Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CS955c

Incident date

June 9, 2017

Location

شارع النور, Al Nour Mosque, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.955204, 38.992263 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ten people were killed in a double airstrike on two adjacent buildings behind Barazi pharmacy, near Al Nour mosque in the city of Raqqa. Some of their names were initially reported on by several local sources (RBSS, RFS, Step News Agency) in connection to incident CS955a. 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 were able to identify 2 different airstrikes that happened in the area behind Barazi pharmacy near Al Nour street, in which people of 4 different families were killed.

This one, that happened on June 9th, was a double airstrike that hit 2 adjacent buildings, killing 10 people from 3 different families (4 children, 2 women, 4 men). 9 people were named by Amnesty and local sources, the 10th victim was an unnamed IDP from the Roman ruins. Ahmad, a witness, spoke to Amnesty researchers at the location of the strike: “This house belonged to Abdelkarim Al-Asmai. Most of his family were killed earlier. His brother by Daesh and others by mines as they tried to flee. Then he was bombed in his home. There is no justice.”

The two buildings are at the following coordinates: 35.955285, 38.992263 and 35.955204, 38.992263.

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)

Mahmoud Jabali
28 years old male killed
Nisrin al-Qassab
20s years old female wife of Mahmoud killed
Mohammed Nour Jabali
2 years old male Mahmoud and Nisrin's son killed

Family members (5)

Khaled al-Shibli
40 years old male Amina's husband killed
Amina al-Qassab
Age unknown female Khaled's wife killed
Qamar al-Shibli
15 years old female Khaled and Amina's daughter killed
Fatima al-Shibli
13 years old female Khaled and Amina's daughter killed
Mahmoud al-Shibli
10 years old male Khaled and Amina's son killed

The victims were named as:

AbdelKarim (AKA Karmo) al-Asmai
32 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (4 children2 women4 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 (47) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (15) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of the place that was targeted by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via Q_Alenzy twitter)
  • Destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via Q_Alenzy twitter)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Injured or killed civilian caused by alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Injured or killed civilian caused by alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian victim of by alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Al-nour mosque, before and after the alleged Coalition strikes (via Sound and picture facebook)
  • A picture showing the destruction of Al-Nour mosque and the area near Al-Barazi pharmacy (via Sharqiya voice facebook)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Before the strike on June 2, 2017 (via Amnesty International)

  • After the strike on July 6, 2017 (via Amnesty International)

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017
  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 9th-10th: “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, four vehicles, three ISIS headquarters, a VBIED, and an ISIS-held building; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionally added that “On June 9, near Raqqah, Syria, nine strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions, two VBIEDs, two weapons caches, and an ISIS staging area.”

For June 10th-11th: “Near Raqqah, 17 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, four vehicles, two ISIS front-end loaders, two ISIS headquarters, an ISIS UAS and an ISIS barge.” It additionally reported that “On June 10, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged 9 ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, a tunnel, a weapons storage facility, and a command and control node; damaged an ISIS factory; and suppressed a sniper.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Saturday 10 June – In Raqqa, a Reaper struck a group of terrorists engaged in a fire fight with Syrian Democratic Forces, and Typhoons hit two tunnel entrances…The following day [June 10th] , a Reaper intervened in a fire fight in western Raqqa between the SDF and a group of Daesh fighters. The Reaper hit the latter with a very effective Hellfire attack. The same day, Paveway-armed Typhoons struck two entrances to a network of tunnels built beneath a factory in the north-east of the city.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (4 children2 women4 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 (47) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS749

Incident date

April 28, 2017

Location

شارع فلسطين, Tabaqah, Palestine Street, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.831667, 38.546944 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eighteen civilians including 11 children and three women, died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Filastin Palestine Street, Al Tabaqa.

There is, however, uncertainty about the date ofthe incident: Mohab Nasser puts it at April 28th and eyewitnesses told Human Rights Watch that the attack happened in late April. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reports the date as May 3rd and the Violations Documentation Center lists the victims date of death as May 5th.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, 18 martyrs from the family of Abdul Razzaq al Sanani died after their home in Filastin street was targeted. The Syrian Network for Human Rights also pointed towards the Coalition, putting the death toll at 18 including 11 children and three women. Qasioun and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights were among other sources blaming the Coalition.

The Violations Documentation Center named 18 victims of a Coalitionstrike. It gave the date of death as May 5th: Abd al-Jalil Mohammad Dalo adult, male; Salha Ahmad Dalo – adult, male; Amineh Abd al-Jalil Dalo, female; Mohammad Abd al-Jalil Dalo – child, male; Shahed Abdal-Jalil Dalo child, female; Hamzeh Abdal-Jalil Dalo child, male; Ahed Abd al-Jalil Dalo child, male; Khaled Mohammad Abd al-Jalil Dalo – adult male; Amina Ahmad Dalo – adult, female; Mohammad Khaled Dalo – adult, male; Amineh Khaled Dalo – child, female; Fatima Khaled Dalo female; Omer Khaled Dalo child, male; Reem Khaled Dalo – child female; Ayoush Abd al-Jalil Dalo – adult female; Abd al-Razzaqal-Merei Sinani male; Bayan Abd al-Razzaqal-Merei child, female; Rawan Abd al-Razzaq al-Merei child, female. The victims were also named by Mohan Nasser and Raqqa is Being SlaughteredSilently.

In a September 2017 report following a field study, Human Rights Watch noted the following: Likely in late April, CJTF airstrikes struck a house in an eastern neighborhood of Tabqa, near Palestine Street, reportedly killing 18 members of the Dalo family. Two residents who said they lived on the street where the house was struck told Human  Rights Watch that there was heavy fighting between SDF and ISIS in the area at the time of the strike. Neither could remember the exact date but indicated that SDF forces were trying to advance from the east and ISIS fighters were moving between houses in their neighborhood and firing at the advancing forces. Muhammad, the owner of the house that came under attack, told Human Rights Watch that he was not present at the time of the attack – he had left the house as fighting approached the area – but that he gave his keys to his neighbors, the Dalo family, as his house had thicker walls and still had water.

Local residents told Human Rights Watch that one munition hit a narrow street in front ofthe house and killed an ISIS fighter. A second munition hit the house where the Dalo family had sought refuge killing all 18 members of the family, including 3 women and 11 children. Human Rights Watch found in the rubble ofthe house remnants of an air-launched Hellfire missile with a Commercial and Government Entity Code (or CAGE) – a unique identifier assigned to suppliers to various government or defense agencies – corresponding to Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC in Rocket Center, West Virginia. Alliant is a well-known supplier of warheads and rocket motors to Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the Hellfire missile.”

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 (15)

48 years old male killed
44 years old female killed
13 years old female killed
11 years old male killed
9 years old female killed
5 years old male killed
7 years old male killed
46 years old male killed
38 years old female killed
19 years old male killed
17 years old female killed
13 years old female killed
5 years old male killed
7 years old female killed
50 years old female killed

Family members (3)

50 years old male killed
17 years old male killed
13 years old female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18
  • (11 children3 women)
  • 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

Sources (11) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

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 Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility. (1401)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 27th-28th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed a command and control node and a front-end loader.”
For April 28th-29th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed a front-end loader" and "Near Tabqah, 10 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions and four vehicles"

The Coalition later reported: "Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria April 28 that closed within the last 24 hours.
Near Tabqah, Syria, on April 28, four strikes destroyed three fighting positions and a VBIED.”

For May 2nd - 3rd the Coalition reported: "Near Tabqah, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed 12 fighting positions, an ISIS supply route, and a tactical vehicle; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit"

For May 3rd-4th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed a command and control node" and "Near Tabqah, 18 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, four vehicles, two tactical vehicles, a VBIED; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For May 4th: CHAMMAL OPERATION ASSESSMENT OF SITUATION In Syria the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue their progress against Daesh. In the region of Raqqah they have proceeded this week to secure territorial gains made the previous week in the north of the city, neutralizing several pockets of resistance still occupied by terrorist fighters. Further west, the SDS continue to expand their controlled areas, gradually tightening those held by Daesh on the town of Tabqah and its dam. In Iraq, Daesh is still trying to maintain an atmosphere of insecurity in the Anbar and the Tiger Valley in order to divert the Iraqi military effort from Mosul. In the region of Mosul, the situation has changed little this week with the exception of a breakthrough in the south-west of the city. With unfavorable weather conditions, the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) marked an operational pause to regenerate their potential, while maintaining pressure on the Medina neighborhood. To the north-west, on the outskirts of the city, the 9th Division is still engaged in security actions of its control zone centered around Badush, and is still under attack by terrorist groups. Further south, in the city of Mosul, the ICTS and the FEDPOL maintained their position in and around the medina by repelling several attempts by Daesh fighters. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAMMAL FORCE Fire support - TF Wagram The Task Force (TF) Wagram continued this week its shooting missions in support of the 9th Iraqi Division engaged in the Badush region. The 29 illumination and interdiction missions carried out in support of Iraqi units contributed to the security of the Iraqi zone control system in the face of harassing actions by Daesh groups seeking to infiltrate. Air support to the Levant This week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal made 40 sorties, including 30 for armed reconnaissance or ground support (CAS), 2 for air command and control, 5 for refueling, and 3 for intelligence gathering. 3 strikes were carried out by French planes in Iraq and Syria, in support of ongoing operations in Mosul and Tabqah, as well as in the Anbar Valley. '

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION En Syrie les Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS) poursuivent leurs avancées contre Daech. Dans la région de Raqqah elles ont procédé cette semaine à la sécurisation des gains territoriaux réalisés la semaine précédente au Nord de la ville, en neutralisant plusieurs poches de résistances encore occupées par les combattants terroristes. Plus à l’Ouest les FDS continuent d’étendre leurs zones contrôlées, resserrant progressivement celles tenues par Daech sur la ville de Tabqah et son barrage. En Irak, Daech cherche toujours à entretenir une atmosphère d’insécurité dans l’Anbar et dans la vallée du Tigre afin de détourner l’effort militaire irakien de Mossoul. Dans la région de Mossoul, la situation a peu évolué cette semaine à l’exception d’une avancée dans le sud-ouest de la ville. Avec une météo peu favorable aux opérations, les Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) ont marqué une pause opérationnelle pour régénérer leur potentiel, tout en maintenant la pression sur le quartier de la Médina. Au nord-ouest, sur les abords de la ville, la 9e division est toujours engagée dans des actions de sécurisation de sa zone de contrôle centrée autour de Badush, et qui fait toujours l’objet de tentative d’infiltrations de groupes terroristes. Plus au sud, dans la ville de Mossoul, l’ICTS et les FEDPOL ont maintenu leur position dans et autour de la médina en repoussant plusieurs tentatives de sorties des combattants de Daech. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram a poursuivi cette semaine ses missions de tir en appui de la 9e division irakienne engagée dans la région de Badush. Les 29 missions d’éclairement et d’interdiction réalisées en appui des unités irakiennes ont contribué à la sûreté du dispositif de contrôle de zone irakien face à des actions de harcèlement menées par des groupes de Daech cherchant à s’infiltrer. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 40 sorties aériennes dont 30 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), 2 de commandement et de contrôle aérien, 5 de ravitaillement, et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 3 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie, en appui des opérations en cours à Mossoul et Tabqah, ainsi que dans la vallée de l’Anbar.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

'Chammal: diversity and complementarity of the support pillar Updated: 28/04/2017 On April 23, a French A400M landed for the first time in Iraq. This first logistical link to Baghdad and Erbil is an opportunity to return to the diversity and complementarity of the means of the "support pillar" of Operation CHAMMAL. Chammal: diversity and complementarity of the pillar support These French resources, engaged in the Inherent Resolve interallied operation, have been operating in the Levant from different areas of influence to all the facades of the theater with optimized effects. They make it possible to sustain and last: the logistic support by air to the air bases and the support points in the Levant makes it possible to respond, by its flexibility, to the impromptu needs: repair of a M88 engine of Rafale, electronic bench of an AWACS, Atlantic optronic ball 2 ... Now relying on A400M flights to Iraqi airports, the armed forces are once again reinforcing their reactivity and the support of the three deployed Task Forces (Narvik, Monsabert, Wagram). They make it possible to assess the situation autonomously and to share the information gathered: for the reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence acquisition missions, the Atlantic 2 sensors and the Rafale RECO NG nacelle cameras confirm their high performance. The endurance of the vectors, the diversity of the sensors and the analytical capacities of the French personnel contribute to the good development of the "situational awareness" (Situation Awarness). They make it possible to respond to requests for support from local security forces or to strike Daech in depth on its hotspots. Chammal: diversity and complementarity of the pillar support After a rigorous targeting process and strong national control, the French armies contribute significantly to coalition strikes in various forms: Prepared strikes in the depths of the Iraqi or Syrian theater, targeting targets of vital importance for Daesh as a booby traps factory or illegal trafficking sites, sources of funding for terrorists. SCALP cruise missiles are regularly used for this purpose. By strikes in support of the local security forces: either on demand, on all lines of contact thanks to the Rafale fighters, punctually thanks to the Atlantic 2, or permanently but on a more restricted area, in direct support surrounding units using CAESAR guns. They enable the detection, control and surveillance of allied air movements thanks to the power of the E-3F (AWACS) weapon system deployed in Qatar, high value added aircraft (HVAA) that exceeds regularly the ten hours of flight after a refueling flight. Most of these assets have increased endurance thanks to the C135-FR air-to-air refueler deployed in the United Arab Emirates. The "Dean" of these abilities CHAMMAL continues to contribute to a commitment in the duration of the different effectors on the zone of combat. The complementarity of the French capabilities deployed in the Levant allows to multiply and combine the effects to ensure the effectiveness of support in the fight against Daesh. This diversity illustrates the commitment and strong involvement of the CHAMMAL forces in the coalition. '

‘Chammal : diversité et complémentarité du pilier appui Ajoutez aux favoris Partager Mise à jour : 28/04/2017 Le 23 avril dernier, un A400M français atterrissait pour la première fois en Irak. Cette première liaison logistique vers Bagdad et Erbil est l’occasion de revenir sur la diversité et la complémentarité des moyens du « pilier appui » de l’opération CHAMMAL. Chammal : diversité et complémentarité du pilier appui Ces moyens français, engagés au sein de l’opération interalliée Inherent Resolve, agissent au Levant depuis différentes emprises vers l’ensemble des façades du théâtre avec des effets optimisés. Ils permettent de soutenir et de durer : le soutien logistique par voie aérienne vers les bases aériennes et les points d’appui au Levant permet de répondre, par sa flexibilité, aux besoins impromptus : dépannage d’un moteur M88 de Rafale, banc électronique d’un AWACS, boule optronique de l’Atlantique 2… En s’appuyant désormais sur des vols A400M vers les aéroports irakiens, les armées renforcent à nouveau leur réactivité et le soutien des trois Task Forces déployées (Narvik, Monsabert, Wagram). Ils permettent d’apprécier la situation de manière autonome et de partager les informations recueillies : pour les missions de reconnaissance, de surveillance, d’acquisition du renseignement, les capteurs de l’Atlantique 2 et les caméras de la nacelle RECO NG des Rafale confirment leurs hautes performances. L’endurance des vecteurs, la diversité des capteurs et les capacités d’analyse du personnel français participent au bon développement de la « connaissance de situation » (Situation Awarness). Ils permettent de répondre aux demandes d’appui des forces de sécurité locales ou de frapper Daech en profondeur sur ses points névralgiques. Chammal : diversité et complémentarité du pilier appui Après un processus de ciblage rigoureux et forts d’un contrôle national intransigeant, les armées françaises contribuent de manière significative aux frappes de la coalition sous diverses formes : Par des frappes préparées, dans la profondeur du théâtre irakien ou syrien, en visant des objectifs d’importance vitale pour Daech comme une usine de véhicules piégés ou des sites de trafics illégaux, sources de financement pour les terroristes. Les missiles de croisière SCALP sont régulièrement utilisés à cet effet. Par des frappes en appui des forces locales de sécurité : soit à la demande, sur l’ensemble des lignes de contact grâce aux chasseurs Rafale, ponctuellement grâce à l’Atlantique 2, soit en permanence mais sur une zone plus restreinte, en appui direct des unités environnantes grâce aux canons CAESAR. Ils permettent la détection, le contrôle et la surveillance de l’ensemble des mouvements aériens alliés grâce à la puissance du système d’armes de l’E-3F (AWACS) déployé au Qatar, aéronef à haute valeur ajoutée (HVAA) qui dépasse régulièrement les dix heures de vol après un ravitaillement en vol. Car la plupart de ces moyens disposent d’une endurance accrue grâce au ravitailleur en vol C135-FR déployé au Emirats-Arabes-Unis. Le « doyen » de ces capacités CHAMMAL continue de contribuer à un engagement dans la durée des différents effecteurs sur la zone de combat. La complémentarité des capacités françaises déployées au Levant permet de démultiplier et de combiner les effets pour assurer l’efficacité des appuis dans la lutte engagée contre Daech. Cette diversité illustre bien l’engagement et la forte implication des forces CHAMMAL au sein de la coalition.’

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • An Inherent Resolve Spokesperson briefs reporters, May 4th (via CJTF Operation Inherent Resolve)

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18
  • (11 children3 women)
  • 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

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI642

Incident date

April 15, 2017

Location

الإصلاح الزراعي, Mosul, Isilah Zeraei / Agragarian Reform, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3507344, 43.0868769 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that at least eight civilians died after two missiles consecutively hit a two-floor house in Isilah Zeraei neighbourhood in West Mosul. Sources reported a similar incident hours earlier in the same neighbourhood, with casualty numbers so far unknown.

Alsharqiya news noted that the two missiles were launched after an ISIL combatant sat on the roof – “killing at least eight civilians from one family, including a number of children”. The news agency said that the bodies of the victims were still under the rubble of the house.

Salih Elias reported on Facebook that the ISIL combatant managed to flee. He also said that “a father and his sons, including children” were among the victims.

An eyewitness – the neighbour of the family whose house was bombed – reported the same information and said that her own son (9 years) was injured in the shelling.

Amnesty International published the following report, which appears to match this event: “In mid-April presumed air strikes destroyed a house on al-Islah al-Ziraee Street, next to a local landmark known as the Mahmoud water well and not far from Yarmouk Roundabout. Amnesty International interviewed “Ali”, a witness who was living in a house 100m away in the same street.

He described the attack: “At around 5pm we heard a whizzing, whistling sound and then a huge explosion that knocked us sideways. This was followed by a second explosion after about two minutes. I waited until the following morning before going to the scene. The entire house had been destroyed. The bodies were still buried. I asked the neighbours what had happened and they said that IS had been inside the house before the strike. The brother of the family had not been at home at the time. He survived but he lost his entire family. Fifteen civilians were killed in that house.”

The witness did not know exactly how many IS fighters had been inside the house when it was destroyed. From other interviews, Amnesty International is aware that IS fighters would roam neighbourhoods and enter civilian houses at will. They would usually travel in pairs, presumably in order to reduce the chance that a single strike would kill many fighters. This strike killed 15 civilians and raises proportionality concerns. Although Amnesty International cannot confirm how many IS fighters were impacted, established patterns of IS behaviour would suggest that the number was small. This, coupled with the high cost to civilian life, raises the possibility that this attack was disproportionate.”

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
    8 – 15
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (9) [ collapse]

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

For April 14th-15th: “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit, destroyed two rocket-propelled grenade systems, destroyed two fighting positions, damaged four supply routes and a fighting position, and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 15
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI626

Incident date

April 10, 2017

Location

اليرموك, Mosul, Yarmouk, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.336804, 43.083396 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported a major incident in Yarmouk neighbourhood, West Mosul, where airstrikes allegedly killed more than thirty civilians.

The local Facebook group Sawlf Ateka named the victims as: “Imad Abdul Ghani Al-Rashdi and his mother, his wife, four daughters, the daughter of his brother Iyad and five other families after they fled to their neighbor’s home.” According to the report, an ISIL member had been on the roof of their house, so they fled to the neighbour’s house. The ISIL combatant escaped, but the house where the families were hiding was then hit by airstrikes. According to Sawif Ateka “They are now under the rubble. We appeal to the counter-terrorist units to evacuate the bodies. The site of the incident is opposite the Yarmouk Bridge and the Maysaloun Preparatory School for Girls.”

MNN reported that A-10 aircraft carried out the bombings in Yarmouk. This type of aircraft is used only by the US in Iraq, so could point at Coalition involvement. However, none of the other sources indicated who was responsible.

Yarmouk Coordination spoke of a total of 73 dead, mostly children and more than 200 wounded in “American-Iraqi” bombings in Mosul over a period of three days.

Nineveh Media Centre later named Mohamed Abdel Wahab Ibrahim El Sayegh (see photo below) as also having died in the attack. Yarmouk neighbourhood was reportedly liberated by Iraqi forces that day.

In a later report. the Iraqi Observatory gave more details: “The monitoring network documented at the Iraqi Observatory on April 10 the killing of five families in the Yarmouk district of the right-hand side of the city of Mosul, after their house was targeted by air strikes. A displaced man from the city of Mosul reported that a bomb exploded near the Yarmouk Bridge, killing one of his cousins, his mother, his wife, four daughters, his nephew and five other families who were gathered in one house. He added that the house was bombed an hour after the escape of one of the elements of the organization that was on the roof of the house, likely to kill thirty civilians whose bodies are still under 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:

Imad Abdul Ghani Al-Rashdi
Adult male killed
Mohamed Abdel Wahab Ibrahim El Sayegh
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    28 – 30
  • (7 women2 men)
  • 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

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Mohamed Abdel Wahab Ibrahim El Sayegh was reportedly killed after a mortar hit his house in Yarmouk neighborhood (via Ninawa Media Center)
  • Imad Abdul Ghani Al-Rashdi

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

For April 9th-10th the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed five fighting positions, five mortar systems, three medium machine guns, and a vehicle; damaged 22 supply routes; and suppressed four mortar teams.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    28 – 30
  • (7 women2 men)
  • 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

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI551

Incident date

March 17, 2017

Location

الموصل الجديدة, Mosul, Mosul al Jadida / New Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3323266, 43.1050515 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Coalition admitted responsibility for the deaths of  between 105 and 141 civilians in an airstrike on a house in West Mosul’s al Jadida area on March 17th (event CI550).

However, locals have claimed that as many as 230 or even 520 civilians were killed in the catastrophic event at al Jadida – though these higher numbers may conflate a series of events over a number of days of violence in the neighbourhood. To reflect these numbers and the confusion in reporting, Airwars has created this additional event at al Jadida, which has been graded ‘Contested’.

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

  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    125 – 370
  • Civilians reported injured
    25
  • 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

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    125 – 370
  • Civilians reported injured
    25
  • 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

Incident Code

CS439 RS1827

Incident date

January 11, 2017

Location

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.859101, 36.797731 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 10 and 25 fighters of the militant group Fatah al Sham were killed – as well as a civilian policeman – and as many as six other people were injured, following an alleged airstrike in Saraqib. It is not clear whether or not the injured were civilians or members of Fatah al Sham. Sources are conflicted as to who was to blame, with many blaming the US led Coalition, and a few others blaming Russian warplanes. Some sources do not identify the aircraft.

Two cars and three bikes were the target of this raid, on a motorway leading out of Saraqib. One source named the vicinity as Jobas Junction. Another source reported that it was near a bridge.

According to the Syrian Observatory, “explosions were heard in the Saraqeb area east of Idlib, which sources said resulted from targeting by unidentified aircraft of SUVs, carrying members of a jihadi” group believed to be Fatah al Sham [formerly al Nusra], during which at least five people were killed and injured.”

LCCSY said the cars were targeted near the motorway, while Syria News Desk said seven militants were killed and two injured when two vehicles were destroyed. Step News named two militant leaders killed as Abu Anas al Masri and Abu A’krama al Tunisi. Three of the group were allegedly bothers.

Syria News reported there were two main raids, the first targeting of a pick-up vehicle belonging to Fath Al Sham Militia, near the Abu al-Thuhur bridge east of the town of Sarqib. This allegedly left five victims. The second was said to have targeted a car south of the city of Sarqib on the international highway.

Another source however claims that there were six strikes within an hour. According to Idlib Media Centre, the police officer was killed in a strike when he went to investigate the first three strikes. 

AleppoAMC called it a high impact missile attack.

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:

Adult male police officer killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • Victims in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Saraquib, 12th January 2017. (via Idlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Saraquib, 12th January 2017. (via @MoudaAlomar)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Saraquib, 12th January 2017. (via Idlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Saraquib, 12th January 2017. (via SOHR )
  • Footage showing the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Saraqib, 11th January 2017. (via Orient)
  • The exact moment the alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike hit Saraqib, 11th January 2017. (via Amjad Bakir)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of an alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Saraquib, 12th January 2017. (via @fadirihawi)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Saraquib, 12th January 2017. (via @fadirihawi)
  • Ziyad Juma'a al Ahmad. killed in an alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Saraquib, 12th January 2017. (via Idlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Saraqib, 11th January 2017. (via Zaitonmag)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Saraqib, 11th January 2017. (via Zaitonmag)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Saraqib, 11th January 2017. (via Zaitonmag)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Saraqib, 11th January 2017. (via Zaitonmag)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Saraqib, 11th January 2017. (via Zaitonmag)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Saraqib, 11th January 2017. (via Zaitonmag)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Saraqib, 11th January 2017. (via @AbdulhaiMekhbat)

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

For January 10th-12th 2017, the Coalition reported no airstrikes in Idlib governorate. However unilateral US strikes against Fatah al Sham are no longer reported by the Coalition.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any specific strikes between January 1st – 31st 2017.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS356

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Location

معرة مصرين, Maraat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.01152, 36.67183 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Airstrikes variously blamed on the Coalition, on Russia and on the Assad regime targeted Fatah al Sham positions in Maarat Mislin, reportedly also killing four civilians and injuring at least two more.

Initial reports – which said the town was struck three times – claimed either Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. The Syrian Network for example reported that “4 persons at least were killed and others were injured by bombing by warplane over areas in the town of Ma’arrat Misrin in the northern countryside of Idlib, the sources said that they targeted the headquarters area of Fath al-Sham Front.” Shahba Press said ten people were injured.

However a statement issued on March 9th by Fatah al Sham blamed the Coalition: “On Wednesday 2nd November 2016 the protector of internatonal crime the oppressive America targeted one of the centres of al Mujahidin in Maarat Misrin in the Idlib countryside which destroyed the place completely killing all the mujahidin who were inside. The most notable of the martyrs were:

-Adel Abu Mohammad al Ansari

-Abu Hamza al Masri [administrator]

May God receive them in his paradise.This targeting complements the role played by Russia in bombing and destroying and supporting Bashar’s regime.” The press release made no mention of civilian casualties.

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Title: an air raid on Maarat Misrin 2/11/2016
  • Translation: warplanes launch raids on the dens of armed militants in Maarat Misrin in response to the repeated attacks of the militants on our people in al Fo’a and Kafriya north of Idlib.
  • Title: UAR’s lens captures the Russian enemy during the moment that they were targeting Maarat Misrin
  • Title: the first moment of the raids on Maarat Misrin 2/11/2016
  • Translation: 4 martyrs and a number of wounded following regime warplane targeting of the city of Maarat Misrin in the northern Idlib countryside with vacuum missiles.
  • Translation: 4 martyrs and around ten civilian wounded following Assad’s warplanes shelling Maarat Misrin in the northern Idlib countryside.
  • Translation: Northern Idlib countryside - 4 civilian martyrs and others injured in Maarat Misrin as a result of the air raids launched by the Russian enemy a short while ago on the city.
  • Translation: Idlib - 4 civilians killed and others injured following the air raids that targeted Maarat Misrin a short while ago.

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 36.01152, 36.67183  

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Maraat Misrin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SBV9018087733
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • Nov. 2, 2016, near Maraat Misrin, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 3074/CS356 37SBV9018087733

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 1st-2nd the Coalition reported no strikes in Syria.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS270

Incident date

July 18, 2016

Location

حيمر لابدة, Haymar Labda, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.3888493, 37.9762173 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four or more civilians were reported killed and others injured in what were described as heavy Coalition airstrikes on the village of Haymar Labda, as the battle to capture nearby Manbij intensified. ISIL’s media wing also issued a statement claiming “dead and injured and great destruction as a result of Coalition raids on the village of Haymar Labda south of Manbij.”

Local Syrian Civil Defence later reported what it said were eight Coalition airstrikes: “LCC’s correspondent reported that 7 civilians, including 3 children, were martyred, and another 14, including 5 women, were injured due to these airstrikes on the village.” Syria News Desk, citing a local source, said the strikes had targeted an ISIL-occupied building, but that several nearby civilian homes were also hit. It also included a photograph of what may be the scene.

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 (2)

Ahmad al Taha's child
12 years years old killed
Ahmad al Taha's child
5 years years old killed

The victims were named as:

Wife of Haneiwi Hassoun al Salem
Age unknown female killed
Sha’aban Al Ahmad Al Saboun's son
2.5 years years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 12
  • (3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    14–40
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Reported scene of an alleged Coalition strike at Haymar Labda, which killed at least four civilians July 18th 2016 (via Syria News Desk)
  • Translation: Al A’amaq: dead and injured and great destruction as a result of coalition raids on the village of Haymar Labda south of Manbij.
  • Translation; coalition planes target the village of Haymar Labda south of Manbij

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

For July 17th-18th 2016, the Coalition reported: “Near Manbij, 11 strikes struck eight separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed 22 ISIL fighting positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 12
  • (3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    14–40
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]