Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

TS380

Incident date

November 3, 2019

Location

الطريق بين رشيدية و القاسمية, Road between Al Rashidiya and Al Qasimiya village, Al Hasaka, Syria

Geolocation

36.706030, 40.353696 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One member of Doctors Without Borders was killed and three other civilians including two aged 17 wounded in an alleged Turkish mortar strike on a convoy about four kilometers north of Tal Temr, local sources reported.

Hawar news said: “The invading Turkish state wounded two doctors by firing cannons at Til Temir’s convoy of Doctors Without Borders between Al-Rashidiy and Al-Qasimiyê village. The condition of one of the doctors remains serious.”

Later reports said that one of the victims had died.

Free Burma Rangers issued the following statement:

“We are very sad to announce that Zau Seng, our Kachin cameraman and medic from Burma, was killed today, Nov. 3., by a Free Syrian Army/Turkish Army mortar strike that hit our forward casualty collection point where we were assembled to treat the wounded.

“Last night, Nov. 2, we had rescued three people from this area successfully but this time we were hit very close, about 10 meters from us. Mohammed, our Iraqi translator and coordinator, was also wounded but is in stable condition in the hospital.

“Zau Seng was my brother and hero. He leaves behind a wife, Lunu, and daughter, who celebrated her first birthday today. We pledge to take care of his wife and daughter as much as we can. We believe Zau is with Jesus now, in what the people of Burma call ‘the undiscovered land.’ He has now discovered it.

“I know he’s happy and still laughing, as he was always laughing, but we are sad because the world is emptier without him.”

A second post by Burma Rangers quoted Mohammed, the wounded Iraqi translator. He said:  “Our duty is to remove civilians from the battlefield. We are a human rights organization. When we reached the village of Al-Ezîziyê, we were exposed to bombardment of gangs belonging to the Turkish state. The gangs wanted to pave the way for them to reach Til Temir. We were attacked when we treated the wounded. Despite the Red Cross flag on our vehicle, they continued to attack us. A Thai member lost his life as a result of the attacks.”

The incident occured in the afternoon.

The victims were named as:

Dr Zau Seng
37 years old male killed
Mohammed Ahmed
31 years old male KRC List injured
Luay Sitam Hemid
17 years old male KRC List - Fragments in the left leg injured
Muhannad Jasim Hemid
17 years old male KRC List - Fragments in the left leg injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 healthcare_personnel)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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
    Turkish Military

Sources (34) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • Footage of the alleged Turkish strike on the convoy in Tal Temr, Nov 3rd.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Attempts to save the life Zau Seng, one of the members of the convoy.
  • Mohammed, part of the convoy struck by an alleged Turkish morat in Tal Temr, Nov 3rd (via Free Burma Rangers)
  • Zau Seng (via Free Burma Rangers)
  • Zau Seng (via Free Burma Rangers)
  • Zau Seng with wife Lunu (via Free Burma Rangers)
  • Zau Seng with his daughter (via Free Burma Rangers)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Attempts to save the life of Zau Seng following the alleged Turkish strike on the convoy in Tal Temr, Nov 3rd (via Hawar news)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Attempts to save the life of Zau Seng following the alleged Turkish strike on the convoy in Tal Temr, Nov 3rd (via Hawar news)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Attempts to save the life of Zau Seng following the alleged Turkish strike on the convoy in Tal Temr, Nov 3rd (via Hawar news)
  • 9th october to 14th of november doc

    KRC list of civilians killed and injured between 09 October and 14 November 2019.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck on the road between the villages of Al Qasimiya (القاسمية) and Al Rashidiya (رشيدية), north of the town of Tal Tamr (تل تمر), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.706030, 40.353696. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck on the road between the villages of Al Qasimiya (القاسمية) and Al Rashidiya (رشيدية), north of the town of Tal Tamr (تل تمر).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 healthcare_personnel)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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
    Turkish Military

Sources (34) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM255

Incident date

November 3, 2019

Location

Jilib or between Jilib and Xaramka, Middle Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

0.494527, 42.777868 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A senior al Shabaab communications official was reported killed, either in an air or ground operation.

The official was named by all sources as Ibrahim Abu Hamza, reportedly a head of communications for the terror group. However there was conflicted reporting about both how he died – and at whose hands.

According to Mareeg News, “Somali army forces backed by Kenya and Ethiopian troops under African Union force ambushed dozens of militants with battle-wagons between Jilib and Haramka in the region. The militants were reportedly planning to carry out terror attacks on army bases in the region.” Radio Shabelle said that at least six missiles were fired.

Meanwhile Goobjoog asserted that “warplanes reportedly bombed Jilib district in Middle Juba region the shelling targeted a suspected al-Shabaab official named Ibrahim Abu Hamza, the head of the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab network. Reports indicate that the officer was dead at the point; meanwhile, the federal government security official has not commented still the incident.”

Meanwhile Radio Dalsan noted that “Officials said Abu Hamza was targeted while traveling in a convoy outside Jilib district, although other high-ranking militants had accompanied him on the trip, only the death of the communications chief was confirmed. The attack was coordinated with a ground offensive targeting the militants camp killing several others in the compound.”

Nairobi News, reporting several days after the attack, noted: “Mr Ibrahim Abu Hamza, who until his death served as the militant group communications chief, was in the company of other high-ranking militants when they were attacked. Reports indicate that Abu Hamza was targeted while traveling in a convoy outside Jilib district. Although other high-ranking militants had accompanied him on the trip, only the death of the communications chief was confirmed. Identification of the officers who were killed during the attack is ongoing. ‘The attack was coordinated with ground offensive targeting the militants’ camp killing several others in the process,’ officials said on Wednesday.”

Asked whether it had been responsible for this event, in February 2020 a senior AFRICOM official told Airwars that this was not the case. However, this may not preclude actions by the CIA which conducts its own undeclared strikes in Somalia.

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–4

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports mention that the incident took place either in Jilib or near Jilib on the road to Xaramka/Haramka and targeted a convoy. There are two settlements in Jilib district with this name: 0.623998, 42.749343 and 0.628814, 43.174456. It is unclear which of the two settlements is the one referred to. Therefore the coordinates given as location for this incident are for the town of Jilib: 0.494527, 42.777868. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • The villages Xaramka/Haramka and the town Jilib in Jilib district (main roads marked in yellow)

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Kenyan Military Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Kenyan Military Forces
  • Kenyan Military Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–4

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM254

Incident date

November 3, 2019

Location

Bu'aale, Middle Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

1.251778, 42.575959 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported targeted strikes by an undeclared belligerent on the town of Bu’ale, which were said to have killed and injured senior named al Shabaab figures.

According to Goobjoog News, “Reports indicate on the airstrike raid in Bay and Middle Juba region last night targeted Al Shabab base located in the area bulla falay which results of various losses. The shelling [was] followed by direct fighting between the National Army forces and Al Shabaab militants, and it is not yet known how far casualties have affected both sides.”

Mareeg News gave more details: “A fighter jet has carried out an air strike targeting a training camp runs by Shebab, al Qaeda affiliated group in Bu’alle town in Middle Juba region of Somalia. It is unclear who carried out the bombing, but US military surged its airstrikes against Al Shabaab and Islamic State groups in Somalia.

“The air attack killed several militants, including Sheikh Dahir Gacmey, the group’s governor for the Middle Juba region, a source said. He says ex groups governor for the region, Sheikh Hussein Filow was also seriously injured in the bombing.”

Asked whether it had been responsible for this event, in February 2020 a senior AFRICOM official told Airwars that this was not the case. However, this may not preclude actions by the CIA which conducts its own undeclared strikes in Somalia.

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–4

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place in the town Bu’aale (or Bulla Falay/Bu’alle), for which the coordinates are: 1.251778, 42.575959. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Kenyan Military Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Kenyan Military Forces
  • Kenyan Military Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–4

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4128

Incident date

November 2, 2019

Location

حزارين, Hizareen town, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.600002, 36.526 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one civilian was killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hizareen the morning of November 2, 2019.

The White Helmets reported: “One man was killed and another injured as a result of a Russian military air raid, targeting civilian homes in the town of Hizareen”. A tweet from @ramiswidfree added that “the civil defense teams rescued the killed man and took the injured man to the nearest medical point to receive the necessary treatment.”

A tweet from @QasiounAr reported “a civilian was killed and others wounded in a Russian raid on Hazarin.”

According to the Syrian Human Rights Committee, “In Idlib governorate, six people were killed, five of them by the Russian bombardment of the towns of Jabala and Hizareen”.

An image posted by @AleppoAMC shows the “destruction in civilian homes” as a result of the airstrikes on Hazarin.

A pro-regime source @signal7579 posted that “the Syrian Air Force destroys several Al-Qaeda outposts in Hazarin in the southern countryside of Idlib.”

All sources that reported on the incident attributed the airstrikes to Russia except the pro-regime source that attributed the strikes to the regime.

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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
    Russian Military
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda/HTS

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian airstrike on Hizareen, Nov 2nd (via White Helmets)
  • Image caption: A civilian was killed and others wounded in a Russian raid on Hazarin. (Image posted by @QasiounAr)
  • Caption translation: The effects of destruction in civilian homes as a result of the air strikes that hit the town of Hazarin in the southern Idlib countryside this morning. (Image posted by @AleppoAMC)
  • Caption translation: A man was killed and another wounded, as a result of an air strike by Russian warplanes targeting civilian homes in the town of Hazarin, south of Idlib, this afternoon, Saturday. The civil defense teams rescued the killed man and took the injured man to the nearest medical point to receive the necessary treatment. (Image posted by @ramiswidfree)
  • Caption translation: A man was killed and another wounded, as a result of an air strike by Russian warplanes targeting civilian homes in the town of Hazarin, south of Idlib, this afternoon, Saturday. The civil defense teams rescued the killed man and took the injured man to the nearest medical point to receive the necessary treatment. (Image posted by @ramiswidfree)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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
    Russian Military
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda/HTS

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4127

Incident date

November 2, 2019

Location

جبالا, Jabala town, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.57009, 36.55586 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least four civilians, including a woman and two children from the same family, died and as many as dozens more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Jabala, according to sources on the ground.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported: “At least four civilians from the same family, including a woman, were killed as fixed- wing warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on al Shamali neighborhood in Jabala village in the southern suburbs of Idlib governorate, on November 2, 2019.”

@NagiNajjar named the civilians killed: Faisal Al-Abdullah (M), Ahmed Al-Abdullah (M), Hussein Al-Abdullah (M), Muhammad Salem Al-Ayoub (M), and Ahmed Al-Abdullah’s wife (F). A post by Stc council AR also added the name Amna Hussein Al-Abdullah, which could also be the name of the wife of Ahmed Al-Abdullah.

According to the Shaam News Network, “activists said that Russian aviation targeted a residential house for civilians, caused the bombing massacre of the whole family more than five people”.

@abuhuzaifa_ noted that the victims included “a mother and two children”.

A tweet by @HadiAlabdallah reported “6 martyrs as a preliminary result as a result of the Russian warplanes targeting residential homes.” Orient also reported six civilians killed, adding that this was “an initial toll that could be increased.”

A video posted by Shaam shows the destruction to buildings caused by the airstrikes as well as bodies being removed from the area and a video posted by @mhmdfaisel shows the moment the airstrikes impacted Jabala and White Helmets sorting through the rubble. Al Jazeera reported that the strikes “caused great damage to civilian property and homes.”

Shaam News reported that “defense personnel recovered the remains of the victims from under the rubble of the destroyed building, at a time when Russian warplanes and reconnaissance aircraft monitored the site and targeted its surroundings to prevent the arrival of ambulances.”

All of the sources that reported on the incident attributed the airstrikes to Russia while only Smart News didn’t distinguish whether Russia or the regime was responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Faisal Al - Abdullah
male killed
Ahmad Mohammad Al-Abdullah
male killed
Hussein Al-Abdallah
male killed
Wife of Ahmad Al-Abdallah
Adult female killed
Amna Hussein Al-Abdullah
killed

The victims were named as:

Muhammad Salem Al-Ayoub محمد سالم الايوب
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 6
  • (1–2 children1 woman1–4 men)
  • 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
    Russian Military

Sources (37) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (27) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian airstrike on Jabala town, Idlib, Nov 2nd (via Step)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian airstrike on Jabala town, Idlib, Nov 2nd (via Step)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian airstrike on Jabala town, Idlib, Nov 2nd (via Step)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian airstrike on Jabala town, Nov 2nd (via Step)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian airstrike on Jabala town, Nov 2nd (via White Helmets)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian airstrike on Jabala town, Nov 2nd (via White Helmets)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian airstrike on Jabala town, Nov 2nd (via White Helmets)
  • Destruction in Jabala following an alleged Russian airstrike on Nov 2nd (via SNN)
  • Destruction in Jabala following an alleged Russian airstrike on Nov 2nd (via SNN)
  • Destruction in Jabala following an alleged Russian airstrike on Nov 2nd (via SNN)
  • Destruction in Jabala following an alleged Russian airstrike on Nov 2nd (via SNN)
  • Destruction in Jabala following an alleged Russian airstrike on Nov 2nd (via SNN)
  • Destruction in Jabala following an alleged Russian airstrike on Nov 2nd (via EMC)
  • Destruction in Jabala following an alleged Russian airstrike on Nov 2nd (via EMC)
  • Destruction in Jabala following an alleged Russian airstrike on Nov 2nd (via EMC)
  • Destruction in Jabala following an alleged Russian airstrike on Nov 2nd (via EMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a reported civilian following an alleged Russian airstrike on Jabala, Nov 2nd (via EMC)
  • Translation: "5 martyrs till the moment due to # terrorism #Russian occupation by air strikes on #Jabala town of #Idlib countryside (local networks)."
  • Caption translation: Martyrs and wounded as a result of Russian air strikes targeting the village of Jabala in the southern countryside of Idlib a short while ago. (Image posted by @aboalhodaalhoms)
  • Caption translation: Five martyrs and several injuries as a result of the Russian warplanes targeting the village of Jabala and several cities and towns in the southern countryside of Idlib. (Image posted by Mazaya on Facebook)
  • Caption translation: Five martyrs and several injuries as a result of the Russian warplanes targeting the village of Jabala and several cities and towns in the southern countryside of Idlib. (Image posted by Mazaya on Facebook)
  • Caption translation: Five martyrs and several injuries as a result of the Russian warplanes targeting the village of Jabala and several cities and towns in the southern countryside of Idlib. (Image posted by Mazaya on Facebook)
  • Caption translation: Five martyrs and several injuries as a result of the Russian warplanes targeting the village of Jabala and several cities and towns in the southern countryside of Idlib. (Image posted by Mazaya on Facebook)
  • Caption translation: Five martyrs and several injuries as a result of the Russian warplanes targeting the village of Jabala and several cities and towns in the southern countryside of Idlib. (Image posted by Mazaya on Facebook)
  • Image of Faisal Ayoub Al-Abdullah, killed in airstrikes on the village of Jabala on November 2, 2019. (Image posted by Al Ramla via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image of Faisal Ayoub Al-Abdullah, killed in airstrikes on the village of Jabala on November 2, 2019. (Image posted by Al Ramla via Facebook)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 6
  • (1–2 children1 woman1–4 men)
  • 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
    Russian Military

Sources (37) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS378b

Incident date

November 1, 2019

Location

السباتية, Al Sibatya, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.738194, 40.174097 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Kurdish Red Crescent, three civilians were killed and one other injured in an alleged Turkish attack on Tal Tamr in Hasaka governorate in Syria on November 1st, 2019.

The civilians killed were all males and identified as Abdulazeez Salih al Hesh, Mahmoud Ahmad Muhammad and Muhammad Ali Khuwam. Ali Ezizi, was also injured in the attack.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a civilian was killed and others were injured”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdulazeez Salih al Hesh
Age unknown male KRC killed
Ali Ezizi
42 years old male KRC injured
Mahmoud Ahmad Muhammad
62 years old male KRC killed
Muhammad Ali Khuwam
56 years old male KRC injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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
    Turkish Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Sibatya (السباتية), allegedly located along the road connecting Tal Tamr (تل تمر) to Ras Al Ayn (رأس العين) in the north. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for the road are: 36.738194, 40.174097.

{"type":"FeatureCollection","features":[{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"","stroke":"#ff0000","stroke-width":"1"},"geometry":{"type":"LineString","coordinates":[[40.37293195724487,36.662429151873745],[40.37257790565491,36.664451610984834],[40.3721809387207,36.666327717028565],[40.371987819671624,36.66680103931054],[40.37130117416382,36.66776488659435],[40.36782503128052,36.67100917669409],[40.363372564315796,36.67513103499113],[40.36161303520202,36.676757344215005],[40.360379219055176,36.67739409084225],[40.355132818222046,36.67861594123221],[40.3462278842926,36.680706809203464],[40.33699035644531,36.682840640551774],[40.33073544502258,36.684303313327966],[40.329405069351196,36.684544221470176],[40.32304286956787,36.68447539064941],[40.319416522979736,36.68447539064941],[40.31064033508301,36.6843893520368],[40.30007243156433,36.68434633269443],[40.28788447380066,36.684268897817496],[40.278743505477905,36.684208670637084],[40.27169466018677,36.68418285897391],[40.26580452919006,36.68418285897391],[40.258251428604126,36.684165651193624],[40.257500410079956,36.68415704730206],[40.25542438030243,36.6846646752583],[40.25191068649292,36.68553365771159],[40.24842381477356,36.68641123398683],[40.2428662776947,36.687787804048355],[40.24190068244934,36.68802870127579],[40.23623585700989,36.69173670267529],[40.230807065963745,36.69528967778735],[40.23015260696411,36.69571980891085],[40.22198796272278,36.701793003482784],[40.21778225898743,36.7049240381471],[40.21223545074463,36.70919889873139],[40.20650625228882,36.713593929977485],[40.20129203796387,36.717515702538805],[40.19793391227722,36.72010430675273],[40.1945436000824,36.72266702499002],[40.19298791885376,36.72385375815999],[40.18979072570801,36.72632176044901],[40.187387466430664,36.72815336244123],[40.18579959869385,36.72936580733408],[40.18155097961426,36.732624695526546],[40.17570376396179,36.73706997432218],[40.17180919647217,36.74001902112184],[40.16698122024536,36.743681527916564],[40.16470670700073,36.74540095438643],[40.16383767127991,36.74584799895843],[40.163108110427856,36.7461832806784],[40.16156315803528,36.746707692738866],[40.158408880233765,36.74761895763089],[40.15362381935119,36.74902881783855],[40.15206813812256,36.74949303443308],[40.151188373565674,36.74975952787582],[40.150437355041504,36.75013777504409],[40.15010476112366,36.750447248613035],[40.14823794364929,36.75306053119715],[40.14442920684814,36.75842435867877],[40.14130711555481,36.76247276853423],[40.13798117637634,36.766830372174425],[40.136457681655884,36.76883289592944],[40.13235926628113,36.77417843280134],[40.12937664985657,36.77809711051019],[40.12555718421936,36.78302095439539],[40.121930837631226,36.78772967495297],[40.11463522911072,36.797214977866474],[40.11237144470215,36.800178894175794],[40.10876655578613,36.80487796986931],[40.107468366622925,36.8065616635685],[40.10404586791992,36.810951119486745],[40.10131001472473,36.814558703053045],[40.10058045387268,36.81550351827406],[40.098048448562615,36.818827457318264],[40.096964836120605,36.82023600809476],[40.09443283081054,36.823525388518235],[40.091707706451416,36.82708085220307],[40.08887529373169,36.83080790004465],[40.08680462837219,36.83345279159145],[40.083489418029785,36.837866465399735],[40.08227705955505,36.83940346321927],[40.08127927780151,36.84059697653302],[40.07982015609741,36.842065229949874]]}}]}

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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
    Turkish Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USYEMTr214-C

Incident date

November 1, 2019

Location

ريدان بالقرب من جبل الكنائس, Raidan, in the vicinity of Jabal Al Kaneas, Ma'rib, Yemen

Geolocation

15.76963, 45.40988 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A US drone strike reportedly killed at least two alleged AQAP militants, including a leadership figure, in Raidan village, in the Al Kanaes area of Marib governorate, on November 1st 2019. One source, @AlkaramaHR, instead appeared to suggest that those killed were civilians, unaffiliated with AQAP.

On January 2nd 2020, US Central Command told New America that no strikes had been conducted since 24th June 2019, but that an investigation was nevertheless ongoing into this alleged action. It is possible that this was instead a CIA action, or was a clandestine US military action.

The Alkarama Foundation (@AlkaramaHR), a human rights group, indicated in a tweet at the time that “two Yemenis” were killed by the strike, and condemned “extrajudicial killings”, possibly indicating that those killed were civilians.

All other known sources, however, reported that the dead were AQAP members. Local and tribal sources told Yemen Press Agency and Al-Masdar Online that Khamis bin Arfaj was killed along with his brother, Turki bin Arfaj, as they drove through the area.  These sources indicated that both were suspected AQAP.

One Twitter source, @ahmadsaeede326, shared a screen-capture of a Facebook post, which stated that Saleh Afraj was an “important leader of the National Army in Marib”, and had been killed by a US drone strike. The original Facebook source could not be found by Airwars. Given this, it is possible that one of those killed was a member of the Yemeni military.

Some local language Twitter sources, such as @ben_ataf, simply indicated that Khamis and his “companions” were killed in the strike, possibly indicating a militant death toll of at least three.  Though most reported that the strike targeted a car, @South24_net indicated that an AQAP “gathering” was bombed.

According to Al-Mashhad Al-Yemeni, Khamis bin Arfaj was a “prominent” leader in AQAP, and a close friend of Anwar Al-Awlaki prior to his death in a 2011 US drone strike. Local sources told the outlet that Khamis and Turki were both members of the Al-Marwan tribe, from Al-Jawf governorate.

In its annual civilian casualty report for Congress issued in April 2019, the US Department of Defense stated that, as of March 1st 2020, it had assessed “no credible reports of civilian casualties resulting from US military actions in Yemen during 2019”. The report also asserted that US Central Command had not received “any reports from IOs or NGOs regarding potential civilian casualties caused by U.S. military action in Yemen in 2019”.

The incident was first reported on November 1, 2020 at 4:00 pm by .

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–3

Sources (38) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    One source, @sheeq71, posted this image on November 1st 2019, which possibly shows one of those killed in the reported US drone strike (November 1st 2019).
  • A few sources indicated that the alleged militants may have been targeted amid the movement of pro-government forces in the area (sheeq71, November 1st 2019)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village or area of Raidan (ريدان), allegedly in the vicinity of Jabal Al Kanaes (جبل الكنائس), in the desert north of Ma’rib (مارب) city. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Jabal Al Kaneas are: 15.76963, 45.40988.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

On January 2, in response to an email inquiry, CENTCOM reiterated June 24th as the last CENTCOM strike in Yemen and said an investigation is ongoing into an alleged 11/1 strike reported by Xinhua

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–3

Sources (38) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS378A

Incident date

October 31, 2019

Location

تل تمر, Tal Tamr, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.655309, 40.372388 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Kurdish Red Crescent, four civilians including a woman were reported injured in an alleged Turkish attack on Tal Tamr in Hassakah governorate in Syria on October 31st, 2019.

No additional information about this event is presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ebrahim Khaled al Khalaf
60 years old male KRC injured
Teffaha Ali al Salih
55 years old female KRC injured
Mahmoud Khalaf
38 years old male KRC injured
Ahmad Taha Mansour
40 years old male KRC injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Tal Tamr (تل تمر), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.655309, 40.372388. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]