Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CS789

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Location

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.839132, 38.743092 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A child died and up to eight others were killed or wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mansoura village, according to local media. The alliance later accepted responsibility for one death.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently said an air raid “targeted the house of Mahmoud al Yatim” killing a child. The source didn’t say who carried out the strike.

Other sources reported that the Coalition had struck a home which had been turned into a field hospital, killing and injuring those inside.

RFS put the death toll at at least seven and said nearby homes were also partially damaged.

In its monthly casualty report for September 2017, the Coalition stated: “May 9, 2017, near Al Mansura, Syria, via social media report: During a strike on ISIS fighters engaging partner forces from a fighting position, it was assessed that one civilian, not observed near the target before the engagement, was unintentionally killed.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a one metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Jihad Mahmoud al Yatim
5 years old killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 7
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–8
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of a strike which hit a civilian home in Al Mansoura village, May 9th (via RBSS)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Unseen at time of engagement
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Al Mansura, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV7679866136
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 1, 2019
  • May 9, 2017, near Al Mansura, Syria, via social media report: During a strike on ISIS fighters engaging partner forces from a fighting position, it was assessed that one civilian, not observed near the target before the engagement, was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 8th-9th: “Near Raqqah, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed five weapons storage caches and an ISIS barge. Near Tabqah, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions.” It later added that “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.”

For May 9th-10th: "Near Tabqah, seven strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, three vehicles; damaged a fighting position; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit" It later reported, "Additionally, 10 strikes were conducted in Syria on May 9th that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Raqqah, Syria, 10 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, a VBIED factory, an ISIS headquarters; damaged a bridge, a road; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 7
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–8
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (17) [ collapse]