Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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Incident Code

CS548

Incident date

March 3, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.833712, 38.546042 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 12 civilians were reported killed and four injured in an air raid which most sources blamed on the Coalition.

According to MicroSyria “Warplanes carried out two raids in Tabaqa which is under the control of ISIL and killed 5 civilians, and wounded others including women and children who were taken to hospitals.” Smart News also placed the death toll at five, with four injured. Al Quds placed the toll higher at 12 killed, while the Syrian Observatory reported 10 deaths: “Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented the death of at least 10 persons, including 5 citizen women and children under the age of 18.

Sources confirmed to the Observatory that they were recovered from under the rubble of buildings that were destroyed by warplanes believed to belong to the International Coalition in al-Tabaqa city which is located in the western countryside of al-Raqqah and controlled by the “Islamic State” organisation.

Other body parts were also found, but it is unknown whether they belong to other bodies or they are body pieces from the other corpses.”

In November 2017 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this allegation of civilian harm.

Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed a Daesh weapon storage facility, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.”

In April 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.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 12
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ 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:

  • 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
    5
  • Stated location
    near Al Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV590656
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017

  • March 3, 2017, near Al Tabqah, Syria via Airwars report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed a Daesh weapon storage facility, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 2nd-March 3rd the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Ar Raqqah, one strike destroyed a weapons storage facility.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

[France reports that in the last week it carried out 29 sorties and 9 strikes destroying 12 ISIL targets. In Iraq, all 8 strikes were carried out in support of operations in Mosul. They targeted mortar positions and defensive positions in the city as well as in the outskirts of Badush. In Syria, in the Raqqah region, a Rafale patrol was engaged on a ground support mission to neutralize ISIL fighters leading an attack against the SDF.

Opération Chammal En Syrie le recul de Daech se poursuit. Après avoir dû se retirer d’Al Bab la semaine passée, l’organisation terroriste a perdu cette semaine le contrôle de la ville de Palmyre, tandis que la manœuvre d’isolement de Raqqah au Nord de l’Euphrate est sur le point de s’achever. En Irak, Daech tente d’entretenir l’insécurité en poursuivant sa campagne d’actions asymétriques, en particulier dans l’Anbar, dans une logique de dispersion des forces engagées contre elle. En périphérie de Mossoul Ouest, la manœuvre d’encerclement menée par les forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) progresse dans sa partie occidentale. Les combats qui ont lieu depuis le début de la semaine autour de la localité de Badush au Nord-Ouest de la ville en sont la conséquence. Dans la partie sud de Mossoul Ouest, les FSI poursuivent également leur progression dans le centre urbain et se trouvent désormais aux portes du centre historique. Avançant toujours le long du Tigre depuis l’aéroport, les combattants de la police fédérale et de l’ICTS sécurisent méthodiquement chaque quartier, faisant face à une défense féroce des combattants terroristes. Dans le même temps, Daech maintient ses actions de harcèlement contre la partie orientale de Mossoul, en réalisant des tirs de mortiers sporadiques et aveugles. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 29 sorties aériennes dont 26 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), et 3 de recueil de renseignement. 9 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français, elles ont permis la destruction de 12 objectifs. En Irak, les 8 frappes ont toutes été réalisées en appui des opérations sur Mossoul. Elles s’inscrivent dans le cadre de l’appui des troupes irakiennes engagées dans l’offensive visant à reprendre la partie ouest de Mossoul. Elles ont ciblé des positions de mortier et des positions défensives dans la ville de Mossoul elle-même, ainsi que dans la périphérie de Badush. En Syrie, dans la région de Raqqah, une patrouille de Rafale a été engagée en mission d’appui des troupes au sol pour neutraliser des combattants de Daech menant une attaque contre des forces démocratiques syriennes. Appui feu – Task Force Wagram Cette semaine, l’effort du détachement de la Task Force (TF) Wagram, désormais regroupée sur une même emprise au nord de Mossoul, s’est intensifié. Les appuis ont marqué l’effort au profit des troupes engagées au sol dans la région de Badush. 53 missions ont été réalisées cette semaine. Elles comprennent 22 actions de neutralisation, destruction ou harcèlement visant soit à détruire des positions défensives adverses, soit à empêcher tout mouvement des groupes de combattants de Daech. 31 missions d’éclairement ont également été effectuées afin d’entraver les tentatives d’infiltration de la part de groupes de combattants terroristes cherchant à mener des actions de harcèlement nocturne contre les FSI.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 12
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1136

Incident date

July 1, 2017

Location

الحصين, Hossain, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.96195, 39.76632 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A family of five or six, including three or four children, were killed following Coalition airstrikes on Al Hossain in Deir Ezzor, local sources reported. The event was later reported to be likely either a French or Belgian airstrike – though the United States subsequently accepted blame.

The Syrian Network initially put the death toll at six while claiming the event happened a day earlier: “Six civilians from the same family including 4 children and a woman, IDPs from Deir Ez-Zour, killed in International Coalition warplanes missiles fired on al Hussain village in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern suburbs, June 30, 2017.”

Thirteen sources alleged that the Coalition was responsible, whereas the remainder did not apportion blame.

In April 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event, noting: “Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on a Daesh command structure. Regrettably, five civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strike locations.” The Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for this event accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The following month, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon excluded this event and thirteen others for 2017 and 2018, with two senior officials with close knowledge of the report confirming to Airwars that all non-US actions had been left out.

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

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

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

In May 2020, in its third annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon now appeared to be confirming that its forces had carried out this action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Ahmed Hussein al Hamad
Adult male killed
Bara’a Saleh Jadaan
Adult female killed
Hadil Ahmed Hussein al Hamad
Child male killed
Amina Ahmed Hussein al Hamad
Child female killed
Raweya Ahmed Hussein al Hamad
Child female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (3–4 children1 woman1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Rawia and Hadeel Al-Hamd in Al-Husain, killed in an alleged Coalition raid on Hossain, 1st July 2017. (via SN4HR)
  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 35.961944, 39.767222

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Killed by strike blast
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    near Hossain, Dier ez Zor, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV691800
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2019

  • July 1, 2017, near Hossain, Dier ez Zor, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on a Daesh command structure. Regrettably, five civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strike locations.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 30th-July 1st, the Coalition reported: ” Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed six ISIS oil tanks, three well heads and two oil trucks.” It additionally reported that “On June 30, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed four ISIS-held buildings, two command and control nodes and three oil stills.”

For July 1st-2nd: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed 20 ISIS oil storage barrels and six oil tankers.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (3–4 children1 woman1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI235

Incident date

April 30, 2016

Location

الموصل, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.35397, 43.09201 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the CENTCOM later confirmed the deaths of five civilians in a US strike in Mosul.

Their November 2016 report noted: “during a strike against ISIL military leadership, it is assessed that five civilians were killed after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 36.34585235, 43.09857692

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
    5
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF288249
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 9, 2016

  • April 30, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, against ISIL military leadership, it is assessed that five civilians were killed after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition reports for April 29th-30th 2016 that “Near Mosul, two strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL assembly areas, two ISIL bed down locations, two ISIL fighting positions, and an ISIL weapons cache.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI831

Incident date

August 19, 2017

Location

تلعفر, Tal Afar, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.37997, 42.45602 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of five civilians in an event near Tal Afar, Iraq.

Their October 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS headquarters structure, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.”

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

Airwars had monitored a mass casualty event in Tal Afar on this day (see CI830), however the Coalition have assessed it to be non-credible due to insufficient information. It is possible that this confirmed incident relates to part of that event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • An image reveals the destruction that followed a Coalition airstrike in Tal Afar (via Abu Zeinab Al Shehabi)
  • An image reveals the destruction that followed a Coalition airstrike in Tal Afar (via Abu Zeinab Al Shehabi)
  • An image reveals the destruction that followed a Coalition airstrike in Tal Afar (via Abu Zeinab Al Shehabi)

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
    5
  • Stated location
    near Tal Afar, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SKF718291
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017

  • Aug. 19, 2017, near Tal Afar, Iraq, via self-report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS headquarters structure, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 19th-20th the Coalition reported Near Tal Afar, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed seven rocket systems, two command and control nodes, two mortar systems, a VBIED factory, a supply cache, and a front-end loader.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1441

Incident date

September 4, 2017

Location

Raqqa city: Traffic Park, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.96079, 39.00444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one man was locally reported killed following alleged artillery shelling near the Traffic Park in Raqqa. Both the Coalition and the US individually later admitted responsibility

According to local reports at the time, father of six Abdul Ghani Ahmed al-Yusuf al-Bashir was killed when a shell fell near Traffic Park.

While some sources blamed the SDF, Airwars understood at the time that only the Coalition had access to artillery in Raqqa.

In January 2020, the US-led Coalition admitted responsibility for the event – noting that “Coalition forces conducted multiple strikes against Daesh facilities. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of these strikes.” This appeared to be an amalgam of several civilian harm claims.

In May 2020, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon admitted responsibility for this incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Ghani Ahmed al-Yusuf al Bashir
44 years old male father of six killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Abdul Ghani Ahmed al-Yusuf al-Bashir, reportedly killed when a shell fell near Traffic park in Raqqa, Sept 4th (via RBSS)
  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.960918, 39.004383.

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
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV004796
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 13, 2020

  • 2. Sept. 4, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition forces conducted multiple strikes against Daesh facilities. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of these strikes. 2147/S1262 37SEV004796

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 3rd – 4th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 21 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed 13 fighting positions, two pieces of ISIS communications infrastructure, two vehicles, a VBIED, a command and control node, and a logistics node.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, four strikes destroyed a VBIED and a fighting position and suppressed two fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions.” And also that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed nine fighting positions.” Plus “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed two command and control nodes, a logistics node, a fighting position and suppressed a fighting position.”

For September 4th - 5th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah , 23 strikes [2-3 British] seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, four oil stills, three oil trucks, two logistics nodes, and a command and control node; and suppressed two fighting positions" Plus "On Sept. 4, near Raqqah , one strike destroyed five fighting positions"

Additional Press Release for September 5th : Additional press release CJTFOIR on September 5th:

'CJTF-OIR transitions commanders in the mission to destroy ISIS

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, III Armored Corps Commanding General of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) from Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, XVIII Airborne Corps Commanding General, during a Sept. 5 ceremony here, which hosted an audience of hundreds of US and Coalition Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.

Presiding over the transfer of authority of the Commanding General for US Central Command, Gen. Joseph L. Votel.

Veiled confidence that the III Corps team from Fort Hood, Texas will be ready to continue the fight to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

"When III Corps was here last, they were instrumental in increasing the pressure on ISIS and setting conditions by Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian opposition groups," Votel said. "Their hard work to the recapturing of Fallujah and the airfield at Qayyarah-posturing ISF to begin clearing Mosul, the ISIS stronghold in Iraq."

The III Armored Corps previously led the CJTF-OIR Coalition from Sept. 2015 to Aug. 2016.

Since redeploying just over a year ago, the Soldiers of the Armed Corps have gone to the forefront of the task of preparing for the mission.

"ISIS" brutality forces us to look deep into the heart of darkness. They condone the systematic murder of women and children, the enslavement of religious minorities, and the torture and execution of prisoners, "Funk said. "As a result of the magnificent work of this strong Coalition, real change is happening. ISIS is on the run. "

Airborne Corps' support to its partners in the achievement of major milestones in the campaign to ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi Security Forces defeated ISIS in their capital of Mosul in Iraq, while Syria's Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Arab Coalition steadily made progress against ISIS's global capital in Raqqah, Syria.

Townsend Lauded Coalition Partners' Efforts in Iraq and Syria over the past year. Our Iraqi partners have liberated Mosul. Our Syrian partners are more than half of Raqqah. And the Iraqis have regained control of Tal Afar and the rest of Ninewah for good measure, "said Townsend. "I think it's all about you, we're able to partner with you."

Since its establishment in June 2014, CJTF-OIR - a global Coalition of more than 72 nations and organizations - has increased the capabilities of partner forces, and significantly degraded the ability of ISIS to plan, resource and execute attacks worldwide. Their collective accomplishments include:

* Trained and equipped nearly 115,000 Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and over 11,000 vetted-Syrian counter-ISIS forces.
* Recaptured over 82,000 square kilometers of territory previously held by ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
* Set free over 5.5 million men, women and children in Iraq and Syria.
Conducted over 26,000 strikes against ISIS in support of partner forces in Iraq and Syria.

Funk shared his vision for the CJTF-OIR mission ahead.

"The very existence of ISIS poses a threat to the civilized world and our way of life. We must defeat them, and our collective effort WILL defeat them, "Funk said."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqa , striking six Daesh positions including a heavy machine-gun and two sniper ... for the Syrian Democratic Forces in Daesh inside Raqqa . Our aircraft delivered six attacks with Paveway IV guided bombs against Daesh positions, often having to strike targets very close to the Syrian Democratic Forces, including a heavy machine-gun and two sniper teams.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1715b

Incident date

January 20, 2018

Location

near al-Khashmah, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.62996, 40.92873 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of four civilians in an event near al-Khashmah.

In its April 2019 monthly civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted multiple engagements against Daesh forces. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the targets.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

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
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near al-Khashmah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU768337
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2019

  • Jan. 20, 2018, near al-Khashmah, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted multiple engagements against Daesh forces. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the targets.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

On Jan. 20 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 12 strikes consisting of 19
engagements against ISIS targets.
- Near Abu Kamal, 12 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units and destroyed two
fighting positions, a staging facility, a VBIED, three weapons caches, two ISIS
headquarters, an ISIS motorcycle, an ISIS construction vehicle and an ISIS-held
building.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS474

Incident date

February 4, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, First neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.83462, 38.54714 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were reported killed and other injured in a confirmed Coalition strike on al Tabaqa.

According to the Euphrates Post “four people were martyred including two children and two others injured following international coalition raids on al Tabaqa.”

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered reported major destruction in the town, noting that the strikes targeted the First neighbourhood [Al Hayy al Awwal].

In November 2017 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed one building being used as a Daesh headquarters, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians unintentionally injured.”

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.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Translation: al Tabaqa - the total destruction of the court and the market behind the court in the First neighbourhood in raids by the international coalition on al tabaqa.

Geolocation notes

Airwars has identified the location of the First neighbourhood as: 35°51’00.0″N 38°33’12.0″E. Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 35.8295049, 38.5360909

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
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV591657
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017

  • Feb. 4, 2017, near Tabqah, Syria, via Airwars report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed one building being used as a Daesh headquarters, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians unintentionally injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition reported for February 3rd-4th 2017 that “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units; destroyed 11 oil tanker trucks, six oil barrels, three oil refinement stills, two fighting positions, two tunnels, two vehicles, an ISIL headquarters, an oil storage tank and a command and control node; and damaged 16 supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1749

Incident date

May 11, 2018

Location

الحمادي, Al Hammadi, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.02223, 41.17403 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Coalition raids on the village of al Hammadi resulted in the deaths of up to eight civilians, including three children and five women. The US-led alliance later accepted responsibility for at least four deaths.

The village in the area of Abu Hamda is located close to the Iraqi-Syrian border and according to Al Khabour, is only the size of ten houses. In July 2018 the Coalition conceded killing four civilians in the event, noting: “During a strike on Daesh-held building, four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

Most sources shared a list identifying the victims of the strikes.

Hasaka Marsad confirmed the death of three children named as Qais, Ahmad and Maryam and included photos. According to the media outlet, the airstrike that hit the house of their grandfather was admitted by the Iraqi military. The report went on to say that “Baghdad” had “targeted one of the headquarters of the Islamic State.”

That report is however alone in identifying the Iraqi air force as the culprit. Most likely, Hasaka Marsad is basing this on a video tweeted by the Iraqi Defense Ministry allegedly showing an air strike by an F-16 on an ISIS HQ “in the area of Dashaisha”.

Although al Hammadi is located in this general area, a specific date or a more precise location of the strike is not mentioned in the video – making it difficult to asses whether or not this is related to this incident.Iraqi strikes within Syria were also considered Coalition actions by this time.

Ahmed Hammad al-Assaad, head of the Jabour clan in southern Hasaka, told Step News that the victims were from the same family who were in their house when they were targeted by the alleged Coalition strike. He stressed: “The situation is not safe for civilians, the final victim of all parties, and US aircraft bombed the homes of civilians who have nothing to do with or belong to any party…

“We want to stop the continuous indiscriminate shelling of innocent people and parents, and ask for accuracy if and should be bombed, civilians have become the easiest target for the coalition aircraft, whose goal is clear to all is the killing and displacement of the people of the region indiscriminate hit, and we call for opening ways to aid the wounded because of the closure by the forces Kurdish control of the region.”

Hassaka Youth Union posted photos and an al A’amaq propaganda video (which was also shared in a tweet by Iinews), allegedly showing destruction after the raids.

In July 2018 the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “May 11, 2018, near al-Hamadi village, al-Hassakahh, Syria, via social media report. During a strike on Daesh-held building, four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (8)

Maryam Al-Obaid
Adult female Wife of Ahmed Al Aziz Al-Hammadi killed
Sheikh Al Aziz
Adult male killed
Wife of Sheikh Al Aziz
Adult female pregnant killed
Rood Al Aziz
Age unknown killed
Fatima Al Aziz
Age unknown female killed
Qais Al Aziz
Child male killed
Ahmed Al Aziz
Child male killed
Maryam Al Aziz
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children5 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Scene of destruction at Hammadi, Syria, after a Coalition strike killed up to 8 civilians on May 11th 2018 (via Hassakah Youth)
  • Scene of destruction at Hammadi, Syria, after a Coalition strike killed up to 8 civilians on May 11th 2018 (via Hassakah Youth)
  • Photo of the destruction after an alleged Coalition bombardment on the village of Al Hammadi (via Hassaka Youth Union)
  • A recovered munition fragment from Hammadi, Syria, after a Coalition strike killed up to 8 civilians on May 11th 2018 (via Hassakah Youth)
  • Two of the children killed in a Coalition strike on Hammadi, May 11th 2018 (via al Hassakah Arabea)
  • The grandsons of Ahmed Aziz, killed in an alleged Iraqi airstrike on the village of Al Hamadi (via Hassaka Marsad)
  • Video of the aftermath of a Coalition strike which killed up to eight civilians.
  • Iraqi defence ministry video of a strike on al Hassakah governorate which may relate to this event.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

The coordinates given to Airwars by the Coalition in relation to this incident are: 36.02223, 41.17403 (Military Grid Reference System: 37SFV959886), defining an area of 100 m

  • Coordinates of 100 m area indicated by Coalition

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near al-Hamadi village, al-Hassakahh, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV959886
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018

  • May 11, 2018, near al-Hamadi village, al-Hassakahh, Syria, via social media report. During a strike on Daesh-held building, four civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 11th, the Coalition reported that “On May 11 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of six engagements against Daesh targets.... Near Al Shadaddi, one strike engaged one Daesh tactical unit and destroyed four Daesh-held buildings."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children5 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (27) [ collapse]