Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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Incident Code

RS3927

Incident date

July 21, 2019

Location

أورم الجوز, Urma Al Jouz, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Up to 12 civilians, including children, were killed and up too 22 others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, Idlib governorate, on July 21st, 2019, according to local sources.

Horrya News reported that “12 civilians were killed and 22 others were wounded after a warplane launched a raid targeting a mosque and residential homes in the centre of Urma Al Jouz town, west of Idlib governorate”, blaming the Syrian regime for the strikes.

In what was the lowest reported death toll, Local Coordination Committee Syria reported that two people were killed and an unknown number of others, mainly children, were wounded. The source blamed Russian airliners for the attack.

While Smart News Agency initially claimed three civilian deaths, it later reported up to six civilian deaths, including children, and more than 10 wounded. The source added several photographs of the victims after volunteers pulled them from the rubble in addition to a video.

Masr Al Arabiya reported that the main streets of the town, which were crowded with civilians, were targeted, putting the death toll at nine civilians. According to the source, three displaced people from the village of Hamirat were among the victims. Many sources, including @Sy24ria and @ShahbaPress, reported “dozens” of wounded.

Syrian Network for Human Rights also reported that a total of nine civilians were killed, including two children and a woman. The source blamed Syrian regime fixed-wing warplanes and reported that they fired missiles on the Al Eman Mosque in the middle of Urm al Jouz village in Idlib, in what it described as “a massacre”. The source added that another missile struck the entrance of the secondary school in the village.

Both Syrian regime forces and Russian forces were blamed for the attack by Shaam News, who added that they killed a total of 11 civilians.

The Syrian Civil Defence in Hama (@civil_hama) tweeted that “the White Helmets team from the western Hama sector rushed to the place to support the rest of the civil defence teams there, where it worked to recover the martyrs and aid the injured.”

Altall.revolution reported that the 40-year-old man Jaber Al Darwish, also known as Abu Saqr, was among the fatalities. According to the source, he died alongside the orphaned children Samira Ammar Hajj Musa (11) and Muhammad Ammar Haji Musa (9). Another source, Abu Mahfouz Al Ghouta, wrote that Al Darwish died alongside Samira Jaber Al Darwish and Muhammad Jaber Al Darwish. As the latter share the first names of the orphaned children, it is likely, but not confirmed, that they are the same victims.

Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the strikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Ahmad Al-Faris أحمد الفارس
Adult male killed
Bahaa Ahmad Al-Faris بهاء أحمد الفارس
Child male killed
Maternal aunt of Ahmed Al-Faris خالة احمد الفارس
Adult female killed

Family members (3)

Jaber Mohammed Darwish ( Abu Saqr) جابر محمد الدرويش
40 years old male fled from Al Tal in 2016 killed
Samira Jaber A -Darwish سميرة جابر الدرويش
Age unknown female killed
Muhammad Jaber Al Darwish محمد جابر الدرويش
Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

Muhammad Ammar Hajj Musa محمد عمار الحاج موسى
9 years old male killed
Samira Ammar Hajj Musa سميرة عمار الحاج موسى
11 years old female killed

The victims were named as:

Khaled Qaddi خالد قدي
Age unknown male killed
Mustafa Muhammad Shehadi مصطفى محمد شحاديمصطفى محمد شحادي
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 12
  • (3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (38) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (58) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Aftermath of alleged Syrian or Russian airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz on July 21st (via Hadi Al Abddalh).
  • Aftermath of alleged Syrian or Russian airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz on July 21st (via Step News).
  • Man carrying the body of one of the victims of an alleged Syrian airstrike on Syrian regime fixed- wing warplanes fired missiles on Al Karaj area in the middle of Urm al Jouz village on July 21st (via Syrian Network for Human Rights).
  • Damage to Al Eman Mosque in Urm Al Jouz village after an alleged Syrian missile struck the building on July 21st (via Syrian Network for Human Rights).
  • Damage to the secondary school in Urm Al Jouz village after an alleged Syrian missile struck the entrance of the school on July 21st (via Syrian Network for Human Rights).
  • Translation: “A horrific massacre committed by the war regime's warplanes in the town of Urma Al Jouz in Idlib countryside, which killed 9 people as a first toll and dozens wounded” (via @Sy24ria).
  • Translation: “A horrific massacre committed by the regime's warplanes in the town of Urma Al Jouz, the initial result of which is six martyrs and dozens of wounded, including children” (via @shaamnews).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Translation: “At least seven were killed and dozens were wounded today, Sunday, in the violent bombing of the Assad regime and its Russian ally on Urma Al Jouz in Idlib” (via @zamanalwsl).
  • Translation: “12 martyrs, including displaced children and women from the countryside of Hama, and dozens of wounded as a result of an air strike targeting civilian homes in the village of Urma Al Jouz in Idlib countryside. The White Helmets team from the western Hama sector rushed to the place to support the rest of the civil defense teams there, where it worked to recover the martyrs and aid the injured” (via @civil_hama).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteer looking for victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via Enab Baladi).
  • Civilians at the site after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via Enab Baladi).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via Enab Baladi).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers looking for victims underneath the rubble after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via Enab Baladi).
  • Civilians at the site after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via Enab Baladi).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via Enab Baladi).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteer at the site after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via Enab Baladi).
  • Civilians at the site after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via Enab Baladi).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via Zaman Al Wasl).
  • Damage after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via Zaman Al Wasl).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child who was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via Zaman Al Wasl).
  • A man holding the body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via Zaman Al Wasl).
  • Footage of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via Enab Baladi).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via @Sy24ria).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers searching for victims underneath the rubble after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via @Sy24ria).
  • Two men at the site after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via @Sy24ria).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers and civilians at the site after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via @Sy24ria).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz on July 21st, 2019 (via @shaamnews).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers searching underneath the rubble for victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz on July 21st, 2019 (via @shaamnews).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers searching underneath the rubble for victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz on July 21st, 2019 (via @shaamnews).
  • Civilians at the site after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz on July 21st, 2019 (via @shaamnews).
  • Translation: "The MiG-23 unloads its cargo on the heads of civilians in Urma Al Jouz, leaving damage and dozens of victims" (via Orient News).
  • A Syrian Civil Defence volunteer carrying a presumably injured child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via @civil_hama).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via @civil_hama).
  • A Syrian Civil Defence volunteer carrying a presumably injured child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via @civil_hama).
  • Translation: “Seven martyrs and a number of injuries as a result of the warplanes targeting the town of Urma Al Jouz in the southern Idlib countryside with an air strike” (via @IdlibPlus).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers searching for victims underneath the rubble after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st 2019 (via @IdlibPlus).
  • One of the victims of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz on July 21st, 2019 (via Nouri Al Rawwal).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a victim who was killed of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz on July 21st, 2019 (via Nouri Al Rawwal).
  • One of the victims of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz on July 21st, 2019 (via Nouri Al Rawwal).
  • Mustafa Muhammad Shehadi was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Mustafa Zenklo).
  • Mustafa Muhammad Shehadi was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Mustafa Zenklo).
  • Civilians in the aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Smart News Agency).
  • A man in the aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Smart News Agency).
  • The body of a child trapped underneath the rubble after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Smart News Agency).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Smart News Agency).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Men looking at the body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Smart News Agency).
  • Civilians and Syrian Civil Defence volunteers carrying the body of a victim after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Smart News Agency).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers in the aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Smart News Agency).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Smart News Agency).
  • A Syrian Civil Defence volunteer in the aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Smart News Agency).
  • A Syrian Civil Defence volunteer carrying a killed or injured baby after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Syrian Civil Defence).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers searching for victims underneath the rubble after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Syrian Civil Defence).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers searching for victims underneath the rubble after alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Syrian Civil Defence).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz, July 21st, 2019 (via Syrian Civil Defence).
  • Some of the victims of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Urma Al Jouz on July 21st, 2019: Jaber Al Darwish (40, pictured on the right) with two orphaned children, Samira Ammar Hajj Musa (11, middle) and Muhammad Ammar Haji Musa (9, left) (via Altall.revolution).

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

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 12
  • (3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Syrian Regime, Russian Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (38) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI521

Incident date

March 8, 2017

Location

17 تموز, Mosul, July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3667014, 43.0854607 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights, reported that 11 civilians from one family died in a Coalition airstrike on Tammuz 17.

Iraqi military intelligence issued a statement saying the Coalition had targeted senior ISIL leaders in the area: “The US-led coalition led by the United States killed three senior leaders of the Islamic State in an air strike on the Tammuz neighborhood of West Mosul, the military intelligence department said in a statement Thursday night. According to the statement, “aircraft of the International Alliance carried out an air strike targeting the headquarters of Daash, in the neighborhood of Tammuz, killing senior leaders of the organization.

It named the leaders as Abu Aisha (Tajik nationality), one of the most prominent experts in vehicle IEDs; a Russian named as Abu Muhammad al-Rossi, an aircraft or drone engineer; and Abu Omar, a French citizen of Tunisian origin.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Translation: "The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights: 11 civilians from one family were killed by the bombing of coalition aircraft in the neighborhood of July 17."
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
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near July 17th neighborhood, Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF282263
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018

  • After a review of available information and the strike video, it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 7th-March 8th the Coalition stated: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and an ISIS staging area; destroyed nine fighting positions, four mortar systems, three VBIEDs, two VBIED factories, two vehicles, a supply cache, a UAV launch site, a medium machine gun, an ISIS-held building, a watercraft, and a command and control node; damaged 11 supply routes and a fighting position; and suppressed two ISIS tactical units and a sniper team.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1357

Incident date

August 9, 2017

Location

الرقة, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eleven civilians were reported killed and “dozens” injured following alleged US-led Coalition attacks on the city of Raqqa – though these were general numbers for civilian casualties and there was the possibility that the figure could include other casualty events.

Local sources described the event as an “aerial bombardment” in which the Coalition “launched raids in conjunction with artillery shelling” by the SDF.

Airwars understands that only the US-led Coalition has access to artillery in Raqqa.

See also S1185a.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 11
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident only mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available, Airwars was 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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 8th-9th, The Coalition reported *Near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 20 fighting positions, an IED, ISIS engineering equipment, a logistics node, and a command and control node.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 8, near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions, three command and control nodes, an IED, and a heavy machine gun.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 11
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1579

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Location

البدو, Al Badou, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.961778, 39.006083 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Seven civilians, including four children and two women, reportedly died following alleged US-led Coalition air strikes on al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqah city.

Details of the death toll were initially provided by one source only, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which blamed the Coalition. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered also referred to air raids carried out by the Coalition on the neighbourhood, in conjunction with “intense artillery shelling”, with the source noting that the attacks occurred amid extensive bombardment of the neighbourhoods “Tawasu’iya, Bedou, Shihada’a, train street”. Moreover, RBSS documented “more than 117 air raids and about 1,500 artillery shells targeted the city during the past three days”.

Later reports said that Sadeed Al-Hallaq his wife, seven children, his father and his mother were killed. All sources attributed the incident to the US-led Coalition.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Sadeed Al-Hallaq
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 11
  • (4–7 children2 women2 men)
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Badou (البد), for which the coordinates are: 35.961778, 39.006083.

  • The neighbourhood of Al Badou (البد) in the city of Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 3rd – 4th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 30 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 14 fighting positions, two vehicles, and a logistics node; and suppressed four fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Oct. 3, near Raqqah, four strikes destroyed three ISIS fighting positions and a VBIED.” And that “On Oct. 3, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed an ISIS communication system.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 11
  • (4–7 children2 women2 men)
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1114

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Location

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1475457, 36.9448239 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and 11 civilians including women and children were killed, and up to 30 more injured by airstrikes on the town of Orme al Kubra, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame for the casualties. The Syrian Network for Human Rights gave conflicting reports of either regime warplanes or Russian warplanes as the culprit; however, the majority of sources, including LCCSY and Halab Today, blamed Russia.

The Shaam News Network attributed the event to both Russia regime warplanes, reporting that “Activists said warplanes struck the Nursing Institute in the town, and the homes of civilians in several neighbourhoods. More than 10 people were killed and dozens injured. Civil defense teams are working on the transfer of medical hospitals.”

The airstrikes reportedly struck Omar Bin Adb al Aziz college, which trains nurses; and those killed and injured included doctors and students at the college.

Additionally, a bus carrying civilians was reportedly struck targeted and multiple other cars were burned by the bombing.

Videos posted by Halab Today and Buraq Media show the physical destruction in the aftermath of the strikes on the college, which was said to have completely destroyed the building.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 11
  • (2 children)
  • 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 (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of the incident. (via, Burqa Media)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A burnt body is recovered from the foot of a car following an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, SN4HR)
  • The aftermath of the incident. (via, Syrianpc)
  • Inside a building which was destroyed by the alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raids. (via Smart News)
  • Fires in the street in the aftermath of the incident. (via, SHRC)
  • The exact moment the strike hit. (via, JisirTV)
  • A burning van in the immediate aftermath of the incident. (via, Enab Baladi)
  • Thick smoke fills the air in Urma al Kubra following an alleged raid. (via, Qasioun)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian is carried from the scene where an alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid hit in Urma al Kubra. (via, Syria News)
  • The aftermath of the alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, AMC)
  • The aftermath of the alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, AMC)
  • The streets burning in the immediate aftermath of the incident. (via, AMC)

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 strikes between August 1st – 10th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 11
  • (2 children)
  • 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 (31) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1006

Incident date

July 14, 2016

Location

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.20253, 40.37126 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to sources, an entire family of seven was killed overnight in their home in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Bulial. However some reports allege the death toll to be as high as ten. Several reports said that “the warplanes targeted the Ayed Al-Jaloud house in Ruwayda neighbourhood east of the city.”

Qasioun News blamed Russia for the airstrike, as died LCCSY.

However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed the event to the Assad regime for the shelling on the neighbourhood.

Qasioun News noted that “there was been no media coverage on what is going on in the area because the city is under IS control”. It claimed that more than 20 civilians were wounded.

Other sources reported that six members of the same family were killed immediately with the first missile, and that the father died later from wounds following a leg amputation. Syrian News puts the death toll as high as 10, while the Facebook page of Deir Ezzor is Being Silently Slaughtered said that 11 people perished.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that the injuries were so critical that the death toll was expected to rise. Another source claimed that many were transported to a field hospital because of their critical injures.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Ayed Al Jaloud
Age unknown killed
Shahad Abdulsalam al Ayed al Jalloud
Age unknown killed
Khaled al Aydid al Jalloud
male killed
Sham Abdulsalam al Ayed al Jalloud 
Age unknown killed
Muhammad Faraj al Ayed al Jalloud
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Samar Al-Salameh
Age unknown killed
Rowayda Al-hamad
Age unknown killed
Iman Al-Suleiman
Age unknown male killed
Tirfah Hassan al Shuheili
Age unknown killed
Ahmed al Saleh
Age unknown male killed
Another unidentified body
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 11
  • (2–3 children3 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–20
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A street in Bulial, civilians attempt to put out fires caused by alleged Russian warplanes (via Qasioun)

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 strikes between July 1st – 14th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 11
  • (2–3 children3 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–20
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI445

Incident date

January 30, 2017

Location

حي التنك, Mosul, Tanak, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.345117, 43.049873 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

It was reported that 11 civilians died in a Coalition airstrike at Tanak in western Mosul.

The Coalition later admitted a US strike in the near area, noting in their April 2017 civilian casualty report that “During a strike on an ISIS weapons manufacturing facility, it was assessed that one civilian in the building was unintentionally killed.” Officials confirmed to Airwars that this was at al Tanak.

A key early source at the time of the event appeared to be ISIL via its Al A’Amaq media arm, which noted “The death of 11 people, including children and women as a result of international coalition air strikes targeting life in the city of #Mosul yesterday evening.”

In an update published on February 5th, Mosul Ateka reported the subsequent death from his injuries of Mustafa Mayser Mahmoud – noting that his mother and father Mayser Mahmoud had also died in the incident.

The Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to a one metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mustafa Mayser Mahmoud
Adult male Mustafa Mayser Mahmoud killed
Mayser Mahmoud
Adult male Father of killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 11
  • (2 children2 women2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mayser and his father (via Mosul Ateka)

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
    Inside target building
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF2499823993
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 1, 2017

  • Jan. 30, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS weapons manufacturing facility, it was assessed that one civilian in the building was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For January 29th-30th the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units; destroyed five watercraft, four VBIED factories, four front-end loaders, an artillery system, a vehicle, two ISIL-held buildings and a command and control node; and suppressed an ISIL mortar team.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 11
  • (2 children2 women2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI478

Incident date

February 23, 2017

Location

المأمون, Mosul, Mamoon, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3119091, 43.1085491 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local and press sources said that eleven civilians were killed, including three kids, and dozens others were injured in Coalition airstrikes targeting their houses in Mamoon neighborhood, at the west side of Mosul.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ 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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 22nd – 23rd, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed three mortar systems, two ISIS-held buildings, two VBIED factories, a supply cache, a fighting position, a front-end loader, an excavator, a dump truck, a generator trailer, a weapons cache and a vehicle; damaged 15 supply routes and three tunnels; and suppressed 17 mortar teams and an artillery team.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]