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

CI080

Incident date

July 1, 2015

Location

تل الرمان, Mosul, Tel Ruman, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3154191, 43.088851 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

There were claims that up to 22 civilians were killed and 16 injured in Coalition airstrikes to the west of Mosul. Women and children were reported to be among the casualties.

In a January 2016 report, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq noted: “According to a source, on 1 July, 17 civilians, including four children and six women, were reportedly killed in an airstrike conducted in the al-Rifaie area of western Mosul, Ninewa. 11 other civilians were reportedly wounded. UNAMI/OHCHR was unable to verify the status of all the casualties nor who was responsible for the airstrike.”

In its monthly civilian casualty report for October 2019 – published on December 5th of that year – the Coalition assessed the event as ‘non credible’, noting that “July 1, 2015, in Mosul, 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. 2782/CI080 38SLF284206”.

Coalition officials also provided Airwars with a geolocation to within 100 metres of the area reviewed. However, in light of the UN placing this event in the Rifai area of Mosul, the Coalition has re-opened this event for review.

In the first of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition again 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.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 22
  • (4 children6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    11–16
  • 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, Unknown
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention two different neighbourhoods in the city of Mosul: the National Iraqi News Agency reports the strike to have targeted the neighbourhood of Tel Ruman (تل الرمان), for which the coordinates are: 36.3154191, 43.088851. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq mentioned the neighbourhood of Rifai (الرفاعي), for which the coordinates are: 36.354417, 43.098020.

  • The neighbourhoods of Tel Ruman (تل الرمان) and Rifai (الرفاعي) in the west of city of Mosul

    Imagery:
    © 2019 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
    in Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF293249
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020
  • Dec 5, 2019

  • July 1, 2015, in Mosul, 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. 2782/CI080 38SLF284206

  • July 1, 2015, in Mosul, 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. 2782/CI080 38SLF293249

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Two strikes were reported in the vicinity for June 30th-July 1st 2015: “Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL staging area, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL building.”

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 22
  • (4 children6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    11–16
  • 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, Unknown
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI113

Incident date

September 27, 2015

Location

يت, Hit, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

33.642631, 42.829814 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four members of the al-Jumaili family were killed in an alleged Coalition strike at Hit, according to reports.

Mr al-Jumaili was described as a refrigerator repairman, whose home in the city’s April 7th neighbourhood was hit.

The dead have been named by one of the sources.

In their August 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 after a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Ahmed Hamid Jassim al-Jumaili
Adult male Father killed
Abeer Zia Nafeh Jumaili
Adult female Mother killed
Wael Ahmed Hamed
Age unknown male Son killed
Nabah Ahmed Hamid Jassim al-Jumaili
Child female Daughter killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children1 woman1 man)
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Funeral for a family of four reported killed in a Coalition strike at Hit, Iraq Sept27 2015 (via Iraqi Revolution)
  • Aftermath of the strike

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image of one of the alleged victims (via Haret Mothana)
  • Another image of the funeral (via Iraqi Revolution)

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
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SKC987246
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020

  • Sept. 27, 2015, in Hit, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 2834/CI113 38SKC987246

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Airstrikes on September 26th-27th in the city had targeted a “VBIED production facility,” according to a press release.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children1 woman1 man)
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI145

Incident date

November 24, 2015

Location

أبو جربوعة, Abu Jarbua, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.41241, 43.31882 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to Iraqi MP Salim Jumah, five civilians from the Shabakian tribe were killed including three children and a woman, after Coalition aircraft allegedly bombed their house in Abu Jarbua village in Bashiqa, east of Mosul.

Speaking to NRN News, the local Shabak Party MP called for compensation for those killed and naming them.

In a later investigation, the Washington Post said that despite an Iraqi MP complaining to the US Embassy about the incident, US military officials claimed to be unaware of the event: “The deaths were reported in the Iraqi media and logged by Airwars, an organization that tracks civilian casualties in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. military confirmed that it carried out a strike that day in Bashiqa, but said it has not received any complaint that civilians were killed.”

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence 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.

The victims were named as:

Family members (8)

Zidane Saud Shaaban
48 years old male Father killed
Huda Ayoub Saber
37 years old female Mother killed
Ashjan Zidane Saud
13 years old female killed
Ayman Zeidan Saud
9 years old male killed
Zidane Saud
7 years old male killed
Saud Ibrahim Zidan
12 years old male injured
Iman Zidane Saud
16 years old male injured
Roa Zidane Saud
4 years old female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 36.41241, 43.31881

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Jarbua, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF4926531005
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022

  • Nov. 24, 2015, near Jarbua, Iraq, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 2862/C1145 38SLF4926531005

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 23rd-24th 2015 the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, two strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and suppressed an ISIL mortar position.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI177

Incident date

January 14, 2016

Location

الثقافية, Mosul, Cultural group (Daash court headquarters), Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.375, 43.141667 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

There were effectively single-source claims that an alleged Coalition strike on a Mosul court killed 33 civilians who had been detained on petty charges by so-called Islamic State. Three judges also reportedly died.

According to Al Mustaqbal, the Coalition targeted “a former Social Welfare Department building” which now functions as a court. The three ISIL judges were reportedly killed, named as Mohsen Allawi Afri, Walid Rashid and Ghaith Saher Rashidi.

The site also said the attack had killed “33 civilian detainees, mostly young people from Mosul who were under investigation by the court.”

Responding to a request for clarification about possible involvement given declared UK strikes near Mosul that day, the MoD told Airwars that “after extensive research, we can confirm that there was no UK involvement” in the alleged event.

In its July 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition denied responsibility for the event on grounds of having conducted no strikes in the near vicinity: “Jan. 14, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

Given the specific details associated with this event, Airwars has requested additional clarification from the Coalition.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    33
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ 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
    a:1:{i:0;s:20:"no_coalition_strikes";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

According to the Coalition, for January 14th 2016 “Near Mosul, seven strikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units, an ISIL headquarters, and an ISIL improvised explosive device (IED) factory and destroyed eight ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL heavy machine guns, two ISIL vehicles, nine ISIL assembly areas, two weapons caches, an ISIL bunker, an ISIL command and control node, and suppressed an ISIL rocket position.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    33
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI209

Incident date

March 27, 2016

Location

وادي حجر, Wadi Hajar (Mosul), Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.32061, 43.12801 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four children were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike at Wadi Hajar to the south of Mosul, as a major military offensive to clear Nineveh of Daesh continued.

According to NRN News, jets from the US-led alliance targeted the Daesh-held village which also led to civilian casualties.

Responding to a request for clarification about possible involvement given declared UK strikes near Qayyarah that day, the MoD told Airwars that “after extensive research, we can confirm that there was no UK involvement” in the alleged event.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Smoke rising from scene of a reported Coalition strike at Wadi Hajar, March 27th (via NRN News)
  • Another picture shows smoke rising from the scene of a reported Coalition strike at Wadi Hajar, March 27th (via NRN News)
  • An image shows an injured child followed an alleged Coalition strike at Wadi Hajar, March 27th (via NRN News)
  • An image shows an injured child followed an alleged Coalition strike at Wadi Hajar, March 27th (via NRN News)
  • An image shows an injured child followed an alleged Coalition strike at Wadi Hajar, March 27th (via NRN News)

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 26th-27th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, four strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun position, an ISIL anti-air artillery piece and two ISIL fighting positions and suppressed an ISIL mortar position and two ISIL tactical units”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI241

Incident date

May 24, 2016

Location

17 تموز, Mosul, Talmuz / July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3667014, 43.0854607 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Seven civilians were reported killed and 23 injured in two reported alleged Coalition raids.

In the first event Coalition aircraft reportedly struck a Daesh security headquarters in the July 17th neighbourhood of Mosul. Iraqi Revolution – which published an aftermath picture showing a massive plume of smoke (right) – said the area around the Almoghaith mosque had targeted. According to NRN, a number of Daesh fighters were killed, but civilians were also reported to have injured.

In a second incident, the Coalition reportedly targeted another HQ in the Rashidiya area in the west of the city. Here at least 15 civilians were killed and injured according to NRN. While 11 Daesh fighters reportedly died in the attack, the heavy strike caused major damage to nearby shops and homes.

In their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in these strikes as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical areas at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    23
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

  • A picture shows the aid team trying to remove the casualties from the incident location where seven civilians were reported killed and 23 injured in two alleged Coalition raids on May 24th,2016.
  • A picture shows destroyed buildings including shops and vehicle following two alleged Coalition raids. The strikes reportedly led the killing of seven civilians were reported killed and 23 injured (via NRN)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture of a child, killed in an alleged coalition airstrike targeted (17 July neighbourhood) in Mosul on May 24th,2016 (via NRN)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture of a child, killed in an alleged coalition airstrike targeted (17 July neighbourhood) in Mosul on May 24th,2016 (via NRN)
  • A picture shows a destroyed site and vehicle following two alleged Coalition raids. The strikes reportedly led the killing of seven civilians were reported killed and 23 injured (via NRN)
  • A picture of an injured child by in an alleged coalition airstrike targeted (17 July neighbourhood) in Mosul on May 24th,2016 (via NRN)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An image of a child, killed in an alleged coalition airstrike targeted (17 July neighbourhood) in Mosul on May 24th,2016 (via NRN)
  • A picture shows an injured young man by in an alleged coalition airstrike targeted (17 July neighbourhood) in Mosul on May 24th,2016 (via NRN)

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
    38SLF282263/38SLF292305
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020
  • Mar 25, 2020

  • May 24, 2016, in Mosul, 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. 2955/CI241 38SLF282263

  • May 24, 2016, in Mosul, 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. 2956/CI241 38SLF292305

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 23rd-24th 2016 the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, four strikes [1 British with others] destroyed two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL VBIED, an ISIL mortar system, and an ISIL fighting position and suppressed an ISIL mortar position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    23
  • 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

CI273

Incident date

August 3, 2016

Location

الحويجة, Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.3240179, 43.77335 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source reported the deaths of 10 civilians and the injuring of nine others in alleged Coalition and Iraqi government actions in and around Hawijah.

According to Yaqein, international Coalition warplanes targeted, on Wednesday evening, the village of Albrglah and three areas in the district of Hawija, southwest of Kirkuk, killing ten civilians and wounding nine others. Iraqi government mortar fire and Katyusha rockets were also said to have targeted the area.

In the second of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, 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.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • 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 (1) [ 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
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLE885096
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020

  • Aug. 3, 2016, in Hawijah, 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. 2988/CI273 38SLE885096

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition publicly reported no strikes at Hawijah for August 3rd-4th 2016.

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
    10
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI305

Incident date

October 23, 2016

Location

بخديدا (Bakhdida), Qaraqosh, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.27093, 43.37758 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Coalition announced it was conducting an assessment of a possible civilian casualty event: Currently, three reports received in October are still being assessed… 3. Oct. 23, 2016, near Qaraqosh and Hasana, Iraq.

A Coalition report issued the following month noted: Oct. 23, 2016, near Qaraqosh and Hasana, Iraq: Insufficient information provided or available to assess the credibility of the reported civilian casualties.

A senior Coalition official later told Airwars that the allegation had been “Based on Russian social media and Russian MinDef accusations.”

However local reporting at the time said that Coalition airstrikes were conducted at Qaraqosh in support of ISF ground operations.

Given reported British actions in the area that day, Airwars flagged the incident to the UK’s MoD which said ” we can confirm that there was no UK involvement” in the event. However given that RAF strikes were reported in Qaraqosh the previous day [see above], Airwars has requested further clarification.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ 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
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    Qaraqosh and Hasana, Iraq / near Jarbua, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2017

  • Insufficient information provided or available to assess the credibility of the reported civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 23rd 2016, the Coalition reported at the time that “Near Mosul, six strikes [5-6 British] engaged four ISIL tactical units, two rocket systems, two anti-aircraft artillery systems and two staging areas; destroyed 19 fighting positions, 17 vehicles, 10 heavy machine guns, nine mortar systems, eight command and control nodes, six repeater towers, and four tunnels; and damaged four fighting positions, two vehicles, a mortar system, and a tunnel.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]