Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS334

Location

بادية هجين, Hajin Desert, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.68544, 40.83942
Accuracy: Within 100m (via Coalition)

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S296)

Between 3 and 4 civilian drivers were reported killed in Coalition raids in the desert outside Deir ez-Zor, accoring to multiple local sources.

The Coalition reported that it attacked multiple “supply routes” in the area during this period. In November 2017 it confirmed responsibility for the event.

However, the Coalition admitted to having killed only one civilian: “Oct. 9, 2016, near Deir ez-Zoor, Syria, via web report. During a Coalition strike that engaged a Daesh tactical unit and destroyed Daesh fuel trucks, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

Deir Ezzor Free Broadcast reported that three truck drivers transporting fuel in the desert of Hajin were killed “following international coalition raids.”

A report from Qasioun stated that international coalition planes launched at dawn today Monday air raids targeting fuel transport trucks in the Hajin desert in Deir Ezzor countryside which led to the death of 4 people and injury of 3 others.” A number of other outlets placed the death toll at three.

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

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Confirmed
Civilians reported killed
1–4
Civilians reported injured
3

Geolocation Notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 34.7187577, 40.9177208

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
1
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
near Deir ez-Zoor, Syria
Location accuracy
100 m
MGRS coordinate
37SFU685397
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For October 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike damaged three ISIL supply routes.”
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2017-11-30
Original Source
Oct. 9, 2016, near Deir ez-Zoor, Syria, via web report. During a Coalition strike that engaged a Daesh tactical unit and destroyed Daesh fuel trucks, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.

Media From Sources (4)