Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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Incident Code

RS1717

Incident date

November 28, 2016

Location

الحولة, Al Hola, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.961784, 36.559632 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between four and 11 civilians died in shelling on Al Hola in Homs, according to sources on the ground. The majority of sources blamed artillery and mortar shelling by the regime, however, one report attributed the civilian harm to Russian airstrikes. Multiple reports said that an agricultural tractor carrying displaced people was struck in the attack.

Most sources put the death toll at six, though @homs_wpa said as many as 11 died.

According to LCCSY “12 [died] from #Homs, most of them in Russian airstrikes on #Holeh and #Ghantou.”

Syrian Press Center reported that “five fighters of Ahrar Sham,” died  “after the fall of a shell on one of the movement’s headquarters”.

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 11
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • '10 martyrs after the targeting by Assad forces stationed in the village of ِAl Ghor of an agricultural tractor carrying displaced in the area of Hula in the countryside # Homs'

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 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.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 11
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1054b

Incident date

June 21, 2017

Location

Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.958455, 38.991499 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eleven civilians from one family were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Raqqa. Originally the names of the victims were published under incident number CS1054, however Amnesty research assessed that there were two separate strikes, this one occurring at 11pm, while the other occurred at 6pm.

Amnesty has placed the strike on the 21st despite Aadel Hayoun – a resident and survivor of another strike – suggesting that the strike occurred “a month before I left Raqqa and I left on 17 September”. This would place the Duehi strike in mid-August 2017. All other sources and information gathered allude that the strike occurred on the 21st.

The Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality” states that, “Eleven members of the Dueihi family – seven children, two women and two men – were killed when the five-story building where the family was sheltering was destroyed in a coalition air strike.”

The family was – according to interviewees – residing on the ground floor of the building.

Isra, a relative of one of the victims told Amnesty in a testimony that “The building where the Dueihi family was staying was bombed and they were all killed. We fled our home immediately after and it was then that all the men in my family were killed in another air strike.”

In their June 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 incident occured at 23:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (12)

Mohammed Abdel al Duehi
Age unknown male killed
Mohannad Abdel al-Karim Duehi
35 years old male killed
Fatima
25 years old female Mohannad's wife killed
Abdelkarim
Child male Mohannad and Fatima's son killed
Son of Mohannad and Fatima
Child male killed
Daughter of Mohannad and Fatima
Child female killed
Firaz’s wife
Adult female Firaz was Mohannad’s brother who had previously died killed
Child 1
Child female child of Firaz and his wife killed
Child 2
Child female child of Firaz and his wife killed
Child 3
Child female child of Firaz and his wife killed
Child 4
Child male child of Firaz and his wife killed
Child 5
Child male child of Firaz and his wife killed

The victims were named as:

Unknown male 1
Adult male killed
Unknown male 2
Adult male killed
Unknown male 3
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (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 (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (18) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. (via RBSS)
  • An unnamed victim of airstrikes on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. It is unclear which strike this victim belonged too. (via RBSS)
  • Khaled al-Marbad, killed in an alleged Coalition raid, June 21st 2017. (via Al Ragga truth)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Abdul Aziz al-Duwaihi, 9, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, June 21st 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Hamza Al Duwehi, 13, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, June 21st 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Judy al Duwehi, 15, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, June 21st 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Mohammed al Ahmed, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, June 21st 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Mohammed al Azari, 9, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, June 21st 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Muhannad Abdel Karim al Duwehi, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, June 21st 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Razan al Azarii, 7, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, June 21st 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Sabah al Duwehi, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, June 21st 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Sabah al Duwehi, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, June 21st 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Sara al Azari, 11, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, June 21st 2017. (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

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
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV992793
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 24, 2020

  • June 21, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, 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. 3114/CS1054b 37SDV992793

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Not yet assessed.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (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 (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1451

Incident date

September 5, 2017

Location

الدرعية, Ar Raqqah: Dar’iya neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.947222, 38.991389 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eleven named civilians from two families died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah’s al Diri’ya neighbourhood, according to local media.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported: “11 civilians, including 5 children and 3 women, IDPs from Deir Ez-Zour city, killed in International Coalition warplanes fired missiles on al Der’iya neighborhood west of Raqqa city on September 5, 2017 ”

Victims were named my multiple sources – all attributing the event to the Coalition.

SHRC put the death toll at 12, also blaming the Coalition.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Kazem Mohammed Al-Muslouk
Age unknown male killed
Samia Fadhel Musa al – Haji, wife of Kazem Mohammed Al-Muslouk
Age unknown female killed
Ahmad, the son of Kazem Mohammed Musluk
Age unknown male killed
Yousef, the son of Kazem Mohammed Musluk
Age unknown male killed
Mohammad, the son Kazem Mohammed Al-Muslukh
Age unknown male killed

Family members (4)

Fadel Al-Harjan
Age unknown male killed
Fadel Al-Harjan’s wife
Age unknown female killed
Son of Fadel Al-Harjan
Age unknown male killed
Son of Fadel Al-Harjan
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (5 children3 women)
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'The children Ahmad, Yousef and Mohammad Kazem al Masloukh, killed with a number of their family in International Coalition warplanes fired missiles on al Der’iya neighborhood west of Raqqa city on September 5, 2017' (Syrian Network for Human Rights)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the neighborhood of Diri’ya (الدرعیة). The generic coordinates for Diri’ya (الدرعیة) neighborhood are: 35.961262, 38.985637.

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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

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 4th – 5th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, four oil stills, three oil trucks, two logistics nodes, and a command and control node; and suppressed two fighting positions.” It additionally stated that “On Sept. 4, near Raqqah, one strike destroyed five fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 4, near Raqqah, 15 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions and a vehicle.” Also that “On Sept. 4, near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed four fighting positions.”

For September 5th - 6th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah , 25 strikes for an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed 22 fighting positions, three ISIS communications infrastructure items, and a logistics node; damaged three fighting positions; and suppressed four fighting positions." It later reported, "On Sept. 5, near Raqqah , 15 strikes for eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed fighting positions, two vehicles, an IED, and a piece of ISIS engineering equipment"

For September 6th – 7th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, eight strikes destroyed 13 ISIS fighting positions, damaged five fighting positions and suppressed two fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 6, near Raqqah, 38 strikes engaged 19 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 35 fighting positions, three vehicles, two logistics nodes, a command and control node, a VBIED, and an ISIS UAS; and suppressed eight fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 6, near Raqqah, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions and a command and control node.”
For September 6th – 7th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, eight strikes destroyed 13 ISIS fighting positions, damaged five fighting positions and suppressed two fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 6, near Raqqah, 38 strikes engaged 19 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 35 fighting positions, three vehicles, two logistics nodes, a command and control node, a VBIED, and an ISIS UAS; and suppressed eight fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 6, near Raqqah, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions and a command and control node.”


Additional press release CJTFOIR on September 5th:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

[In the past week, France reports carrying out 36 outings, including 27 Army Reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), 6 refueling sorties and 3 intelligence gathering sorties by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. It carried out 8 strikes destroying 8 targets. Most of the strikes were carried out in Raqqah and security operations in the Tal Afar region. The Task Force (TF) Wagram supported Iraqi Security Forces in the Tall Afar region. The CAESAR guns fired out 6 of neutralization / destruction and 2 of enlightenment.] ' OPERATION CHAMMAL Situation In Iraq The week was marked by the pursuit of Tal Afar security operations and its region. It was also marked by a start of re-articulation of the Iraqi Security Forces in northern Iraq, with a view to continuing the fight against Daesh in Iraq. The terrorist group remains very active in Iraq and with strong positions in the Hawijah and Anbar regions, where its fighters continue their asymmetric actions against the security forces and the people. In Syria In Raqqah, the Syrian Democratic Forces seized the entire old city and continued their offensive to seize areas still in the hands of Daesh. Elsewhere in Syria, Daesh continues to lose ground against the Syrian Armed Forces, which are continuing to advance, particularly in the Deir ez Zor and Palmyra regions. New leader of the Coalition On September 5, the command of the operation OIR was taken by the American general Paul FUNK in replacement of the American general Stephen TOWNSEND. FORCE ACTIVITIES The soldiers of Operation Chammal continue their support missions for the benefit of Iraqi units engaged against Daesh. They also carry out daily training to help build the security pillar of the Iraqi forces. Action of the air component: This week, the aircraft of the operation Chammal realized 36 aerial exits including 27 of armed reconnaissance and of support on the ground (CAS), 6 exits of supply as well as 3 outputs of collection of intelligence by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. These sorties resulted in 7 strikes and the destruction of 8 targets. Most of the strikes were carried out in support of fighting in Raqqah and security operations in the Tal Afar region. Fire Support - TF WAGRAM: Task Force (TF) Wagram supported this week the security operations conducted by the Iraqi Security Forces in the Tall Afar region. The CAESAR guns carried out 6 firing missions (4 of neutralization / destruction and 2 of illumination). Air activity: The overall balance of the air activity since 19 September 2014 amounts to 1363 strikes, 2138 objectives destroyed and 7058 sorties.

[La semaine dernière, la France a annoncé avoir effectué 36 sorties, dont 27 sorties de reconnaissance et d'appui au sol, 6 sorties de ravitaillement en carburant et 3 sorties de renseignement par la patrouille Atlantic 2 ou Rafale. Il a effectué 8 frappes détruisant 8 cibles. La plupart des frappes ont eu lieu à Raqqah et des opérations de sécurité dans la région de Tal Afar. La Force opérationnelle (GT) Wagram a soutenu les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la région de Tall Afar. Les armes à feu de CAESAR ont tiré 6 sur la neutralisation / destruction et 2 sur l'illumination.] 'OPERATION CHAMMAL Situation En Irak La semaine a été marquée par la poursuite des opérations de sécurité de Tal Afar et de sa région. Elle a également été marquée par le début de la réarticulation des forces de sécurité irakiennes dans le nord de l’Irak, en vue de poursuivre la lutte contre Daech en Irak. Le groupe terroriste reste très actif en Irak et avec des positions fortes dans les régions de Hawijah et d'Anbar, où ses combattants continuent leurs actions asymétriques contre les forces de sécurité et le peuple. En Syrie À Raqqah, les forces démocratiques syriennes ont saisi toute la vieille ville et ont poursuivi leur offensive afin de s'emparer de zones encore aux mains de Daesh. Ailleurs en Syrie, Daesh continue de perdre du terrain face aux forces armées syriennes, qui continuent de progresser, notamment dans les régions de Deir ez Zor et de Palmyra. Nouveau chef de la coalition Le 5 septembre, le général américain Paul FUNK a pris le commandement de l'opération OIR en remplacement du général américain Stephen TOWNSEND. ACTIVITES DE LA FORCE Les soldats de l'opération Chammal poursuivent leurs missions d'appui au profit des unités irakiennes engagées contre Daesh. Ils suivent également un entraînement quotidien pour aider à construire le pilier de sécurité des forces irakiennes. Action de la composante air: Cette semaine, l'avion de l'opération Chammal a réalisé 36 sorties aériennes dont 27 de reconnaissance armée et d'appui au sol (CAS), 6 sorties de ravitaillement ainsi que 3 sorties de collecte de renseignements par patrouille Atlantic 2 ou Rafale. Ces sorties ont entraîné 7 frappes et la destruction de 8 cibles. La plupart des frappes ont été menées pour soutenir les combats à Raqqah et les opérations de sécurité dans la région de Tal Afar. Soutien au feu - TF WAGRAM: La force opérationnelle (GT) Wagram a soutenu cette semaine les opérations de sécurité menées par les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la région de Tall Afar. Les canons CAESAR ont effectué 6 missions de tir (4 de neutralisation / destruction et 2 d'éclairage). Activité aérienne: Le solde global de l'activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s'élève à 1363 frappes, à 2138 objectifs détruits et à 7058 sorties.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

'Wednesday 6 September - Typhoons struck a further two Daesh positions in Raqqa... Typhoons continued operations over Raqqa on Wednesday 6 September, eliminating a further machine-gun position and a sniper.'

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (5 children3 women)
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI151

Incident date

December 7, 2015

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.34585235, 43.09857692 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

There were claims that eleven civilians were killed including two children – with three doctors injured – after Coalition aircraft allegedly bombed two health centers in Aski Mosul and Baduish villages in Mosul.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ 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
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF175330/38SKF975432
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 3, 2020
  • Jan 3, 2020

  • December 7, 2015, in Baduish, 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. 2866/CI151 38SLF175330

  • 38. December 7, 2015, in Aski, 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. 2867/CI151 38SKF975432

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For December 6th-7th 2015 the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, one strike destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.”

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS536

Incident date

February 3, 2016

Location

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.5655244, 38.2873535 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 11 civilians were killed and 30 injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Palmyra, according to local sources.

Shaam News Network reported that nine civilians, mostly women and children, were killed in a bombardment by Russian warplanes. It said there were several raids, mainly focused on the Al Wadi road.

The Coordinating Committee of the City of Palmyra listed ten victims allegedly killed by Russia, and said nearly 30 were wounded, five critically.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “warplanes believed to be Russian” killed at least seven. It said there was information about two other children among many injured people, and added that the death toll was expected to rise due to the severity of injuries and because some people were still missing under the rubble.

Three unidentified victims were listed by The Coordinating Committee of the city of Palmyra in addition to the victims below as:

Two unidentified martyrs [male]

An unidentified child

The Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies identified a total of 11 victims killed in Palmyra, including Al Jabara, Al Tharaya (listed by the coordinated committee) and nine additional unitentified “martyrs” killed on al Wadi road. The Center cited “indiscriminate” Russian attacks.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Unidentified from Al Qadi family
Adult female killed
Unidentified from Al Qadi family
Adult female killed
Unidentified from Al Qadi family
female killed
Unidentified from Al Qadi family
Adult female killed

The victims were named as:

Khaled Jouma’an Al Jabara
Adult male killed
Hatem Awad Al Mahmoud Al Tharaya
Adult male killed
Nayef Hamdan Al Hadidi
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 11
  • (1 child4 women3 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged raid with cluster bombs on Palmyra, Feb 3rd (via Coordinating Committee for the city of Palmyra)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has published no known record of strikes in Syria from February 1st – February 3rd.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 11
  • (1 child4 women3 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1137

Incident date

August 13, 2016

Location

تفتناز, Taftanez, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.996045, 36.787730 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 11 civilians including one named women, and children, died and as many as 25 more were wounded in an airstrike on Taftanaz, local media reported. Reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime.

RFS media office and Halab Today TV were among sources that blamed Russia. Halab Today put the death toll at eight non-combatants.

A number of other sources put the death count four – with the Syrian Network for Human Rights reporting that “at least three people died”. SN4HR pointed to the regime, as did Syrian Press Centre and Alsouria.

The highest toll was given by Freedom News – at 11, “mostly women and children” with “25 more injured.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Rouboaa Khatib
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 11
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–25
  • 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 (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Rouboaa Khatib, killed in an alleged Russian an Syrian Regime raid on 13th August 2016. (via, VDC)
  • The aftermath of the alleged raid showing damage to the infrastructure as well as wounded civilians being taken in an ambulance. (via, Aboamer ghazel)
  • An Al Jazeera news bulletin documenting the alleged Russian and Syrian Regime raid. (via, Al Jazeera Arabic)

Geolocation notes (4) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the town of Taftanez (تفتناز). Analyzing audio-visual material from sources, we were able to narrow down the location to these exact coordinates: 35.996045, 36.787730.

{"type":"FeatureCollection","features":[{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"Exact Location","label-type":"black-white"},"geometry":{"coordinates":[36.78773,35.996045],"type":"Point"}}]}

  • Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Imagery:
    Abdullah Amer Ghazal

  • Imagery:
    Al Jazeera

  • Imagery:
    Abdullah Amer Ghazal

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 12th – 13th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 11
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–25
  • 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 (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS381

Incident date

November 19, 2016

Location

بعاص, Bia'as, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Airwars assessment

Between 8 and 11 civilians died in what both the Syrian Network and Syrian Observatory called a ‘massacre’ – following alleged Coalition strikes on Bia’as.

According to Shaam News Network, “clashes [between ISIL and SDF] have moved into the centre of Tal Al Samin where international coalition aircraft, has launched dozens of air raids on positions controlled by IS. The raids resulted in the fall of eight martyrs in the village of Bi’as and many wounded among the civilian population.”

LCCSY placed the death toll at 11, while Raqqa is Being Slaughtered named eight civilian victims.

The Coalition announced on January 2nd 2017 that “Currently, five reports of civilian casualties received in November are still being assessed… Nov. 19, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria.” An official later confirmed to Airwars that this related to allegations at Bia’as that day. The incident was still being assessed a month later, but on March 4th, the Coalition reported that “After a review of available information and/or strike video it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in this geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Waddah Abdallah al Hasan
Age unknown male killed
Ali al Shamma's daughter
Age unknown female killed
Ahmad al Nijm al Qadib
Age unknown male killed
Juma’a al Badri
Age unknown male killed
Jassem al Shamma
Age unknown male killed
Ali al Hamad al Hmeidaoui
Age unknown male killed
Issa al Suleiman al Jbeil
Age unknown male killed
Abdallah al Hassan al Issa
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 11
  • (2 children)
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Jassem al Ali al Shamma (via RBSS)
  • Widah Abdallah al Hassan (via RBSS)
  • Ali Al Hamad Al Hmeidawi (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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Bia'as, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 18th-19th, the Coalition reported “Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes engaged an ISIL storage facility and destroyed seven oil storage tanks and four oil transfer compressors. Near Ayn Isa, 13 strikes engaged 10 ISIL tactical units; destroyed five fighting positions, an IED facility, a VBIED, and an artillery system; and damaged a supply route.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 11
  • (2 children)
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1523

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Location

مركدة , Markada, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

35.765641, 40.771032 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eleven civilians including one woman and two or more children died and many more were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Markada, local media reported.

All sources attributed the event to the US-led Coalition. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that four non-combatants including two girls and a woman died. Insaan Rights Watch also put the death toll at four including two children. According to Jirstv and Shadadi media center two families were killed.

Alkhabou provided the most detail reporting: “Yesterday evening, Coalition forces targeted civilian houses in the town of Merkada, killing and injuring civilians, some of whom were left in a critical condition. Coalition aircraft bombed the homes of civilians with several high-explosive rockets in the town of (Markda) south of the city of Shaddadi, causing the death of a number of civilians. These include Fahad Radi and his daughters, and wife of Abu Sabri and his daughter; A refugee family from Iraq, and a large number of wounded, some seriously.”

Six people from a refugee Iraqi family were also reportedly killed.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “the death toll is likely to increase because of the presence of people injured in serious conditions”.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Fahad Radi
Adult male killed
Daughter of Fahad Radi
Child female
Daughter of Fahad Radi
Child

Family members (2)

The wife of Abu Sabri
Adult female killed
Daughter of Abu Sabri
Child female

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (2–3 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–10
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Markada (مركدة), Al Hasakah governorate. The coordinates for this village are: 35.765641, 40.771032.

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 Markadah, Syria
    Nearest population center

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 24th-25th, the Coalition reported: “Near Al Shadaddi, one strike destroyed an ISIS headquarters.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • (2–3 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–10
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]