Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS1125

Location

الرافقة, Ar Rafiqah, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.945388, 39.022968
Accuracy: Exact location (via Airwars)

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S980a)

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian during an attack on ISIS heavy equipment. The location given is in the residential neighbourhood of Ar Rafiqah, in the old city of Raqqa.

Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted, “During a strike on an ISIS heavy equipment, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 1 metre box.

It is possible that this incident matches an event listed that day in Raqqa (CS1126), however the Coalition are yet to assess that incident and the precise location of it is unknown.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Confirmed
Civilians reported killed
1

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
No reason given
Civilian deaths conceded
1
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
near Raqqah, Syria
Location accuracy
1 m
MGRS coordinate
37SEV0207177891
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For June 25th-26th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, four vehicles and a tunnel system.” It additionally reported that “On June 25, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions and an ISIS headquarters.” For June 26th-27th: “Near Raqqah, 18 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 13 fighting positions, two vehicles, a VBIED, a home-made explosives factory, and an ISIS headquarters; and damaged two fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On June 26, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an IED belt.” For June 25th-26th, the Coalition reported: "Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed six ISIS oil tanks, three well heads and two oil trucks." Additionally, they reported that "Near Raqqah, 11 strikes [1 British] engaged 10 ISIS tactical units, three fighting positions, three vehicles, a tactical vehicle and a mortar system."
UK Military Strike Report
‘Friday 30 June – Tornados and Typhoons destroyed a truck-bomb and a Daesh-held building in Raqqa…The RAF is continuing to support Iraqi forces in their effort to liberate western Mosul. While the operating environment in the city is very challenging, particularly given the closely-packed buildings, very narrow streets, and the density of the urban population, our aircrew have continued to deliver precision strikes in close support of Iraqi troops on the ground. Daesh’s current tactics, including the illegal use of civilians as human shields, and fighting from sites such as schools, hospitals, religious sites and civilian neighbourhoods, increases the risk to innocent life. While no military operations come without risk, particularly in dense urban environments and against such inhuman Daesh tactics, the RAF continues to take all steps necessary to minimise civilian casualties. Royal Air Force Tornados and Typhoons provided close air support to Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) pushing into Raqqa on Friday 30 June. The Typhoons worked closely with a coalition surveillance aircraft which had spotted a large truck-bomb. A direct hit from a Paveway IV removed the threat. A Tornado pair meanwhile bombed a Daesh-held building in the south-east of the city.’
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2017-09-29
Original Source
June 30, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS heavy equipment, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.

Media From Sources (1)