Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS355

Location

كفرتخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.1169382, 36.5147781
Accuracy: City

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S316)

Two combatants were killed by an airstrike in Idlib, according to local sources.

Baladi Network initially reported that a car carrying civilians was hit with three missiles, “leading to the burning of the car and the charring of the bodies of two people.” Images posted by the outlet showed a large fire and a burnt car.

However, other outlets, including Syria News Desk and Step News Agency identified the two victims as members of the Fatah al Sham Front, and not civilians.

“International coalition kills members of Fatah al Sham with a drone in the countryside of Idlib,” wrote Step News Agency.

Network of the Holy Defense identified the two as “leaders in Jahbat al Nusra Alaa Ayoub and Mustapha Ze’itar.

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

Victims

Individuals

Alaa Ayoub
male Some sources claim he is a leader in Jahbat al Nusra killed
Mustapha Ze’itar
male Some sources claim he is a leader in Jahbat al Nusra killed

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike
Strike Status
Likely strike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported killed
0–2

Geolocation Notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 36.11694, 36.51477

Military Statements

U.S.-led Coalition Assessment
Suspected belligerent
U.S.-led Coalition
U.S.-led Coalition position on incident
Open incident
Civilian deaths conceded
None
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
near Kafr Takharim, Syria
Location accuracy
1 m
MGRS coordinate
37SBV7632299779
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For November 1st-2nd the Coalition reported no strikes in Syria.
French Military Strike Report
Published on Nov 3rd: In the past week, France reports carrying out 17 air strikes in Iraq and Syria: 16 strikes in Iraq, including 13 in support of ground troops in the Mosul region of Mosul, and one strike in Syria. Task Force Wagram has carried out 37 missions
French Military Strike Report
Map detailing French strikes for this week.
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2022-03-10
Original Source
Nov. 2, 2016, near Kafr Takharim, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 3073/CS355 37SBV7632299779

Media From Sources (2)