Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS1873

Location

حاوي السوسة, Hawi Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.515362, 40.975571
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

Local sources reported a “massacre” caused by “several missiles directed at the area Hawi Al-Soussa”. All sources blamed the Coalition.

The alleged airstrike reportedly targeted a house inhabited by displaced persons, and killed a number of civilians, including women and children. No exact numbers were reported. Step News for example noted that Coalition missiles “targeted a house inhabited by displaced persons, and killed a number of civilians, including women and children.  We do not know the final survival outcome for some, whose bodies remain under the rubble.”

On February 4th 2021, the US-led Coalition released in their monthly civilian casualty assessment reports that they deemed the December 14th strike as ‘non-credible’: “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.”

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Civilians reported killed
2–6
2–3 Children, 2–3 Women

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Hawi Al Soussa ( حاوي السوسة), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.515362, 40.975571. 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
al Soussa
Location accuracy
100 m
MGRS coordinate
37SFU813210
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For Dec. 14th, the Coalition reported: "On Dec. 14 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 27 strikes consisting of 41 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 27 strikes [Approx 5 British] engaged two ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 18 fighting positions, five staging areas, four supply routes, two heavy weapons systems and suppressed two mortar firing positions."
Dutch Military Strike Report
For 12th-18th Dec, Dutch F16s supported ground troops in 9 missions; weapons were deployed in 8 in Abu Kamal. Attacks were carried out on vehicles, logistics warehouses and ISIS fighters. Dutch F16s will fly until Dec 31st when the mandate for Dutch participation ends.
French Military Strike Report
From Dec 12th - 18th, France report that Task Force Wagram carried out 24 'shooting missions". Additionally, there were five airstrikes in the Hajin region, Syria.
UK Military Strike Report
Friday 14 December – a Reaper, Tornados and Typhoons conducted ten attacks on a total of twelve targets in the area around Hajin...On Friday 14 December, with the main town of Hajin reported to be largely liberated, a Reaper supported the SDF as they consolidated their control. Its crew conducted two successful attacks with Hellfire missiles against groups of terrorists observed south of the town. To the south-east, Tornados meanwhile assisted the SDF as they advanced down the main road towards Abu Kamal; Paveway IVs were used to eliminated a Daesh sniper team and a strongpoint, as well as cratering a road to prevent the terrorists moving up truck-bombs to attack a newly liberated area. Typhoons also provided close air support to the SDF, conducting attacks which struck six Daesh strongpoints, all of which had been firing on the SDF, as well as an armoured ZSU-23-4 anti-aircraft vehicle.
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2021-02-04
Original Source
Dec. 14, 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. 3255/CS1873 37SFU813210