Airwars assessment
An airstrike on a gas station near the Konoco gas refinery reportedly killed between three and four civilians.
A subsequent investigation by the Syrian Network for Human Rights later noted: “Around 7:00pm the international alliance warplanes targeted a gas station and an oil well in Deir Ezzor countryside which is located near Khasham town. the oil well is for Konico gas plant and it is three KM away from it. the shelling caused fires in a number of tanks. The airstrike killed three civilians who used to work in the oil trading field. Usually, many people come to this well to buy petrol and oil. Also we documented 11 injured including critical cases in addition to six who are still missing. Furthermore some ISIS military vehicles were damaged.”
Three killed civilians were later named by the VDC.
According to SN4HR and VDC, a fourth non-combatant, from Al-Jurathi town, was killed in a related coalition airstrike nearby.
Prompted by the US State Department six months later, CENTCOM re-examined claims of civilians killed at Khesham. Weapon system video from the time was reviewed and air crews interviewed.
Investigators finally concluded that there was “Insufficient evidence to determine CIVCAS.” Yet at the same time, they admitted to “limited video analysis” and “ntermittent visual contact with the ground.”
The local time of the incident is unknown.
- Hassan Ash-Shaher Adult male Listed by VDC killed
- Adnan Al-Abd Al-Eid Adult male Listed by VDC killed
- Ahmad Ali Al-Afien Adult male Listed by VDC killed
- Hamza Hamoud Al-Ghazi Adult male Listed by VDC, from Al-Jurathi town killed
Summary
Sources (8) [ collapse]
US-led Coalition Assessment:
Civilian casualty statements
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Insufficient evidence to determine CIVCAS. CFACC reviewed WSV. INTEL determined that the location was under strict ISIL control. The target was validated through the JTCB. Crews reported they did not observe any personnel on their targeting pod prior to weapon release. Given the limited video analysis available the CFACC assesses there is insufficient information to make a characterisation. Intermittent visual contact with the ground showed no personnel present in the target area. // CAOC conducted a deliberate strike on 16 Oct 14 on the Barghooth Crude Oil Collection Point
Original strike reports
COALITION-ASSESSED CASUALTY INCIDENT