US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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US-led Coalition
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Incident Code

CI880

Incident date

March 13, 2020

Location

مطار كربلاء الدولي, Karbala International Airport, Karbala, Iraq

Geolocation

32.347736, 44.214334 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Geolocation accuracy

Neighbourhood/area

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reportedly killed in alleged American airstrikes in Karbala governorate on March 13th, 2020, according to local sources.

@Nz0FT8c0yti5CxG tweeted that Karrar (1995, full name unknown) was killed in American airstrikes around 1 AM. The source added that the young man was from Karbala governorate, had two brothers and that he worked as a night security guard at an airport that had been under construction. Four missiles were reportedly fired by American warplanes.

US officials had told Reuters that American “retaliatory strikes are underway in Iraq after the Taji camp attack north of Baghdad”.

Step News Agency reported that “on Thursday night-Friday night, the United States launched airstrikes targeting sites belonging to the Iranian militias in Iraq, amid reports that the general was killed in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard militia, Siamand Mashhadani, in the Jurf Al Sakhr region.” The Pentagon confirmed that strikes targeted five weapon storage units of Iranian-backed militias.

It is unknown if the civilian was killed in one of the incidents targeting weapon storage units.

The incident occured at approximately 1:00 am local time.

  • Karrar Adult male full name unknown, from 1995, Karbala governorate killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    United States Armed Forces

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention multiple strikes on alleged weapon caches, some of which struck a civilian from Karbala (كربلاء), who sources suggest that he was employed as night security at the Karbala International Airport (مطار كربلاء الدولي) that is currently under construction. Since the strikes happened during the night and assuming that the individual was at work, we suggest that the location of the strike is the airport, for which coordinates are: 32.347736, 44.214334. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Google Earth imagery dating back from 2010 does not show the current progress of the Karbala International Airport (مطار كربلاء الدولي) which is currently under construction. Instead, here is an image from the Sentinel-2 L1C data, from the 9th of March, 2020.

    Imagery:
    Sentinel-2, ESA

United States Armed Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    United States Armed Forces
  • United States Armed Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    United States Armed Forces

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1943

Incident date

February 12, 2020

Location

خربة عمو, Road between Khirbet Amo and the Allaya neighborhood on the outskirts of Al Qamishli, Al Hasaka, Syria

Geolocation

37.038759, 41.274014 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Geolocation accuracy

Exact location (via Airwars)

Airwars assessment

One man was killed and three civilians were wounded in clashes between American troops and Syrian regime forces near the village of Khirbet Ammo, Al Hasaka governorate, on February 12th, 2020, according to local sources. It remains unclear if the killed man was a civilian or a member of an armed group.

Sana reported that “American occupation soldiers fired live bullets and smoke bombs on the locals as a civilian from the village of Khirbet Ammo was martyred while another civilian from Hamou village was injured.” According to Sana, “hundreds of locals of Khirbet Ammo and Hamou villagers gathered near the post to prevent the American occupation vehicles from crossing and to force them to return from where they came.”

Step News Agency gave different accounts of the incident, writing when American troops were approaching a checkpoint of the Syrian regime forces, the regime forces then used young men to throw stones at the four American vehicles.

According to Step’s correspondent, “armed men in the gathering in civilian clothes opened fire in the air, and the American forces retaliated returning fire, killing Faisal Khaled al Muhammad, a resident of Khirbet Ammo village, and wounding another civilian. Whereas some sources reported the killed man was a civilian, other sources, such as the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, wrote it was still unclear if the man was “a civilian or regime-backed militiaman”. According to Step, two members of the Syrian regime forces were also wounded.

Al Khabour reported that a group of youths from the village intercepted the American patrol by throwing stones at them and then “took refuge in the regime’s checkpoint”, adding that American soldiers directly targeted the young men.

Colonel Myles Caggings, spokesman for the international Coalition against ISIS, posted a statement on Twitter (@OIRSpox), stating that “Coalition forces, conducting a patrol near Qamishli, Syria, encountered a checkpoint occupied by Syrian regime forces. After Coalition troops issued a series of warnings and de-escalation attempts, the patrol came under small arms fire from unknown individuals. In self-defence, Coalition troops returned fire. The situation was de-escalated and is under investigation. The Coalition patrol returned to base”.

Shaam News Network reported that Russian military vehicles were also present in the area. Sources gave conflicting reports on the incident occurring either in the morning or in the afternoon.

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–1
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Statement by Coalition military spokesman Col. Myles B. Caggings III on Twitter (via @OIRSpox).
  • Faisal Khaled Al Muhamad was reported killed allegedly when American forces opened fire on locals of the villages of Khirbet Ammo and Hamou in eastern Qamishli. (via Eye on Hasaka)

Geolocation notes (6) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention Coalition forces encountering a Syrian regime checkpoint where an exchange of small arms fire took place, during a patrol on the outskirts of Al Qamishli (القامشلي‎). Investigating audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed this location down to a road connecting Khirbet Amo (خربة عمو) and the neighbourhood of Allaya (علايا). The exact coordinates for this incident are: 37.038759, 41.274014

  • Reports of the incident mention Coalition forces encountering a Syrian regime checkpoint where an exchange of small arms fire took place, during a patrol on the outskirts of Al Qamishli (القامشلي‎). Investigating audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed this location down to a road connecting Khirbet Amo (خربة عمو) and the neighbourhood of Allaya (علايا).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Panoramic stitch of footage from the incident. Satellite imagery available to Airwars does not show building A, which we believe to be a recent construction.

    Imagery:
    Global News

  • Panoramic stitch of footage from the incident. Satellite imagery available to Airwars does not show building A, which we believe to be a recent construction.

    Imagery:
    Global News

  • Panoramic stitch of footage from the incident.

    Imagery:
    Global News

  • Satellite imagery showing the distribution of buildings tagged in the panoramic stitches.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Satellite imagery showing the distribution of buildings tagged in the panoramic stitches.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–1
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1941

Incident date

December 21, 2019

Location

دوار قرموطي, Qarmouti Roundabout, Hassaka, Syria

Geolocation

37.049272, 41.205214 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Geolocation accuracy

Exact location (via Airwars)

Airwars assessment

Manar Saqer, female, aged 27, was reported killed on December 21st 2019, after she was run over by a US-led Coalition vehicle (truck) near Qarmouti square in Qamishli, Syria, according to local sources.

Manar was reported hit while she was returning back from her work around 17:30 local time. Another source believed the victim killed in the accident was a child.

Qamishli for Everyone reported: “Manar Saqer, a 27-year-old girl, was run over by a loader last night [DEc 21st] at about half past five on the Amouda road near Qarmouti roundabout next to the auto oil store during her return from work. This resulted in the amputation of her legs in hospital, where she later passed away”.

The incident occured at approximately 5:30 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Qarmouti Roundabout (دوار قرموطي), sometimes called Osman Sabri roundabout, on the road that connects the city of Al Qamishli (القامشلي) to the town of Amuda (عامودا‎) towards the west. The exact coordinates for the roundabout are: 37.049272, 41.205214.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1940

Incident date

December 7, 2019

Location

طريق بين عفرين وإعزاز، قريب من تقاطع قيبار, Road between Afrin and A’zaz, close to Qibar Junction, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.537842, 36.902342 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Geolocation accuracy

Exact location (via Airwars)

Airwars assessment

Up to three people were reported killed – one of whom was said to be a militant leader in the Ahrar al-Sham Movement which is affiliated with the Syrian National Army – in an alleged Coalition drone strike on their car on Afrin- Azaz road in Aleppo, Syria, on December 7th, 2019, according to local sources. The combat status of two of the victims was unclear.

The identity of those killed is not clear yet. While Aramme reported those killed were civilians, Step Agency said that they included a smuggler who transported people between Turkey and Idlib, and that he was accompanied by two ISIS leaders, one of whom was wearing an explosive belt.

A report by Jesr Press said that the strike targeted “a leader of the Ahrar al-Sham Movement in the northern countryside of Aleppo, which led to the death of him and two others who were travelling in the same car.”

However, the Smart News Agency reported that “the commander-in-chief of Ahrar al-Sham, Jabir Ali Pasha, and spokesman for the National Liberation Front, Captain Naji Mustafa, denied through their official knowledge that the dead were linked to Ahrar al-Sham, noting that the military tasks carried by the dead were forged.” But a ‘National Army’ ID card was found in the targeted car and referred to ‘Abu Sa’ad Al Hoss’ as the leader who was killed.

Other sources such as the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported the three allegedly belonged to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • (0–3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1–3

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Aftermath of the alleged Coalition drone strike in Afrin - Azaz road on Dec 7, 2019 (via Jesr Press).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Aftermath of the alleged Coalition drone strike in Afrin - Azaz road on Dec 7, 2019 (via Jesr Press) - GRAPHIC.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Aftermath of the alleged Coalition drone strike in Afrin - Azaz road on Dec 7, 2019 (via Jesr Press) - GRAPHIC.
  • Aftermath of the alleged Coalition drone strike in Afrin - Azaz road on Dec 7, 2019 (via Jesr Press) - GRAPHIC.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Images of the car that was allegedly attack by a Coalition drone strike (via Al souria)

Geolocation notes (4) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck in the vicinity of the Qibar (قيبار) junction, while travelling between Afrin (عفرين) and A’zaz (أعزاز).  Using visual information from available sources, we have narrowed down the location of the wreckage to a field northwest of Qibar. The coordinates for the wreckage are: 36.537842, 36.902342

  • Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck in the vicinity of the Qibar (قيبار) junction, while travelling between Afrin (عفرين) and A’zaz (أعزاز).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Matching features between footage of incident and Google Earth visualisations

    Imagery:
    Nedaa

  • Matching features between footage of incident and Google Earth visualisations

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Imagery:
    Google Earth

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • (0–3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1–3

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1939

Incident date

December 3, 2019

Location

أطمة, Atma, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.307309, 36.689379 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Geolocation accuracy

Village

Airwars assessment

A militant leader, named as Abu Ahmed al-Muhajir, was killed when his vehicle was reportedly struck by the US-led Coalition, local sources said. Reports added that two of Abu Ahmed al-Muhajir’s “companions” also died in the strike, though their combat status was unclear.

A private source told Baladi News: “A reconnaissance plane ammunition by the coalition forces targeted a van in the town of Atma, adjacent to the borderline with Turkey with three missiles, believed to be American-made.

“A leader of the Headquarters for the Liberation of Al-Sham was killed this evening, Tuesday, after targeting his car in the town of Atma, which borders the border with Turkey in the northern Idlib countryside, through a drone of the coalition forces.”

Ebaa and Xeber both reported “the killing of a prominent leader and two of his companions.”

According to The Step News Agency, “A aircraft believed to be belonging to the International Coalition targeting a van-type car in the city of Atma, North Idlib, which killed the driver of the car without information about his identity yet”.

Step added that the strike was reportedly by a drone, and it occurred in “Rawda Street”.

The combat status of the Tahrir al-Sham leader’s companions is currently unclear. For example, Orient reported: “The identity of the dead was not yet clear, and that preliminary information indicates that the bombing operation resulted in a major mutilation of the bodies of the two targeted individuals.”

 

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1–3

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Image showing the targeted vehicle (via Baladi)
  • Paper showing the person killed in the attack is a military training with HTS (via Jesr Press)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a strike on a vehicle in the village of Atma (أطمة), for which the coordinates are: 36.307309, 36.689379

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1–3

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1937

Incident date

November 22, 2019

Location

حي اللطوة, Latwa neighbourhood, Dhiban, Deir Ezzor , Syria

Geolocation

35.0162094, 40.5101418 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Geolocation accuracy

Village

Airwars assessment

One civilian male was killed and one woman and five children from the same family injured after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted their home in Al Latwa neighbourhood of the town of Dhiban, Deir Ezzor governorate, on November 22nd, 2019, according to local sources. Two members of the SDF were also reported killed and another five wounded.

Euphrates Post reported that the house of civilian Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi was hit by the alleged International Coalition airstrike, which killed him and injured his wife. The Euphrates correspondent added that two SDF soldiers were also killed in the incident.

According to Halab Today, “The SDF arrested at least 20 people in the town, including civilians and former ISIS operatives, during a series of raids in the town’s al-Latwa neighbourhood.” The source added that Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi “had tried to prevent SDF members from raiding his house, which led to his death”.

Jesr Press also said that “there was a verbal altercation with members of the patrol which developed into a  shooting. Khalid opened a bomb and threw it on the elements [of the SDF], injuring five of them”.

Xeber24 said: “Activists added that the landing operation, which took place on Friday morning (November 22nd), involved three US Apache helicopters, a war fighter and two reconnaissance planes, during which clashes took place between the gunmen in Al-Lattwa neighborhood in Theban town and SDF fighters.”

Jesr Press added that the victim was killed the day after his wedding: “Khaled Mahmoud al-Hussein, a native of Theban, was working in Qatar before the Syrian revolution. He returned to his home town two months ago to get married, and then intended to return to Qatar to continue his work. He celebrated his wedding on Thursday. he was killed today [Nov 22nd0 although he did not participate in any armed activity.”

Additionally, Step said that  Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi’s “wife and five of his children were wounded” in the operation.

AA reported: “A coalition statement said on Saturday that ground and air operations continued in Deir ez-Zor on Friday, including airdrops, which resulted in the neutralization of many ISIS elements and the injury of others (without giving a specific number).

“The statement said that ‘special forces from several countries in the coalition participated in the clearance of ISIS positions’ in the province, and the arrest of many of its fighters, as well as the confiscation of ‘a significant amount’ of light weapons, hand explosives and ammunition”.

 

 

 

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Family members (7)

  • Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein Adult male killed
  • Wife of Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein Adult female first name unknown injured
  • Child of Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein injured
  • Child of Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein Child injured
  • Child of Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein Child injured
  • Child of Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein Child injured
  • Child of Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein Child injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–6
  • 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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2
  • Belligerents reported injured
    5

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Photo of the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on the house of Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi in Al Latwa neighbourhood of Dhiban town, Deir Ezzor, on November 22nd, 2019 (via Euphrates Post on Facebook).
  • Photo of the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on the house of Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi in Al Latwa neighbourhood of Dhiban town, Deir Ezzor, on November 22nd, 2019 (via Euphrates Post on Facebook).
  • Photo of the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on the house of Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi in Al Latwa neighbourhood of Dhiban town, Deir Ezzor, on November 22nd, 2019 (via Euphrates Post on Facebook).
  • Photo of the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on the house of Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi in Al Latwa neighbourhood of Dhiban town, Deir Ezzor, on November 22nd, 2019 (via Euphrates Post on Facebook).
  • Photo of the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on the house of Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi in Al Latwa neighbourhood of Dhiban town, Deir Ezzor, on November 22nd, 2019 (via Euphrates Post on Facebook).
  • Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Husse (via Jesr Press)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a strike within the Latwa neighbourhood (حي اللطوة) in the village of Diban (ذيبان) for which the generic coordinates are: 35.0162094, 40.5101418. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–6
  • 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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2
  • Belligerents reported injured
    5

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1935

Incident date

October 26, 2019

Location

باريشا , Barisha, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.165820, 36.627355 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (other) level. Continue to map

Geolocation accuracy

Exact location (other)

Airwars assessment

Up to nine civilians including two women and three children were reported killed in the US military operation that successfully targeted ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi in Barisha village in Idlib countryside, Syria, on October 26th, 2019.

Al-Baghdadi was an ISIS leader who declared himself a Caliphate in Mosul, Iraq in 2014, and according to local sources was killed in an overnight raid, and that whole operation lasted for around four hours.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SNHR), U.S. helicopters came from Turkish territories, carried out a landing in the area and clashed with militants near the targeted house of al-Baghdadi west of Barisha where many casualties were reported. Among the nine alleged civilian deaths were two or three women and up to three children. The Observatory said it believed the death toll was bound to rise because there had been many other injuries with victims in a serious condition. Local sources also mentioned that the targeted area was a few kilometers away from Tor Laha where a camp for internally displaced persons is located.

US President Trump and an official from the Pentagon said that al-Baghdadi blew himself up after hiding in a dead-end tunnel killing himself, with family members around him. In his statement addressing the US people after the operation, Trump said al-Baghdadi dragged three of his children with him to the tunnel where they were killed with him after he blew himself up. He also mentioned that 11 children were taken out of the area uninjured. However, Newsweek, reporting US Defense officials said that only al-Baghdadi’s wife was killed in the operation but none of his children were injured. Other Pentagon sources claimed that al-Baghdadi’s two wives were killed by blowing themselves up with explosive vests, but none of his children were injured.

Describing the scene of the operation, local medical sources said that as a result of the operation, a house was completely destroyed and a number of tents were burned. Seven bodies were found in the area, among them  bodies of a child and three women, in addition to five injuries.

According to Shbabbek.com, among seven bodies found near the area, three of them belong to civilians who happened to be passing by during the time of the operation, and that many cars moving around were targeted. Reuters also reported that the bodies of three men and three women were found in addition to al-Baghdadi’s. His companion and security man Ghazawan Arrawi is also believed to have been killed in the operation.

A report published by NPR on December 3rd 2019, said locals reported the killing of two civilians and the injury of a third one in the Coalition airstrike that killed Al Baghdadi. “Syrians say civilians were killed and wounded during the U.S. raid on ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. That contradicts the account by the U.S. military, which says it’s looking into the matter.”

The report tells that two relatives of their contact in Syria – who lives abroad – were killed. Mother of one of those killed said that “her son and his cousin were driving  through the village of Barisha when their van was hit.”

“Relatives identify them as Khaled Mustafa Qurmo and Khaled Abdel Majid Qurmo; cousins, 27 and 30 years old. Their relatives say another man named Barakat Barakat was also in the car, and his hand was blown off.”

Barakat, the only survivor in the van narrates what happened: “I was with my best friends. They wanted to drop me off at home. We had pumpkin seeds and bought coffee on the road and were having fun. We were driving through the village of Barisha. And at that moment, the helicopters arrived. Suddenly, we were hit. I didn’t know what was going on. I was just trying to escape death.”

The incident occured between 11:00 pm and 3:30 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (1–3 children1–2 women3–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–11
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    United States Armed Forces

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (44) [ collapse]

  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Photos of the al-Baghdadi location targeted by US forces on 26/27 October 2019. (via Idlib Plus)
  • Photos of the al-Baghdadi location targeted by US forces on 26/27 October 2019. (via Idlib Plus)
  • Photos of the al-Baghdadi location targeted by US forces on 26/27 October 2019. (via Idlib Plus)
  • Photos of the al-Baghdadi location targeted by US forces on 26/27 October 2019. (via Idlib Plus)
  • Aerial photos of the house targeted by US forces #Baghdadi (via Idlib Plus)
  • Aerial photos of the house targeted by US forces #Baghdadi (via Idlib Plus)
  • Aerial photos of the house targeted by US forces #Baghdadi (via Idlib Plus)
  • Aerial photos of the house targeted by US forces #Baghdadi (via Idlib Plus)
  • Aerial Photos of the house where the al-Baghdadi leader of ISIS was targeted by American troops in the village of Barisha, northern Idlib (26-27 October 2019) - Via MMC
  • Aerial Photos of the house where the al-Baghdadi leader of ISIS was targeted by American troops in the village of Barisha, northern Idlib (26-27 October 2019) - Via MMC
  • Aerial Photos of the house where the al-Baghdadi leader of ISIS was targeted by American troops in the village of Barisha, northern Idlib (26-27 October 2019) - Via MMC
  • Aerial Photos of the house where the al-Baghdadi leader of ISIS was targeted by American troops in the village of Barisha, northern Idlib (26-27 October 2019) - Via MMC
  • Photos of the location where ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was successfully targeted by US forces in Barisha/Idlib on 26-27 October 2019 (Via Shaam Network)
  • Photos of the location where ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was successfully targeted by US forces in Barisha/Idlib on 26-27 October 2019 (Via Shaam Network)
  • Photos of the location where ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was successfully targeted by US forces in Barisha/Idlib on 26-27 October 2019 (Via Shaam Network)
  • Photos of the location where ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was successfully targeted by US forces in Barisha/Idlib on 26-27 October 2019 (Via Shaam Network)
  • Photos of the location where ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was successfully targeted by US forces in Barisha/Idlib on 26-27 October 2019 (Via Shaam Network)
  • Photos of the location where ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was successfully targeted by US forces in Barisha/Idlib on 26-27 October 2019 (Via Shaam Network)
  • Child in the location where the US forces operation killed al-Baghdadi in Barisha village in Idlib on 26/27 October 2019 (via SMART).
  • Man standing in the location where the US forces operation killed al-Baghdadi in Barisha village in Idlib on 26/27 October 2019 (via SMART).
  • Children in the location where the US forces operation killed al-Baghdadi in Barisha village in Idlib on 26/27 October 2019 (via SMART).
  • Child in the location where the US forces operation killed al-Baghdadi in Barisha village in Idlib on 26/27 October 2019 (via SMART).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a raid on the hiding place of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, then leader of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, in vicinity of the village of Barisha (باريشا). The exact coordinates for this location is: 36.165820, 36.627355

United States Armed Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    United States Armed Forces
  • United States Armed Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (1–3 children1–2 women3–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–11
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    United States Armed Forces

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1930

Incident date

September 4, 2019

Location

بين معيزيلة و مراط‎, Between Mu'ayzila and Marat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

The child Ali al-Ahmad was alleged killed at dawn during a landing operation carried out by the International Coalition.

According to Shaam News, “a coalition landing operation with the SDF [targeted] a civilian home between the towns of Mu’ayzila and the village of Marat on the old road between Deir al-Zour and al-Hasakeh governorates.”

Local sources reported that the operation was accompanied by a military convoy believed to be from the SDF. Three other civilians were reportedly arrested.

In its monthly civilian casualty report for October 2019 – published on December 5th of the same year – the US-led Coalition assessed this event as ‘non credible’, noting: “September 4, 2019, in Maizeela, 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. 2778/CS1930 37SFV126086”.

The Coalition published a location for the assessment identifying to within 100 metres the area where it had focused its review.

The incident occured around dawn.

  • Ali al-Ahmad Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a convoy moving between the two villages of Marat (مراط) at 35.31407, 40.23865 and Ma’izayla (معيزيلة) at 34.619365, 40.456123, on an unspecified road connecting Deir Ezzor to the Al-Hasaka governorate. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention a convoy moving between the two villages of Marat (مراط) and Ma'izayla (معيزيلة) on an unspecified road connecting Deir Ezzor to the Al-Hasaka governorate.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible
    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 Maizeela, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV126086
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 5, 2019

  • September 4, 2019, in Maizeela, 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. 2778/CS1930 37SFV126086

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (6) [ collapse]