Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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Incident Code

RS1163

Incident date

August 18, 2016

Location

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1807701, 37.167263 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to eight civilians including one child died in a casualty event in the Al Slaheen neighbourhood of Aleppo, local sources reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame.

According to Syria News Desk: “seven civilians were killed and five wounded in the Al Salheen neighbourhood of central Aleppo. Russian aviation targeted a residential building consisting of three floors.”

Halab News also put the death toll at seven, named the victims and included ‘3 unknown martyrs’. However, Jisrtv, Aletihad Press and Syrian Press centre blamed the regime. Syrian press Center put the number killed at eight.

A number of sources reported that the deaths had been caused by helicopters throwing explosive barrels on the neighbourhood. Syria Newsdesk reported that vacuum missiles were used in Salheen. 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Amina Shebar
Age unknown killed
Wael Walid Eryani
10 years old killed
Full Walid Eryani
20 years old killed
Joseph Bazkh
30 years old killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 8
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A news bulletin reporting on the alleged raid on Sahleen. (via, Halab Today TV)
  • Destruction to civilian homes in an alleged raid. (via, Halab News Network)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

On August 18th 2016, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported that, "Tu-22M3 long-range bombers and Su-34 tactical bombers took off from airbases on the territories of the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran and carried out a group air strike on objects of the ISIS terrorist grouping in the Deir ez-Zor province. As a result, the strikes have eliminated 5 large depots with armament, munitions and fuel, 6 control centres, a large number of militants, artillery positions and armoured hardware of terrorists."

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 8
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS297

Incident date

August 17, 2016

Location

خان طومان, Khan Touman, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1177702, 37.0513916 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

There were reports that the Coalition or possibly Russia destroyed the Khan Tuman bridge south of Aleppo city in a night time raid. Casualties were reported among civilians, which one source said amounted to ‘dozens.’

Al Jazeera cited armed opposition sources as saying that “international Coalition aircraft destroyed the vital Khan Tuman bridge, causing deaths and injuries – including among those displaced from inside Aleppo to the southern countryside.”

Orient News cited a local activist as saying: “The fact is that the bridge does not pose any importance, not military significance for the rebels or even fighters who can cross from other points. It is only important for humanitarian vehicles, civilian cars and ambulances.”

The Coalition was blamed in part because of the precision nature of the attack. As Radio Hara noted, “our correspondent confirmed that the Russians repeatedly tried to destroy the bridge in dozens of raids, but those attempts failed.” Only Orient News said that Russia itself was responsible for the August 17th strike.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Aleppo today correspondent reported that the international coalition targeted Khan Tuman Bridge, which is the only road between Aleppo city and its southern countryside. The correspondent explained that the target was on Wednesday 17/8/2016 at 2 at night severe missile destruction, which led to the destruction of large parts of the huge bridge and tunnel underneath it, in addition to the death of many civilians and the destruction of about five cars loaded with vegetables and food were heading to the besieged neighborhoods in Aleppo

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
    37SCV246987
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020

  • Aug. 17, 2016, in Khan Touman, 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. 3032/CS297 37SCV246987

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 16th-18th the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in the direct vicinity of Aleppo, though others in the governorate.

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS296

Incident date

August 17, 2016

Location

لقطة, La'ata, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9635, 39.00444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilian males were killed in Coalition strikes at La’ata. The US later admitted responsibility, noting: “Near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that two civilians were killed.”

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered, dawn air raids targeted four houses in the village: “These homes were expropriated by Daesh and are inhabited by their members. They are at a clash points with Kurdish militias.”

According to the Syrian Network the men died in attacks on separate villages: “Be’r Assi village, Wednesday 17 August 2016: Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired missiles that targeted Be’r Assi village, located in the northern suburbs of Al Raqqa and is under the control of ISIS, which resulted in the killing of Mr. Ismail Barhou Al Dalou.

Laqta village, Wednesday 17 August 2016: Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired a missile that targeted Laqta village, located in the northern suburbs of Al Raqqa and is under the control of ISIS, which resulted in the killing of Mr. Hamad Al Eissa.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hamad al-Isa
Adult male From al Khuwera killed
Ismael Barho al-Dalo
Adult male From Bi’er Assi killed

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 36.2766277, 39.2495796

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV004799
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 9, 2016

  • August 17, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that two civilians were killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 16th-17th the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in the vicinity.

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1162

Incident date

August 17, 2016

Location

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.93130, 36.630222 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Fifteen named civilians were among those killed in multiple airstrikes on Idlib, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible – though the event was referred to as a “horrific massacre” in several reports. Dozens more civilians were said to have been wounded.

A popular market, “the ball rotor area of the city” and the area near the National Hospital were reportedly struck.

Death counts varied, from 15 (Aa) to 27 civilians (Mada). These sources blamed Russia.

However, Step and Syria News Desk attributed the event to the regime. According to Syria News Desk, “twenty-three civilians died and more than 30 others were wounded – many seriously – in regime military action. There were three raids with rockets and cluster bombs, striking residential buildings near the hospital clinics and other areas”.

Syria Press Center added that many civilian homes were destroyed.

A number of sources didn’t identify the culprit. The highest death toll was given by Zaitonmag, at 28.

Hi Idlib named 12 civilian fatalities, ‘Plus five unknown martyrs’

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Firas Mohammed Khatib
33 years old killed
Zainab Waysi Khatib
30 years old killed
Mohammed Noor Khatib
3 years old

The victims were named as:

Islam Nabhan
4 years old killed
Ola Suleiman
20 years old killed
Zakaria Bhro
60 years old killed
Mahmoud Faleh
13 years old killed
Mohammed Jaafar
17 years old killed
Majed Doksi Al Homsi
33 years old killed
Muhammad Wajih Nassan
40 years old killed
Bakr Hajjar
13 years old killed
Sulaiman Bakaai
20 years old killed
Salim Naas
45 years old killed
Abdo Kharbout
Age unknown killed
Salim Naas
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 28
  • (5 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–30
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (14) [ collapse]

  • Zakaria Bhro, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Hi Idlib)
  • Muhammad Wajih Nassan, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Hi Idlib)
  • Salim Naas, killed in an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Hi Idlib)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A body is pulled from the rubble by the White Helmets following an alleged raid. Syrian civil defense in Idlib)
  • The aftermath of the incident including interviews with local civilians. (via, Maaz al-shami)
  • Damage caused to local shops. (via, Baladi)
  • The aftermath of the alleged raid. (via, SyrianPC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The White Helmets carry an injured child to an ambulance. (via, Alkhabar_Agency)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The White Helmets carry an injured child to an ambulance. (via, Alkhabar_Agency)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The rescue of wounded civilians. (via, shababRevolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian casualty is dragged from the rubble. (via, shababRevolution)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian is dragged from the rubble following an alleged raid on Idlib. (via, JisirTV)
  • The aftermath of the alleged raid. (via, Mada News)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the globe roundabout, the area near the National Hospital and the vegetable market being struck. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates of the roundabout are 35.93130, 36.630222.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

On August 17th 2016, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported that, "Russian bombers Su-34 took off from Hamedan airbase (Islamic Republic of Iran) with full fragmentation bomb charge and made an airstrike on ISIS terrorist facilities in the Deir ez-Zor province. As a result, 2 command centres and large ISIS field training camps near the Deir ez-Zor city were destroyed, over 150 militants (with foreign mercenaries among them) were eliminated."

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 28
  • (5 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–30
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1161

Incident date

August 17, 2016

Location

القاطرجي, Al Qaterji (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1995518, 37.1815538 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between three and six civilians including women and children died and up to 12 more were wounded in airstrikes on al Qaterji, local media reported. The victims included the 10-year-old child  who later died from injuries sustained in the attack. His brother, Omran Daqmeesh, was also wounded when the strike hit the family home – with the image of the wounded child became a global symbol of the extraordinary dangers facing civilians in Syria.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on August 20th, “the child Ali Daqmeesh – who is the brother of Omran Daqmeesh (who became the subject of much media exposure) – died following the wound he had suffered when warplanes bombed al-Qaterji neighbourhood in Aleppo city three days ago, which back then killed four civilians and wounded several others”.

LCCSY and Jisrtv blamed Russia, with the latter source putting the death toll at six.

However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights and Al Hadath said that the regime was responsible.

According to Baladi, helicopters dropped explosive barrels on the neighbourhood.

Halab Today was among a number of sources that didn’t identify the culprit. It did however name 3 fatalities. 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali Daqmeesh
10 years old male killed
Shehadeh Al-Aisa
82 years old named by Halab Today killed
Dalal Al-Essa
50 years old named by Halab Today killed
Sayf al-Din al-Ali
8 years old named by Halab Today killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Ali Daqneash 10 years, who died from wounds sustained in an airstrike on Al Al-Qaterji, Aleppo, Aug 17th (via Halab Today)
  • Destruction of residential buildings in Al-Qaterji, Aleppo, following airstrikes, Aug 17th (via Halab Today TV)
  • The remains of civilian homes which were targeted in an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid on 17th August 2016. (via, AMC)
  • The remains of civilian homes which were targeted in an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid on 17th August 2016. (via, Halab Today)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured or deceased child is carried from the aftermath of the alleged raid on her town. (via, SO4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured child is carried from the aftermath of the alleged raid. (via, SO4HR)
  • A news bulletin discussing the aftermath of the incident in Al Qaterji, 17th August 2016. (via, AMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Little boy, Omran Daqmeesh, sits in an ambulance stunned by the chaos following an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid on Al Qaterji. (via, Al Hadath)
  • Attempting to clear the rubble in the aftermath of the incident. (via, Aleppo AMC)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Little boy, Omran Daqmeesh, sits in an ambulance stunned by the chaos following an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid on Al Qaterji. (via, JisirTV)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Little boy, Omran Daqmeesh, sits in an ambulance stunned by the chaos following an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid on Al Qaterji. Hi brother, Ali was killed in the raid. (via, The Telegraph)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

On August 17th 2016, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported that, "Russian bombers Su-34 took off from Hamedan airbase (Islamic Republic of Iran) with full fragmentation bomb charge and made an airstrike on ISIS terrorist facilities in the Deir ez-Zor province. As a result, 2 command centres and large ISIS field training camps near the Deir ez-Zor city were destroyed, over 150 militants (with foreign mercenaries among them) were eliminated."

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1160

Incident date

August 17, 2016

Location

طريق الباب, Tareeq Al Bab neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.207438, 37.1990204 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An unspecified number of civilians died in airstrikes on Aleppo’s Tareeq Al Bab neighbourhood, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible.

@DamasCoordinate and @ShahbaPress blamed Russia. Arabic.cnn reported that both Russia and the regime had carried out strikes. A number of other sources didn’t apportion blame.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “government warplanes bombed a popular market in the Tareeq al-Bab neighbourhood of Aleppo, causing a massacre, in addition to the destruction and damaged some shops, on August 16.”

Activist, Hathifa Al Yaman Abu al Majd, reported that it was in-fact a “land to land missile” which struck the neighbourhood.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

On August 17th 2016, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported that, "Russian bombers Su-34 took off from Hamedan airbase (Islamic Republic of Iran) with full fragmentation bomb charge and made an airstrike on ISIS terrorist facilities in the Deir ez-Zor province. As a result, 2 command centres and large ISIS field training camps near the Deir ez-Zor city were destroyed, over 150 militants (with foreign mercenaries among them) were eliminated."

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1159

Incident date

August 17, 2016

Location

Arbeen, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

33.538143, 36.364331 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least two children died and up to dozens more civilians were wounded in airstrike on Arbeen – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame.

According to Halab Today TV, a 12 year old boy was killed and four others were injured in the Russian raids.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights also blamed Russia but in a later tweet appeared to change its position and point towards the regime.

Rudaw was among sources putting the death count at four, but it didn’t apportion blame for the “five airstrikes”.

According to Syrian Press Center, there were “six martyrs, including two children”.

However, Nabd, Elwehda, Madardaily and Zaitonmag blamed the regime – with Zaitonmag adding that dozens were injured in the attacks.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mustapha Mohammad Mustapha Hourieh
12 years old male named by Halab Today killed
Maher Bird
Age unknown named by Syrian Press Centre killed
Abdul Razzaq Kdcod
Age unknown named by Syrian Press Centre killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (2–3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

On August 17th 2016, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported that, "Russian bombers Su-34 took off from Hamedan airbase (Islamic Republic of Iran) with full fragmentation bomb charge and made an airstrike on ISIS terrorist facilities in the Deir ez-Zor province. As a result, 2 command centres and large ISIS field training camps near the Deir ez-Zor city were destroyed, over 150 militants (with foreign mercenaries among them) were eliminated."

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (2–3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS295

Incident date

August 16, 2016

Location

غرة صغير, Ghirra Sgheer, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.3700188, 38.0400753 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilian brothers were killed in the village of Ghirra Sgheer south of Manbij. While most reports blamed a mine explosion, some sources claimed the deaths were caused by a Coalition strike.

Manbij Mother of All The World and Aleppo 24 both blamed a mine on the deaths. Retreating ISIL forces had littered villages and towns with ordnance, according to reports from the area. As Syrian News Desk noted, “a civilian source from inside the city of Manbej confirmed to Syria news desk that two civilians were killed and three others wounded from one family this afternoon, by the explosion of a land mine in front of their home in the district of Alhzwana south of the city under the control of SDF forces.”

However Halb News and Manbij Documentation Agency both insisted the brothers had died in a Coalition strike. ‘Violent’ fighting between SDF and ISIL was reported at the village that day, wih the possibilty of Coalition strikes in support. In one post, Manbij Mother noted: “SDF forces have demanded that the residents of the village of Gharah Kabir and Gharah Sgheer – which are south of Manbij – leave to al Shiyab village east of Manbij. It has given them until tomorrow.”

Given reported British incidents 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.

In the second of their September 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 the allegation provided insufficient information on the timing and location of the strike to make a determination.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Jumaa al Mishaab
45 years years old male killed
Mahmoud al Mishaab
40 years years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Translation: the two brothers Mahmoud al Mishaab 40 years old and Jumaa al Mishaab 45 from Ghirra sgheer village south of manbij killed in a mine explosion.

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
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA138254
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020

  • Aug. 16, 2016, in Ghirra Sgheer, Syria, via Airwars report. The report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3031/CS295 37SDA138254

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 15th-16th 2016, the Coalition reported: “Near Manbij, three strikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed six ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL mortar system.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]