Incident Code

CI861

Location

القائم‎, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.3957715, 40.9943684
Accuracy: City

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: I664)

Local sources reported that as many as 50 civilians died in alleged US-led Coalition air strikes on Al Qaim, west of Anbar province. However, there was doubt regarding their combatant status.

Yagein said that according to one report, civilians had attempted to return to their homes when targeted and up to 50 died. However, its report also quoted a source within the war media cell of ISF who alleged that the Coalition instead killed 47 terrorists in Al Qaim.

Tanha Islam reported dead and wounded as a result of the attack. It blamed the US-led Coalition.

 

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Civilians reported killed
0–50

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al Qaim (القائم‎), western Anbar province, for which the coordinates are: 34.3957715, 40.9943684. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.  

Military Statements

U.S.-led Coalition Assessment
Suspected belligerent
U.S.-led Coalition
U.S.-led Coalition position on incident
Non credible / Unsubstantiated
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 al Qaiem, Iraq
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For September 29th-30th, the Coalition reported: “Near Al Qaim, one strike destroyed an ISIS staging area and an ISIS headquarters.“
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2018-06-28
Original Source
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.
Iraq Government Forces Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Iraq Government Forces
Iraq Government Forces position on incident
Not yet assessed

Sources (2)