Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS296

Location

لقطة, La'ata, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.9635, 39.00444
Accuracy: Within 100m (via Coalition)

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S266)

Two civilian males were killed in Coalition strikes at La’ata. The US later admitted responsibility, noting: “Near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that two civilians were killed.”

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered, dawn air raids targeted four houses in the village: “These homes were expropriated by Daesh and are inhabited by their members. They are at a clash points with Kurdish militias.”

According to the Syrian Network the men died in attacks on separate villages: “Be’r Assi village, Wednesday 17 August 2016: Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired missiles that targeted Be’r Assi village, located in the northern suburbs of Al Raqqa and is under the control of ISIS, which resulted in the killing of Mr. Ismail Barhou Al Dalou.

Laqta village, Wednesday 17 August 2016: Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired a missile that targeted Laqta village, located in the northern suburbs of Al Raqqa and is under the control of ISIS, which resulted in the killing of Mr. Hamad Al Eissa.”

In July 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the location for this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

Victims

Individuals

Adult male From al Khuwera killed
Adult male From Bi’er Assi killed

Key Information

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

Geolocation Notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 36.2766277, 39.2495796

Military Statements

U.S.-led Coalition Assessment
Known belligerent
U.S.-led Coalition
U.S.-led Coalition position on incident
Credible / Substantiated
Given reason for civilian harm
No reason given
Civilian deaths conceded
2
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
near Raqqah, Syria
Location accuracy
100 m
MGRS coordinate
37SEV004799
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For August 16th-17th the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in the vicinity.
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2016-11-09
Original Source
August 17, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that two civilians were killed.