US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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Incident Code

CS1585

Incident date

October 5, 2017

Location

Huseiniyah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.358889, 40.151111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians died following airstrikes on al Husseiniya village, local sources said. The number of victims was placed at five in a report by Deir Ezzor 24, including “several others wounded”.

Deir Free identified the young man Hani Jadoua Al-Khalif al-Hammad as one of the dead, and said that “artillery shelling by regime forces” was suspected responsible. In a second report released by Smart they placed the death toll at five again, and described the incident as having occurred in “a related context” to regime forces shelling a nearby village.

The US-led Coalition was not alleged responsible by any source, with Regime forces blamed by three of the sources and “Artillery shelling” as the mode of warfare by most sources, Deir Free also noted a “missile strike”. Deir Ezzor 24 referred to “air raids” and did not apportion blame, therefore the Coalition could not be ruled out entirely. In a delayed report issued October 7th – which most likely referred to an artillery or rocket strike – the Coalition noted that “On Oct. 5, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, one strike engaged a fighting position.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hani Jadoua Al-Khalif al-Hammad
Adult male killed

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Husseiniya village ( الحسینیة قریة), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.358889, 40.151111.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 5
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 Regime

Sources (5) [ 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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Huseiniyah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 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
Official source

For October 4th – 5th the Coalition reported “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed four vehicles and a VBIED.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 5
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 Regime

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1618

Incident date

October 10, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two named civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike at a water well in Raqqah, according to local media – though the date of the incident is currently unclear.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (reporting on October 13th), one young man, Bebars Ismail al-Habash, died “a few days ago” in a bombing targeting a well.

Alshabaka111 named two victims and blamed “indiscriminate US aircraft” for their deaths.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Bebars Ismail al-Habash
Age unknown killed
Ismail Habash
Age unknown killed

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a well being struck in the city of Ar Raqqah (الرقة‎). Due to limited information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the exact location of the well. The generic coordinates for the city of Ar Raqqah (الرقة‎) are:  35.9505639, 39.0094148.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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

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
    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
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 10th – 11th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed a logistical node.” It additionally reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1646

Incident date

October 18, 2017

Location

الشحيل, Al Shaheel, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

On October 18, 2017, two to four civilians were killed in an airstrike on Al Shaheel, according to local media, though sources were conflicted as to who was to blame.

Two men were killed identified by name by multiple sources.

Al Sharqiya Observatory said that the victims died from wounds sustained in a Coalition strike. Sharqiya Voice also named a victim but didn’t identify the warplanes responsible for his death.

The victims were named by Euphrates Post, Jassim Al-Hawar, Hussein Hammadi al-Murr and two displaced men. Eurphrates post claimed that the victims were killed in air strikes targeting the town of Al-Shuhail near Al-Hassan Mosque and Al-Khabassa Mosque.

Marsad al Hassaka also reported that two displaced men from Deir Ezzor had been killed.

According to Deir Ezzor 24 and Sharqiya Voice, Russian warplanes carried out up to seven raids on Al Shaheel.

Smart News Agency said that four civilians died at the hands of unidentified fighter jets.

The incident was first reported on October 18, 2017 at 1:00 pm by .

The victims were named as:

Hussein Hammadi al-Murr حسين حمادي المر
Adult male via Sharqiya voice killed
Jassim Al-Hawar جاسم الحوار
Adult male via Euphrats Post killed

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Hassan (الحسن) and Al Khabassa (الخباصة) mosques in the village of Al Saheel (الشحیل). Due to limited information available to Airwars, the exact locations of these mosques remain unknown, however, the generic coordinates for the village are: 35.0865, 40.45232.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (2–4 men)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (10) [ 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 al Shaheel, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 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
Official source

For October 17th-18th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two VBEID factories and an ISIS headquarters.“

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (2–4 men)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1675

Incident date

November 16, 2017

Location

درنج, Daranj, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.9361, 40.58223 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to five civilians died and several more were injured in an airstrike on Daranj, according to local media. Most sources attributed the event to the Coalition. However, one pointed towards the Assad regime and one blamed Russia.

Deir Ezzor 24 and Step News Agency blamed the Coalition, with Step putting the civilian death toll at four with three more wounded. The Coalition later confirmed injuring two civilians in Daranj that day.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least four civilians from the same family were killed as International Coalition warplanes fired missiles near their car in Daranj village”. However, one source, Al Jazeera Syria, blamed regime warplanes, putting the death toll at five.

The Shaam News Network was alone in blaming Russia. It put the death toll at five.

In May 2018 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident, with their monthly civilian casualty report noting: “During a strike on Daesh-held building two civilians were unintentionally injured.”

The Coalition providede Airawrs 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:

Family members (4)

Mohammed al Khalaf
male killed
Haitham al Khalaf
killed
Imad al Khalaf
killed
Mahmoud al Khalaf
male killed

The victims were named as:

Ali al-Abboud al-Zu’aiter
Age unknown head injury injured
Mohammed Hanash al-Hamid
Age unknown light injury injured

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to 34.918333, 40.581389 – the generic coordinates for Daranj.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Ali al-Abboud al-Zu'aiter injured following an alleged Coalition strike on Daranj, Nov 16th (via AL Qouriya media centre)

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 injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near al Shadadi, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU445671
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

  • November 16, 2017, near al Shadadi, Syria, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh-held building two civilians were unintentionally injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 15th-16th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Thursday 16 November – a Reaper bombed a group of terrorists firing on Syrian Democratic Forces in eastern Syria… With Daesh having suffered major defeats in both Iraq and Syria, Royal Air Force missions continue daily, focused on armed reconnaissance to identify remaining terrorist locations and support, as necessary, clearance operations on the ground by Iraqi troops and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF have continued their operations against extremists south-east of Al Mayadin, in eastern Syria, and an RAF Reaper provided close air support to them on Thursday 16 November. The first terrorist threat that the Reaper’s crew identified was a vehicle being driven at very high speed towards the SDF positions. Fearing this to be a probable truck-bomb, the Reaper’s crew tracked the lorry, ready to engage. However, no intervention was necessary, as the driver lost control of the vehicle, which crashed off the road and promptly exploded; it had indeed been a truck-bomb. The Reaper subsequently spotted a group of terrorists opening fire on the SDF; a GBU-12 guided bomb quickly eliminated this threat

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the past week, France reports 26 sorties but just 1 strike, in Iraq’s Al Qaim region. Since Sept 19th 2014, it reports a total of 7445 sorties, 1417 strikes and 2202 targets destroyed. Since Sept 27th 2015, it reports 151 strikes in Syria, destroying 298 targets

OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En zone irako-syrienne, les combats se concentrent toujours sur l’axe Abou Kamal / Al Qaim. En Irak, les forces de sécurités irakiennes demeurent également impliquées dans des actions de sécurisation des zones récemment reconquises, notamment autour d’Hawijah. En Syrie : les combats se rapprochent d’Abou Kamal Soutenues par la coalition, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leur progression au Nord de l’Euphrate dans le secteur de Tanak. De leur côté les forces pro-régime, après avoir repris Deir-Ez-Zor et Mayadin, mènent actuellement l’offensive sur Abou Kamal, dernière ville tenue par Daech en Syrie. En Irak : début de l’offensive sur Rawah, dernière ville tenue par Daech en Irak Après avoir conquis Al Qaim, où les opérations de fouille et de nettoyage sont terminées, les forces de sécurité irakiennes s’attellent à conforter et consolider les positions conquises avant de reconquérir Rawah. Cette étape constituera la dernière confrontation « directe » avec Daech. Au fur et à mesure des combats et de la dégradation des capacités de Daech, la bascule de l’organisation vers une forme insurrectionnelle semble se confirmer. De nombreux djihadistes tenteraient de se fondre dans les flux des réfugiés fuyant les zones des combats dans l’Anbar. Une dispersion des combattants de Daech dans le désert de Jézirah est également observée. Par ailleurs, n’étant pas complètement sécurisée, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent des opérations de sécurisation dans la poche d’Hawijah de manière à y interdire la préparation d’attaques sur Bagdad. ACTIVITE DE LA SEMAINE La TF Wagram de nouveau en appui des forces de sécurité irakiennes dans leur lutte contre Daech Après avoir participé à la reprise d’Al Qaim, la TF Wagram participe maintenant à l’appui feux de l’offensive sur Rawah. Cette semaine, elle a réalisé 13 missions de tir. Bilan de la TF WAGRAM du 08 au 14 novembre inclus : 13 missions de tirs réalisées. Depuis le début de la mission de la TFW : 1541 missions réalisées. Activité aérienne Cette semaine, l’activité aérienne a donné lieu à 26 sorties, une frappe et 1 objectif neutralisé dans la région d’Al Qaim. Bilan du 08 au 14 novembre: Bilan missions AIR : 26 sorties / 1 frappe / 1 objectif neutralisé. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7445 sorties / 1417 frappes / 2202 objectifs neutralisés. Dont depuis le 27/09/15 en Syrie : 151 frappes / 298 objectifs neutralisés.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1707

Incident date

January 5–7, 2018

Location

الجردي, Al Jarthi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.8856493, 40.6237507 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On January 8th, Euphrates Post reported “the martyrdom of Khalid al-Turkawi, a displaced man from Homs governorate, from wounds he sustained as a result of a military air strike targeting his car during the attack on the town of al-Jarthi.”

The victim was also named by Syrian Human Rights Committee which blamed “a military air strike” on his car. Baladi said on January 8th the attack occurred “several days ago” suggesting that any airstrike was the work of the Coalition.

The SDF announced via Twitter on January 8th that it had liberated al Jarthi from ISIS.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Khalid al-Turkawi
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Khalid al-Turkawi, killed in an airstrike on al Jarthi (via Euphrates Post)
  • The SDF announced its capture of al Jarthi on January 8th

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For January 5th-8th the Coalition reported the following:
On Jan. 5 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes consisting of six engagements against ISIS targets. Near Abu Kamal, three strikes destroyed three fighting positions and two ISIS supply routes.
On Jan. 6 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of 13 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Abu Kamal, seven strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS supply route, a VBIED, an ISIS observation post, two fighting positions and an ISIS vehicle.
On Jan. 7 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 17 strikes consisting of 27 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Abu Kamal, 17 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed two ISIS headquarters, three logistics centers, two ISIS command and control centers, two fighting positions, two VBIED factories and two ISIS vehicles.”

Both the UK and the Netherlands have reported that they conducted strikes in the vicinity of Abu Kamal in the first week of January 2018.

Unknown
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Saturday 6 January – Typhoons attacked accommodation used by Daesh, including local commanders, in eastern Syria...On Saturday 6 January, two Typhoons conducted a night attack on an isolated building some seven miles north-east of Abu Kamal, used as accommodation by Daesh extremists, including local commanders. A pair of Paveway IVs destroyed the target.’

Unknown
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

'Sunday 7 January saw a Reaper once again working with coalition fast jets over the Euphrates, in support of the SDF. The Reaper observed a group of terrorists assembling under a tree, around twenty miles south-east of Mayadin, allowing a prompt and effective strike by another coalition aircraft, then delivered a further attack using one of its own Hellfire missiles.'

Unknown
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

[The Netherlands report that Dutch F-16s stationed in Jordan have attacked an ISIS formation in support of ground troops. This happened near the city of Abu Kamal in the province of Dayr az Zawr, Syria. The fighter planes supported ground troops during 6 missions, 4 of which were over the Iraqi provinces of Ninawa, Sala ad-Din and Anbar and in the vicinity of Kirkuk. The 5th was above Eastern Syria. Only weapons were deployed during the 6th mission in East Syria.]

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 10-01-2018 | 16:44 De in Jordanië gestationeerde Nederlandse F-16’s hebben ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen een ISIS-opstelling aangevallen. Dit gebeurde nabij de stad Abu Kamal in de provincie Dayr az Zawr in het oosten van Syrië. Nederland neemt boven Irak en Oost-Syrië in coalitieverband deel aan de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 3 tot en met 9 januari 2018. De jachtvliegtuigen ondersteunden grondtroepen tijdens 6 missies, waarvan 4 boven de Iraakse provincies Ninawa, Sala ad-Din en Anbar en in de omgeving van Kirkuk. De 5e was boven Oost-Syrië. Alleen tijdens de 6e missie in Oost-Syrië zijn wapens ingezet.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1738

Incident date

March 8, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6897222, 40.83 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two local sources reported “several civilian casualties” including fatalities as a result of alleged Coalition airstrikes on ISIS at Hajin.

According to 7al the bombardment had targeted an ISIS HQ “killing six elements inside three of them Moroccan nationals,” later adding that the same shelling had caused civilian casualties near “the entrance of the city”. This was echoed by Barda, which reported that several raids had “killed civilians.”

Step also reported on the airstrikes, but did not mention any civilian casualties and claimed that there “were no reports of damage”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 8th the Coalition reported that “On Mar. 8 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted two strikes consisting of two engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed a Daesh supply route and a UAV.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Thursday 8 March – a Reaper destroyed a terrorist drone in eastern Syria…Royal Air Force aircraft have continued to fly daily armed reconnaissance missions over eastern Syria against Daesh. A terrorist drone was reported north of Abu Kamal in the Euphrates valley of Syria on Thursday 8 March, and an RAF Reaper was tasked with hunting for it. The Reaper’s crew spotted the conventional winged drone on a flat roof where it had landed. Having conducted a careful check for any signs of civilian life in the area, the drone was then destroyed by a direct hit from a Hellfire missile.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For March 7th to 13th, France reports 25 aerial sorties were carried out in support of local forces engaged on the ground. This led to 3 strikes: two in Syria in the Abu Kamal region and one in Iraq west of Ramadi. Task Force Wagram carried out three ‘three lighting firing missions‘ in support of ISF in Euphrates Valley.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent inchangés : défaire les dernières poches terroristes en Syrie et renforcer la sécurisation du territoire irakien. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, appuyées par la coalition, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leur effort pour réduire les dernières poches de Daech présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate en Syrie. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes demeurent impliquées dans de nombreuses opérations pour renforcer la sécurisation du territoire irakien. Elles y obtiennent des résultats probants avec la découverte régulière de tunnels et de caches permettant la saisie et la destruction de quantités importantes d’armes et de matériels terroristes. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Formation des forces de sécurité irakiennes au secourisme de combat La Task Force Monsabert conduit actuellement des formations au secourisme au combat au profit de soldats des forces de sécurité irakiennes. Au cours de ces stages, des instructeurs irakiens sont également formés pour leur permettre d’être à leur tour capable de dispenser ce type de formation. La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées par les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, trois missions de tirs d’éclairement ont été réalisées (bilan du 28 février au 6 mars). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1632 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations L’activité des forces aériennes françaises engagées dans l’opération Chammal se concentre sur l’appui aux forces démocratiques syriennes engagées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Dans ce cadre, 25 sorties aériennes ont été réalisées en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 7 au 13 mars). Elles ont conduit à trois frappes, deux en Syrie dans la région d’Abu Kamal et une en Irak à l’ouest de Ramadi. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7870 sorties / 1446 frappes / 2236 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1768

Incident date

June 13, 2018

Location

الحردان, Al Hardan village (al Shayer hill), Al Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.034386, 41.09951 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two to four civilians were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of al Hardoun.

Marsad al Hassaka stated that the house of Mohammed Ahmed Hardan was targeted at “dawn today”, where he was killed with his three children while his wife was seriously injured.

Zaman al Wasl quoted a local activist who stated that both Mohammed and Manaf al Hardan were killed in the attack, and that an injured woman and a small child from the same family were brought to the hospital.

The report identified the location of the strike as “Mita’afeen”, which is likely another name for al Hardoun village.

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Mohammed Ahmed Hardan
Adult male Described as a young man killed
Manaf al Hardan
Adult female Wife of Mohammed. Reported as injured by some sources killed
Unnamed victim 1
Child Child of Mohammad and Manaf killed
Unnamed victim 2
Child Child of Mohammad and Manaf killed
Unnamed victim 3
Child Child of Mohammad and Manaf killed

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Al Hardan (الحردان) and the farm or hamlet Al Muta’afeen (المتعافين). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to locate these places, however, they are most likely in the area of Tell Al Shayer, for which the coordinates are: 36.034386,41.099510

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (1–3 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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

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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al-Hardan village, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • June 13, 2018, near al-Hardan village, Syria, via Airwars. 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
Official source

For June 13th, the Coalition reported that “On June 13 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets. […] Near Al Shadaddi, three strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, and destroyed one Daesh tactical vehicle, one Daesh line of communication and one Daesh headquarters.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For June 13th – 19th, France’s Task Force Wagram reports five shooting missions in the Euphrates Valley. Since the launch of the offensive on May 1st there have been 148 missions. Over the past week, There were 22 air sorties in support of the local forces on the ground, but no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les dernières emprises territoriales de Daech se poursuit. Menée par les forces démocratiques syriennes, coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes et appuyée par la coalition, l’offensive a déjà permis de reprendre plus de 150 km2 de territoire à Daech. Actuellement, les opérations en cours se concentrent sur la libération de la ville Dashisha. La résistance opposée par Daech demeure relativement faible. La principale menace reste celle liée aux engins explosifs improvisés. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent à un rythme soutenu, donnant lieu à des destructions régulières de caches, de munitions et d’engins explosifs improvisés. Un climat sécuritaire qui s’améliore en Irak Le bon déroulement de l’ensemble des manifestations d’envergure récentes, notamment plusieurs pèlerinages et fêtes régionales ainsi que les élections, tend à montrer une amélioration notable du climat sécuritaire en Irak. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes La Task Force Narvik a débuté cette semaine cinq nouveaux stages au profit de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Ils couvrent les domaines de formation suivants : la lutte contre les engins explosifs, le maniement et entretien d’armements lourds, le déplacement tactique en convoi, le secourisme au combat et le tir de précision. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Le nombre de canons de la Task Force a été ajusté, passant dans un souci d’ajustement des moyens au besoin opérationnel de quatre à trois canons. L’évolution de la situation du théâtre avec la reprise de plus de 98% de l’emprise territoriale initiale de Daech, couplée à l’autonomie croissante des forces de sécurité irakienne, permet cet ajustement. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 148 missions de tirs, dont 5 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1807 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 22 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8159 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (1–3 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1122 CS292

Incident date

August 11, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a major civilian casualty event, between 13 and 30 civilians were killed and up to 70 more injured from airstrikes from either a Russian or a Coalition strike on al Idkhar neighbourhood in Raqqa City. Both belligerents report bombing in the area.

Raqaa is Being Slaughtered initially reported on the morning of August 11th: “Wael Haj Hussein martyred and his father injured in coalition raids last night on al Idkhar.”

However it later reported “Shawkat Jajan al Zayid and his daughter martyred following Russian raids on al Idkhar neighbourhood midnight last night.”

Many sources attributed the airstrikes to Russian aircraft, specifically “10 Russian warplanes that launched 12 airstrikes against Raqqa and surrounding areas.”

Following the strikes, Russia published a statement saying that six warplanes bombed Raqqa and surrounding areas, and the Russian Defence Ministry posted a video showing the planes launching and dropping bombs on Raqqa.

According to Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, the airstrikes targeted al-Taj hall, the al-Ferdosia area, the Brigade 17 area, a state security building, and the water pumping station in al Kassrat. Then areas effected were identified as those under the control of ISIS by the Syrian Network for Human Rights.

@syriamubasher reported that “at least two people died – in an initial count – dozens more were wounded (including cases of amputations and other serious injuries) when Russia carried out more than a dozen airstrikes in Raqqa city. The raids resulted in water being cut off to entire districts of the city and widespread destruction of buildings and public facilities”.

Photos published by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently showed the collapse of buildings and houses as a result of the strikes. They also included very graphic images of dead children.

In their May 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Shawkat Jajan al Zayid
Age unknown named by RBSS killed
Daughter of Shawkat Jajan al Zayid
Child female named by RBSS killed

Family members (2)

Adnan al Nimr
Age unknown male named by RBSS killed
Hatem Adnan al Nimr
Age unknown male named by RBSS killed

Family members (2)

Abdoulkarim Awad Shlash
Age unknown male named by RBSS killed
Alysar Awad Shlash
Child female named by RBSS killed

The victims were named as:

Yasser Mohammad Sabah al Dibba
Age unknown male named by RBSS killed
Khaled Ismail al Duwaiji
Age unknown male named by RBSS killed
Ahmad al Sagheer
Age unknown male named by RBSS killed
man from Al Haj al Hussein family
Age unknown male named by RBSS killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 30
  • (3 children1–2 women8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13–70
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (31) [ collapse]

  • Clouds of smoke above Raqqa following alleged Russian airstrikes on Aug 11th (via RBSS)
  • An image depicting the exact moment the alleged Russian raid hit. (via, RBSS)
  • An image depicting the exact moment the alleged Russian raid hit. (via, RBSS)
  • The aftermath of the alleged incident on Raqqa, on 11th August 2016. (via, RBSS)
  • The aftermath of the alleged incident on Raqqa, on 11th August 2016. (via, RBSS)
  • The aftermath of the alleged incident on Raqqa, on 11th August 2016. (via, RBSS)
  • The aftermath of the alleged incident on Raqqa, on 11th August 2016. (via, RBSS)
  • The aftermath of the alleged incident on Raqqa, on 11th August 2016. (via, RBSS)
  • The aftermath of the alleged incident on Raqqa, on 11th August 2016. (via, RBSS)
  • Mohammad Shawkat Jajan al Zayid, killed by an alleged Russian raid. (via, RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Seriously graphic image of a child killed in an alleged Russian raid. (via, RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Seriously graphic image of a child killed in an alleged Russian raid. (via, RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Seriously graphic image of a child killed in an alleged Russian raid. (via, RBSS)
  • Yasser Mohammad Sabah al Dibba, killed by an alleged Russian raid. (via, RBSS)
  • Abdoulkarim Awad Shlash And his girl Alysar Awad Shlash, killed by an alleged Russian raid. (via, SN4HR)
  • Adnan Al Nimr, killed by an alleged Russian raid. (via, SN4HR)
  • Hatim Adnan Al Nimr, killed by an alleged Russian raid. (via, SN4HR)
  • Khaled Ismail Al Doehi, killed by an alleged Russian raid. (via, SN4HR)
  • The aftermath of the incident in Raqqa. (via, Alhurra)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A seriously injured or deceased civilian being lifted from the rubble following an alleged raid on Raqqa. (via, JisirTV)
  • MBC news reporting 30 killed in alleged Russian raids on Raqqa. 11th August 2016
  • SN4HR reporting at least 21 dead in alleged regime or 'allies' raids on Raqqa on August 11th 2016
  • @Syriamubashar reports a massacre in Raqqa. 11th August 2016
  • RFS Media reports 27 dead and 55 injured in alleged Russian raids on Raqqa. 11th August 2016
  • Al Jisr TV reports 27 dead in alleged Russian strikes on Raqqa. 11th August 2016.
  • Syrian Press Centre reports 20 dead and 50 injured in alleged Russian strikes on Raqqa. 11th August 2016
  • Syrian revolution account reports more than 25 dead and 50 injured in alleged Russian strikes on Raqqa city. 11th August 2016
  • Amawi news reports 20 dead and 50 injured in alleged Russian raids on Raqqa. 11th August 2016
  • Amawi news reports rising casualties in alleged Russian raids on Raqqa with 30 dead. 11th August 2016
  • Al Jazeera breaking reports more than 20 dead in alleged Russian strikes on Raqqa. 11th August 2016
  • RBSS reports that a man from Al Haj al Hussein family died due to injuries he sustained in the 11th August raids on al Idkhar neighbourhood in Raqqa city. 27th August 2016

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

On August 11th 2016, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported that, "six Tu-22M3 long-range bombers took off from the territory of the Russian Federation and carried out concentrated strikes with high-explosive fragmentation munitions on objects of the ISIS terrorist grouping located to the south-east, north, and north-west regions from the Raqqah city. A large weaponry, ammunition and POL storage located near the Raqqah city, a plant producing chemical munitions located in the north-western suburbs of the city, and a large ISIS terrorists’ training camp have been destroyed by the aviation strike." Further to this they added that "Terrorists have suffered significant material damage. A lot of insurgents have been eliminated." According to the report the bombers took off from Hmeymim airbase.

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
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020

  • Aug. 11, 2016, in Raqqah, 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. 3028/CS292 37SEV008784

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 10th-11th 2016, the Coalition reported no strikes at Raqqa. However for August 11th-12th the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, one strike destroyed an ISIL excavator.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 30
  • (3 children1–2 women8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13–70
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition

Sources (31) [ collapse]