Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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Incident Code

CI234

Incident date

April 29, 2016

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.39711, 43.14113 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The attempted US targeted killing of the Australian Neil Prakash, ‘an ISIL external operations facilitator’ instead “struck three civilians on the road and one civilian located on an adjacent compound,” CENTCOM admitted three months later.

Among the four civilians who were killed in the airstrike that day, one man was named by local sources, Ziad Khalaf Awad, who was a university teacher.

Although Neil Prakash was widely reported killed in the attack at the time, the New York Times confirmed in November 2016 that he was still alive: “An Australian, Neil Prakash, was targeted in a strike around the same time. A senior American official said that Mr Prakash was wounded but survived. In the last few weeks, however, a Middle Eastern government arrested Mr Prakash, another senior American military official said.” ABC News Australia reported that Prakash “was arrested by Turkish officials when he tried to cross the Syrian border into Turkey using false documents and a fake name.”

According to the New York Times, “among the injured was Hassan Aleiwi Muhammad Sultan, now 16, who was playing soccer nearby and still has shrapnel in his spinal cord. His family can barely afford his wheelchair.”

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Dr Ziad Kalaf
Adult male (via @2011iqbgd2017 tweet) killed
Hassan Aleiwi Muhammad Sultan
11 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Dr Ziad Khalaf, reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Mosul April 30th 2016 (via Mosul News Agency)
  • A tweet contains an image of "Dr Ziad Khalaf is a professor in the Mosul university who was killed by an alleged Coalition strike on the left neighbourhood side of the city of Mosul on April 30th 2016" (via @2011iqbgd2017 tweet)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 36.34585235, 43.09857692

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
    Killed by strike blast, Killed in adjacent structure
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF333296
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 28, 2016

  • On April 29, 2016, in Mosul, Iraq, during a strike targeting Neil Prakash, an ISIL external operations facilitator, it is assessed that four civilians were killed when the weapon struck three civilians on the road and one civilian located on an adjacent compound.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition reports for April 29th-30th 2016 that “Near Mosul, two strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL assembly areas, two ISIL bed down locations, two ISIL fighting positions, and an ISIL weapons cache.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS768

Incident date

May 4, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.94096, 39.00998 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 6 and 12 civilians died and up to 17 were wounded in a Coalition airstrikes on three locations in Raqqa, according to local media. The Coalition later confirmed to have killed four and injured seven civilians in this strike.

According to Alitihad Press, “local sources in Al Raqqa confirmed that several international air strikes targeted the postal and car park areas in the center of the city, which led to the death of a number of civilians killed. It was not known whether any elements of Da’ash were killed. ”

Syria News Desk provided more details on the locations which were struck, reporting: “The opposition media activist Mohammed Osman from al-Raqqa countryside told the Syrian News desk that five civilians were killed and at least 10 were wounded by two raids targeting a residential building near the post office in the city center. Four others were killed and seven were hit behind the “Pullman Garages [coach station] west of the city, while three were killed by a raid on a residential site in Panorama district in the city center.”

Syria News Desk also attributed the raids to the Coalition, putting the death toll at 12 with 15 more wounded.

In its January 25 2018 civilian casualty report, the Coalition confirmed responsibility for civilian harm in this event. It stated: “During a Coalition strike which destroyed a building being used as ISIS headquarters and lethal aid supply building for nearly two years it was assessed four civilians were unintentionally killed and seven civilians were unintentionally injured.”

Coalition officials told Airwars this incident occurred at the location 37SEV009774 (Military grid reference with 100 m accuracy). This confirmed the event took place in the the post office and “Pullman” coach station (موقف باصات كراج البولمان).

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hammoud Abboud al Sheikh Hassan
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 12
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–17
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (15) [ collapse]

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
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    7
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV009774
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018

  • May 4, 2017 near Raqqah, Syria via Airwars report. During a Coalition strike which destroyed a building being used as ISIS headquarters and lethal aid supply building for nearly two years it was assessed four civilians were unintentionally killed and seven civilians were unintentionally injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 3rd-4th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed a command and control node,” later adding that “Near Raqqah, May 3rd, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a mortar system.”
For May 4th-5th: “Near Raqqah, three strikes destroyed a front-end loader and an ISIS well head.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

CHAMMAL OPERATION ASSESSMENT OF SITUATION In Syria the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue their progress against Daesh. In the region of Raqqah they have proceeded this week to secure territorial gains made the previous week in the north of the city, neutralizing several pockets of resistance still occupied by terrorist fighters. Further west, the SDS continue to expand their controlled areas, gradually tightening those held by Daesh on the town of Tabqah and its dam. In Iraq, Daesh is still trying to maintain an atmosphere of insecurity in the Anbar and the Tiger Valley in order to divert the Iraqi military effort from Mosul. In the region of Mosul, the situation has changed little this week with the exception of a breakthrough in the south-west of the city. With unfavorable weather conditions, the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) marked an operational pause to regenerate their potential, while maintaining pressure on the Medina neighborhood. To the north-west, on the outskirts of the city, the 9th Division is still engaged in security actions of its control zone centered around Badush, and is still under attack by terrorist groups. Further south, in the city of Mosul, the ICTS and the FEDPOL maintained their position in and around the medina by repelling several attempts by Daesh fighters. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAMMAL FORCE Fire support - TF Wagram The Task Force (TF) Wagram continued this week its shooting missions in support of the 9th Iraqi Division engaged in the Badush region. The 29 illumination and interdiction missions carried out in support of Iraqi units contributed to the security of the Iraqi zone control system in the face of harassing actions by Daesh groups seeking to infiltrate. Air support to the Levant This week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal made 40 sorties, including 30 for armed reconnaissance or ground support (CAS), 2 for air command and control, 5 for refueling, and 3 for intelligence gathering. 3 strikes were carried out by French planes in Iraq and Syria, in support of ongoing operations in Mosul and Tabqah, as well as in the Anbar Valley. '

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION En Syrie les Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS) poursuivent leurs avancées contre Daech. Dans la région de Raqqah elles ont procédé cette semaine à la sécurisation des gains territoriaux réalisés la semaine précédente au Nord de la ville, en neutralisant plusieurs poches de résistances encore occupées par les combattants terroristes. Plus à l’Ouest les FDS continuent d’étendre leurs zones contrôlées, resserrant progressivement celles tenues par Daech sur la ville de Tabqah et son barrage. En Irak, Daech cherche toujours à entretenir une atmosphère d’insécurité dans l’Anbar et dans la vallée du Tigre afin de détourner l’effort militaire irakien de Mossoul. Dans la région de Mossoul, la situation a peu évolué cette semaine à l’exception d’une avancée dans le sud-ouest de la ville. Avec une météo peu favorable aux opérations, les Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) ont marqué une pause opérationnelle pour régénérer leur potentiel, tout en maintenant la pression sur le quartier de la Médina. Au nord-ouest, sur les abords de la ville, la 9e division est toujours engagée dans des actions de sécurisation de sa zone de contrôle centrée autour de Badush, et qui fait toujours l’objet de tentative d’infiltrations de groupes terroristes. Plus au sud, dans la ville de Mossoul, l’ICTS et les FEDPOL ont maintenu leur position dans et autour de la médina en repoussant plusieurs tentatives de sorties des combattants de Daech. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram a poursuivi cette semaine ses missions de tir en appui de la 9e division irakienne engagée dans la région de Badush. Les 29 missions d’éclairement et d’interdiction réalisées en appui des unités irakiennes ont contribué à la sûreté du dispositif de contrôle de zone irakien face à des actions de harcèlement menées par des groupes de Daech cherchant à s’infiltrer. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 40 sorties aériennes dont 30 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), 2 de commandement et de contrôle aérien, 5 de ravitaillement, et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 3 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie, en appui des opérations en cours à Mossoul et Tabqah, ainsi que dans la vallée de l’Anbar.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 12
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–17
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1336

Incident date

August 6, 2017

Location

حي الاماسي, Al Amassi, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95268, 39.01109 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two adult male civilians and up to two children were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on their home in Raqqa’s al Amassi neighbourhood, local media reported.

In February 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS headquarters multistory building. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians were injured as a result of the explosion.”

Sources noted that Ahmed Ali Obaid Al-Taha’s wife, Hayat Muhammad Obeid al-Taha, died in an earlier casualty event on July 25th, listed on the July 2017 civilian casualty page as event S1117.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), Ahmed Ali Obaid Al-Taha’s son, Samer, was also seriously injured. Subsequent reports by RBSS were somewhat confused: one said that Samer had died, while another called for people to post information about his whereabouts, thereby implying that the boy was lost and not confirmed dead.

Palmyra media centre added: “The child Samer Ahmad Al-Taha … No trace was found of him neither in the hospital nor among those who were pulled from under the ruins of the destroyed house …The international coalition killed his mother and father and his sister is clinically dead.”

The sister was named by Palmyra revolution coordination committee as Ghazal, and this source said that she had died. Ahmad Al Shibli also said that she had been killed.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha
Adult male killed
Hussein Ali Obaid Al-Taha
Adult male brothers killed
Samer Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha
Child male son of Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha killed
Ghazal Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha
Child female daughter of Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1–2 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Ahmed Ali Obeid al-Taha, killed with up to two of his children in an alleged Coalition raid on their home, August 6th 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Ghazal, killed with her father and brother in an alleged Coalition raid on their home, August 6th 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Samer Ahmad Al-Taha, killed with his father and sister in an alleged Coalition raid on their home, August 6th 2017. (via Palmyra media centre)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourbood or street of Al Amassi (الاماسي) in Raqqa (الرقة). The coordinates for this neighbourhood are: 35.953492, 39.011271.  Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.953302, 39.01131  

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
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Raqqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37S EV010787
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • August 06, 2017, near Raqqa, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS headquarters multistory building. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians were injured as a result of the explosion.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 6th-7th: “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 30 fighting positions, two vehicles, two command and control nodes, two mortar systems, a tunnel, a heavy machine gun, an IED facility, and a VBIED facility; and damaged six fighting positions.” It additionally reporeted that “On Aug. 6, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, a mortar system, an anti-air artillery system, and a VBIED.” And that “On Aug. 6, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed 10 ISIS fighting positions and two mortar systems.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1–2 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI465

Incident date

February 18, 2017

Location

المستشفى العام, Mosul, Ibn Senna Hospital, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.35764, 43.11291 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of four civilians and the injuries of six in an event near Mosul.

Their July 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS headquarters building, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that four civilians, who were not observed near the target during the engagement, were unintentionally killed and six were injured.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a one metre box. The location given placed the event near the Ibn Senna hospital.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

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
    Unseen at time of engagement
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    6
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF3068325271
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

  • Feb. 18, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS headquarters building, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that four civilians, who were not observed near the target during the engagement, were unintentionally killed and six were injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 17th-18th the Coalition publicly noted: “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed eight front-end loaders, four excavators, three watercraft, an ISIS-held building and a barge; damaged 11 supply routes; and suppressed five mortar teams and an ISIS tactical unit.’

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1441

Incident date

September 4, 2017

Location

Raqqa city: Traffic Park, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.96079, 39.00444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one man was locally reported killed following alleged artillery shelling near the Traffic Park in Raqqa. Both the Coalition and the US individually later admitted responsibility

According to local reports at the time, father of six Abdul Ghani Ahmed al-Yusuf al-Bashir was killed when a shell fell near Traffic Park.

While some sources blamed the SDF, Airwars understood at the time that only the Coalition had access to artillery in Raqqa.

In January 2020, the US-led Coalition admitted responsibility for the event – noting that “Coalition forces conducted multiple strikes against Daesh facilities. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of these strikes.” This appeared to be an amalgam of several civilian harm claims.

In May 2020, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon admitted responsibility for this incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Ghani Ahmed al-Yusuf al Bashir
44 years old male father of six killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Abdul Ghani Ahmed al-Yusuf al-Bashir, reportedly killed when a shell fell near Traffic park in Raqqa, Sept 4th (via RBSS)
  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.960918, 39.004383.

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
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV004796
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 13, 2020

  • 2. Sept. 4, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition forces conducted multiple strikes against Daesh facilities. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of these strikes. 2147/S1262 37SEV004796

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 3rd – 4th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 21 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed 13 fighting positions, two pieces of ISIS communications infrastructure, two vehicles, a VBIED, a command and control node, and a logistics node.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, four strikes destroyed a VBIED and a fighting position and suppressed two fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions.” And also that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed nine fighting positions.” Plus “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed two command and control nodes, a logistics node, a fighting position and suppressed a fighting position.”

For September 4th - 5th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah , 23 strikes [2-3 British] 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" Plus "On Sept. 4, near Raqqah , one strike destroyed five fighting positions"

Additional Press Release for September 5th : 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."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqa , striking six Daesh positions including a heavy machine-gun and two sniper ... for the Syrian Democratic Forces in Daesh inside Raqqa . Our aircraft delivered six attacks with Paveway IV guided bombs against Daesh positions, often having to strike targets very close to the Syrian Democratic Forces, including a heavy machine-gun and two sniper teams.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1715b

Incident date

January 20, 2018

Location

near al-Khashmah, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.62996, 40.92873 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of four civilians in an event near al-Khashmah.

In its April 2019 monthly civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted multiple engagements against Daesh forces. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the targets.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

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
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near al-Khashmah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU768337
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2019

  • Jan. 20, 2018, near al-Khashmah, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted multiple engagements against Daesh forces. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the targets.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

On Jan. 20 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 12 strikes consisting of 19
engagements against ISIS targets.
- Near Abu Kamal, 12 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units and destroyed two
fighting positions, a staging facility, a VBIED, three weapons caches, two ISIS
headquarters, an ISIS motorcycle, an ISIS construction vehicle and an ISIS-held
building.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1749

Incident date

May 11, 2018

Location

الحمادي, Al Hammadi, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.02223, 41.17403 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Coalition raids on the village of al Hammadi resulted in the deaths of up to eight civilians, including three children and five women. The US-led alliance later accepted responsibility for at least four deaths.

The village in the area of Abu Hamda is located close to the Iraqi-Syrian border and according to Al Khabour, is only the size of ten houses. In July 2018 the Coalition conceded killing four civilians in the event, noting: “During a strike on Daesh-held building, four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

Most sources shared a list identifying the victims of the strikes.

Hasaka Marsad confirmed the death of three children named as Qais, Ahmad and Maryam and included photos. According to the media outlet, the airstrike that hit the house of their grandfather was admitted by the Iraqi military. The report went on to say that “Baghdad” had “targeted one of the headquarters of the Islamic State.”

That report is however alone in identifying the Iraqi air force as the culprit. Most likely, Hasaka Marsad is basing this on a video tweeted by the Iraqi Defense Ministry allegedly showing an air strike by an F-16 on an ISIS HQ “in the area of Dashaisha”.

Although al Hammadi is located in this general area, a specific date or a more precise location of the strike is not mentioned in the video – making it difficult to asses whether or not this is related to this incident.Iraqi strikes within Syria were also considered Coalition actions by this time.

Ahmed Hammad al-Assaad, head of the Jabour clan in southern Hasaka, told Step News that the victims were from the same family who were in their house when they were targeted by the alleged Coalition strike. He stressed: “The situation is not safe for civilians, the final victim of all parties, and US aircraft bombed the homes of civilians who have nothing to do with or belong to any party…

“We want to stop the continuous indiscriminate shelling of innocent people and parents, and ask for accuracy if and should be bombed, civilians have become the easiest target for the coalition aircraft, whose goal is clear to all is the killing and displacement of the people of the region indiscriminate hit, and we call for opening ways to aid the wounded because of the closure by the forces Kurdish control of the region.”

Hassaka Youth Union posted photos and an al A’amaq propaganda video (which was also shared in a tweet by Iinews), allegedly showing destruction after the raids.

In July 2018 the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “May 11, 2018, near al-Hamadi village, al-Hassakahh, Syria, via social media report. During a strike on Daesh-held building, four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (8)

Maryam Al-Obaid
Adult female Wife of Ahmed Al Aziz Al-Hammadi killed
Sheikh Al Aziz
Adult male killed
Wife of Sheikh Al Aziz
Adult female pregnant killed
Rood Al Aziz
Age unknown killed
Fatima Al Aziz
Age unknown female killed
Qais Al Aziz
Child male killed
Ahmed Al Aziz
Child male killed
Maryam Al Aziz
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children5 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Scene of destruction at Hammadi, Syria, after a Coalition strike killed up to 8 civilians on May 11th 2018 (via Hassakah Youth)
  • Scene of destruction at Hammadi, Syria, after a Coalition strike killed up to 8 civilians on May 11th 2018 (via Hassakah Youth)
  • Photo of the destruction after an alleged Coalition bombardment on the village of Al Hammadi (via Hassaka Youth Union)
  • A recovered munition fragment from Hammadi, Syria, after a Coalition strike killed up to 8 civilians on May 11th 2018 (via Hassakah Youth)
  • Two of the children killed in a Coalition strike on Hammadi, May 11th 2018 (via al Hassakah Arabea)
  • The grandsons of Ahmed Aziz, killed in an alleged Iraqi airstrike on the village of Al Hamadi (via Hassaka Marsad)
  • Video of the aftermath of a Coalition strike which killed up to eight civilians.
  • Iraqi defence ministry video of a strike on al Hassakah governorate which may relate to this event.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

The coordinates given to Airwars by the Coalition in relation to this incident are: 36.02223, 41.17403 (Military Grid Reference System: 37SFV959886), defining an area of 100 m

  • Coordinates of 100 m area indicated by Coalition

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near al-Hamadi village, al-Hassakahh, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV959886
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018

  • May 11, 2018, near al-Hamadi village, al-Hassakahh, Syria, via social media report. During a strike on Daesh-held building, four civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 11th, the Coalition reported that “On May 11 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of six engagements against Daesh targets.... Near Al Shadaddi, one strike engaged one Daesh tactical unit and destroyed four Daesh-held buildings."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children5 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS474

Incident date

February 4, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, First neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.83462, 38.54714 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were reported killed and other injured in a confirmed Coalition strike on al Tabaqa.

According to the Euphrates Post “four people were martyred including two children and two others injured following international coalition raids on al Tabaqa.”

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered reported major destruction in the town, noting that the strikes targeted the First neighbourhood [Al Hayy al Awwal].

In November 2017 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed one building being used as a Daesh headquarters, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians unintentionally injured.”

In July 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the location for this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Translation: al Tabaqa - the total destruction of the court and the market behind the court in the First neighbourhood in raids by the international coalition on al tabaqa.

Geolocation notes

Airwars has identified the location of the First neighbourhood as: 35°51’00.0″N 38°33’12.0″E. Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 35.8295049, 38.5360909

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
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV591657
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017

  • Feb. 4, 2017, near Tabqah, Syria, via Airwars report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed one building being used as a Daesh headquarters, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians unintentionally injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition reported for February 3rd-4th 2017 that “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units; destroyed 11 oil tanker trucks, six oil barrels, three oil refinement stills, two fighting positions, two tunnels, two vehicles, an ISIL headquarters, an oil storage tank and a command and control node; and damaged 16 supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]