Geolocation
Airwars assessment
According to the Smart News Network two civilians died and seven were injured – in addition to the death of one member of IS and the wounding of two more – in an alleged Coalition airstrike or artillery strike on Tabaqa.
Other reports gave some context, with RFS noting that “Syrian Democratic Forces managed to control the First neighborhood and the national hospital in the city of the Tabaqa, after fierce battles with ISIL and with the support of international coalition aircraft, whose air raids on neighbourhoods led to great destruction.”
In its August monthly casualty report, the Coalition confirmed an event at Tabaqah that day, though these appear to be separate incidents.
The local time of the incident is unknown.
Summary
Sources (5) [ collapse]
Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.
The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.
US-led Coalition Assessment:
Civilian casualty statements
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After a review of available information and the strike video it, was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.
Original strike reports
For May 7th-8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, 15 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed eight fighting positions and a vehicle.” It later added that “Additionally, two strikes were conducted in Syria on May 7th that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Tabqah, Syria, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a fighting position.”
For May 8th - 9th, the Coalition reported: "Near Tabqah, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions" It later reported "Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria on May 8 that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Tabqah, Syria, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position and a mortar system; and damaged an ISIS supply route."