US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Civilians in the ruins of Mosul city. (Maranie R. Staab)

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CS1806

Incident date

October 10, 2018

Location

الشعفة, 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

Up to four civilians including a child were reported killed in Coalition airstrikes on al Sha’afa, according to a number of sources.

The victims were described as internally displaced people (IDPs) by al Sha’afa town’s Facebook page, which noted “Confirmation of the killing of four civilians in Al-Sha’afa in the recent raids on the town. The victims were IDPs in al Sha’afa and include an 11-year-old boy.”

Step News also noted that “Four civilians, including a child, were killed by air strikes by the International coalition aircraft yesterday in the eastern town of Al-Shafa, east of Deir Ezzor.”

Deir Ezzor 24 instead placed the death toll at three civilians killed, though it also blamed the US-led alliance. And Smart News noted that additional civilians were injured in the event: “A local source told Smart that four civilians were killed Thursday, including a child and others received wounds ranging between medium and light, as a result of bombing by the coalition aircraft International on the town of Shaaafa east of Deir Ezzor which is under the control of the Islamic State.”

In the second of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Unnamed boy
11 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Local media reported the deaths of up to four civilians, including a boy.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37FSU774280
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • Oct. 10, 2018, in Al Sha’afa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3195/CS1806 37FSU774280

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

"On Oct. 10 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 33 strikes consisting of 50 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Abu Kamal, 33 strikes engaged 18 tactical units, and destroyed 15 fighting positions, 11 mortars, two command and control centers, one tech vehicle, and two vehicle-borne IEDs."

Dutch Military
  • English
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    Original

[For October 3rd-10th, Dutch F-16s supported ground troops in Syria during nine missions. Weapons were deployed during two missions. The weapons deployment took place in the province of Deir Ezzor, in the vicinity of Abu Kamal. ISIS weapons, a logistics warehouse and ISIS fighters targeted.]

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 10-10-2018 | 12:00 Nederlandse F-16’s ondersteunden tijdens 9 missies grondtroepen in Syrië. Dit gebeurde in het kader van de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Tijdens 2 missies werden wapens ingezet. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 3 tot 10 oktober 2018. De wapeninzet gebeurde in de provincie Deir al Zour, in de omgeving van Abu Kamal. ISIS-wapenopstellingen, een logistieke opslagplaats en ISIS-strijders waren het doelwit. Irak Nederlandse militairen geven momenteel de ‘bataljonstraining’ aan Koerdische eenheden in de omgeving van Erbil, Irak. Dat geldt ook voor een instructeursopleiding en een training voor het beveiligen van grote gebieden. Samen met Finse militairen wordt een leiderschapstraining voorbereid, die op korte termijn start. In de omgeving van Bagdad ondersteunen Nederlandse trainers het Speciale Operaties Trainings Centrum. Defensie levert ook een chirurgisch team voor het Amerikaanse Role 2-hospitaal. Hier werken de Nederlanders nauw samen met Deense en Britse medici.’

French Military
  • English
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    Original

For October 10-16th, France report that the three CAESAR guns of Task Force Wagram carried out, from Iraqi territory, 28 firing missions (lighting, smoke, harassment, destruction). Aircraft made 18 sorties and carried out two airstrikes, north of Abu Kamal in Syria. Totals for Iraq and Syria since Sept 19th 2014: 8564 sorties, 1464 strikes, 2256 targets ‘neutralised’.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, se poursuit. La progression est rendue difficile car Daech, qui a organisé sa défense, notamment grâce à de très nombreux engins explosifs improvisés, profite des conditions météo actuelles. Celles-ci réduisent les capacités de frappe aérienne de la coalition. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué en volume. Les TF Wagram, Monsabert et Narvik ont été relevées. 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. Cette semaine, compte tenu des conditions météo, c’est l’appui sol-sol qui a été privilégié. Les trois canons CAESAR de la TF Wagram ont ainsi réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 28 missions de tir (éclairement, fumigène, harcèlement, destruction – bilan du 10 au 16 octobre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1975 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 10 au 16 octobre inclus) et conduit deux 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 : 8564 sorties / 1464 frappes / 2256 objectifs neutralisés. Formation des militaires Irakiens : lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés (IED) Trois militaires français servent aux côtés de trois Britanniques et d’un Néerlandais au sein d’un laboratoire d’exploitation contre-IED de premier niveau à Besmayah, ville située à une vingtaine de kilomètres à l’est de Bagdad. Leur tâche consiste à analyser les IED découverts par l’armée irakienne. Ils réalisent également des actions de formation au profit des militaires irakiens. Un lieutenant irakien a ainsi été formé aux techniques permettant, après avoir découvert des engins explosifs improvisés, d’en tirer des informations sur les savoir-faire de l’ennemi. Une sensibilisation a été dispensée au personnel de la police fédérale qui est confrontée, au quotidien, à la découverte d’engins explosifs improvisés. L’exploitation des IED découverts par les forces de sécurité irakiennes permet d’obtenir des renseignements utiles pour démanteler les réseaux terroristes comme pour adapter la protection des forces partenaires.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1841

Incident date

November 17, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6897222, 40.83 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 12 and 24 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hajin, Deir Ezzor. All sources pointed to Coalition artillery and shelling excluding Syrian Unified Observatory – which blamed the Syrian regime for the airstrikes.

Sound and Picture called the event an “aerial bombardment” where “dozens” were injured, while Step News reported that the “International Coalition launched more than 10 air raids on Hajin city early today”. The agency added that potentially dozens remain trapped under the rubble.

In its monthly civilian casualty report for October 2020, the US-led Coalition asserted that “that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A video published showing the aftermath of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Hajin. Footage shows dozens of civilian casualties including children and a fetus. 17th November 2018. (via @raassaf77)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hajin, 17th November 2018. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Deir Ezzor Radio incorrectly matched the picture of the remains of the victim with a picture of another child. The picture of the alive child shows the victim of an earlier incident and therefore can't be of the same person.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Hajin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU676401
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 29, 2020
  • 13.Nov. 17, 2018, in Hajin, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3232/CS1841 37SFU676401

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 17th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 17 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 37 strikes consisting of 53 engagements against ISIS targets.
]Near Hajin, 37 strikes engaged five tactical units and destroyed 15 buildings, seven supply routes, seven staging areas, four fighting positions, two weapons caches, one media cell, and one tunnel.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

France report that from Nov 14th – 20th, Task Force Wagram conducted 64 firing missions – 47 ‘lighting’, 17 ‘destruction’. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties but there were no strikes.

'‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Appuyées par la coalition, les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent. Evitant le contact, Daech tente d’alimenter un sentiment d’insécurité par des actions clandestines ciblant indistinctement les FSI ou la population irakienne. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Elle a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 64 missions de tir (47 éclairement, 17 destruction – bilan du 14 au 20 novembre inclus).’ Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2165 missions de tirs.'

Dutch Military
  • English
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    Original

For November 14th-20th 2018, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16’s supported ground troops in the fight against IS during 10 missions. Weapons were deployed during 3 missions above Deir Ezzor in Syria, targeting IS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 14 t/m 20 November laat MinDef weten F-16’s te hebben ingezet tijdens 10 missies ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Bij 3 werden wapens ingezet, boven Deir al Zour in Syrie. Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities van IS zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1873

Incident date

December 14, 2018

Location

حاوي السوسة, Hawi Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.515362, 40.975571 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported a “massacre” caused by “several missiles directed at the area Hawi Al-Soussa”. All sources blamed the Coalition.

The alleged airstrike reportedly targeted a house inhabited by displaced persons, and killed a number of civilians, including women and children. No exact numbers were reported. Step News for example noted that Coalition missiles “targeted a house inhabited by displaced persons, and killed a number of civilians, including women and children.  We do not know the final survival outcome for some, whose bodies remain under the rubble.”

On February 4th 2021, the US-led Coalition released in their monthly civilian casualty assessment reports that they deemed the December 14th strike as ‘non-credible’: “After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 6
  • (2–3 children2–3 women)
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    al Soussa
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU813210
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 4, 2021
  • Dec. 14, 2018, in al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3255/CS1873 37SFU813210

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For Dec. 14th, the Coalition reported: "On Dec. 14 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 27 strikes consisting of 41 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 27 strikes [Approx 5 British] engaged two ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 18 fighting positions, five staging areas, four supply routes, two heavy weapons systems and suppressed two mortar firing positions."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For 12th-18th Dec, Dutch F16s supported ground troops in 9 missions; weapons were deployed in 8 in Abu Kamal. Attacks were carried out on vehicles, logistics warehouses and ISIS fighters. Dutch F16s will fly until Dec 31st when the mandate for Dutch participation ends.

In de strijd tegen ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 8 werden wapens ingezet. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 12 t/m 18 december. De toestellen kwamen in actie boven de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour bij Abu Kamal. Hierbij zijn voertuigen, logistieke opslagplaatsen en strijders van ISIS aangevallen. Het F-16-detachement vliegt voor de anti-ISIS-coalitie nog tot en met 31 december. Daarna loopt het mandaat voor Nederlandse deelname af.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From Dec 12th - 18th, France report that Task Force Wagram carried out 24 'shooting missions". Additionally, there were five airstrikes in the Hajin region, Syria.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie Dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS) ont libéré une grande partie de la ville d’Hajine et poursuivent leur progression méthodique dans cette zone de façon à s’assurer que Daech ne sera pas en mesure d’agir sur leurs arrières. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, la situation est inchangée : Daech, qui est retourné à la clandestinité, conserve une capacité de nuisance, notamment sur le plateau d’Hawija. Les opérations des forces de sécurité irakiennes se poursuivent, avec un effort marqué à la frontière pour contrer toute tentative d’action de Daech depuis la Syrie. 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 (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 24 missions de tir (21 éclairement, 3 destruction – bilan du 12 au 18 décembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2350 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 20 sorties aériennes (bilan du 12 au 18 décembre inclus). Les Rafale ont conduit 5 frappes cette semaine dans la région d’Hajine, sur des combattants de Daech. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8728 sorties / 1494 frappes / 2299 objectifs neutralisés. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne, qui est en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad. Elle conseille également ponctuellement les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Elle a, à ce titre, conduit une mission d’expertise visant à améliorer la sécurisation du stockage des munitions d’une brigade irakienne. La TF Narvik, poursuit sa mission de formation et de conseil de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Depuis début décembre, 300 stagiaires de la 2ème école de l’ICTS - école de spécialité de l’ICTS - sont entrés dans la phase dite « integration phase » qui vise à évaluer la capacité des stagiaires à restituer l’ensemble des savoir-faire qui leur ont été transmis, dans des situations tactiques et techniques complexes et diverses. Cette phase d’examen est également l’occasion pour les instructeurs français de parfaire la capacité des moniteurs irakiens à conduire ce genre d’évaluation pédagogique de grande ampleur.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Friday 14 December – a Reaper, Tornados and Typhoons conducted ten attacks on a total of twelve targets in the area around Hajin...On Friday 14 December, with the main town of Hajin reported to be largely liberated, a Reaper supported the SDF as they consolidated their control. Its crew conducted two successful attacks with Hellfire missiles against groups of terrorists observed south of the town. To the south-east, Tornados meanwhile assisted the SDF as they advanced down the main road towards Abu Kamal; Paveway IVs were used to eliminated a Daesh sniper team and a strongpoint, as well as cratering a road to prevent the terrorists moving up truck-bombs to attack a newly liberated area. Typhoons also provided close air support to the SDF, conducting attacks which struck six Daesh strongpoints, all of which had been firing on the SDF, as well as an armoured ZSU-23-4 anti-aircraft vehicle.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 6
  • (2–3 children2–3 women)
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1907

Incident date

March 11, 2019

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.447579, 40.953426 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A number of ISIS family members were reportedly killed and injured, following air and artillery strikes on the Daesh stronghold, Al Baghouz camp. Sources blamed both the US-led Coalition and the SDF.

Deir Ezzor 24 for example reported: “Killing and injuring a number of the families of # Da’ash who preferred to stay in the camp of the town of # Albagouz in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, due to artillery shelling and from the international coalition aircraft.”

There were no specific numbers of casualties or wounded reported.

There are no other known details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • The exact moment a US-led Coalition raid - supported by the SDF - struck Al Baghouz camp, 11th March 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The exact moment a US-led Coalition raid - supported by the SDF - struck Al Baghouz camp, 11th March 2017. (via Euphrates Post)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in al Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU794135
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 16, 2021
  • 5. Mar. 11, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action. 3276/CS1907 37SFU794135

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

"Between March 10 - 23 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 250 strikes consisting of 398 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 193 strikes consisting of 338 engagements, engaged 346 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 104 vehicles, 63 supply routes, 39 fighting positions, 31 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, nine tactical vehicles, six fuel tankers, four weapons caches, two command and control nodes, one tunnel, one tanker for petroleum oil and lubricants, one mortar system, and one checkpoint."

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS965b

Incident date

June 11, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah: near Omar Bin Al Khattab mosque, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.950754, 39.02297 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians were killed in Coalition artillery strikes. The Coalition conceded a total of eight deaths and 24 injuries clustered across CS965, CS965a and CS965b. To avoid triple counting, the official OIR tally is only counted in CS965.

These civilians were initially listed as being victims of an airstrike which killed eight civilians from three families with dozens also left wounded. It has since been uncovered by Amnesty field research that the victims were killed in their home due to artillery shelling.

The Amnesty and Airwars joint April 2019 report War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality, stated that “Mahmoud Abdallah Abu Hayf, 50, and his two children and his niece and his cousin were killed by an artillery strike outside the house where the family was sheltering. Neighbours told Amnesty International that after they were killed another eight shell landed in the street.”

Salha, a survivor of the strike told Amnesty in a testimony that “My husband was out with the children and when the shelling started he hurried home. They were struck and killed by the front door. My mother and my brother and other relatives were injured in the strike.”

A number of sources alleged that the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were responsible for the strikes with the Syrian Network blaming SDF mortars. However, the Coalition also reported that it conducted artillery fire in the Raqqa.

In February 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “Coalition artillery targeted ISIS fighters. Regrettably, eight civilians were unintentionally killed and 24 civilians were unintentionally injured due to their proximity to the impacts.”

Both this event and CS965a are classed as Credible in our database.

The incident occured at 19:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

50 years old male killed
5 years old female child of Mahmoud killed
6 years old male child of Mahmoud killed
6 years old female niece killed

Family members (2)

Adult male killed
Age unknown female killed

Family members (1)

52 years old male killed

Family members (4)

Adult female injured
4 years old injured
7 years old injured
17 years old injured

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Muhannad Qadri al Daham
Child male not from Amnesty dataset killed
Noura al Hussein
Adult female not from Amnesty dataset killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 9
  • (3 children3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (36) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (14) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Jana al-Ali Al Hassan was reportedly killed by Coalition or SDF shelling in Saif al Dawla neighborhood in the city of Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Naya Mahmoud Ismail Abu al-Hayf was reportedly killed by Coalition or SDF shelling in Saif al Dawla neighborhood in the city of Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Naya Mahmoud Ismail Abu al-Hayf and Adnan Abu Hayf were reportedly killed by Coalition or SDF shelling in Saif al Dawla neighborhood in the city of Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Mahmoud Abu Hayf was reportedly killed by Coalition or SDF shelling in Saif al Dawla neighborhood in the city of Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Jana al-Hassan was reportedly killed by Coalition or SDF shelling in Saif al Dawla neighborhood in the city of Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Coalition or SDF shelling reportedly killed several children (via Mohab Nasser)
  • Coalition or SDF shelling reportedly killed Mahmoud Abu Hayf and his two children, Naya Mahmoud Ismail Abu al-Hayf and Adnan Abu Hayf during strikes in Saif al-Dawla in al-Raqqa (via @MousaAlomar)
  • Adnan Aby Hayf, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 11th June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Jana Hassa Ali, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 11th June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Mahmud Abu Hayf, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 11th June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Mahmud Abu Hayf, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 11th June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Mahmud Abu Hayf and his children, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 11th June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Naya Abu Hayf, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 11th June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Naya and Adnan, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 11th June 2017. (via Amnesty)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Stated location
    near Raqqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV017790
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • The report contained insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

  • June 12, 2017, near Raqqa, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition artillery targeted ISIS fighters. Regrettably, eight civilians were unintentionally killed and 24 civilians were unintentionally injured due to their proximity to the impacts. [The Coalition conceded a total of eight deaths and 24 injuries clustered across CS965, CS965a and CS965b. To avoid triple counting, the official OIR tally is only counted in CS965]. 

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 11th-12th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 16 fighting positions, two vehicles, and two ISIS boats; damaged five ISIS supply routes; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionally reported that “On June 11, near Raqqah, Syria, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three fighting positions and suppressed a sniper team.” And that “On June 11, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes destroyed two fighting positions.”

It also reported for the same days that "Near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 21 fighting positions and four vehicles."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

On the 15/6-17, the French MoD reported: "In the past week, France reports his 31 sorties, 28 of which were Armed Reconnaissance or Ground Support (CAS) and 3 were intelligence gathering. Two strikes were conducted by French planes in Iraq and Syria, one in the west of Raqqah city, and the other in the Al Qaim region, both against ISIL fighters. Task Force Wagram carried out 80 artillery strikes in Mosul."

Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 28 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 2 frappes ont été conduites par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie, l’une à l’Ouest de la ville de Raqqah, et l’autre dans la région d’Al Qaim, toutes deux contre des combattants de Daech.’

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 9
  • (3 children3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (36) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS904 CS229

Incident date

June 14, 2016

Location

‏الغوز‬, Al Ghouz, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.4652905, 37.2927583 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A family of seven civilians died in an airstrike on the village of Al ghouz, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Coalition.

Aleppo 24 reported that a suspected Russian cluster bomb raid was responsible.

Other sources, including Al Mukhtassar, @ALAMAWI  and Nabd Syria all blamed Russia.

According to Nabd Syria, Russia warplanes killed ten 10 civilians – and wounded others – in “towns of Alguz and Al Samoukah and the Shahba dam area in the countryside north of Aleppo”.

However, LCCSY pointed towards the Coalition, reporting the death of seven people from one family in “airstrikes with cluster bombs, believed to be by International Coalition warplanes.”

Zmanalwasl also said that the bombing was likely carried out by the Coalition.

In the first of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, US-led Coalition

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Unknown

Russia has not reported any strikes between June 1st – 31st 2016.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SCA470369
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020
  • June 14, 2016, in Al Ghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2972/CS229 37SCA470369

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 13th - 14th:
• Near Manbij, 13 strikes struck 10 separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed six ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL cave entrances, an ISIL weapons cache, an ISIL command and control node, two ISIL vehicles, and an ISIL security headquarters.
• Near Mar’a, three strikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL tactical vehicle, and an ISIL mortar system.
For June 14th - 14th:
* Near Manbij, six strikes struck six separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, US-led Coalition

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1921

Incident date

June 30, 2019

Location

ريف المهندسين الأول, Rif Al Mouhandessen Al Awal, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.094532, 36.961419 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A confirmed Coalition strike with high-explosive missiles against Al Qaeda at Rif Al Mouhandessen near Aleppo on the afternoon of June 30th is also locally reported to have injured at least two children and two women, and killed a number of foreign AQ-linked fighters. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claimed that the strike was carried out at 4.20 pm, exactly.

According to Step news, a total of seven injured people were evacuated including the two children and two women, in addition to the bodies of three men. Step News added in a later post that the number of casualties had risen to eleven people but did specify the number of dead or wounded or their combatant status.

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights initially reported that eight commanders and fighters were killed but in a later post added that the number had risen to nine. According the source, the victims included two Algerians, two Tunisians, one Egyptian and a Syrian commander in addition to 14 wounded who attended a meeting when the building they were in was struck with rocket shelling. The source added that it wasn’t clear whether the shelling was carried out by the International Coalition or by Russian missiles.

Alarabiya reported: “The US-led coalition said Monday its jets carried out strikes in northwest Syria a day earlier that a monitor reported had killed eight extremists, including commanders, from an al-Qaeda-linked group.

‘This operation targeted AQ-S operatives responsible for plotting external attacks threatening US citizens, our partners, and innocent civilians,’ US Central Command said in a statement, using an acronym for Al-Qaeda in Syria.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, earlier said six commanders were among the slain extremists from the Hurras al-Deen group.”

Among those killed militants were Abu Omar, Tunisian, and Abu Dujana, Algerian, leaders of the organization according to Mena Monitor. @jalaysalshuhada reported that Abu Omar was a Tunisian member of the Shura Council and a judge in the internal judiciary of the organization.

Mena Monitor added that among the wounded militants were Abu Yahya al-Masri and Abu Dhar al-Masri.

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 incident occured in the afternoon.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 11
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–7
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda/HTS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3–9
  • Belligerents reported injured
    8–14

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • A building was struck by a confirmed Coalition strike against Al Qaeda at Rif Al Mouhandessen near Aleppo on June 30th (via Step News).
  • A building was struck by a confirmed Coalition strike against Al Qaeda at Rif Al Mouhandessen near Aleppo on June 30th (via Step News).
  • A building was struck by a confirmed Coalition strike against Al Qaeda at Rif Al Mouhandessen near Aleppo on June 30th (via Step News).
  • A building was struck by a confirmed Coalition strike against Al Qaeda at Rif Al Mouhandessen near Aleppo on June 30th (via Step News).
  • A building was struck by a confirmed Coalition strike against Al Qaeda at Rif Al Mouhandessen near Aleppo on June 30th (via Syria live ua).
  • A building was struck by a confirmed Coalition strike against Al Qaeda at Rif Al Mouhandessen near Aleppo on June 30th (via Syria live ua).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Abu Omar, Tunisian member of the Shura Council and a judge in the internal judiciary of extremist organization "Horras Al Din", was alleged killed in a Coalition strike in Aleppo on June 30th (via @jalaysalshuhada).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video showing bodies of stuck under the rubble caused by a Coalition strike in Aleppo on June 30th (via @jalaysalshuhada).

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 36.09453, 36.96142

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Aleppo, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SCV1647596357
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • Jun. 30, 2019, near Aleppo, 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. 3218/CS1921 37SCV1647596357

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 11
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–7
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda/HTS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3–9
  • Belligerents reported injured
    8–14

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI012

Incident date

October 25, 2014

Location

حاج علي, Hajj Ali, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

35.734251, 43.3181477 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported by medical sources in the city to have been “accidentally killed” in an airstrike on a “Daesh stronghold in Qayyarah, Mosul“. However the Wameedh Sabah blog reported a security source as saying that the casualties were inflicted by an Iraq Army airstrike.

Up to 81 alleged militants were also reported killed in coalition strikes in Al Hajj Ali.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Haj Ali in the Qayyarah district, South of Mosul. The location for ( حاج علي ) Hajj Ali village is: 35.734251,43.3181477

  • Hajj Ali (حاج علي)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Haj Ali, Qayyarah, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018
  • 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

Twenty coalition airstrikes were confirmed in the vicinity of Mosul between October 24th-26th 2014, including by the US and France.

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
    2
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]