Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS1644

Location

حارة البدو, Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.961778, 39.006083
Accuracy: Neighbourhood/area

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S1560)

Local sources reported that two civilians were killed as a result of SDF shelling on the town of Al Soussa at night.

A number of sources identified the two casualties who, according to a tweet by Deir Ezzor 24, were hit by “missile shelling” from SDF forces stationed at “the Omar oil field”. A tweet by Deir Ezzor Now specified that the woman was the wife of Mohammed Khashan Al Naiem’s brother.

All sources identify the SDF as the culprit. However, some sources make mention of SDF “artillery” and “shelling”. At present, it is unclear whether or not SDF has access to artillery, indicating a possible Coalition action. Other reports from the Syrian Network for Human Rights and Baladi specified that the SDF fired projectiles via a missile launcher on Al Soussa. Deir Ezzor Now instead reported that the damage was the result of “rocket-propelled grenades”.

In the first of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time. This event was previously erroneously dated to October 2017.

Victims

Individuals

Mohammed Khashan Al-Najem Dagger
male killed
Alia Mohammed Hilal
killed

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Contested
Civilians reported killed
2

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
MGRS coordinate
37SFU797230
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For April 19th, the Coalition reported that “On April 19 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted one strike consisting of one engagement against Daesh targets.
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2020-09-09
Original Source
Apr. 19, 2018, in Al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3161/CS1644 37SFU797230