US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Civilians in the ruins of Mosul city. (Maranie R. Staab)

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CI781

Incident date

June 22, 2017

Location

الموصل الجديدة, Mosul, Al Jadida, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3323266, 43.1050515 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources said that eight civilians were killed as a result of mortar shelling on the market of liberated New Mosul neighbourhood. This happened near the Al-Taibat restaurant and next to the Fathi Al-Ali mosque in New Mosul neighborhood, in the western part of the city. It is presently unclear who was responsible for the shelling, although the Coalition later reported that it targeted two ISIL mortar teams that day.

Sources also spoke of a number of wounded, which was said to be increasing. Urgent Mosul News that staff at the Al-Taibat restaurant were among the injured.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (4) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • 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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018
  • 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.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 21st-22nd, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, four strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed 35 fighting positions, 10 medium machine guns, seven rocket-propelled grenade systems, six heavy machine guns, five vehicles, three VBIEDs, two command and control nodes, a mortar team, and a UAS launch site; damaged two ISIS supply routes; and suppressed a mortar team.”

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI214

Incident date

April 3, 2016

Location

حي الجري, Hit, Jerri and Amina, Al Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

33.638333, 42.822778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Locals reported that eight civilians died after the Coalition or Iraq government aircraft struck the Jerri and Amina neighbourhoods of Hit. The Coalition has denied responsibility.

Among those killed was a family of six: a Facebook tribute page noted: “This is a picture of the martyr Riad Ahmed Rzeyk, who was forced out of his house in the Railway Quarter by Daash, and so moved to the Aminah neighbourhood. There his house was bombed by mistake which led to his martyrdom and that of his four children and his wife.”

While most blamed the US-led Coalition, Iraqi Spring instead blamed “the air force” – possibly a reference to the Iraqi military.

Multiple sources published eight victim names.

In its July 2017 monthly casualty report, the Coalition classed the event as non credible on grounds of having conducted no strikes in the near vicinity: “April 3, 2016, near Hit, Iraq, via Airwars report: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

Adult (via Hiet News al-Hadath) killed
Adult (via Hiet News al-Hadath) killed
Child (via Hiet News al-Hadath) killed
Child (via Hiet News al-Hadath) killed
Child (via Hiet News al-Hadath) killed
Child (via Hiet News al-Hadath) killed

The victims were named as:

Adult male (via Heet News) killed
Age unknown male (via Heet News) killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (4 children1 woman2–3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A picture of the victims who were killed after al alleged Coalition or Iraq government airstrike on the Jerri and Amina neighbourhoods of Hit, April 3rd (via Heet al-Hadath News).
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • 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 Hit, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 2nd-3rd 2016, the Coalition reported: “Near Hit, two strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL used-bridge, an ISIL VBIED factory, 22 ISIL boats, and an ISIL bed down location and denied ISIL access to terrain.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (4 children1 woman2–3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI050

Incident date

March 9, 2015

Location

تل كيف‎, Telkaif, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.4908349, 43.1204796 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eight civilians including three women were claimed by NINA to have been killed in a coalition airstrike on Telkaif, 20km north of Mosul. A dozen militants also reportedly died in the attack.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

A single source reporting the incident mentions the town of Telkaif ( تل كيف‎ ), North of Mosul, for which the coordinates are: 36.4908349, 43.1204796

  • Telkaif ( تل كيف‎ )

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

    • Arabic
    • Arabic

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • 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 Tilkaif, Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018
  • 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.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Only one coalition airstrike was reported in the vicinity of Mosul around this period, on March 9th-10th 2015: “Near Mosul, an airstrike suppressed an ISIL vehicle.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

    • Arabic
    • Arabic

Incident Code

CI229

Incident date

April 19, 2016

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.34597, 43.09889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, up to eight civilians were killed and others injured after Coalition jets struck the Al Hadbah apartment complex in western Mosul. “Many” Daesh fighters were also reported killed.

NRN said it was a nighttime attack: “Our correspondent says the bombing killed and wounded a number of civilians, noting that foreign elements in Daash were also killed during the shelling. Our correspondent also said the bombing caused considerable material damage to residential buildings and civilian property.” Iraqi Revolution said a neighbourhood gas station was also hit in the Coalition attack.

Reports described the Al Hadbah complex as being inhabited by Daesh fighters and their immediate families.

Two victims were later named two (who may have been sewage workers for the city.), and Daesh-linked A’Amaq media claimed that four children, two women and a man were killed. Al Noor also said that four children and their mother died.

Responding to a request for clarification about possible RAF involvement given declared strikes at Mosul that day, the UK MoD told Airwars: “There is no credible indication of potential UK involvement” in the alleged event of April 19th.”

On July 7th, 2017 the Coalition admitted responsibility for the incident, reporting: “April. 19, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report: During a strike on an ISIS facility, it was assessed that eight civilians were unintentionally killed and 20 were injured.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male (via Yosif Almashadany FB) killed
Age unknown male (via Yosif Almashadany FB) killed

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 36.34585235, 43.09857692

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (4 children1–2 women2–3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

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
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    8
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    20
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF294240
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017
  • April. 19, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report: During a strike on an ISIS facility, it was assessed that eight civilians were unintentionally killed and 20 were injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition reports for April 19th-20th 2016 that “Near Mosul, nine strikes struck an ISIL staging area, an ISIL-used power plant, and four separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL assembly areas, three ISIL supply caches, an ISIL mortar system, and two ISIL vehicles and denied ISIL access to terrain.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (4 children1–2 women2–3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS925

Incident date

June 6, 2017

Location

حطين, Hitten farm, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.995549, 38.973889

Airwars assessment

Up to eight civilians from several families died at Hitteen farm, local media reported.

While most sources blamed a Coalition airstrike, one source said that a landmine was responsible for the deaths.

Al Hassaka Rasd reported three members of the same family died in an alleged Coalition airstrike near Hitten farm.

According to RFS, “Five people were killed when their vehicle was targeted by an aircraft of the International Coalition while they were trying to flee the city of Raqqa at Hittin Farm north of Raqqa.” Baladi put the death toll higher, at six from two families – again, blaming the Coalition.

However, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, eight non-combatants, “one man and his wife and four children and two others were killed by the explosion of a mine”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Nasser al-Yusuf
Adult male killed
The daughter of Nasser al-Yusuf
Child female killed
The son of Nasser al-Yusuf
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 8
  • (2–4 children1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (7) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • 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 Hitteen Farm, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV974837
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018
  • 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.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 5th-6th: “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 18 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 19 boats, 12 fighting positions, eight vehicles, a house rigged with explosives, and a weapons storage facility; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionaly noted for June 5th that “Near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two ISIS staging areas, two fighting positions, a VBIED factory, an ISIS tunnel, an ISIS sentry post, a vehicle, and a command and control node.” And that “On June 5, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes destroyed an IED factory, an ISIS headquarters, an ISIS financial center, and an ISIS staging area.”

June 6th - 7th: "Near Raqqah, 17 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, two ISIS bridges, two vehicles, an ISIS boat, and an ISIS communications tower" Later reported, "Additionally, eight strikes were conducted in Syria and Iraq on June 5-7 that closed within the last 24 hours. On June 5, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes destroyed an IED factory, an ISIS headquarters, an ISIS financial center, and an ISIS staging area. On June 6, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS headquarters, a fighting position and a tunnel entrance. On June 7, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed six fighting positions and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Monday 5 June – Typhoons struck a Daesh-held building in eastern Raqqa, whilst Tornados hit two terrorist firing points in a building in Mosul…On Monday 5 June, two Typhoons, supporting Syrian Democratic Forces close to Raqqa, used a Paveway IV to strike a Daesh-held building in the east of the city itself. Tornados meanwhile continued operations over Mosul, and employed a pair of Brimstone missiles to deliver pinpoint attacks on two firing positions located in a large multi-storey building, where the terrorists had stationed a recoilless anti-tank gun and a machine-gun.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

2459/5000 'CHAMMAL ASSESSMENT OF SITUATION In Syria, on June 4, under pressure from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the terrorist organization abandoned the Baath Dam on the Euphrates (between Tabqah and Raqqah). Subsequently, the SDS announced June 6 the start of the offensive for the recovery of Raqqah. The coalition supports forces engaged in this battle, which can be long and difficult. This week, with the support of the coalition, the ground forces made significant first steps on the north, west and southwest fronts of the city. Leaving ground, Daech organizes its withdrawal along the Euphrates towards the city, and traps massively the ground. In Iraq, Daesh continues to lose ground in the north of the country, but continues its asymmetric actions in the capital. In the battle for the recovery of the historic center of Mosul, the terrorist organization is still fiercely opposed to the Iraqi offensives. Heavy fighting took place in the last days in the area of ​​the Jamhuri hospital complex, which until now remained in the hands of the terrorist fighters. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAMMAL FORCE Air support to the Levant This week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal made 36 sorties, including 32 for armed reconnaissance or ground support (CAS) and 4 for intelligence gathering. 8 strikes were carried out by French planes in Iraq and Syria. They were all conducted in support of ground operations as part of the Daesh operations in Mosul and Raqqah. Support is becoming increasingly complex in Mosul, given the fighting in highly urbanized areas and narrow, narrow streets. Fire support - TF Wagram The Task Force (TF) Wagram continued this week its missions in support of the 15th Iraqi Division in charge of securing the northwest of the city of Mosul and in particular the Badush sector. It has carried out 58 firing missions in support of Iraqi units. The activity was particularly marked by the defense of the rear areas of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) because of the harassing actions of Daesh. For example, on 1 June, the force fired counter-battery fire to prevent mortars from attacking Iraqi units before destroying a defensive position of the terrorist fighters and then a command post.

‘CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION En Syrie, le 4 juin, sous la pression des Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS), l’organisation terroriste a abandonné le barrage de Baath sur l’Euphrate (entre Tabqah et Raqqah). Par la suite, les FDS ont annoncé le 6 juin le début de l’offensive pour la reprise de Raqqah. La coalition soutient les forces engagées dans cette bataille qui peut être longue et difficile. Cette semaine, avec l’appui de la coalition, les forces au sol ont réalisé de premières avancées importantes sur les fronts nord, ouest et sud-ouest de la ville. Cédant du terrain, Daech organise son repli le long de l’Euphrate en direction de la ville, et piège massivement le terrain. En Irak, Daech continue à perdre du terrain dans le nord du pays, mais poursuit ses actions asymétriques dans la capitale. Dans la bataille pour la reprise du centre historique de Mossoul, l’organisation terroriste oppose toujours une vive résistance aux offensives irakiennes. De rudes combats se sont déroulés les jours derniers dans le secteur du complexe hospitalier de Jamhuri qui reste jusqu’alors dans les mains des combattants terroristes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 36 sorties aériennes dont 32 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 4 de recueil de renseignements. 8 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie. Elles ont toutes été conduites en appui des opérations au sol dans le cadre des opérations contre Daech à Mossoul et Raqqah Les appuis deviennent de plus en plus complexes à réaliser dans Mossoul compte tenu des combats qui se déroulent dans des zones fortement urbanisées et aux ruelles étroites et resserrées. Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram a poursuivi cette semaine ses missions en appui de la 15e division irakienne en charge la sécurisation des abords Nord-Ouest de la ville de Mossoul et notamment du secteur de Badush. Elle a réalisé 58 missions de tir en appui des unités irakiennes. L’activité a été plus particulièrement marquée par la défense des zones arrière des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) en raison des actions de harcèlement de Daech. Ainsi, le 1er juin, la force a effectué des tirs de contre-batterie pour empêcher des mortiers de prendre à partie les unités irakiennes avant de détruire une position défensive des combattants terroristes puis un poste de commandement.’

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 8
  • (2–4 children1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1283

Incident date

July 27, 2017

Location

شارع تل ابيض, Tal Abyad street, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.948534, 39.012615 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Sharqiya Voice reported a “massacre due to an aerial bombardment by the international coalition onTal Abyad Street, killing eight civilians and wounding dozens”.

Alraqqa_ahlna and AlhasakaArabia blamed a Coalition airstrike for the deaths.

However, Freedom_raqqa1 reported that “mortar shells” landed in Tal Abyad street, while P_center_sy1 blamed SDF mortar shells for the death and injury of “a number of civilians” in the street.

Some other sources said that artillery led to deaths. Airwars understands that only the Coalition is using artillery in Raqqa – though the SDF are reportedly using rockets and mortars.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (12) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 27th-28th: “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, a supply cache, an ISIS communication headquarters, and an anti-air artillery system.” It aditionally reported that “On July 27, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units, destroyed an ISIS sniper position and an observation post, and suppressed four fighting positions.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Thursday 27 July – a Tornado and Typhoon pair attacked mortar and sniper positions in Raqqa…The following day [July 27th], a mixed pair of a Tornado and a Typhoon, based at RAF Akrotiri and supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker, flew overwatch for Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) advancing inside Raqqa. The SDF came under mortar fire from a terrorist position, but a Paveway IV attack removed this threat. Another Paveway IV similarly dealt with a sniper position which was encountered by the SDF two hours later.

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS885

Incident date

May 29, 2017

Location

الحسو, Hiso, Al Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.18, 40.48167 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eight members of one family were killed by Coalition strikes in Hasaka province, according to local sources.

SRG, Aleppo Media Center and several other outlets reported the death of 8 people following what was described as a Coalition bombardment. Step News said the fatalities were all from the same family, and the pro-regime site Alkhabarts said that three of them were children.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • 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 Hiso, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFA332049
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018
  • 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.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

No strikes were publicly reported in the area.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1920

Incident date

May 8, 2019

Location

الشحيل, Al Shahil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.0865, 40.45232 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a three hour operation between midnight and dawn in the al Katef neighborhood in the city of Al Shahil, at least five people were killed. Most local sources that reported on the incident claimed the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were responsible, with air support from the International Coalition.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, five civilians were shot by the SDF with support of International Coalition planes. Zaman Al Wasl claimed six civilians were killed, four of whom from the same family. Deir Ezzor 24 states that eight were killed in total in the incident.

Deir Ezzor 24 reported that Haji Khleif Al-Abdullah Al-Othman was killed by a bullet from a helicopter after he came out to know why it was hovering over his house.

“After hearing sounds of helicopters and cars outside his house, Haji Abu Awwad came out to investigate what these sounds were, and once he got out of his door, he was shot by a bullet from the helicopter that was covering the operation, after hearing his cry, his son Muhammad came out to see what happened to his father, and he was also shot down over his father, then Ahmed, Muhammad’s brother and Haji Khleif’s son, joined them after taking a bullet ended his life. The two brothers and their father died in minutes, but they lost their lives without even knowing why they were killed.”

According to a single source, Syria.liveuamap, the victims were not civilians but members of ISIS. The source claimed that a total of six ISIS members were killed when the Coalition carried out a landing operation in support of SDF who was driving armored vehicles. @DeirEzzor24 claimed that SDF drove a total of 10 vehicles, while Manaret Al Furat claimed a total of 15 vehicles, which he described as Hummer vehicles. He added that “Coalition forces raided and besieged the house of Ahmad al-Faraj al-A’sman in Hawi al-Shahil through air and infantry forces and about 15 Hummer vehicles, using loudspeakers to ask the residents of the house to surrender amid reports of casualties.”

Both Hajeen Magazine and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll higher and claimed a total of eight civilian fatalities. Both sources reported that seven civilians were killed in the raid on Al Shahil, while another civilian was killed by SDF in a demonstration in the town a later time.

SANA, a source affiliated to the Syrian regime, was the only source that claimed that the attack was not carried out by SDF but by Qasad militias supported by US-helicopters. According to the source, “Qasad militia backed by US helicopters at dawn besieged al-Katef neighborhood in Shahil town for more than two hours, and then stormed into the neighborhood with heavy and random shooting, claiming the lives of six civilians, injuring others, and arresting a number of the locals.”

Syria News and several other sources reported that a total of two civilians were arrested. Zaman Wasl identified the two detainees as Hussein Allawi and Mahid As’ad Asman.

Pro-SDF source C.M. Deir Ezzor reported that SDF indeed carried out a successful operation and arrested Abu Bara al-Diri, “who financed the terrorist cells of Da’ash and was responsible for purchasing weapons and explosives in order to destabilize the region.” The source claimed that in a shooting, two “terrorists” were injured. The source added that SDF secured medical assistance to keep them alive.

Deir Ezzor 24 however, claimed that “two of the dead, who the SDF claimed to be Daesh cells, had nothing to do with the organization, but were elements of the SDF” and that their sources “confirmed that the rest of the victims were civilians and were not involved in any security or military activity”. Deir Ezzor 24 posted pictures of the victims Muhammad and Ahmed Khleif al-Asman in military uniforms of the SDF to corroborate the claim.

On May 18th, representatives of the Coalition and the SDF held a meeting with tribal figures and the families of the victims of both the Al Shalil operation, and an incident in Daman, Deir Ezzor 24 reports. According to this source, the families called upon the Coalition to provide evidence that their sons were connected to Daesh, questioning the credibility of this claim.

Deir Ezzor 24 said: “The victims’ families stressed that what took place in Ash-Shahil and Daman was a mistake, so the international coalition and the SDF have to admit that their information was inaccurate and erroneous.” In response, Deir Ezzor claims, the Coalition and the SDF representatives made a distinction between the two incidents, stating that in the case of Al Shahil the victims “had resisted the international coalition forces during the operation.”

The families of the victims contended that the evidence provided by the Coalition was not correct, and called for the “perpetrators be brought to justice and held accountable.” According to Deir Ezzor 24, “some of the tribal figures withdrew from the meeting, as they were not satisfied with the evidence provided, while some Sheikhs took the responsibility of completing the communication with the Coalition” regarding the two incidents.

The UN Commission of Inquiry cited the case in its September 2019 report, noting: “On 8 May, at approximately 1.00 a.m., a night raid by SDF, supported by international coalition air power, was conducted in the Al-Katif neighbourhood of Shahil, under SDF control. Reports received by the Commission described how, despite warnings given through loudspeakers, three men left their homes and were subsequently shot. Reportedly, this led to an exchange of fire when enraged residents of the town began to engage with SDF. The operation, which killed six men and injured another, infuriated residents and sparked major protests the following day, resulting in the accidental killing of a man when SDF fighters fired warning shots in the air near a checkpoint.”

In an apparent reference to this event, in its January 2021 monthly civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition determined this event to be ‘non credible’, asserting: “After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

Given widespread reporting of compensation paid to victims’ families, Airwars is presently querying this determination.

The incident occured between 12:00 am and 6:00 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Al-Khalifa Al-Abdullah Al-A’sman
Adult male killed
Ahmed Al-Khalifa Al-Abdullah Al-A’sman
Adult male killed
Khaleef Al-Abdullah Al-A’sman
Adult male killed
Hail Al Saleh Al Faraj
Adult killed
Hamid Al-Alawi Al-A’sman
Adult male killed
Asaad Al Nawaf Al Farhan
Age unknown male killed
Ahmed Al-Ahmed Al-Awad Mohammed Al Farhan
Adult male killed
Hamid al-Assaad al-Asman
Adult male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 8
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Bodies of the victims who were alleged killed by SDF forces with air support from the International Coalition on May 8th (via Deir Ezzor 24).
  • Photo's of the victims who were alleged killed by SDF forces with air support from the International Coalition on May 8th (via @DeirEzzor24).
  • Abu Bara al-Diri was allegedly arrested for financing ISIS and was responsible for purchasing weapons and explosives (via C.M. Deir Ezzor).
  • Demonstrations against SDF in Al-Shahil in Deir al-Zour, after at least six civilians were alleged killed by the organization on May 8th (via @ANews_Arabic).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Victims of the alleged attack by the SDF and US-led Coalition in Al Shahil on May 8th (via @ahhrrar123).
  • Ahmed Asaad al-Farhan, alleged killed in an attack believed to have been carried out by SDF and the US-led Coalition on Al-Shahil on May 8th (via Euphrates Post).
  • Hamid al-Assaad al-Asman who was wounded in the alleged attack by SDF and US-led Coalition on Al-Shahil on May 8th (via @DeirEzzor24).
  • One of the victims in SDF uniform, allegedly killed by SDF on May 8th (via Deir Ezzor 24).
  • One of the victims in SDF uniform, allegedly killed by SDF on May 8th (via Deir Ezzor 24).
  • Haji Khleif Al-Abdullah Al-Othman, allegedly killed by a bullet from a helicopter after he came out to know why it was hovering over his house on May 8th (via Deir Ezzor 24).

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in al Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU794135
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 6, 2021
  • May 8, 2019, in Al Baghouz [sic], Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2901/CS166 [sic] 37SFU794135

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Awaiting Coalition report.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 8
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (31) [ collapse]