Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS1846

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6897222, 40.83
Accuracy: Town

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S1720)

An alleged Coalition airstrike that targeted the souk (market area) in Hajin, killed between 14 and 20 civilians according to local media, in what was described as “another massacre”.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that at least 19 people were killed, including five ISIS fighters and 14 civilians, including five children and three women.

According to Step News and Baladi News, the airstrike killed 18 civilians of whom 8 were women, 9 children and one a young man. The Syrian state media source Sana News as well as Free Deir Ezzor Radio, Eba News and Asrar media reported on 20 victims.

Those killed were reported to be displaced Iraqis, living in a house near the market area of Hajin city that was targeted in the airstrike. Ebaa News cllaimed that “dozens” were injured.

In its December 2020 monthly civilian casualty report, the Coalition assessed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that it had conducted no strikes in the geographical area which corresponded with civilian harm claims.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike
Strike Status
Likely strike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported killed
14–20
5–9 Children, 3–8 Women, 1 Man
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military actors reported killed
5

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Hajin (هجين), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.6897222, 40.83. 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
No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
Civilian deaths conceded
None
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
in Hajin, Syria
MGRS coordinate
37SFU677407
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For November 22nd, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 22 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 11 strikes consisting of 13 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 11 strikes destroyed one supply route, three fighting positions, four firing positions and four technical vehicles.
French Military Strike Report
From Nov 21st-27th, France report that Task Force Wagram carried out 62 firing missions (35 lighting, 27 destruction) from Iraq territory. Aircraft carried out 16 sorties and two strikes.
Dutch Military Strike Report
Dutch F-16's supported ground troops in the fight against ISIS during 9 missions. Weapons were deployed during 3 missions above Deir Ezzor. Vehicles, warehouses and ISIS fighters were targeted.
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2020-12-15
Original Source
Nov. 22, 2018, in Hajin, 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. 3237/CS1846 37SFU677407