Incident Code

CS1113

Location

كسرة عفنان, Kasrat Afnan, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.909167, 39.037222
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S966)

Two civilians, including a man and a woman, were reportedly killed by mortar fire in the village of Kasrat Afnan, south of Raqqa, however it was not clear who was responsible.

Jisr TV, Shahba Press and the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that ISIL were responsible for the deaths whereas Al Hasaka Arabea stated that the deaths were caused by an exchange of mortar fire between ISIL and the US-backed SDF, but did not lay blame on any party.

The only remaining source – Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently – did not make any claims as to who was responsible.

Victims

Family members (2)

Ibrahim Mashlab al Majham al Ghaffan
Adult male killed
Ayat Mashlab al Majham al Ghaffan
Adult female killed

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
2
1 Woman, 1 Man

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Kasrat Afnan (كسرة عفنان), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.909167, 39.037222. 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
Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
Civilian deaths conceded
None
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
near Kasrat Afnan, Syria
MGRS coordinate
37SEV.35739
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For June 28th-29th: “Near Raqqah, 13 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units, destroyed 10 fighting positions, two vehicles, a UAS, and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionally reported that “On June 28, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units.”
UK Military Strike Report
‘Wednesday 28 June – Tornados supported Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqa, striking two buildings defended by Daesh extremists…On Wednesday 28 June, two Tornado flights operated over Raqqa. At the north-western end of the city, at least one suicide bomber was known to be waiting inside a Daesh-held building, waiting for an opportunity to attack the SDF as they closed in. The building and the terrorists inside were struck with a Paveway IV. A second such weapon demolished a building in the east, from where heavy fire had been directed at the SDF. This successful strike allowed the SDF to resume their advance.’
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
2018-05-31
Original Source
After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.
ISIS Assessment
Suspected belligerent
ISIS
ISIS position on incident
Not yet assessed
Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Democratic Forces
Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media From Sources (1)