Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident Code

CI261

Incident date

June 30, 2016

Location

الرمادي, Ramadi, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

33.437441, 43.286666 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The second sequence of Coalition and Iraqi strikes on a major vehicle convoy (see June 29th) again destroyed hundreds of vehicles. But civilian casualties were again feared.

Iraqi Revolution reported in the early hours of June 30th the martyrdom and wounding of dozens of displaced families between Tarrah and Ramadi island, after the government and international aircraft targeted their vehicles.

In a later chronology of the attack, War is Boring reported: Shortly after the first convoy’s destruction, Iraqi military intelligence received reports of another Islamic State convoy — around 30 vehicles — leaving Fallujah in a northwesterly direction.

Next came reports of militants — apparently survivors of the first column — killing many civilians east of Ramadi. On June 30, the Iraqi army deployed a number of Bell 407 scout helicopters and Mil Mi-28 gunships to reconnoitre the situation.

After encountering automatic weapons fire, the Iraqi pilots began manoeuvring for position, but this time the U.S. Air Force ordered all helicopters to vacate the area. Once the Iraqis were away, fighter-bombers under CJTF-OIR’s control launched their own attacks.

In the following hours, Iraqi army aviation flew dozens of medical evacuation sorties with Mi-17 and EC.635 helicopters, evacuating injured civilians from the vicinity of the coalition’s air raids, including many children.

War is Boring also noted that Whether they [the children] were victims of reported ISIS attacks on the local population, or of U.S. airstrikes, is presently unclear.

In their February 6th 2021 civilian casualty assessment report, The US-led Coalition reviewed the June 30th incident and deemed this incident non-credible, stating: “After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action”. CJTF-OIR cited “insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition action resulted in civilian casualties”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • 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 (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture shows injured children following an additional strike targeted the ISIS convoy on June 30 (via War is Boring)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A video shows the moment of targeting the ISIS/civilians convoy in Amiriyah Fallujah (via Champions Hawks Iraqi Air)
  • A video shows the targeted convoy which allegedly consisted of ISIS fighters in Amiriyah Fallujah. On the other hand, various sources claimed that there were ISIS families and civilians in the convoy (via National Iraqi News Agency)
  • A video shows the targeted convoy which allegedly consisted of ISIS fighters in Amiriyah Fallujah. On the other hand, various sources claimed that there were ISIS families and civilians in the convoy (via National Iraqi News Agency)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    Near Fallujah
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLC663080
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 4, 2021
  • Jun. 30, 2016, near Fallujah, Iraq via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 2989/CI261 38SLC663080

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 30th-31st 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Ramadi, two strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed 23 ISIL vehicles, five ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL heavy machine guns, and three ISIL rocket rails.”

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
    12
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • 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 (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS270

Incident date

July 18, 2016

Location

حيمر لابدة, Haymar Labda, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.3888493, 37.9762173 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four or more civilians were reported killed and others injured in what were described as heavy Coalition airstrikes on the village of Haymar Labda, as the battle to capture nearby Manbij intensified. ISIL’s media wing also issued a statement claiming “dead and injured and great destruction as a result of Coalition raids on the village of Haymar Labda south of Manbij.”

Local Syrian Civil Defence later reported what it said were eight Coalition airstrikes: “LCC’s correspondent reported that 7 civilians, including 3 children, were martyred, and another 14, including 5 women, were injured due to these airstrikes on the village.” Syria News Desk, citing a local source, said the strikes had targeted an ISIL-occupied building, but that several nearby civilian homes were also hit. It also included a photograph of what may be the scene.

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ahmad al Taha's child
12 years years old killed
Ahmad al Taha's child
5 years years old killed

The victims were named as:

Wife of Haneiwi Hassoun al Salem
Age unknown female killed
Sha’aban Al Ahmad Al Saboun's son
2.5 years years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 12
  • (3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    14–40
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Reported scene of an alleged Coalition strike at Haymar Labda, which killed at least four civilians July 18th 2016 (via Syria News Desk)
  • Translation: Al A’amaq: dead and injured and great destruction as a result of coalition raids on the village of Haymar Labda south of Manbij.
  • Translation; coalition planes target the village of Haymar Labda south of Manbij

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 17th-18th 2016, the Coalition reported: “Near Manbij, 11 strikes struck eight separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed 22 ISIL fighting positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 12
  • (3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    14–40
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1234 RS2351

Incident date

July 18, 2017

Location

معدان, Ma'adan, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.751769, 39.61639 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 12 civilians died and dozens were injured in airstrikes and/or artillery shelling on Ma’adan, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia or event the Syrian regime were responsible.

Baladi blamed artillery for the injury of “a number of civilians”, however, other sources – including Sharqiya Voice said that Coalition airstrikes had injured three non-combatants.

However, according to Shaam News, Russia carried out strikes on Ma’adan, killing 12 civilians and wounding many more.

RBSS reported that highs of “22 people were killed by Russian air strikes on the town of Ma’dan and the village of Zour Shamar in the eastern Raqqa countryside.” Similarly, Step News Agency reported that overall, “More than twenty-two civilians have been killed and dozens wounded in a new massacre by the International Coalition in the eastern Rifqa countryside.”

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported a raid “on the house of Mr. Ahmad Al-Taha in front of Maadan hospital, which resulted in the martyrdom of Miss Laila Nawaf Al-Hassani, one of her daughters and the injury of the rest of the family, and the martyrdom of Ibrahim Ahmed Al-Issa Al-Zanuba (Ibrahim Al-Ta’mas) from the village of al Bu Ramadan.”RBSS later published images of the aftermath of the event – including graphic pictures of child casualties – which it said had been carried out by Russia.

However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, pointed towards the Assad regime, reporting “the death of a girl and her mother in Syrian regime forces shelling”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Adult female killed

The victims were named as:

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • Photo showing the destruction in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Photo showing the destruction in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Photo showing the destruction in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Photo showing the destruction in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Photo showing the destruction in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Photo showing the destruction in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Photo showing the destruction in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Photo showing the destruction in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture of an inured child in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture of an inured child in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture of an inured child in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture of an inured child in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture of an inured child in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture of an inured man in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture of an inured man in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture of dead children in the town of Maadan as a result of alleged Coalition and Russian airstrikes on 18th July 2017. (via RBSS)
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 Ma’adan, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 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

For July 18th-19th: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units and destroyed nine fighting positions, two vehicles and a tactical vehicle.” It additionally reported that “On July 18, near Raqqah, Syria, 18 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 18 fighting positions, an anti-aircraft artillery system, a weapons cache, and a sniper position; and damaged a fighting position and a supply route.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

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
    12
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS475

Incident date

January 27, 2016

Location

الحسينية, Hussainiya, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.35905, 40.15113 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Nine to 12 civilians including up to six women and four children were killed and ten others injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Hussainiya, according to multiple sources.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that Russian aircraft launches two rockets on the town, killing nine non-combatants.

According to Deir Ezzor is Being Silently Slaughtered, Russian warplanes “bombed the house of Hussein al Faraj in the village of Husseiniya ‘Al Shahabat’ near the grain stores killing civilians.

Both the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Shaam News Network put the death toll at 10 – with SOHR saying that this included six women and one child. Syrian News Desk cited local Mohamed Hussein as saying that “the Russian air force targeted areas where civilians were present in the town which led to the deaths, including members of an entire family. Dozens were wounded, some critically, including children. A number of residential houses were destroyed, with material damage to shops.”

Three unnamed children were also found.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Muhssein Al Faraj
Age unknown named by Deir Ezzor is being slaughtered silently killed
Hussein Al Faraj
Age unknown named by Deir Ezzor is being slaughtered silently killed

Family members (3)

Muri’i Hassan al Ali
Age unknown male named by Deir Ezzor is being slaughtered silently killed
Son of Muri’i Hassan al Ali 1
Age unknown male named by Deir Ezzor is being slaughtered silently killed
Son of Muri’i Hassan al Ali 2
Age unknown named by Deir Ezzor is being slaughtered silently killed

The victims were named as:

Fardos Khalifa Al Salman
Age unknown named by Deir Ezzor is being slaughtered silently killed
Fatoom Farhan Khalaf
Age unknown named by Deir Ezzor is being slaughtered silently killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 12
  • (4–5 children4–6 women)
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

In its military report published on 1st February 2016, the Kremlin said: “In the course of the last week, the Russian aircraft in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 468 combat sorties engaging 1354 terrorists’ infrastructural facilities in the Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, Homs, Damascus, Raqqah, Daraa and Deir ez-Zor provinces. Among them – 24 ones were carried out by Tu-22M3 long-range bombers from the Russian territory…Long-range bomber aviation aircraft supported units of the Syrian governmental troops which defended the city of Deir ez-Zor. The airstrikes carried out by Tu-22M3 bombers from the territory of the Russian Federation jointly with tactical aviation from the Hmeymim airbase, engaged 23 important terrorists’ objects in that district…The attempt of terrorists to assault Deir ez-Zor was frustrated.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 12
  • (4–5 children4–6 women)
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1726

Incident date

February 21, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6897222, 40.83 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Twelve civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hajin on February 21st. Sources reported that “several missiles” struck the town 50 kilometers northwest of Abu Kamal.

Sana, the Syrian state media outlet, initially reported on the incident quoting local sources as confirming the death of 12 civilians – and stressing that the toll may rise due to the severity of the “dozens of injured”.

Several sources later additionally reported on the incident, but all seem to be apparent references to the Sana article.

The same sources stated that serious material damage was caused as a result of the strike, including “ovens” or a bakery in the centreof the city. This may refer to the the Khdairin bakery in Haji that the Syrian Network for Human Rights already reported on, linking it to a February 19th attack on Hajin.

However, Sana does clearly distinguish between the two strikes, stating that the February 21st bombardment “came less than 48 hours after the massacre of the American coalition, which killed 16 civilians”.

The incident occured around dusk.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Hajin
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU676401
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 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

On Feb. 21 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes consisting of five engagements against Daesh targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, three strikes destroyed two mortar staging facilities and a weapons cache.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For February 14th-21st, the Netherlands reports its F16s attacked ISIS combatants near Abu Kamal, Syria. The jets supported ground troops in 9 missions, including in the Nineveh and Diyala provinces, Iraq. Only weapons deployed in one mission.

‘Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-strijders aan. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 14 tot en met 21 februari 2018. militairen kijken naar taxiënde F-16 De jachtvliegtuigen ondersteunden grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 1 missie werden wapens ingezet. Zij vertoonden zich ook in de Iraakse provincies Ninawa en Diyala. Nederland strijdt boven Irak en Oost-Syrië in coalitieverband tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Feb 21st-27th, France reports 25 sorties and four strikes were made in the Abu Kamal area in support of the SDF in the Euphrates Valley. The Wagram Task Force continues its support for security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, three ‘lighting missions’ were carried out for the Iraqi security forces.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leurs efforts sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate afin de réduire les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la zone. Cette semaine encore, elles ont progressé lentement en raison des mauvaises conditions météorologiques. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les Forces de Sécurité poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation sur l’ensemble du pays. Celles-ci se sont concentrées cette semaine sur le plateau d’Hawijah et le Sud de l’Anbar. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, trois missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (3 missions d’éclairement – bilan du 21 au 27 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1625 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Cette semaine, l’activité aérienne a permis d’assurer des missions de renseignement et d’appui au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes et des forces démocratiques syriennes. Elle a donné lieu à 25 sorties aériennes (bilan du 21 au 27 février) au cours desquelles quatre frappes ont été réalisées dans le secteur d’Abu Kamal en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes combattant les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7815 sorties / 1443 frappes / 2233 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI047

Incident date

March 3, 2015

Location

الجمهورية, Fallujah, Jamhouriya, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

33.3536346, 43.7731147 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Aircraft bombed a primary school and a hospital in the Jamhouriya neighbourhood of Fallujah, reportedly killing up to 12 civilians and injuring 9. Local media reported that children were among the dead, including 11-year old Suhaib Jassem Batawi. According to Arabi21, the attack was the work of the Iraq Air Force and had killed three schoolchildren.

However, the incident occurred during significant military action involving both the Iraq Army and Shia militia, with US airstrikes also taking place in the area, making attribution difficult.

 

The incident occured around dusk.

The victims were named as:

Suhaib Jassem Batawi
11 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 12
  • (1–3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–9
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Photos of the school before and after the bombing
  • More photos of the alleged incident

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

The alleged Coalition airstrike was reported to have struck an elementary school in the Jamhouriya neighbourhood (الجمهورية) in Fallujah (الفلوجة) in the late afternoon/evening. Satellite imagery available to Airwars of March 3, 2015 shows damage to the Jamhouriya Primary School for Boys (مدرسة الجمهورية الابتدائية للبنين), for which the coordinates are: 33.351672, 43.774166. This location was found through geolocation of the images of the school published by the Iraq Spring Media Centre. Coordinates for the midpoint of Jamhouriya neighbourhood (الجمهورية) are: 33.3536346, 43.7731147.

  • Outlines of Jamhouriya neighbourhood ( الجمهورية ) and the location of the Al-Gomhoria Primary School for Boys ( مدرسة الجمهورية الابتدائية للبنين )

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

  • Damage visible in satellite imagery taken on Mar. 6, 2016. Features in the satellite imagery, such as the painted curb, destroyed wall and telegraph poles (shadows), match those depicted in reports of the incident. The text on the image on the right reads: "This is the Jamhouriya ( الجمهورية ) primary school after the bombing".

    Date taken:
    March 6, 2016

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 Fallujah, 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

The coalition has confirmed major airstrikes at Fallujah on on March 3rd-4th 2015. According to CJTF-OIR: ‘Near Fallujah, five airstrikes struck an IED factory, an ISIL VBIED factory, an ISIL weapons storage facility and destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle and an ISIL vehicle.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 12
  • (1–3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–9
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1594

Incident date

November 16, 2016

Location

الشعار, Al Shia'ar , Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.2085139, 37.1855771 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to twelve civilians died following alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on the Al Shia’ar neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to local media.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, cited in Welat-press, “helicopters of the Syrian regime targeted the [neighbourhood with] explosive barrels on Wednesday morning, resulting in a number of wounded”. The majority of sources cited the use of “artillery” and “explosive barrels”.

A correspondent for Aljazeera said the incident at Al Shia’ar was one of  “the most violent for more than a month”. The source went on to report that seven civilians were killed and others injured. Buildings were left in flames and main roads cut off.

According to the Syrian-American Medical Association, cited in Arabic.CNN, an “explosive barrel” hit Al Bayan Hospital for children and the blood bank in Al Shia-ar. The source did not mention civilian harm.

One of the White Helmets alleged the shelling “targeted a school…resulting in the injury of a number of children”. He said the resuce teams and ambulances found it difficult to “reach the target areas because of the continued shelling targeting everything that moves”.

Twelve civilians died, including five children, according to Syrian News Desk. @shahbaPress also put the toll at twelve including an ambulance driver – the source blamed Russia.

LCCSY reported eight killed and 30 wounded.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Khaldoun Erian
Adult male Ambulance driver killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility, School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 12
  • (5 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–30
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Footage of Al Shia'ar after suspected Russian shelling, November 16th (via 963 963)
  • Scenes of destruction in Al Shia'ar, the impact of suspected Russian shelling, November 16th (via Albo Azizi)
  • Rescue teams at the scene in Al Shia'ar following suspected Russian strikes, November 16th (via SUPER STORM WAVE)
  • A series of photographs of buildings destroyed in allaeged Russian attacks on Al Shia'ar, November 16th (via @ShahbaPress)
  • Blood on the streets on Al Shia'ar, the aftermath of suspected Russian or Regime attacks, November 16th (via @islammemo_cc)
  • Khaldoun Erian, an amublance driver, was killed whilst treating the injured in Al Shia'ar - by suspected Russian or Regime shelling, November 16th (via @Nokhba2)
  • The family of Halabiya sit in the street of Al Shi'ar after their home as destroyed in alleged Russian or Regime attacks, November 16th (via @syriahadath)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Severely injured and killed civilians carried away from the destruction in Al Shi'ar, November 16th (via @AleppoAMC)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any specific strikes between November 1st – 30th 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 infrastructure
    Healthcare facility, School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 12
  • (5 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–30
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS132

Incident date

November 8, 2015

Location

مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان, Maarat al Numan, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.647038, 36.679174 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to multiple sources, at least ten non-combatants died, and 30 were injured by alleged Russian warplanes struck the popular market in the centre of Ma’arat Al Numan.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime for the alleged raids, but a member of The White Helmets, who came to the scene, told SN4HR Russian jets were responsible: “On Sunday in the afternoon, alleged Russian warplanes launched two rockets on the market in Abi’ Alaa Street. We directly went there. One rocket targeted Al Ma’ara Pharmacy which flattened it to the ground, and the other rocket fell to the east of the first location. The region is completely free of any armed opposition groups or ISIL.”

The Violations Documentation Center named seven victims as having been killed alleged Russian strikes.

Additionally, on November 18th, the VDC also listed Mostafa Mohammad Khair al Thikra as having died from wounds sustained in the bombing. Ibraheem al Ekel described as having died from injuries sustained in a strike on Maasaran. However, a list compiled by the Syrian Center suggests that while he is from Maasaran, Mr al-Ekel killed on November 8th in the Ma’arat al-Numan market bombing.

Moreover, The Syrian Network for Human Rights named Alaa Zarzour and Hasan Ahmad Ja’afar Al Shardoub as having died in the attack. And according to Syrian Center News, a young man from the Sheroot family was also killed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abd al-Kareem al-Shardoub
Adult male killed
Yasin al-Dergam
Adult male killed
Jamal Mohammad Mendel
Adult male killed
Hosain al-Sobaih
Adult male killed
Abd la-Khaleq al-Baik
Adult male killed
Mostafa al-Sherawi
Adult male killed
Ahmad Mostafa al-Sherawi
Adult male killed
Mostafa Mohammad Khair al Thikra
Age unknown male killed
Ibraheem al Ekel
Age unknown male killed
Alaa Zarzour
Age unknown male killed
Hasan Ahmad Ja’afar Al Shardoub
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 12
  • (10–12 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    30
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Maarah Network Report A new massacre committed by Russian aircraft with their hateful missiles, which targeted the commercial market in the city of Maarat al-Nu'man in the countryside of Idlib
  • Abd al Kareem Hardoub
  • Jamal al Mendeel

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia confirms in its report covering November 6th-9th 2015 carrying out strikes in Idlib governorate: “In the suburbs of al-Zerba (Idlib province), a large command center of Jabhat al-Nusra illegal armed group was destroyed. The object had been arranged in the course of the last three weeks as well as well-camouflaged. The command center coordinated terrorists’ actions at the Idlib-Aleppo direction. After additional reconnaissance of the object by means of unmanned aerial vehicles, a Su-34 aircraft made a strike with a guided bomb KAB-500. As a result, the object was destroyed with all its contents.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 12
  • (10–12 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    30
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]