Zureiqat
50 years old male also known as Abu Yusuf, father of Jihad Yousef Zreikat killed
Mohammed Ramadhan Sheikh Mohammed
60 years old male killed
Abu Jawdat
45 years old male killed
Ismail Akkush
50 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4 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 (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Fawaz Yousef Sulaiman Al-Zureiqat aka Abu Yusuf, killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, 27th September 2017. (via RBBS)
  • Ismail Akkoush, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah, Sept 27th (via RBSS)
  • Mohammed Ramadhan Sheikh Mohammed, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 27th Septmber 2017. The pictire shows him alongside his children, who were found with his body, but it is unclear when or where they died.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Ismail Ibrahim Akkush, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, 27th September 2017. (via Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality)

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Imam Al Nawawi Mosque (الإمام النووي) in the Al Nahda neighbourhood (النهضة) in the city of Raqqa. The coordinates for the Imam Al Nawawi mosque (الإمام النووي) are: 35.956328, 38.999282. Amnesty research reported the precise location of the building: 35.957219, 38.99924.

  • The Imam Al Nawawi mosque (الإمام النووي) in the Al Nahda neighbourhood (النهضة) in the city of Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV999792
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • Sept.27, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria via Airwars report. After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 26th-27th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 35 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 26 fighting positions, four vehicles, four ISIS supply routes, a heavy machine gun and suppressed five ISIS tactical units.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 26, near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed 16 VBIEDs, three vehicles, two ISIS supply routes, a fighting position and suppressed two fighting positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1457 RS2419

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Location

Abu Kamal, al Suwei’ya bridge, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.440964, 40.929244 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four named civilians were reported killed in a Coalition airstrike in Abu Kamal, local media reported.

Smart reported raids “targeted an apartment building near the bridge”, identified by a correspondent for Jisr TV as “Suwayyah” bridge 120km east of Deir Ezzor, next to the prison where a major civilian casualty incident took place the same day.

In addition to the civilians killed others were reportedly wounded, according to local sources. Local hospitals and mosques launched an urgent call for blood to be donated to help those injured.”

See also S1285.

Airwars previously thought that the Coalition had assessed this to be credible in their February 2018 report – however, Coalition officials later indicated that they were separate events. The confirmed deaths can now be found in CS1457a.

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Ahmed Mahgoub
Adult male killed
Son of Ahmed Mahgoub
Age unknown male killed
Son of Ahmed Mahgoub
male killed

The victims were named as:

Wafik al-Rawi
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • (1–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention that the Coalition airstrike targeted an apartment building in near the Suwei’ya bridge (جسر السویعیة), in Abu Kamal. The coordinates for the bridge are: 34.440964,40.929244. On satellite imagery available to Airwars of September 7 and 12, structural damage to a building near the bridge can be seen at these coordinates: 34.444389,40.926754

  • Location of structural damage seen on satellite imagery of September 7 and 12, and the Suwei’ya bridge (جسر السویعیة)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 8th – 9th the Coalition reported publicly no strikes in the vicinity of Abu Kamal.
For September 9th - 10th, the Coalition reported: "Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS headquarters" and "Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes [1 British] engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions and a vehicle"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Saturday 9 September – a Reaper destroyed a motorcycle and trailer carrying three terrorists north-east of Dayr az Zawr… The following day [Sept 9th], another Reaper flew a further patrol in the same area of Syria, and tracked a group of three terrorists on a motorcycle and trailer. The Reaper’s crew waited patiently until the targets were in open countryside before firing a Hellfire which scored a direct hit.’

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • (1–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1407

Incident date

August 22, 2017

Location

حي الرميلة, Rumaila, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.959444, 39.0325 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A man was killed and five of his family injured following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Rumaila, Raqqa. According to Hasaka Rasd and Syrianfreearmy, “his wife and four children injured” in the attack.

Ahmad Shbli reported an “intensive artillery bombardment” of the Al-Badu, Nahda and Rumaila areas of the city, but made no mention of civilian casualties.

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Rumaila (الرميلة), for which the coordinates are: 35.959444, 39.0325.

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Rumaila (الرميلة)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV029794
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 22nd-23rd: “Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 26 fighting positions, an ISIS headquarters, a command and control node, and ISIS engineering equipment.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 22, near Raqqah, Syria, 27 strikes engaged 17 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 27 fighting positions, three IEDs, two command and control nodes, a logistics node, and ISIS engineering equipment.” And that “On Aug. 22, near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions and an ISIS headquarters.” It also later noted that “On Aug. 22, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For Aug 16-22, France report 5 strikes in Iraq and 2 in Syria. Task Force Wagram conducted 60 artillery missions. (@EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]