Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure
text search
11037 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

RS2639

Incident date

October 15, 2017

Location

السعلو, Sa'lo, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.141173, 40.363297 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a missile strike which allegedly hit a school in Sa’lo, between five and 11 civilians were killed, and ten civilians were injured, local media reported. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the alleged strikes, with only one source, The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), blaming unspecified airstrikes. 

Despite sources giving nine as the highest number of civilian deaths reported, there were 11 named civilian casualties from various sources, suggesting highs of 11 civilian deaths. Four of these were men, two women and two children.

Only one source specified how many people were injured, with most saying “some” or “others” were wounded. However, UNOCHA  reported that ten civilians were thought to have been injured. 

According to local media, the school was housing internally displaced people, most of them women and children. However, one source alleged that a school teacher was also killed in the raid, suggesting therefore that the building was possibly still used as a school.  

Euphrates Post announced that the town was “completely free of Daesh” when the vicinity was struck. 

Two sources reported that a “phosphorous bombardment” occurred.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mr Mohammed Al-Jassim
60 years old male killed
The wife of Mohammed al-Jassem
Adult female killed
Mohamed El Ghannam El Mulla
Age unknown male killed
Haidar al-Razzaq
40 years old killed
Mr. Farah Al-Saeed
Adult male killed
Farhoud Al Musleh Al-Jasim
40 years old male killed
Sulaiman Al-Houran
Adult male a pharmacist killed
Daughter of Obeid al Daif 1
Child female killed
Daughter of Obeid al Daif 2
Age unknown female killed
The wife of Saleh Al Obeid
Adult female killed
Nasra al-Bakhit
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 11
  • (1–2 children2–3 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mohammed Ghannam Al Mulla, killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Sa'lo, 15th October 2017. (via Euphrates post)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 11
  • (1–2 children2–3 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS351

Incident date

October 27, 2016

Location

بريهة, Bariha, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Airwars assessment

At least 10 civilians were killed and more than a dozen wounded from airstrikes, according to local reports.

Shaam News Network cited activists who reported warplanes “thought to belong to the international coalition” launched airstrikes on a house, resulting in “martyrs and wounded among civilians, most of them children.” At the time, it reported five had died, including four children. Other outlets, including Free Deir Ezzor Radio and the Syrian Observator, cited the Coalition as well. Euphrates Post – like several other outlets and monitors, including Deir Ezzor 24 – did not name a perpetrator, but it did increased the death toll to “more than 10 people.”

However, Step News Agency cited Russian forces for the attack. A correspondent for Radio Al Kul also blamed the Russians, and put the death toll at 11 civilians, adding that the death toll was likely to rise. Syria News Desk reported a death toll of 8 and more than 15 wounded. It clarified that five of the dead were all members of one family – “four children and their father” – which may have accounted for the earlier figures of 5 victims.

Adding to the confusion, a separate report published by the Syrian Mirror cited the Syrian regime as also bombing in the area.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 11
  • (4 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13–15
  • 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

Sources (12) [ 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 Bariha, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area of the reported civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 26th-27th, the Coalition reported “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIL oil well head and an oil pump jack.” For October 27th-28th, the Coalition reported “Near Abu Kamal, one strike damaged an ISIL supply route.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 11
  • (4 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13–15
  • 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

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1792

Incident date

December 24, 2016

Location

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1375975, 36.8284035 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between four and eleven civilians – six reportedly from the same family – were killed in an aerial bombardment which struck a residential neighbourhood in Al Atarib, Aleppo, local media reported. Dozens were also said to have been wounded in the strikes.

Two men, two women and five named children were reported as killed by the Violations Documentation Center, despite most other reports being as low as five.

Most sources blamed Russia for the alleged airstrikes, however ,some also pointed to the Syrian regime. One source alleged that both belligerents were to blame. 

According to Tribearab, the bombs struck a shelter for displaced people. It was additionally reported by another source that it was a residential area.

A video published by Civil Defence Centre, shows many wounded civilians being dragged from the rubble. Defence workers are seen to be digging through the rubble for injured civilians or survivors. Towards the end of the footage, a dead child is pulled from the rubble with chunks of its body missing.

Must be noted the two children from the Zgeer family are also mentioned in RS1793, an airstrike on Al A’kola al Sharqiya, Aleppo. It is unclear where they died.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (11)

Said Hamdo Al Shun
male killed
Hassan Said Al Shun
Adult male killed
Tasnim Said Al Shun
Adult female killed
Son of Tasnim Said Al Shun
Child male killed
Happy Yaman Al Shun
Age unknown killed
Saeid Yamen al-Shoun
Child male killed
Son of Hasan Saeid Hamdo 1
Child male killed
Son of Hasan Saeid Hamdo 2
Child male killed
Wife of Hasan Saeid Hamdo
Adult female killed
From Zgeer family 1
Child female Must be noted the two children from the Zgeer family are also mentioned in RS1793, an airstrike on Al A'kola al Sharqiya, Aleppo. It is unclear where they died.
From Zgeer family 2
Child female Must be noted the two children from the Zgeer family are also mentioned in RS1793, an airstrike on Al A'kola al Sharqiya, Aleppo. It is unclear where they died.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 11
  • (2–5 children1–2 women1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    News bulletin on the alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. The body of a dead child is recovered from the rubble. (via Step)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. The body of a dead child is recovered from the rubble. Civilians are dragged from the rubble. (via Civil Defence centre)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child with part of its head missing in the aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, Aleppo, 24th December 2016. (via @shbabRevolution)
  • Digging in the rubble in the aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. (via TRTalarabiya)
  • Digging in the rubble in the aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. (via TRTalarabiya)
  • Digging in the rubble in the aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. (via TRTalarabiya)
  • Digging in the rubble in the aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. (via TRTalarabiya)
  • The aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. (via @HalabTodayTV)
  • The aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. (via @HalabTodayTV)
  • Bodies of the dead in the aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. (via @HalabTodayTV)
  • The aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. (via Plespost)
  • Digging in the rubble in the aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. (via Plespost)
  • Digging in the rubble in the aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. (via Plespost)
  • The aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. (via Plespost)
  • Hassan Said al-Shun, killed in alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. (via Saadmer3e)
  • Digging in the rubble in the aftermath of alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Al Atarib, 24th December 2016. (via Civil defence)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any specific strikes between December 1st – 31st 2016.

On 6 January 2017, Russia, however, reported: “Since November 8, 2016, the aircraft carrier group of the Northern Fleet consisting of the heavy aircraft carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov, the heavy nuclear missile cruiser Pyotr Velikiy, the large ASW ship Severomorsk, as well as auxiliary vessels of the Black Sea Fleet, has been fulfilling counterterrorist missions on the territory of Syria”, adding that ”in the course of two months of their participation in the combat actions, naval aviation pilots have carried out 420 combat sorties, 117 of them were night ones.”

Additionally, Russia reported that its air forces have carried out strikes in Aleppo during November and December 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 11
  • (2–5 children1–2 women1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS037 RS1814

Incident date

January 1, 2017

Location

تادف, Tadef, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.34857, 37.531501 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and 11 civilians were reported killed in alleged air and artillery shelling on Tedef. Sources are conflicted as to who was to blame. According to Syrianewsdesk however, “the shelling on Tadef killed eight people, including five civilians and others belonging to the organisation (Turkish armed forces)”. Between six and ten civilians were wounded in the raid. Only two sources blamed Russian warplanes including LCCSY and Kawakibi Human Rights Organisation. Many others blamed the Syrian regime for the shelling and the rest have attributed blame to Turkey. 

Ara News gave the lowest death count: “Turkish artillery targeted residential areas in Tedef which killed a civilian and injured eight others”.

Jisr TV accused the Syrian regime of the attack, saying that “five civilians were killed and wounded in a massacre by the regime in the town of Tedef, Aleppo.”

Abass2233 posted on Twitter that “five civilians were killed and others injured as a result of artillery shelling from the Euphrates Shield forces targeting the town of Tedef in the eastern Aleppo countryside.”

LCCSY reported 11 people were killed and blamed Russia for the attack.

According to sources, wounded civilians were transported to medical facilities following the raid. Additionally, it was made clear by sources on the ground that some of the wounded were critically so.

Syrianewsdesk specified that as many as 50 shells were dropped on Tedef, with 10 of them targeting residential housing on the outskirts of the town.

The incident occured at 14:15:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Karim Kenan
Age unknown male killed
Omar Hamsho
Age unknown male killed
Yousef Abdul Qadir Al - Sheikh
Age unknown male killed
Son of Ahmed Yousef Hamsho
Age unknown male killed
Son of Mohammed Yousef Hamsho
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 11
  • (5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Turkish Military, Syrian Regime, Russian Military

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Report on the five civilians killed and others wounded in the town of Tadef, Aleppo due to alleged alleged Turkish, Russian and Syrian regime raids. (via JisirTV)
  • The aftermath of an alleged alleged Turkish, Russian and Syrian regime airstrike in Tadef, 1st January 2017. (via Kawakibi Human Rights Organisation Documentation)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition, Syrian regime and Russian airstrike in Tadef, 1st January 2017. (via Kawakibi Human Rights Organisation)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A victim of the alleged Turkish, Russian and Syrian regime raid on Tadef, 1st January 2017. (via Abo Alforat)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured victim of the alleged Turkish, Russian and Syrian regime raid on Tadef, 1st January 2017. (via Abo Alforat)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Tadef, Aleppo (تادف), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.34857, 37.531501. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 11
  • (5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Turkish Military, Syrian Regime, Russian Military

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI847

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Location

عنه, Anah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

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

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

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

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 11
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–11
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

Geolocation notes

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

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Anah, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SGU746075
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

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

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 11
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–11
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2890

Incident date

January 12–13, 2018

Location

خان السبل, Khan Alsubul, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.753927, 36.770468 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between nine and 11 civilians were reported killed in what has been described by local media as a “massacre” on Khan Alsubul. As many as 17 civilians were also claimed wounded in the raids, which occurred in the middle of the night whilst civilians slept. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame fo the raids. Some sources blamed Russia, others the Syrian regime, while some blamed unidentified “warplanes”.

As many as five children were killed in the raid, as well as three women.

The residential homes which were “targeted” were destroyed in the night due to the heavy raids which fired down on the vicinity. Members of the Syrian Civil Defence worked until dawn recovering bodies and wounded victims from the rubble before transporting them to medical facilities.

“Dozens” of rockets were used, according to local media.

Hazem Salibi, a Civil Defence volunteer, said that at 11:30 pm, Russian warplanes launched raids on the town of Khan al-Sabeel. “We went directly to the execution site and worked to retrieve the martyrs and the wounded,” he said, adding that “the scene was very harsh, the remains of the martyrs of children, women and old people were filling the place.”

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 11
  • (3–5 children1–3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–17
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (17) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Wounded and dead civilians in the aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Hadi Abdullah)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Step News Agency)
  • Civilian rescues in the aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via RFSMO)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A dead child in the aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Shaam)
  • Civilian rescues in the aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Horrya)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A dead child in the aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via SN4HR)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Khan Alsubul, 12th Jan 2018. (via Edlib Media Centre)

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

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 11
  • (3–5 children1–3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–17
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI291

Incident date

September 24, 2016

Location

كراج الشمال, Mosul, ISIS court in North Garage, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.350762, 43.172722 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two sources reported that 11 civilians killed followed alleged coalition jets targeted ISIS court in Mosul.

The media office of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Mosul, Ghayath al-Surji, said, The international coalition aircraft bombed, at dawn today, ISIS Sharia court inside a residential neighbourhood at Karaj, in central Mosul, killing 11 civilians who were present there.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A picture shows the aftermath of the alleged coalition airstrike that reportedly targeted an ISIS court in Mosul (via Almada press)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF360244
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020

  • Sept. 24, 2016, in Mosul, Iraq via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3050/CI291 38SLF360244

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • 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

Incident Code

CI382

Incident date

December 30, 2016

Location

وادي حجر, Mosul, Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque in Wadi Hajar, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.325762, 43.125991 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eleven civilians were reported killed and up to 80 injured when Coalition aircraft allegedly struck the vicinity of the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque in the Wadi Hajar area of Mosul.

Islamic State later issued a propaganda video which included eyewitness reports. One noted: After we heard the bombing of Khalid Bin Al Waleed we came to rescue the people and injuries but they [were] bombing us for the second time.

Several outlets, including Arabic News, Prevision and Wesal TV reported 11 dead and 80 wounded, and Yaqein blamed the Coalition for attacks on that day in the vicinity of Mosul.

An adult man was named by Niniva Al Hadbah Mother of Two Springs Facebook as one of the victims. Additionally, a man was killed and reported by family members at nearby Quds neighbourhood.

In its February 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition said the incident was under assessment. On March 4th it stated: Dec. 30, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via social media report: After a review of available information and/or strike video it was assessed that no civilians were harmed in the strikes conducted in this area on that day.

However, Airwars still assesses this to be a likely incident based on available ground reports.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ibrahim Muhammad Najm
Adult male Via Niniva Al Hadbah Mother of Two Springs killed
Talal Khaled Abdulwahab
Age unknown male Via family member killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    80
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A picture of Ibrahim Muhammad Najm, killed following a coalition airstrike on Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque in the Wadi Hajar area of Mosul (via 'Niniva AlHadbah mother of two springs' Facebook page)
  • A screenshot from video shows the destruction following an alleged coalition airstrike on Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque in the Wadi Hajar area of Mosul (via Hey Wadi Hajar Mosul)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 4, 2017

  • After a review of available information and/or strike video it was assessed that no civilians were harmed in the strikes conducted in this area on that day.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For December 29th-30th the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul four strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed 11 ISIL-held buildings, five supply caches, three tactical vehicles, two mortar systems, two fighting positions, two VBIEDs, a tunnel, an observation post, a research lab, a command and control node, an up-armored VBIED, two barges, and two artillery pieces; suppressed five mortar teams; and damaged 20 supply routes and two repeater towers.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    80
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]