Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CI782

Location

الساعة, Mosul, Al Saaha, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3419, 43.12685
Accuracy: Within 100m (via Coalition)

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: I588)

Local sources and residents reported that five civilians from one Kurdish family were killed after Coalition airstrikes hit their house in Al Saaha neighbourhood near the al Nouri Mosque in Old Mosul.  The event was later admitted by both the Coalition and US forces.

The five died when a missile or bomb reportedly destroyed the house. The victims included: the father, the mother, and the son, his wife and daugther.

A source said to Yaqein Agency that “the bodies are still stuck under the ruins of the house, which is only 150 meters from the al Nouri mosque in the Old Mosul area” and that “the families of the victims set up a condolence register in Duhok.”

A senior Coalition official informed Airwars on July 5th 2017 that “It is primarily Coalition aircraft conducting AIR strikes in Mosul. It has been a number of weeks since the Iraqis flew there.”

In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted: “Coalition artillery conducted a strike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, five civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.” The Coalition additionally provided Airwars with coordinates for this event to within a 100 metre box.

In May 2020 in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon conceded this as a US incident.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike
Strike Status
Declared strike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Confirmed
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported killed
5
3 Women

Geolocation Notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 36.34075, 43.126911. In June 2019 the Coalition released the MGRS as 38SLF319235.

Military Statements

U.S.-led Coalition Assessment
Known belligerent
U.S.-led Coalition
U.S.-led Coalition position on incident
Credible / Substantiated
Given reason for civilian harm
Other
Civilian deaths conceded
5
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
near Al Saaha, Iraq
Location accuracy
100 m
MGRS coordinate
38SLF319235
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For June 22nd-23rd, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed 16 fighting positions, eight medium machine guns, three mortar systems, an artillery system, an ISIS-held building, and a rocket-propelled grenade system; damaged a fighting position; and suppressed two mortar teams and an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionally reported that “On June 22, near Mosul, Iraq, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven vehicles, two medium machine guns, two rocket-propelled grenade systems, an ISIS staging area, a fighting positon, and a VBIED; and suppressed two mortar teams.”
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2019-06-28
Original Source
Jun. 23, 2017, near Al Saaha, Iraq, via Airwars report. Coalition artillery conducted a strike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, five civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.
U.S. Forces Civilian Casualty Statement
2020-05-06
Original Source
Since last year’s Section 1057 report, CJTF-OIR assessed that an additional 21 reports of civilian casualties during 2017 were credible, with approximately 71 civilians killed and approximately 13 civilians injured as result of U.S. military operations. With these additional assessments, CJTF-OIR assessed that a total number of 191 reports of civilian casualties during 2017 were credible, with approximately 864 civilians killed and approximately 219 civilians injured. 23-Jun-17 Al Saaha, Iraq Ground 0 civilians injured 5 civilians killed

Media From Sources (1)