Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CS1812

Incident date

October 18, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa: Ammar bin Yasser moque, al Boubadran village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.544353, 40.958265 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 10 and as many as 60 civilians were reported killed  by the US-led Coalition after a strike or strikes hit the Ammar bin Yasser mosque in Al Boubadran village near al Soussa. The event may have been confused in some media and social media reports to one or two additional nearby civilian harm events over a 30 hour period. In October 2020, the Coalition itself classed the incident as a duplicate report.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported at the time that the strike occurred “at around 12:00, during the Friday Prayer”.

According to most other reports the strike took place around noon – although Eldorar and Baladi News claimed that worshippers leaving an evening prayer service were struck. Other reports confused this strike and associated imagery with an event on October 19th at another mosque in al Soussa (see below.)

An ISIS propaganda video showed multiple male corpses among the rubble of the entirely destroyed mosque, along with at least one dead child. An eyewitness in the film stated: “They knew that this place is a place to spread religion, the guys were here to learn but they wanted them to oppose their religion, the Coalition cannot face our brothers in the front lines, so they destroy mosques, this mosque I saw it I was an eye witness.”

Deir Ezzor Radio said that “at least 30 civilians died including two children” in the mosque strike. Zaman al Wasl instead said the toll was 15 including women and children, noting that “the civilians are 6 Syrians and 9 members of displaced Iraqi families.”

Bukamal Live named a victim as Diaa Latouf Al Dibs from Abu Kamal. Euphrates Post named the same victim as Mohammed Dia’a Abdul Latif al-Dabbas – while a footnote to that story asserted that 38 civilians in total had died in the attack. Euphrates Post itself placed the toll at 10 however – while noting two other major civilian harm events in the near vicinity. Sana News (the official Syrian state media outlet) also placed the civilian toll at 10.

A Reuters report indicated that the Coalition had deliberately struck the mosque believing it to be an ISIS command and control centre. ‘The U.S.-led coalition said it destroyed a mosque which Islamic State fighters had turned into a headquarters in al-Sousa to defend their last territory. The strike on Thursday killed 12 militants, disabling a command center they had used to attack coalition forces and their allies, it said. “Such Daesh misuse of the mosque is another example of their violation of the law of war and made the mosque a valid military target,” spokesman Colonel Sean Ryan said, using the Arabic acronym for Islamic State. The coalition monitored the facility to know when only fighters were present, and it investigates “all credible allegations of civilian casualties”, he said in an emailed statement in response to questions from Reuters.”

The Syrian Observatory initially placed the toll for this and the previous event at al Soussa on October 18th at 24 civilian fatalities, noting that “the number of martyrs is still increasing due to some wounded being in a serious condition, and the presence of missing persons.” On October 22nd the Observatory lowered its estimate to 18 killed on both events, along with 11 ISIS fighters: “18 Iraqi citizens of the families of Daesh including 7 children and 4 women, were killed in the bombardment which targeted a mosque and a house in Al-Susah town, on 18th October 2018.”

Madar News, citing a local activist, said 43 people died in the two October 18th events. Marsad al Hassakah placed the toll for the two events lower, reporting that “Eighteen Iraqi civilians, including seven children and four citizens, were martyred in the air bombardment of a mosque and an adjacent house.”

According to reports, multiple Coalition airstrikes targeted the ISIS-occupied town of al Soussa between Thursday October 17th and Friday October 18th causing mass casualties. As well as the Ammar bin Yasser mosque which was struck at noon on the Thursday along with the home of Mohammed al-Obeid al-Hattab earlier that same morning (event S ), the Othman mosque was also reported hit the following day at Friday prayers (event S ). Deir Ezzor Radio said that overall, 60 to 70 civilians including 10 children died in the three Coalition strikes on the town. Sana News placed the overall death count at 62.

The Syrian Observatory placed the toll for the three events at 47 civilians and 9 ISIS fighters killed. Al Jazeera said approximately 65 civilians were killed with dozens injured in the three events.

In its civilian casualty report for October 2020, the US-led Coalition said that this review was a ‘duplicate’ of a previous assessment of the same incident: “1. Oct. 18, 2018, in Al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. The Coalition actions identified in this allegation is a duplicate of allegation 2620 (Not Credible, published January 31, 2019). 3206/CS1812 37SFU796242”

The incident occured around midday.

The victims were named as:

Family members

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Dia’a Abdul Latif al-Dabbas
Age unknown male Bukamal Live named a victim as Diaa Latouf Al Dibs killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • (2–5 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    ISIS propaganda video posted on Facebook by Muhajareen Al Furat, Siraj Aldyin 2018 and Al Soussa village Facebook pages on the 20th of October 2018.
  • The destroyed mosque at al Bubadran in which up to 60 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on October 18th (image with al Free Deir Ezzor Radio – most likely grabs from an ISIS propaganda video)
  • The destroyed mosque at al Bubadran in which up to 60 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on October 18th (image with al Free Deir Ezzor Radio – most likely grabs from an ISIS propaganda video)
  • The destroyed mosque at al Bubadran in which up to 60 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on October 18th (image with al Free Deir Ezzor Radio – most likely grabs from an ISIS propaganda video)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Duplicate
    Assessed to be a duplicate of another report that has already been assessed.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Al Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU796242
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 29, 2020
  • 1. Oct. 18, 2018, in Al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. The Coalition actions identified in this allegation is a duplicate of allegation 2620 (Not Credible, published January 31, 2019). 3206/CS1812 37SFU796242

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition publicly reported the following at the time: "On Oct. 18 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 10 strikes consisting of 14 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Abu Kamal and Hajin, 10 strikes engaged 29 tactical units, and destroyed two command and control centers, one IED facility, one vehicle-borne IED facility, one mortar team headquarters, one building and two staging areas."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Oct 17th-24th, Dutch MoD reports that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during nine missions. Weapons were deployed in six of these missions – against ISIS fighters and vehicles near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor.

Midden-Oosten In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 6 zijn wapens ingezet tegen ISIS-strijders en voertuigen. Dat gebeurde in de provincie Deir al Zour, in de omgeving van Abu Kamal.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

France report that between Oct 17th-23rd, the three CAESAR guns of Task Force Wagram conducted 17 firing missions, from Iraqi territory. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties and conducted eight strikes north of Abu Kamal in Syria.

'OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, se poursuit. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent sans évènement particulier relevé cette semaine. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué en volume. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. La Task Force Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont ainsi réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 17 missions de tir (éclairement, harcèlement, destruction – bilan du 17 au 23 octobre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1992 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations. Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 17 au 23 octobre inclus) et conduit 8 frappes, en appui des FDS au nord d’Abou Kamal en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8582 sorties / 1472 frappes / 2271 objectifs neutralises.'

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • (2–5 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1310

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Location

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3353632, 40.1380348 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to SANA on August 1st, the official Syrian news agency,US coalition planes killed 60 civilians in raids on villages and towns in the eastern suburb of Deir al-Zour during the past few hours.”

However, Euphrates Post “noted that the news reported by the media of the regime is totally untrue”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    60
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Deir ez-Zor, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV037106
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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 July 31st – August 1st: “ Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed 13 ISIS oil stills, an oil storage barrel and an ISIS chemical weapons factory.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    60
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI589

Incident date

March 30, 2017

Location

المشاهدة, Mosul, Al-Mashada, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.344722, 43.121111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Locals said that up to 60 civilians were killed after residential houses in the Mashahda area in old Mosul were accidentally struck. Coalition airstrikes, an Iraqi missile and artillery were all blamed.

Iraqyoon reported that 12 civilians were killed in a “mistaken air strike” that destroyed four homes. Al Jazeera put the death toll at 10, and mentioned artillery shelling in the area.

On April 3rd, Iraqi Spring Media Center reported that “about 60 bodies of the #civilians killed by aerial bombardment in the courtyard of the Imam Mosque in Al-Mashahah district of old Mosul” were buried – thus suggesting the death toll had sharply increased.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A map showing the area in Old Mosul where airstrikes by the Coalition and/or Iraqi government allegedly killed up to 15 civilians (via Iraqi Spring Media Center)
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 Mosul, Iraq
    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

For March 29th-30th the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul, seven strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and an ISIS staging area; destroyed two command and control nodes, two mortar systems, a fighting position, and a UAV facility; damaged 19 supply routes; and suppressed 10 ISIS mortar teams and seven ISIS tactical units.”

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 – 60
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1833

Incident date

November 11–12, 2018

Location

الكشمة, Al Kashma, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6205556, 40.9386111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 10 and as many as 60 civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Kashma, according to local media. Airstrikes were carried out in Al Shaafa and Al Kashma around the same time, and most sources reported on a combined number of civilian casualties as a result of airstrikes in both places. The airstrikes were conducted between the evening of November 11th and November 12th.

On November 11th, 10 civilians were reported to have died in an alleged Coalition airstrike. Both ISIS and medical sources reported to local media that 20 civilians died as a result of the strikes, most of whom were reported as women and children.

An individual source known as @saleemalsaied reported in a tweet that as many as 50 civilians died in the attacks. And Qasioun News referred to a Sana News report that put the total toll of civilians that either died or were injured as a result of airstrikes on these locations at 60 civilian deaths.

UNICEF later issued a statement condemning the high number of deaths being reported from the Hajin pocket. “UNICEF is alarmed by recent reports of up to 30 children who have been killed in recent violence in Al Shafa village, in eastern Syria. These reported killings demonstrate that the war on children is far from over in Syria…. UNICEF calls on warring parties to protect all children – no matter where they are in Syria and no matter whose control they live under.”

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ 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

For November 10th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 10 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 23 strikes consisting of 36 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 23 strikes destroyed two command and control centers, one IED facility, one logistic facility, five buildings, four tunnels, two staging areas, six supply routes, one fighting position and one UAS launch site.
For November 11th: "On Nov. 11, 2018 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 23 military strikes consisting of 34 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 23 strikes engaged 16 tactical units and destroyed nine buildings, two weapons caches, four tunnels, two fighting positions, two supply routes, two command and control centers, one piece of heavy equipment, and one visual observation post."
For November 12th: "On Nov. 12 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 17 strikes consisting of 38 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 17 strikes engaged 18 tactical units and destroyed 10 buildings, one weapons cache, one tunnel, one command and control center, and two supply routes."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From Nov 7th – 13th, France reports that the three CAESAR guns carried out 49 ‘fire’ missions from the Iraqi territory – 35 illumination, 14 destruction. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 1 strike in support of forces on the ground in Syria.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un renforcement à la frontière irako-syrienne. Si Daech a perdu ses capacités militaires, l’organisation terroriste conserve une capacité de nuisance, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué de manière significative. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 49 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 14 destruction – bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2101 missions de tirs. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La TF Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, du 5 au 11 novembre, un groupe d’instructeurs s’est rendu au poste de commandement de la 24ème brigade pour former pour former 20 stagiaires irakiens aux techniques du combat urbain. La TF Narvik forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Elle dispense actuellement des instructions au combat débarqué et au recueil de renseignement. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus) et conduit 1 frappe, en appui des FDS en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8636 sorties / 1479 frappes / 2278 objectifs neutralises.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For November 7th-13th, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during 8 missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in 3 missions near Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 7 t/m 13 November laat MinDef weten Nederlandse F-16’s te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Tijdens 8 missies werden 3 wapens ingezet boven Deir al Zour, Syrie. IS Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI073

Incident date

June 11, 2015

Location

الحويجة, Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.323967, 43.772852 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Reports claimed that a second major airstrike in a matter of days struck the town of al-Hawijah south of Kirkuk, killing many non-combatants at the marketplace and a nearby bridge. A related peshmerga offensive against Islamic State was reported in the area. Video images show the devastated market area, with many areas left burning.

Almost all sources either did not attribute the airstrike to any one party, or blamed Iraqi security forces.

Shafaq News claimed that 50 died when aircraft “targeted Daesh near Hawija market,” though like some sources it did not describe the status of those killed. Al Jazeera was clear that those targeted were non-combatants: “According to witnesses the majority of the victims were killed in the popular market, which was packed with people during the bombing.

In a United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq report issued in January 2016, UNAMI noted: “On 11 June, an airstrike reportedly hit an ISIL target near a market in Hawija, Kirkuk. According to a source, 10 civilians were killed and wounded in the incident. Other reports mentioned more than 60 civilians killed and over 80 wounded. UNAMI/OHCHR was unable to verify the exact number of casualties nor who was responsible for the airstrike.”

 

The incident occured around dusk.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • Civilians reported injured
    24–80
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of the alleged incident (via deleted Facebook page)
  • Aftermath of the alleged incident (via deleted Facebook page)
  • Aftermath of the alleged incident (via deleted Facebook page)

Geolocation notes (4) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the strike targeted a busy “market”, referred to as the “Great Hawija market,” by BaghdadTV in Hawijah (الحويجة), Kirkuk. Worldakhbar referred to two sites as the “popular market (سوقاً شعبياً) and bridge in the city centre and the regions of Alhsaaa and Aldnades (جسر التحدي وسط المدينة ومنطقتي الحصايا والدناديش).” Possible location of the strike (based on geolocation of images below) is: 35.323967, 43.772852

  • The marketplace at Hawija, uploaded to Facebook on June 11, 2015 by Iraqi Spring ‎احداث الحويجة الان‎ [link dead]. Possible location of the camera: 35.323967, 43.772852 (see below for analysis)

    Imagery:
    Iraqi Revolution Facebook page

  • Satellite image taken April 26, 2016, showing the features in the image above, with possible structural damage visible in the bottom right corner (yellow box)

  • Composite stills from an Al Jazeera video showing the immediate aftermath of the incident, uploaded on June 11, 2015

    Imagery:
    Al Jazeera

  • Composite stills from an Al Jazeera video showing the immediate aftermath of the incident, uploaded on June 11, 2015

    Imagery:
    Al Jazeera

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

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

Three coalition strike were reported near Kirkuk for the period June 11th-12th 2015: “Near Kirkuk, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL motorcycle.”

Unknown Assessment:

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

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 – 60
  • Civilians reported injured
    24–80
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1832

Incident date

November 11, 2018

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 20 and as many as 60 non-combatants died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Sha’afa, according to local media. A number of sources including Baladi News and the Syrian Unified Observatory, reported that the airstrikes hit both the towns of Al Sha’afa and Al Kashma, killing mostly civilians including women and children.

According to Sana News at least 60 civilians were either dead or injured as a result of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Sha’afa.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that it monitored the recovery of the bodies of at least 28 people after the airstrike on Al Sha’afa including 22 ISIS family members. It said that among the victims were eight “citizen women” and nine children under the age of eighteen. The Observatory later added that the toll of civilian casualties had risen to 32 civilians from the families of ISIS, including 13 children under the age of 18, and 12 women, while an additional 6 casualties were found to be IS members. Dozens of civilians were reportedly injured.

UNICEF published a statement in response expressing that “UNICEF is alarmed by recent reports of up to 30 children who have been killed in recent violence in Al Sha’afa village, in eastern Syria.”

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.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 60
  • (9–13 children8–12 women)
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 34.57888, 40.9344

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near al Shaafa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU7742928044
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • Nov. 11, 2018, near al Shaafa, Syria, 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. 3225/CS1832 37SFU7742928044

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 11th, the Coalition publicly reported: "On Nov. 11, 2018 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 23 military strikes consisting of 34 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 23 strikes engaged 16 tactical units and destroyed nine buildings, two weapons caches, four tunnels, two fighting positions, two supply routes, two command and control centers, one piece of heavy equipment, and one visual observation post."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From Nov 7th – 13th, France reports that the three CAESAR guns carried out 49 ‘fire’ missions from the Iraqi territory – 35 illumination, 14 destruction. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 1 strike in support of forces on the ground in Syria.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un renforcement à la frontière irako-syrienne. Si Daech a perdu ses capacités militaires, l’organisation terroriste conserve une capacité de nuisance, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué de manière significative. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 49 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 14 destruction – bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2101 missions de tirs. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La TF Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, du 5 au 11 novembre, un groupe d’instructeurs s’est rendu au poste de commandement de la 24ème brigade pour former pour former 20 stagiaires irakiens aux techniques du combat urbain. La TF Narvik forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Elle dispense actuellement des instructions au combat débarqué et au recueil de renseignement. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus) et conduit 1 frappe, en appui des FDS en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8636 sorties / 1479 frappes / 2278 objectifs neutralises.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For November 7th-13th, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during 8 missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in 3 missions near Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 7 t/m 13 November laat MinDef weten Nederlandse F-16’s te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Tijdens 8 missies werden 3 wapens ingezet boven Deir al Zour, Syrie. IS Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 60
  • (9–13 children8–12 women)
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1118 RS2311

Incident date

June 28, 2017

Location

دبلان, Dablan, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.855, 40.568611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 60 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Dablan, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the event, with allegations against the Coalition, Russia and the Syrian regime.

The pro-regime source, Damas Press, put the death toll at 40 and blamed the US-led Coalition. However, Syria News Desk was among several sources attributing the event to Moscow, putting the death toll at 40 non-combatants with 60 more injured. It reported that four houses were completely destroyed amid extensive damage to residential buildings and shops. Additionally, the report said that “that dozens of families fled towards the Badia, fearing renewed targeting of the town as planes continued to fly overhead”.

Euphrates Post also pointed towards Russia: “According to the correspondent of the network Furat Post media, unknown aircraft – though thought to belong to the Russian air force – targeted residential sites in the center of the town of Dablan with cluster bombs

“The source added that the mosques in the town used loud speakers to tell people to go to medical points to donate blood due to the large number of injuries caused by the bombing”.

But a later report by Euphrates Post referred to “the air force” [regime] launching several strikes with “with internationally banned cluster bombs”. It said that eye witnesses saw one raid targeting “an internet cafe belonging to al Siki family in the al Kaws neighbourhood in the city centre. This damaged seven nearby houses killing 17 martyrs. Another raid targeted agricultural land in the town. Most of the martyrs were children and women who slept on rooftops and outside due to heat. The weather and power outages had led to an increase in the number of martyrs. There is no final figure for the number of victims, but 20 have been buried so far”.

Some other sources referred to “unknown warplanes with cluster bombs”.

But according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights – which put the death toll at at least 13 – jets belonging to the regime were to blame. Sharqiya Voice – one of the sources blaming Russia – reported that the death toll had risen to 60.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Son of Yassin al Alawi 1
Age unknown male killed
Son of Yassin al Alawi 2
Age unknown male killed
Yassin’s wife
Adult female killed
"and her son"
male killed

Family members (3)

Khaled Al – Hussein Al – Saleh
Adult male killed
Son of Khaled Al – Hussein Al – Saleh
Age unknown male killed
Saleh Al – Hussein Al – Saleh
killed

Family members (3)

Ibrahim Al-Siki
Age unknown male killed
Khaled Alsiki
Age unknown male killed
Saleh Alsiki
Age unknown killed

Family members (2)

Son of Abu Halash 1
Age unknown male killed
Son of Abu Halash 2
Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

Son of Jassem Al Turki 1
Age unknown male killed
Son of Jassem Al Turki 2
Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

Daughter of Hassan al-Ghannam 1
Age unknown female killed
Daughter of Hassan al-Ghannam 2
Age unknown female killed

Family members (2)

The daughter of Khamis al-Khalifa
Age unknown female killed
The mother of Khamis al-Khalifa
Adult female killed

The victims were named as:

Mousa Al Ismail
Age unknown killed
Issa Al-Hamoud
Age unknown killed
Muhsin al Oussour
Age unknown killed
Abu Yusuf Al-Deiri
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 60
  • (5 children2–5 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–60
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of a raid on a civilian home in Dablan, June 28th 2017. (via Sharqiya Voice)
  • The remnants of a cluster bomb which was used on Dablan by alleged Coalition or Russian airstrikes, 28th June 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike on Dablan by alleged Coalition or Russian airstrikes, 28th June 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike on Dablan by alleged Coalition or Russian airstrikes, 28th June 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
  • The remnants of a missile which was used on Dablan by alleged Coalition or Russian airstrikes, 28th June 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
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 Dayr Az Zawr, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU1714192076
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 1, 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

For June 28th-29th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed 10 oil storage tanks, six oil trucks, two fuel trailers, an well head, a piece of oil processing equipment and an ISIS headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 60
  • (5 children2–5 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–60
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1398

Incident date

August 22, 2017

Location

السخاني, Sukhani neighbourhood, near Hani mosque, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9522, 39.0164 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a major casualty incident, as many as between 33 and 60 civilians, including many women and children, died following US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al-Sakhani, Raqqa. Almost a year later the US-led alliance accepted responsibility for 33 deaths.

According to Baladi, the strike was near the Al-Hani mosque, while Qasioun reported that one of the strikes hit a building in which civilians were sheltering.

Local media reported that the airstrike occurred on the 20th August, however recent up to date Amnesty field research conducted has reported the strike to have occurred on the 22nd at 7pm.

Local media reported that the majority of those killed were from the same family. A Tweet by @AhmadShblii identified eight of the victims as displaced persons from Palmyra.

All sources obtained held the US-led Coalition responsible for the alleged massacre. In addition to the civilians that died, “dozens” were suspected injured.

Albosleh and @LaSyrianNews put the death toll as high as 60.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which also blamed the Coalition, the 42 civilians it said were killed in the strikes included 19 children. This report may have conflated another, however.

A June 2018 report by Amnesty stated that on 20 August 2017 at 7pm, “Coalition forces simultaneously bombed the two neighbouring houses in which the family were staying.” These air strikes reportedly killed 33 Badran family members and other civilians, mostly women and children. A large number of civilians killed in the airstrike were identified in the report.

In its July 2018 civilian casualty report, the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event: “August 20, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via Amnesty International report. During a strike on a reported Daesh position near a residential area allegedly caused civilian casualties. Thirty three civilians were unintentionally killed.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality” it was reported that “Thirty-three members of the Badran Family and neighbours, most of them women and children, were killed in the third and most devastating set of four separate air strikes which killed a total of 39 family members and 10 neighbours as they fled from neighbourhood to neighbourhood in search of safety.”

In addition to this, Rasha, a survivor of the strike told Amnesty in a testimony that “Only I, my husband and his brother and cousin survived. In the morning we found Tulip’s body; our baby was dead. We buried her near there, by a tree. I don’t understand why they bombed us. Didn’t the surveillance planes see that we were civilian families?”

The incident occured at 19:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (33)

Shamsa al Badran Bint Mustafa
40 years old female killed
Sahar Mohammad Ahmad al Badran
17 years old female Mohammad's daughter killed
Saja Mohammad Ahmad al Badran
15 years old male Mohammad's daughter killed
Ahmad Mohammad Ahmad al Badran
13 years old male Mohammad's son killed
Hamza Mohammad Ahmad al Badran
11 years old male Mohammad's son killed
Daham Mohammad Ahmad al Badran
4 years old male Mohammad's son killed
Saddiqa al Badran Bint Mustafa
38 years old female Shamsa’s sister, Ismael's wife killed
Mundher Ismail al Saaid
12 years old male Ismael's and Shamsa's son, twin of Sidra killed
Sidra Ismail al Saaid
12 years old female twin of Mundher killed
Aseel Ismail al Saaid
6 years old female Ismael's and Shamsa's daughter
Sumaya al Badran bint Mustafa
45 years old female widow, no children killed
Abta al Badran bint Mustafa
50 years old female widow killed
Qays Mohammad al Sahu
24 years old male Abta's son killed
Mays Mohammad al Sahu
18 years old female Abta's daughter killed
Khud al Badran bint Mustafa
48 years old female divorced killed
Rana Hsein al-Shammari
18 years old female Khud's daughter killed
Thuraya al Badran bint Mustafa
55 years old female killed
Ibrahim
early 30s years old male Thuraya's son killed
Madonna
mid-late 20s years old female Ibrahim's wife killed
Thuraya's nephew 1
Child male killed
Thuraya's nephew 2
Child male killed
Thuraya's niece
Child female killed
Mohammad Khalil
30 years old male killed
Ali al Badran ibn Mustafa
44 years old male no children killed
Ibrahim Fahd Ibn Wahab al-Khadr
70 years old male killed
Khadija al Sahu
60 years old female Ibrahim's wife killed
Tulip Fahd bint AbdulWahab Abbude
1 years old female Rasha's and Abbude's daughter killed
Osama Ibrahim Fahd
32 years old male Abbude's brother killed
Mohamed Imbrahim Fahd
28 years old male Abbude's brother killed
Souad
50 years old female Iraqi national, wife of local man killed
Abu Riad
60s years old male Souad's husband killed
Maha
mid 20s years old female daughter of Souad and Abu Riad killed
Amina al Raqim
60s years old female unmarried, was with Souad and Abu Riad killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    33 – 60
  • (12–19 children12–13 women3–8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (41) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (31) [ collapse]

  • Khalil Ibrahim Albadran, killed in an alleged Coalition strike near Al-Hini Mosque, (via RBSS)
  • ' Türkçe · Kurdî (Kurmancî) · العربية · English (UK) · Español Gizlilik · Koşullar · Reklamlar · Ad Choices · Çerezler · Diğer Facebook © 2017 Syrian Network for Human Rights - الشبكة السورية لحقوق الإنسان 6 saat · The women Thuraya, Sumayya, Abtta, Khood, Seddiqa, and Shamsa Mustafa al Daham, killed along with 11 members of their family in International Coalition warplanes missiles fired on al Sakhani alley north of Raqqa city, Aug 20.' (via SN4HR)
  • Shahid Abu Aboudabrahim Al Wahab, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqa (via Sharqiya Voice)
  • Mustafa Al-Badran (via RBSS)
  • Ibrahim Khalil Al-Badran (via RBSS)
  • Qais Mohammed Al-Khader (via RBSS)
  • Sama Ibrahim Al-Badran (via RBSS)
  • Mohammed Ibrahim Abdulwahab Al-Fahed (via RBSS)
  • Ali Ibrahim Al-Badran (via RBSS)
  • Photo of the aftermath of the air strike (via RWB)
  • Tulip Badran (via Amnesty)
  • Aftermath of the air strike (via Amnesty)
  • Members of Al-Badran family killed in the air strike (via Amnesty)
  • Satellite images of the destroyed house in the air strike (via Amnesty)
  • Abta, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Ahmad, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Ali al Badran ibn Mustapha, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Daham, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Hamza, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Khadja, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Madonna Daham, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Mays, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Osama, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Qays, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Saddiqa, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Sahar, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Saja, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Shamsa, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Sidra, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Thuraya, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Tulip Tuteh, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Al Sakhani (السخاني) neighbourhood of Raqqah, near the Al Hani (الحني) mosque, for which the coordinates are: 35.951373, 39.016984. Following field research by Amnesty International, the incident was found credible by the US-led Coalition, who provided the following MGRS coordinate (accurate to 100m): 37SEV014786.

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

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
    33
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV014786
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018
  • August 20, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via Amnesty International report. During a strike on a reported Daesh position near a residential area allegedly caused civilian casualties. Thirty three civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 19th-20th: “Near Raqqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions.” It additionally added that “On Aug. 19, near Raqqah, Syria, 36 strikes engaged 22 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 29 fighting positions and seven command and control nodes.” That “On Aug. 19, near Raqqah, Syria, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed five fighting positions, an IED, and a command and control node.” And that “On Aug. 19, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Aug 16-22, France report 5 strikes in Iraq and 2 in Syria. Task Force Wagram conducted 60 artillery missions.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Sunday 20 August – Tornados and Typhoons hit a target in Raqqa, a group of terrorists and vehicles in eastern Syria, and five Daesh positions around Tal Afar…On Sunday 20 August, Typhoons bombed a further Daesh position in Raqqa. In eastern Syria, Tornados targeted a group of terrorists deployed near the border with Iraq – two Paveways hit their trucks and killed several of the extremists.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    33 – 60
  • (12–19 children12–13 women3–8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (41) [ collapse]