Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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Incident Code

CI608

Incident date

April 4, 2017

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.3957715, 40.9943684 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

It was reported that eleven people – including an unspecified number of civilians – were killed in Coalition airstrikes on Al Qa’im, in Anbar province.

According to Yaqein “11 were killed including civilians in Al-Qaem due to coalition warplanes shellings.” It did not specify how many of the eleven victims were civilians.

Local blogger Fareek almorasleen reported a fierce battle at nearby Akashat backed by airstrikes, alleging that “Hours after the attack failed, the Western and Gulf Coalition launched raids on the town of Qaim and its Karbala area with more than 20 air strikes targeting civilian homes, leaving dozens dead and wounded in retaliation for the failure of their campaign near the border triangle between Iraq and Syria.”

It was also claimed that nomads walking with their sheep were killed or wounded when hit by explosives that US forces had reportedly planted “to prevent the infiltration of Islamic state fighters to areas of control of government forces.”

In their August 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 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.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 12
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU888058/37SFU833078
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020
  • Aug 22, 2020

  • April 4, 2017, in Karbala, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 3093/CI608 37SFU888058

  • April 4, 2017, in Al Qaim, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 3091/CI608 37SFU833078

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 3rd-4th the Coalition publicly reported: “Near Al Qaim, five strikes destroyed two VBIED factories, two weapons storage facilities, and an ISIS-held building.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 12
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS412

Incident date

January 16, 2016

Location

فيلون, Fayloun, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.88051, 36.61254 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

12 civilians from the same family including three women and nine children were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Fayloun, according to local sources.

Activists told the Shaam News Network that nine people from the “Saiid family” were killed following Russian raids.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that 11 individuals from the same family 11 (eight children and three women) died when Russian warplanes launched several rockets on the town.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 12 non-combatants from one family (nine children and three women) were killed when “warplanes” targeted areas in Fayloun, but they did not say whether the planes belonged to Russia or the Assad regime.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (10)

Abeer Abdulrazzaq al-Saeed 
Child female killed
Tasneem Mohammad al-Saeed
Child female killed
Hiba Abdullah al-Saeed 
Child female killed
Abdulqader Mohammad al-Saeed 
Child male killed
Seham Ibraheem al-Saeed 
Adult female killed
Mohammad Mahmoud al-Saeed 
Child male killed
Ahmad Abdullah al-Saeed 
Child male killed
Hiba Abdullah al-Saeed 
Child female killed
Abdulrazzaq Abdullah al-Saeed 
Child male killed
Alyaa Abdullah al-Saeed 
Child female killed

The victims were named as:

Hanifah Makhloutah
Adult female killed
Defaf Hussain al-Sheikh Hassan
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (9 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
    Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

In its report for military actions on January 19 2016, the Kremlin makes no mention of carrying out strikes in Idlib governorate.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (9 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
    Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS071

Incident date

May 26, 2015

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95088, 39.00887 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

During a series of Coalition airstrikes against Islamic State in the vicinity of Ar Raqqah, a checkpoint was bombed at around 2pm. According to reports, a minibus carrying female agricultural workers was caught in the blast, killing between 6 and 10 women and reportedly injuring at least four. All of the female victims were reported to come from the nearby village of Hunaida. Two men also reportedly died, described both as militants and as civilians..

As one news site noted, “At the moment it’s the harvest season in the countryside of Raqqah, and dozens of women would be working the land at this period. They are often transported in cars that carry dozens at a time.”

Islamic State published an interview with a man said to be a medic, who said: “At 14:00 in the afternoon today, the crusader coalition carried out a raid on civilians which led to the deaths and injury of many people. The wounded were transported to the General Hospital in the city of Ar Raqqah, where they were treated. Some had light injuries and others were dead. We tell the crusader coalition didn’t you say you were here to help the weak? And here you are bombing civilians. We here in the hospitals are receiving victims, all of them Muslim Arabs.”

On July 7th, 2017 the Coalition admitted responsibility for the incident, reporting: “May 26, 2015, near Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report: During a strike on an ISIS staging area, it was assessed that six civilians were unintentionally killed and two were injured after their vehicles entered the target area after the munition was released.”

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

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 12
  • (6–10 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Image published by ISIL reportedly showing vehicle destroyed in 'coalition airstrike', May 26 2015

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 35.9505639, 39.0094148

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
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    6
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008785
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

  • May 26, 2015, near Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report: During a strike on an ISIS staging area, it was assessed that six civilians were unintentionally killed and two were injured after their vehicles entered the target area after the munition was released.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The coalition has confirmed airstrikes in the vicinity for May 26th-27th 2015, noting: “Near Ar Raqqah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL training camp and an ISIL staging area.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 12
  • (6–10 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1213

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Al Hal market, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9498881, 39.0213561 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between seven and 12 members of the Salah Al-Mana family were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, all of whom were reportedly civilians. Syrian Network for Human Rights added that the victims were IDP’s from Mehaimda village in Deir Ez-Zour and were killed by missiles fired on Raqqa city.

Local sources identified seven members of the family, including two women.

Q_Alenzy was the only source that put the death toll higher and claimed that 12 members of the family were killed in the Coalition raid.

According to Free Deir Ezzor Facebook page, “The mother, along with one of her boys and one of her girls survived the raid.” Euphrates Post added that two surviving family members were wounded.

All sources blamed the US-led Coalition.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (9)

Madiha Salah Al-Mana
Adult female killed
Jihan Salah Al-Mana
Adult female killed
Ahmed Salah Al-Mana
Age unknown killed
Mahmoud Salah Al-Mana
Age unknown killed
Abdul Rahman Salah Al-Mana
Age unknown killed
Salah Al-Mana
Age unknown killed
Maryam Issa Al-Mane
Age unknown female injured
Mohammed and Abdullah Salah Al-Mane
male injured
Ali Al Jarou
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 12
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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 (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Victims of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Ar Raqqah: Al Hal market, 16th July 2017. (via Free deir Ezzor facebook)
  • Victims of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Ar Raqqah: Al Hal market, 16th July 2017. (via Free deir Ezzor facebook)
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
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV019783
    Military Grid Reference System

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 July 16th-17th: “Near Raqqah, 15 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 18 fighting positions, two VBIED factories and a mortar system.” It additionally reported that “On July 16, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, three ISIS communication towers, and a vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘ Sunday 16 July – in Raqqa, a Reaper killed terrorists armed with rocket-propelled grenades, whilst Tornados and Typhoons dealt with three sniper teams and three other defended positions… In the course of surveillance over Raqqa on Sunday 16 July, a Reaper delivered a Hellfire missile attack which killed a small group of terrorists armed with rocket-propelled grenades, who had been firing on the Syrian Democratic Forces from a rooftop. Tornados and Typhoons were also very active over the city, and used a Brimstone missile to attack one terrorist firing point, and Paveway IVs to deal with three sniper teams and two other positions defended by Daesh extremists. Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon said: "Mosul may have been freed from the brutal grip of Daesh, but the battle against this dangerous death-cult is far from over. Over the weekend the RAF repeatedly struck Daesh targets in Raqqa, their Syrian stronghold, with precision and purpose. It is key that we maintain momentum in the campaign to remove Daesh from Syria and the remaining towns across Iraq, both to stop the spread of a poisonous ideology and to help keep us safe at home."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 12
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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 (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1033

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Location

جسر الشغور, Jisr al-Shughur, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.814269, 36.31994 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Cluster bombs dropped by alleged Russian or Assad regime warplanes bombarded and destroyed residential housing killing 12 civilians and wounding up to 40 more in Jisr al-Shughur, local media reported.

Baladi News and Jisrtv blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. LCCSY, however, blamed the Assad regime for the raids. Zaman al-Wasl News reported sighting both Assad regime and Russian warplanes.

Shaam News Network confirmed the event occurred at dawn, with two raids which included rockets loaded cluster bombs. It reported that “Russian warplanes targeted al Sawma’a Square with cluster bomb the city centre, causing the fall of seven martyrs of the primary outcome and more than 30 injured.”

According to Jisrtv, “Russian warplanes targeted Al-Soama’a square in Jisr Al-Shoughour with cluster bombs which killed seven in the initial death toll and wounded tens.”

At the time this was reported Jisrtv claimed the Civil Defence team were still rescuing bodies from the rubble. A correspondent from Al Jazeera said that “The raids caused a huge destruction in the buildings which made the rescuing much harder.”

Syrian Human Rights Network put the number killed slightly higher at 12. It also confirmed that 10 of those people were women and children.

Other reports claimed that 40 were injured and many of them were critical therefore the death toll was likely to rise. Syrian Press Center confirmed that 12 civilians had been killed, naming ten which is seen below. The same media also reported that only 30 people had been injured.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Hana’a Omar Al-Sheik
Age unknown female killed
Saleha Al-Sheik
Age unknown female killed

The victims were named as:

Nawar Farran
Age unknown male killed
Layla Mohammed Mobayed
Age unknown female killed
Nidal Fido
Age unknown male killed
Othman
Age unknown male killed
Sham Ahmad Kaser Ghalyoun
Age unknown male killed
Hana’a Haj Hassan
Age unknown female killed
Fatima Shehada
Age unknown female killed
Kaltoum Amer
Age unknown female killed
A child from the Bakora family.
Child killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (1 child7 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    14–40
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Hospital scenes depicting injured civilians following the contested airstrikes in Jisr Al-Shoghour (via Jisr Al-Shoghour Media Center)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Footage of injured children following the strikes in Jisr Al-Shoghour (via Baladi News)

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 16th – 27th 2016.

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 child7 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    14–40
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2365

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Location

معدان , Ma’dan, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

At least two named civilians and as many as dozens more died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Ma’dan, according to sources on the ground. Reports said that two families were among those killed, adding that dozens more civilians were wounded in the attack which reportedly struck camps for displaced persons in Ma’dan.

Sources named multiple victims and all attributed the civilian harm to Russia.

However, according to Madan Al Hadath, one of the reported fatalities, Hussein Fares Al Shadid, did not in fact die and only “Abdullah Allawi Al Shadid and Nizar Ghazi Al – Nada [a child]” were killed.

One report said that Russia dropped barrel bombs on the vicinity.

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (1)

The family of Asa’ad Al - Hamidi
killed

Family members (6)

One member of the family of Hussein Al-Fares
Age unknown killed
One member of the family of Hussein Al-Fares
Age unknown killed
One member of the family of Hussein Al-Fares
Age unknown killed
One member of the family of Hussein Al-Fares
Age unknown killed
One member of the family of Hussein Al-Fares
Age unknown killed
One member of the family of Hussein Al-Fares
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Abdulla Allawi al-Shdeed
Adult male killed
son of Ghazi al-Nada
Child male killed
Hamude Hassan
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 12
  • (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
    Russian Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Abdullah Allawi, killed in an airstrike on Ma'dan, July 24th 2017.
  • Nizar Ghazi Al-Nada, killed in an airstrike on Ma'dan, July 24th 2017 (via Ma’dan Al Jadid)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 12
  • (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
    Russian Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2576 CS1561

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Location

حي النختب بقرص فوقاني, Al Nakhtab, Bokros Foqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.0573579, 40.4155234 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 12 civilians were killed – including an entire family – and up to 30 were injured, following airstrikes on Al Nakhtab, Bokros Foqani. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to the Coalition, others to Russia and SOHR to the Syrian regime. A handful of sources blamed “unknown warplanes”. Airwars understands that the Coalition was not bombing in this territory at the time, while Russia and the regime reportedly were.

In what was described as a “massacre” by Radio Realz Free Radio, dozens were reported wounded, as well as the death of as many as three children, two women and a man. There were many critical cases of wounded civilians, meaning the death toll was likely to rise. 

@EatingMyPeaz reported on the death of a “mother and her 12-hour old newborn” due to Russian airstrikes. 

@MOAZALSHAMY reported that the military aircraft “targeted residential areas of the town”. Photographic evidence shows the destruction of properties, including the death of a cow near a home. Additionally, one source reported that four homes were totally destroyed, leaving nothing left. 

Alhal reported that “The Russian warplane targeted for the second day in a row the village of Bqaras, with more than 13 raids, which resulted in the deaths of 10 civilians, including a whole family, and injuring more than 30 others”.

Euphrates Post reported that two of the casualties were displaced peoples, but did not specify who. 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Hussein al-Hassan al-Mallah
male killed
Khalid al-Hussein
Child male son of Hussein al-Hassan al-Mallah killed
Asaad al-Hussein al-Mallah
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Ali al-Jassim al-Hammadi al-Faraj-Abu Hussein
Adult male killed
Akab Awad al-Jawer
Adult male killed
Marwan Mahmoud Farhan
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 12
  • (3 children2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–30
  • 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 (34) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • Ali al-Jassim al-Hammadi al-Faraj-Abu Hussein was reportedly killed by the contested airstrikes in al-Naktab, Deir Ezzor, October 1st, 2017. (via Hamwdi Ab Al Qasim)
  • Footage from the incident in Buqras, al-Naktab, Deir Ezzor, October 1st, 2017 (via @SalamaAlhussein)
  • Akab Awwad Al-Jawer was reportedly killed by the contested airstrikes in al-Naktab, Deir Ezzor, October 1st, 2017 (via Mohammad Al Juair)
  • Footage from the incident in Buqras, al-Naktab, Deir Ezzor, October 1st, 2017 (via @4oCBJSVN8E9VJev)
  • News bulletin reporting on the incident in Buqras, al-Naktab, Deir Ezzor, October 1st, 2017 (via Al - Jisr Satellite Channel)
  • Civilian homes in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Buqras, al-Naktab, Deir Ezzor, October 1st, 2017 (via Alhal)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Buqras, al-Naktab, Deir Ezzor, October 1st, 2017 (via Al - Jisr Satellite Channel)
  • The death of a cow in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Buqras, al-Naktab, Deir Ezzor, October 1st, 2017 (via Euphrates Post)
  • The death of a cow in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Buqras, al-Naktab, Deir Ezzor, October 1st, 2017 (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Buqrus (بقرص), for which the coordinates are: 35.0573579, 40.4155234

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 Borqas, 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 30th-October 1st the Coalition reported “Near Abu Kamal, three strikes destroyed an ISIS well head and engaged two tactical units. Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed an ISIS tactical vehicle.”

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
    8 – 12
  • (3 children2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–30
  • 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 (34) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1214a

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah: Nazlet Al-Shehada, area of Dara’iya , Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.944558, 38.990043 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, 12 civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition artillery strikes in Raqqa. Although Airwars assesses single sourced incidents as “weak”, researchers have assessed this incident “fair” due to the depth of material provided by Amnesty.

Field notes suggested that 11 civilians were killed on the interior of Ali Jandal’s house – the site which was struck – and one civilian was killed on the exterior. Nine women,  three children and one man (who was outside) were killed, and others were injured.

Researchers did not note the name of the street, however did report it was only a few roads away from Dara’iya.

The report states “Artillery shells smashed into the home of the Jandal family, killing 12 women and children who were sitting together and a young man who was passing outside. Only a six-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy survived, both severely injured.” The children who were injured were, Dalal’s daughter Mariam, 6 and a half and Yousef, 10, grandson of Yazi (son of daughter) who received an abdomen injury.

Yazi’s husband and Dalal’s husband were in other houses just across the road, with male neighbours therefore survived the strike.

Subhi,  a survivor of the strike whose wife and three daughters were killed, was interviewed by Amnesty. He stated “I was at home with other neighbours and the women and children were at the house across the road which was bombed. It was a massacre. Why bomb civilians?”

The incident occured at 21:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Dalal Subhi al-Mansour
24 years old female killed
Jamila Subhi Hammud al-Mansour
8 years old female Dalal's daughter killed
Islam
3 years old female Dalal's daughter killed
Ritaj
7 months years old female Dalal's daughter

Family members (2)

Yazi AbdNasser Gaoud (Ka’oud)
55 years old female killed
Khulud al-Mansour
13 years old female daughter of Yazi killed

Family members (2)

AbdalQader AbdRahman al-Mansour
3 years old male child of of Fadila killed
Jawaher AbdRahman al-Mansour
2 years old female child of of Fadila killed

Family members (3)

Asma Jamous
45 years old female killed
Houda Jamous
42 years old female sister of Asma killed
Zahra al-Jandal
55 years old female sister of Asma killed

The victims were named as:

Abderrahman Ibn AbdlKarim al-Abdallah
26 years old male killed in same strike just outside the house while rescuing other injured killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (6 children5 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • AbdalQader & Jawaher AbdRahman al-Mansour (children of Fadila), killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Abdelqader Abderrahman, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Abderrahman Ibn Abdel Karhim Al Abdallah, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Abderrahman Ibn Abdel Karhim Al Abdallah, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Islam, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Jamila killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Jawaher and Abdelqader Aberrahman al Mansour killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Jawaher Abderrahman al Mansour killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Khulud al Mansour killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Khulud al Mansour killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Yazi al Abdal Nasser Groud, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Not yet assessed.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (6 children5 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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