Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS1818

Location

الظهرة ,الشعفة, Dhahra, Al Shafa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441
Accuracy: Village
Sections

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S1695)

On October 30th a single source, Al-Sha’fa Facebook page, reported an alleged Coalition airstrike “on a house in the outskirts of Dhahra.” The source said: “We don’t know who the house belonged to, but the whole family was killed”.

The source was unable to specify the precise date of the reported civilian harm, noting that “In the last three days, more than a dozen air strikes of coalition aircraft were recorded on the city of Al-Shifa. Most of these raids targeted civilian homes and properties. More than 7 houses and 20 people were killed, including children and women.”

In its October 2020 monthly civilian casualty review, the US-led Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, asserting that “This report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility.”

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Weak
Civilians reported killed
3–4

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the Dhahra (الظهرة) area, allegedly within the northern area of Al Shafa (الشعفة) village, for which the generic coordinates are: 34.57888,40.93441. 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 information on the time and location
Civilian deaths conceded
None
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
in al Shaafa, Syria
Location accuracy
100 m
MGRS coordinate
37SFU774280
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
Original Source ↗
The Coalition publicly reported the following for October 27th-30th: ”On Oct. 27 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 24 strikes consisting of 32 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 24 strikes engaged 12 tactical units, and destroyed three headquarters buildings, five command and control centers, four supply routes, three weapons caches, two IED facilities, and one mortar.” “On Oct 28, 2018 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted eight military strikes consisting of seven engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, eight strikes engaged two tactical units, and destroyed one supply route, two vehicles, one command and control center, one mortar, one explosive manufacturing facility, one compound and one staging area.” “On Oct. 29 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of eight engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, eight strikes engaged 10 tactical units, and destroyed two weapons caches, one vehicle borne IED, one vehicle, one command and control center, and one fighting position.” “On Oct. 30 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of 20 engagements against an ISIS targets. Near Hajin, six strikes engaged six tactical units, and destroyed nine vehicles, seven supply routes, and one vehicle borne IED.”
UK Military Strike Report
Original Source ↗
On Sunday 28 October, a Reaper conducted armed reconnaissance over the Abu Kamal area, and carried out a successful attack with a Hellfire missile, striking a group of terrorists spotted manoeuvring through fields.
UK Military Strike Report
Original Source ↗
Royal Air Force aircraft have continued to provide close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces attacking the one significant remaining area held by Daesh in eastern Syria. A Reaper remotely piloted aircraft responded to reports of a terrorist team planting improvised explosive devices north of Hajin on Monday 29 October; its crew were able to spot evidence of their activity around a large fuel tank positioned next to a road. Having checked that there were no signs of any civilians in the immediate area who might be placed at risk, the Reaper’s crew fired a single Hellfire missile, which safely destroyed the booby-trapped fuel tank.
French Military Strike Report
English • Original
Original Source ↗
For Oct 24th-30th, France report that the three CAESAR guns of Task Force Wagram have conducted 6 firing missions from Iraqi territory. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties and four strikes north of Abu Kamal, Syria.
Dutch Military Strike Report
English • Original
Original Source ↗
For October 24th – 31st, Dutch MoD reports that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during nine missions. Weapons were deployed in four: near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria and near Mosul, Nineveh province, Iraq. Targets were ISIS warehouses and vehicles.
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2020-10-29
Original Source ↗
3. Oct. 27, 2018, in al Shaafa, Syria, via Airwars report. This report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3212/CS1818 37SFU774280

Sources (2)

Al Sha'fa town Facebook page ↗

Facebook Arabic

OIR monthly civcas report October 2020 ↗

English