Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS1106

Location

نهر الفرات, Euphrates river, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.932126, 39.006111
Accuracy: Neighbourhood/area

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S965)

Up to 14 civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes targeting vehicles traveling near the Euphrates River in Raqqa, where civilians were trying to gather drinking water. However it was not immediately clear whether sources were reporting on previously documented incidents or new occurrences.

Three civilians were previously alleged killed in similar circumstances on June 24th and a further five were said to be killed on June 26th.

Sources also differed on the number of civilian casualties recorded. Bof Sy and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stating that three people were killed, whereas the Revolutionary Forces of Syria Media Office claimed the higher figure of 14.

All five sources reporting the incident alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

In July 2019, the Coalition announced that it had found this allegation of civilian harm to be non-credible, noting: “After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.”

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Contested
Civilians reported killed
0–14

Geolocation Notes

In the first non-credible assessment, the Coalition provided the MGRS of 37SEV0008784, in the second they provided 37SEV006764

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
Insufficient information on the time and location, Other
Civilian deaths conceded
None
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
near Raqqah, Syria
Location accuracy
100 m
MGRS coordinate
37SEV006764
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For June 27th-28th: “Near Raqqah, 18 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units, destroyed 12 vehicles, nine fighting positions, and a boat, and suppressed two ISIS tactical units.” It additionally reported that “On June 27, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units, destroyed two VBIED factories and an IED belt, and damaged eight fighting positions.”
French Military Strike Report
19 strikes were made by French aircraft in Iraq and Syria in the last week. Most of them were carried out in the battles of Mosul and Raqqah. These strikes were aimed at groups of Daech fighters. The other strikes were carried out in Syria and targeted regrouping and refueling areas used by jihadi fighters. Task Force Wagram carried out 16 artillery strikes in Mosul.
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2018-10-26
Original Source
June 27, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2019-07-26
Original Source
Jun. 27, 2017, in Raqqa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.