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

CS757

Incident date

April 30, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.8295049, 38.5360909 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a field hospital in Tabaqa, according to the Smart News Agency.

Smart reported that “the city was subjected to more than 13 air strikes, which led to the destruction of a field hospital, killing seven people who were wounded inside the hospital, including five civilians, two nurses and two members of Islamic State, in addition to the injury of the IS doctor Abu Jawad al-Homsi.”

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 8
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

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
    Not yet assessed

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 29th-30th the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units, destroyed four fighting positions and a vehicle; damaged an ISIS supply route, and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

For April 30th - May 1st the Coalition reported: "Near Tabqah, 14 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; destroyed five ISIS oil stills, two vehicles, and a fighting position; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit"

The Coalition later reported: "Near Tabqah, Syria; on April 28-29, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed four vehicles, two VBIEDs, and three fighting positions; damaged three fighting positions and suppressed two ISIS tactical units"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Sunday 30 April – Typhoons attacked a group of Daesh fighters west of Raqqa, while Tornados destroyed two Daesh buildings in Mosul…Sunday 30 April saw Typhoons once more flying in support of the SDF west of Raqqa, where they struck a group of Daesh fighters along the bank of the Euphrates. The Tornados then flew over Mosul, demolishing two Daesh-held buildings which the Iraqi ground forces had encountered.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 8
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI713

Incident date

May 15, 2017

Location

حي النجار, Najjar neighbourhood, West Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.36012, 43.09335 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources, including a friend of one of the victims, said that the entire family of Al-Haj Alaa Al-Safi (consisting of eight people) died after a Coalition airstrike hit their home in Najjar neighborhood, in West Mosul. Sources reported that most of the victims were women.

The Coalition later reported that it had unintentionally killed three civilians in a strike at al Najjar that day. Either France or Belgium appear to have been responsible – though neither country will say.

Bashar Haseeb said on Facebook at the time that Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi was a study friend of his. In a comment he added: “He was a student with me at the Technical Institute and today he, his wife, his mother, his sons, his brother and his brother’s wife died in an airstrike.”

Mosul Facebook page also reported the death of al-Safi. It said that his wife, mother, his daughters, his sister, and the daughters of his sister were also among the victims.

In its July 2017 monthly casualty report, the Coalition appeared to take responsibility for the incident: “May 15, 2017, near Mosul, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS fighting position, it was assessed that three civilians in a building adjacent to the target building were unintentionally killed.”

Coalition officials later confirmed to Airwars that their report was referring to this incident. The Coalition provided Airwars with a location, accurate to within a one metre box. The location given placed the event near the al Shuhada Mosque in al Najjar.

In March 2020, Airwars, Liberation and De Morgen published a joint investigation revealing that Belgium and France were refusing to accept responsibility for civilian harm in this and other events – despite all other allies ruling themselves out.

Asked to say whether its aircraft were responsible for officially declared civilian harm in up to nine incidents, the Belgian Ministry of Defence told Airwars by email: “For the year 2017, BAF [Belgian Armed Forces] was certainly not involved in all events. With regard to the other data given, BAF was no longer present in theatre. BAF completed its role at the end of 2017. Our conclusion is that all ROEs [rules of engagement] were respected as confirmed by our federal court.”

After confirming receipt from Airwars in June 2019 of details of possible French civilian casualty events, the defence ministry then ceased communication – refusing to answer all subsequent emails.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (7)

Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Adult male killed
Wife of Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Adult female killed
Mother of Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Adult female killed
Son 1 of Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Child male killed
Son 2 of Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Child male killed
Brother of Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Adult male killed
Sister in law of Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 8
  • (4–6 women1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Haj Abddul Rahman Al Safi (via Mosul)
  • Another picture of the victim

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
    Killed in adjacent structure
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Stated location
    near Mosul
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF2893325580
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

  • May 15, 2017, near Mosul, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS fighting position, it was assessed that three civilians in a building adjacent to the target building were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 15th, the Coalition reported: "Near Mosul, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, two mortar systems, to medium machine guns, two VBIEDs, two ISIS-held buildings, two VBIED facilities, and a supply cache; damaged 13 ISIS supply routes and nine fighting positions; and suppressed three ISIS tactical units and two mortar teams.’

Australian Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

On 15 May, Australian F/A-18 Hornets supported Iraqi forces during operations in Mosul. The Australian aircraft struck several Daesh fighting positions and a Daesh heavy weapon site with precision guided munitions over several hours of support

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Monday 15 May – Tornados and Typhoons provided extensive support to Iraqi forces in Mosul, striking nine targets… The RAF is continuing to support Iraqi forces in their effort to liberate western Mosul. While the operating environment in the city is very challenging, particularly given the closely-packed buildings, very narrow streets, and the density of the urban population, our aircrew have continued to deliver precision strikes in close support of Iraqi troops on the ground. Daesh’s current tactics, including the illegal use of civilians as human shields, and fighting from sites such as schools, hospitals, religious sites and civilian neighbourhoods, increases the risk to innocent life. While no military operations come without risk, particularly in dense urban environments and against such inhuman Daesh tactics, the RAF continues to take all steps necessary to minimise civilian casualties. Three flights of Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 and Typhoon FGR4 aircraft operated over western Mosul on Monday 15 May. As well as conducting tactical reconnaissance, our aircraft also provided support to Iraqi troops engaged in very close combat with Daesh extremists. Three Brimstone missiles were used in very precise attacks on terrorist firing points, including a medium machine-gun position, while Paveway IV guided bombs struck another machine-gun team, demolished four Daesh-held buildings, and cratered a road to prevent terrorist movements along it.’

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 8
  • (4–6 women1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS621

Incident date

March 25, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.8295049, 38.5360909 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, the Smart news agency, reported the death of eight civilians including two children and three women in an alleged artillery and/ or airstrike on the Second neighbourhood in Tabaqa.

According to Smart, “On Friday evening [March 24th], an artillery bombardment by the Syrian Democratic Forces took place in the town of Al-Tabaqa. Coalition forces raided al-Sad square in the same neighborhood and surrounded the Al-Hakimi mosque in the second district. Eight civilians were killed, including three women and two children. Seven more were wounded.”

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (2 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al-Thawra, Tabaqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV580651
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 27, 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 March 25th-26th: “Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed a fighting position, a tactical vehicle, and a mortar system; and damaged a supply rout” and “Near Tabqah, nine strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, an improvised weapons facility, and a weapons factory; and damaged a supply route.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (2 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS643

Incident date

March 30, 2017

Location

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.83917, 38.74288 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A family of six including four children and their mother and father died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Mansoura.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, Euphrates Post and the Shaam News Network reported that the strike hit the home of Abd al Aziz Barakat al Ahmad Al Faraj, killing his four children and his wife. Mr al Faraj also later reportedly died of his injuries.

Smart News Agency put the death toll higher, at seven, including the family of five, adding that three others were wounded.

In its April report the Syrian Network noted: “fixed wing international coalition forces warplanes fired a number of missiles at a residential house in al mansoura town in the western suburbs of al raqqa governorate which resulted in the killing of six civilians [four children and their parents] the town is under the control of ISIS.”

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently names the victims.

In September 2017, Human Rights Watch published the results of a field study relating to the event. This concluded that six family members died: “Relatives living nearby told Human Rights Watch that on March 30 at around 11:15 p.m. an airstrike hit the house of Abdel Aziz al-Faraj, killing him and his family. The relatives said that the family was not affiliated with ISIS and that ISIS was not present in the immediate vicinity of the house. They said that ISIS was, however, digging tunnels nearby.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

Anwar Abd al Aziz al Faraj
Child killed
Alaa Abd al Aziz al Faraj
Child killed
Maria Abd al Aziz al Faraj
Child killed
Ammar Abd al Aziz al Faraj
Child killed
Lina Hamoud al Faraj al Ahmad
Child female killed
Abd al Aziz Barakat al Ahmad Al Faraj
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 8
  • (4 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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 (34) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    GRAPHIC: the children of Abd al Aziz al Barakat al Ahmad al Faraj who were killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Mansoura, March 30th (via RBSS)
  • Rubble of a residential house that local residents said was attacked in a coalition airstrike on March 30, 2017, killing six civilians. © 2017 Ole Solvang/Human Rights Watch
  • Aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike that targeted a home in the town of Mansoura (image from Zaman Al Wasl, posted on March 30th, 2017).
  • Children that were alleged killed by Coalition shelling on a home in Mansoura (image from tweet by @Omar_Madaniah on March 30th, 2017).

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 Mansoura, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017

  • 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 March 29th-30th the Coalition noted: “Near Ar Raqqah, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; and destroyed five oil tanker trucks, three vehicles, two tractors, an oil trailer, and a tactical vehicle. Near Tabqah, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; and destroyed two fighting positions, a vehicle, and a tactical vehicle.“
For March 30th-31st, the Coalition reported: "Near Ar Raqqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a front-end loader."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 8
  • (4 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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 (34) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS907

Incident date

June 3, 2017

Location

حاوي الهوى, Hawi al Hawa, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.95334, 38.91057 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between five and eight non-combatants died in a casualty event in Hawi al Hawa, local media said – though reports were conflicted as to whether the cause of death was a Coalition airstrike or artillery shelling by the US or SDF.

According to the Smart News Agency, “Coalition forces raided the village of Hawi al-Hawa, which is under IS control, west of the city, killing eight civilians, including three children and their mother, and wounding six others. They were taken to a field hospital in al-Raqqa, according to another source.”

But Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that artillery had targeted Hawi al Hawa village killing a displaced family. It didn’t say who was responsible. Aljazeera blamed shelling by the SDF for the death of a family of five.

Baladna and Q_Alenzy didn’t report civilian casualties but said that five members of IS died in a Coalition strike. According to Q_Alenzy, it targeted the home of Abdullah Al Abbas.

In June 2019 the Coalition announced that it had assessed this allegation of civilian harm to be non-credible, noting “After a review of all available strike records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 8
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • 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 (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
    Other
  • Stated location
    near Raqqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV919788
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 27, 2019

  • Jun. 3, 2017, near Raqqa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available strike records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 2nd-June 3rd the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed 12 vehicles, five fighting positions, four tactical vehicles, two VBIEDs and an ammunition cache.” It also later added that on June 2nd “Near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three fighting positions.”
For June 3rd-4th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 16 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed 17 fighting positions, three vehicles, and an ISIS excavator; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit." It added that for June 3rd, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units, destroyed 10 fighting positions, and damaged one ISIS-held building."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 8
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS126

Incident date

September 16, 2015

Location

جديد عقيدات, Jadid Akidat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.24999, 40.36017 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Six civilians were reported killed and 10 injured in either a Coalition or Assad regime airstrike.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “Six civilians were killed including children while no less than 10 others were wounded by the aerial bombardment by the U.S led coalition warplanes in Jadid Akidat in the eastern countryside of Der-Ezzor this morning.”

The monitoring group later added that a woman was among the dead. Smart News also reported the deaths and injuries of “a number of civilians.”

Qasioun instead described an afternoon Coalition targeted strike on a vehicle, and made no mention of civilian casualties. And the Syrian Press Centre attributed the raid to Assad regime aircraft, stating that “Regime warplanes targeted houses in the village of Jadid Akidat which led to the wounding of five civilians. They also targeted in another raid the head quarters of Al Zakat (Islamic tax) belonging to IS which led to the death of 3 IS members.”

In its monthly civilian harm assessment report for November 2019 – published on January 2nd 2020 – the Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, noting: ”September 16, 2015, in Jadid Akidat, 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. 2831/CS126 37SFV237016″.

The Coalition provided geolocates, indicating to within 100 metres the area on which it had focused its assessment.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 8
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–13
  • 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, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Euphrates post tweet that violent explosions rock al Jofra field and Jadid Akidat village due to alleged coalition raids. 14th September 2015
  • Euphrates Post tweets that regime planes target a pick up car in Jadid Akidat killing 4 Daesh members. 16th September 2015
  • Euphrates Post tweet the death of Abu al Baraa, a finance officer from ISIL in warplane shelling which killed 8 and injured 13. 16th September 2015

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
    in Jadid Akidat, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV237016
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2020

  • September 16, 2015, in Jadid Akidat, 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. 2831/CS126 37SFV237016

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Only one Coalition strike was reported for Syria for September 16th-17th 2015: “Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 8
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–13
  • 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, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI126

Incident date

October 18, 2015

Location

الكسك, Kisik Junction, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.4618824, 42.6849747 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A civilian taxi was reportedly destroyed in a Coalition airstrike at Kisik Junction north west of Mosul, killing up to eight civilians including two children and a woman. A girl reportedly survived the attack. The event, described as an evening airstrike, led to the deaths of a number of named victims. The Coalition has confirmed striking an ‘ISIL vehicle’ on this date at Kisik.

In their January 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:

Ammar Anwar Mohammed Jamil
Adult male held a Masters in computing and mathematics from Mosul University, died operating a taxi which was bringing the al Fadhi family back from the Turkish border. killed
Abdullah Fathi Al Fadhi
Adult male was reported killed with his wife and at least two of their children, including a girl and a boy (pictured below) killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 8
  • (2 children1 woman2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Ammar Anwar Mohammed Jamil, reportedly killed in a Coalition strike at Kisik Junction, Oct 18th 2015 (via Mosul Ateka)
  • Abdullah Fathi Al Fandi (via Mosul Ateka)
  • The Al Fandi children (via Mosul Ateka)

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
    38SKF926377
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 3, 2020

  • October 18, 2015, in Kisik Junction, Iraq, 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. 2843/CI126 38SKF926377

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition has confirmed an airstrike at Kisik for October 18th-19th 2015: “Near Kisik, one strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and wounded an ISIL fighter.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 8
  • (2 children1 woman2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI428

Incident date

January 17, 2017

Location

الصديق الثانيه, Mosul, 7 Nisan (April) or Baysan, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3966912, 43.1619358 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources said that six civilians were killed and eight injured due to Coalition airstrikes on Baysan neighborhood, in the northeast of Mosul. Relatives of the dead later said that eight had in fact died, all from the family of Qasan Abdul Kadir and including four children.

According to Yaqein and News of Iraq, the recent shelling also caused “considerable material damage to a number of civilian houses in the affected areas.”

In a May 1st report the Los Angeles Times featured the incident: “Independent reporting suggests there may be more casualties the coalition has overlooked. For instance, according to the report released Sunday, the coalition found “insufficient information to be able to determine if civilians were present or harmed” in an airstrike in Iraq on Jan. 17.

In April, The Times visited the site in east Mosul’s Baysan neighborhood, saw the leveled home and spoke with survivors who said eight civilians were killed. Omar Hasan Abdul Qadir, 67, said the eight were all his relatives, including four grandchildren.

“We will cooperate with anyone and talk to anyone who wants to talk to us about the incident,” he said by phone Sunday, weeping. “I would love for them to know what happened to us and how they killed eight members of our family. We have been devastated, devastated.”

Qadir, the survivor of the Jan. 17 airstrike, said he is still willing to assist the coalition in investigating. “I really don’t know at all what was the justification to hit the house with many kids and women inside. I do have witnesses that our house was hit,” he said.

But [Coalition colonel] Scrocca said the coalition could not find Qadir or other survivors of the strike. “All we have is an allegation, no proof or way to interview victims,” he said.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (4 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8
  • 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 (7) [ 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 January 16th-17th the Coalition publicly noted: “Near Mosul, four strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed a command and control node, aheavy machine gun, a tactical vehicle, 14 fighting positions, two vehicles, a mortar, an ISIL-held building, a VBIED, and an ISIL weapons factory; suppressed an ISIL mortar team and artillery crew; and damaged 32 supply routes and an ISIL defensive berm.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (4 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]