Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CS303

Incident date

August 29, 2016

Location

البصيرة, Al Besera, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.15618, 40.42716 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Syrian Observatory reported that 6 civilians died and 25 were injured when an alleged Coalition strike hit an internet cafe in the town of al-Besera. However in response to a query from Airwars, the Coalition stated that “We can confirm there were no coalition strikes at the location you have indicated. Per our strike log, there was one coalition strike near Abu Kamal and one strike near Ar Raqqah on 29 August.”

According to the Observatory, “SOHR activists were informed that Coalition warplanes targeted an internet cafe on the outskirts of al-Besera town which killed 6 young men and wounded no less than 25 others from al-Zer village. The number of the dead is likely to rise.

The Coalition reported for the day that “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed inoperable coalition equipment.” Asked to further clarify, a spokesperson told Airwars: “On 29 August a coalition strike destroyed non-mission capable coalition equipment that malfunctioned. The equipment was struck and destroyed on 29 August. There was no further damage from this strike.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–25
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 28th-29th 2016, the Coalition reported one strike in Deir Ezzor province: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIL wellhead.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–25
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]