Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS1854

Location

أبو الحسن, Abou Al Hasan , Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6533333, 40.8952778
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S1728)

Between 12 and 30 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, which one source described as a “massacre of defenseless Sunni civilians”. According to Step News, 12 civilians were killed whereas the number of dead exceeded 30 according to Official Al Shaafa Facebook page.

Most victims were women and children according to sources on the ground. According to the official Al Shaafa Facebook page, most of the victims were children under 10 years old. Free Deir Ezzor Radio was the only source to report that all victims were women and children.

One source named Faisal al-Sayyid told 7al news “The first raids targeted civilian houses in the village of Abou Al Hasan, killing four civilians, including an elderly woman”. He added that more than 12 civilians were injured.

Two sources indicated that the attack happened in the first hours of the day.

Some bodies were reportedly still stuck under the rubble.

In the first of their March 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.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Civilians reported killed
12–30
4–8 Children, 2–6 Women
Civilians reported injured
12–15

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Abou Al Hasan (أبو الحسن), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.6533333, 40.8952778. 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
MGRS coordinate
37SFU736362
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For November 25th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 25 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 14 strikes consisting of 26 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 14 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units and destroyed one vehicle, two fighting positons, two supply routes, one UAS launch site, three buildings, one command and control center and one weapons cache.
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
For November 21st-27th 2018, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16's supported ground troops in the fight against IS during 9 missions. Weapons were deployed during 3 missions above Deir Ezzor in Syria, targeting vehicles, logistical places and IS-fighters.
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2020-03-25
Original Source
Nov. 25, 2018, in Abu Al Hasan, 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. 2931/CS1854 37SFU736362