US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident Code

CI841

Incident date

September 7, 2017

Location

Abassi, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.274354, 43.595467 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 12 and as many as dozens of civilians were reported killed following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Abbasi, Huweija in the Tamim province.

According to Al-Rafiden the Coalition launched 17 raids on the Huweija area. The Coalition was accused by the outlet of a bombardment on the city, that killed and wounded dozens of civilians; Yaqin cited well-informed sources who said that militias on the ground exceeded 40, 000 fighters, and were operating in conjunction with Coalition planes over-head.

In a subsequent report, a local source spoke to Yaqin, claiming that the bombing killed at least 12 people and destroyed a number of buildings – referring specifically to Abassi. In a third report, the number claimed killed in the Huweija area by the Coalition was suspected of being about 100. However, it appears that this is a general number over a longer period.

All sources blamed the US-led Coalition for the incident.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • News covers the coalition airstrike on Huweija in the Tamim province where civilians were reported killed (via Al Rafidain Channel)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the area of Abbasi (العباسي), Huweija, in the Kirkuk/Tamim province. It is unclear from reports if this means the town of Al-Abbasi (for which the coordinates are: 35.274354, 43.595467), or elsewhere in the subdistrict

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 Abbasi, Hawijah, Iraq
    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

For September 6th – 7th the Coalition reported “Near Al Huwayjah, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed five oil stills, two ISIS-held buildings, two ISIS headquarters, and a front-end loader.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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

CI842

Incident date

September 10, 2017

Location

Huwaija, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.32633, 43.775024 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source reported the injuring of civilians following an alleged attack by the US-led Coalition on the district of Huwaija.

The source, Iraqi News, said the aerial bombardment by international coalition aircraft targeted residential neighbourhoods and that their sources confirm the injury of civilians. No additional details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • An image shows smoke rising from the scene of a reported Coalition strike on the district of Huwaija (via news ofiraq3)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Huwaija (حویجة), south west of Karkook, for which the coordinates are: 35.326330, 43.775024. It’s unclear if this refers to a city or subdistrict. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further  

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-Hawijah, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLE886099
    Military Grid Reference System

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

For September 9th – 10th the Coalition reported “Near Al Huwayjah, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two command and control nodes, two weapons caches, a vehicle, an ISIS headquarters and an ISIS-held building; Near Al Huwayjah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two vehicles.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI843

Incident date

September 10, 2017

Location

Al Qaim, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.3725, 41.051111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to a number of sources, civilian casualties were occurred following alleged Coalition actions at Al Qaim – although reporting was confused.

A number of sources reported government attacks on Anah and Rawah, coupled with Coalition air or possible guided missile strikes at Al Qaim, western Anbar province. According to a subsequent report by Yaqin, the warplanes renewed heavy bombardment of areas and cities in western Anbar province and focused on the westernmost city of Al Qaim while continuing the suffocating siege on those cities facing imminent intrusions by the joint forces with the Militia and US occupation forces supported by the International Military coalition.

Al Rafidain reiterated Yaqins claims that the Coalition aircraft had operated in conjunction with government bombing and noted that the magnitude of the losses following the bombing was unknown. Shelling of residential neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Anah and Rawah reportedly took place.

Iraq News alleged the attacks were prepared for the start of military operations to control the areas mentioned from the grip of the state organisation.

The incident occured around dusk.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al Qaim (34.372500, 41.051111), as well as the towns Rawah (34.479498, 41.919272) and Anah (34.372699, 41.986442). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further

  • Al Qaim, Rawah and Anah

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Qaim, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike. (1255)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 9th-10th the Coalition reported “Near Al Qaim, one strike destroyed an ISIS staging area. Near Rawah, five strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed seven command and control nodes, a VBIED, an ISIS-held building, and a vehicle.Near Rawah, one strike destroyed two command and control nodes.”

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
    0
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI844

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Location

Rawah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.461065, 41.9103527 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Yaqin reported civilians casualties following the bombardment of aircraft of the International Alliance on the areas of Rawah district, west of Anbar province.

There is only a single source for this incident, therefore information is presently limited.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • 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]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the district of Rawa (راوه), for which the coordinates are:  34.461065, 41.9103527. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further

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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Rawah, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SGU680195
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 2018
  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 11th – 12th the Coalition reported “Near Rawah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two ISIS-held buildings.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • 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

CI845

Incident date

September 13, 2017

Location

Anah and Rawah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.36984, 41.98388 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, Yaqin, alleged the US-led Coalition conducted airstrikes in the areas of Anah and Rawah, Anbar province resulting in civilian harm.

According to the report, airstrikes and/ or artillery strikes resulted in civilians casualties and caused physical damage. The report noted that an unknown number of people were injured and civilian homes damaged.

There are no additional details available at present.

In March 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event, their report noted: “Coalition Forces struck a Daesh improved explosive device factory, using proportionate munitions, and taking other precautions to avoid or minimize civilian casualties. Regrettably, two civilians were injured due to proximity to the strike and to the ensuing secondary explosions.”

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.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the towns of Anah (عنه) and Rawah (رواه), for which the coordinates are: 34.369511, 41.984253 and 34.476279, 41.917648. The alleged Coalition airstrikes possibly targeted villages in the vicinity of these towns. The Coalition later released the MGRS for this incident which placed it at: 34.36984, 41.98388

  • The towns of Anah (عنه) and Rawah (رواه)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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 by secondary explosion(s)
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Rawa
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SGU744072
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 28, 2019
  • September 13, 2017, near Rawa, Iraq, via Airwars report. Coalition Forces struck a Daesh improved explosive device factory, using proportionate munitions, and taking other precautions to avoid or minimize civilian casualties. Regrettably, two civilians were injured due to proximity to the strike and to the ensuing secondary explosions.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 12th – 13th the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in the vicinity.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI846

Incident date

September 13, 2017

Location

Al Zab district of Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.394648, 43.574524 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Yaqin reported on the death of five civilians following US or Iraqi airstrikes on the district of Haweija, in the Tamim area.

A source reportedly told Yaqin, The Joint Air Force bombed several areas in Hawija district, killing five people. The source added: the shelling caused a state of terror among the population and caused the demolition of a number of houses for citizens.

A possibly more accurate location was documented in a report by Iraq News, which noted shells fired by US artillery on the villages of Al Zab district of Haweija, located in the area of Al Qaraj. However, Iraq News did not mention civilian casualties.

No further details are available at present.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted villages in the Al Zab subdistrict of the Hawijah district in the Tamim (Kirkuk) governorate. The coordinates for the Al Zab subdistrict are: 35.394648, 43.574524. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further

  • Al Zab subdistrict

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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 Zab district, Hawijah, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLE705177
    Military Grid Reference System

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

For September 12th- 13th the Coalition reported “Near Hawijah, three strikes destroyed six ISIS tunnel.”

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI847

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Location

عنه, Anah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.372699, 41.986442 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source reported on the death of a family following an aerial bombardment on the residential areas of Anah, west of Anbar province.

The source said a woman and a girl died. However, the exact number of the family member was unclear. The US-led Coalition was not identified as a possible culprit, nor was any other actor. Airwars will add to this entry should any new pieces of information arise.

Al Rafidain also reported Anah Council as reporting the killing and wounding of 13 civilians, including children and women, with unidentified shelling.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 11
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–11
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A video captures the bloody aftermath of an aerial bombardment on the residential areas of Anah, west of Anbar province (Via Alrafidain Channel)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Anah (عنه), for which the coordinates are: 34.372699, 41.986442. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further

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 Anah, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SGU746075
    Military Grid Reference System

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

For September 13th-14th, the Coalition reported: “Near Al Qaim, one strike destroyed an ISIS staging area. Near Rawah, one strike destroyed an IED facility.“

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 11
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–11
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI848

Incident date

September 17, 2017

Location

الحصيبة, Husaybah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.391117, 40.986986 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported on the death of six civilians, and dozens wounded following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Husaybah, west of Anbar.

An initial report was released by Yaqin, which suspected the Coalition had targeted “villages on the border between Syria and Iraq”.

A’maq [ISIS propaganda] then reported: US shelling killed six and wounded ten at Husaybah. This claim was repeated in a report by Sound and Picture.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–24
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Husaybah (الحصیبة), for which the coordinates are: 34.391117, 40.986986. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 16th – 17th the Coalition reported “Near Rawah, two strikes destroyed two ISIS staging areas and a VBIED production facility. Near Rutbah, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two VBIED storage facilities, two vehicles, a tactical vehicle and a command and control node.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–24
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]