Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CS661

Location

سلحبية, Salhabiya, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.95149, 38.78487
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: S578)

According to the Smart News Agency, two civilian fishermen were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a ferry between the two banks of the Euphrates River in the western village of Al-Sahlabiya. Local sources told Smart that the victims were killed as they were transporting cars between the two banks.

Step News Agency also put the death toll at two, blaming the Coalition.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “SDF component Jabhat Thuwar al-Raqqa, which is in the area, said on Facebook that coalition aircraft launched four air raids in the early hours targeting ferries on the Euphrates river.”

A spokesperson for the US-led coalition told Grasswire that it “does not appear to have conducted any strikes on watercraft near Raqqah between 2-6 April,” and that this incident has been referred to its civilian casualty team for assessment.

Glasswire reported that around March 17th, the coalition dropped leaflets on Raqqa warning people not to use boats.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently named the victims.

Victims

Family members (2)

Atta al-Issa
Adult male killed
Mahmoud al-Issa
Adult male killed

Key Information

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

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Salhabiya (سلحبية), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.95149, 38.78487. 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
near Al Salhabiya, Syria
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For April 3rd-4th, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit.” For April 4th-5th, the Coalition reported: "Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; and destroyed three fighting positions, three vehicles, a mortar system, a rocket system, and an excavator."
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2017-12-28
Original Source
After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties. (1283)

Media From Sources (1)