Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident Code

CS1664

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

Baghouz Fawqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.45492, 40.93666 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously untracked by Airwars, the US-led Coalition admitted on February 22nd, 2018 that it had killed 3 civilians near Baghouz Fawqani.

According to the official release, the incident came to light following self reporting by pilots or analysts: “During a Coalition strike which destroyed Daesh bed-down location and killed five Daesh members it was assessed three civilians were unintentionally killed.”

No additional details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Barhouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU779143
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 2018
  • Nov. 2, 2017 near Barhouz, Syria via self-report. During a Coalition strike which destroyed Daesh bed-down location and killed five Daesh members it was assessed three civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

On Nov. 2, Coalition military forces conducted 13 strikes consisting of 15 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted nine strikes consisting of nine engagements against ISIS targets.

Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication.
Near Al Shaddadi, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS vehicle and damaged a heavy weapon.
Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Thursday 2 November: Tornados conducted operations in the same area [Al Qaim], and successfully bombed a building in which a Daesh observation post was stationed, attempting to direct mortar fire against Iraqi ground forces.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS076

Incident date

June 11, 2015

Location

سلوك, Suluk, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.60534, 39.12188 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to nine civilians were killed by US aircraft at Slouk in Raqaa’s suburbs.

Al Hal quoted Abu Ibrahim Al Raquaou of the group Raqaa is Being Slaughtered Silently as saying that as part of an operation to clear Slouk of Daesh militants, Coalition planes had “targeted IS machinery near the Slouk Front and its operations killed several civilians, amongst them two women and several children in their homes in the town.” Others reported that the dead were all from one family.

The head of the family was later named as Yusuf Al Sayid, who according to RBSS died alongside his two wives and five children.

A single source also reported that another civilian male, was killed nearby in a strike at Junction Alkntra.

On January 15th 2016, CENTCOM conceded that US aircraft had killed at least three civilians during this strike: “On June 11, 2015, near Soluk, Syria, during strikes against an ISIL tactical unit, it is assessed that three unidentified civilians were killed.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (8)

Yusuf Al Sayid
Adult male killed
Wife 1 of Yusuf Al Sayid
Adult female killed
Wife 2 of Yusuf Al Sayid
Adult female killed
Child 1 of Yusuf Al Sayid
Child killed
Child 2 of Yusuf Al Sayid
Child killed
Child 3 of Yusuf Al Sayid
Child killed
Child 4 of Yusuf Al Sayid
Child killed
Child 5 of Yusuf Al Sayid
Child killed

The victims were named as:

Adult killed nearby in a strike at Junction Alkntra killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (3–5 children2 women2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Residents of Tal Abyad region reportedly fleeing fighting between Islamic State and YPG Kurds June 13th 2015 (SNN)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest town at 36.59539, 39.128559

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
    3
  • Stated location
    near Soluk, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEA109511
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 15, 2016
  • On June 11, 2015, near Soluk, Syria, during strikes against an ISIL tactical unit, it is assessed that three unidentified civilians were killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Heavy coalition was reported at Raqaa. For June 10th-11th 2015 CJTF-OIR noted: “Near Ar Raqqah, seven airstrikes struck six ISIL tactical units, destroying seven ISIL improvised rocket assisted munitions, two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL resupply points, two ISIL VBIEDs, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL VBIED warehouse.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (3–5 children2 women2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1792a

Incident date

August 25, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57114, 40.94263 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 three civilians and the injuring of a fourth in an event near Hajin.

In its November 2018 monthly report, the alliance noted the following: “On Aug. 25, 2018, near Hajin Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft struck a known ISIS safe house. Unfortunately, one civilian was unintentionally injured, and three were unintentionally killed during the attack. The safe house was destroyed.”

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

Local sources reported on air- and artillery strikes on Hajin which could be related to the same incident. According to @NorsForStudies, the Coalition used phosphorus shells in an attack on Hajin town, while @soundandpic blamed SDF for intensive artillery bombardments and described the burning of dozens of houses resulting “light bombs in the sky”. Jisr TV blamed the Kurdish as well. 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ 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
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Hajin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU782272
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018
  • On Aug. 25, 2018, near Hajin Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft struck a known ISIS safe house. Unfortunately, one civilian was unintentionally injured, and three were unintentionally killed during the attack. The safe house was destroyed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition publicly reported the following at the time: "On August 25 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes consisting of three engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, three strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, and destroyed one Daesh supply route, one Daesh-held building and one Daesh vehicle."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘In the fight against terrorist organization ISIS, Dutch F-16s supported ground troops between August 22nd-29th during 10 missions over the Syrian province of Deir Ezzor.‘

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 29-08-2018 | 12:00 In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 10 missies boven de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 22 tot 29 augustus 2018.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For August 22nd – 28th, France reports that Task Force Wagram carried out six shooting missions in the Euphrates Valley. Since the beginning of its engagement, the it carried out 1870 shooting missions. Over the past week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal carried out 26 air sorties in support of the local forces engaged on the ground – but there were no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS), après avoir repris cet été la poche de Dashisha, sont actuellement dans une phase de réorganisation avant de lancer leur offensive dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, tout en accompagnant, dans les régions libérées récemment, le retour d’une forme d’administration. L’objectif, pour les FDS, est de permettre le retour à la vie normale et d’éviter le retour de Daech dans ces zones. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, si Daech a mené quelques attaques isolées cette semaine, la situation sécuritaire demeure relativement stable du fait de l’action des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) qui allie opérations de sécurisation et actions de rétablissement des infrastructures essentielles au retour à la vie normale de la population. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Alors que la frégate de défense aérienne « Chevalier Paul » patrouille en Méditerranée orientale, la TF Wagram et les aéronefs déployés sur les bases de Jordanie et des Emirats arabes unis (EAU) ont poursuivi leurs missions d’appui à la coalition. Un Atlantique 2 basé en Jordanie renforce le dispositif. Le C135 ravitailleur basé aux EAU a quitté le théâtre le 29 août. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Six missions de tir ont eu lieu cette semaine (bilan du 22 au 28 août inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1870 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux Emirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech au sein de la coalition. Une patrouille de Rafale a frappé, le 6 août dernier, deux entrées de grottes dans la région d’Al Qaim en Irak où tentaient de se dissimuler des combattants de Daech. Parmi ces derniers il s’est avéré que se trouvaient deux cadres importants de l’organisation : le chef des opérations pour la région de l’Anbar ainsi que le responsable financier pour la même région qui ont été tous deux neutralisés. Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 26 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 22 au 28 août inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8410 sorties / 1456 frappes / 2247 objectifs neutralisés.'

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1701a

Incident date

December 24, 2017

Location

near Kharayij, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.35092, 40.71575 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 death of three civilians in an event near near Kharayij, Syria.

In its May 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted “Coalition aircraft conducted strikes on a Daesh weapons storage facility and Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strikes.”

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

In May 2020, the Pentagon confirmed this to have been a US military action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

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
    3
  • Stated location
    near Kharayij, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU578024
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2019
  • Dec. 24, 2017, near Kharayij, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted strikes on a Daesh weapons storage facility and Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strikes.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

On Dec. 24 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of six
engagements against ISIS targets.
- Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed a heavy
machine gun and three ISIS vehicles.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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

Incident Code

CS107

Incident date

July 28, 2015

Location

كفرهند, Kafr Hind, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.08287, 36.42899 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A US targeted air strike (possibly by drone) aimed at four al-Nusra Front suspects traveling in a vehicle also killed up to 10 civilians including six children. The US has admitted three deaths in the event.

Reporting at the time was somewhat confused. Some sources said a vehicle was wrongly targeted killing four civilians. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted ‘the reported death of civilians who happened to be in the area during the airstrike’ on a senior al-Nusra figure. Activists named two militants killed as Abu Jalmoud Aalkamdasi and Abu Obeida Al Yemeni.

Following an investigation, the Syrian Network concluded that the strike had killed eight civilians: “The [ISIL] vehicle was near a fuel shop and hence a fuel tank exploded and 8 civilians were killed including 6 children.”

Exactly one year after the event, CENTCOM released the following statement: “On July 28, 2015, near Idlib, Syria, during a strike on a senior Khorasan Group advisor, it is assessed that three civilians were killed and one vehicle destroyed when their vehicle appeared in the target area after the Coalition aircraft released its weapon.”

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

The incident occured at 15:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

14 years old male killed
16 years old male killed
16 years old male killed
21 years old male killed
9 years old male killed
5 years old male Displaced from al Kintar town in Jisr al Shoughour suburbs killed
8 years old male Displaced from al Kintar town in Jisr al Shoughour suburbs killed
28 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 10
  • (6 children2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • Map showing the exact location of the strike. [Via: SN4HR August 11th, 2015 report]
  • Ten civilians reportedly died when this fuel station was caught in a US airstrike on July 28 2015 (via SN4HR)
  • Aftermath of a US targeted strike in Syria on July 28 which killed at least 4 civilians (via Shaam News)
  • Smoke rising from the location of the strike. [Via: SN4HR August 11th, 2015 report]
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic: An image of one of the bodies charred as a result of the alleged coalition strike in Kafr Hind. [Via: SN4HR August 11th, 2015 report]
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic: unidentified body parts charred as a result of the strike on Kafr Hind. [Via: SN4HR August 11th, 2015 report]
  • Image of the Al Nusra Front car that was burnt and destroyed in the strike. [Via: SN4HR August 11th, 2015 report]
  • Image of the al Nusra Front car that was hit in the strike, killing 4 al Nusra operatives in addition to up to 10 civilians standing by. [Via: SN4HR August 11th, 2015 report]
  • Video showing the aftermath of the strike on the Al Nusra car in Kafr Hind. [via : Bilalo Bilal youtube account]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village as 36.08387, 36.4262

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
    3
  • Stated location
    near Idlib, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SBV685962
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 28, 2016
  • On July 28, 2015, near Idlib, Syria, during a strike on a senior Khorasan Group advisor, it is assessed that three civilians were killed and one vehicle destroyed when their vehicle appeared in the target area after the Coalition aircraft released its weapon.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The US has confirmed an airstrike targeting al-Nusra on July 28th 2015: “Separately, on July 28 near Salqin, Syria, U.S. military forces conducted one airstrike against a network of veteran al-Qaida operatives, sometimes called the “Khorasan Group,” who are plotting external attacks against the United States and our allies. The airstrike struck a tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 10
  • (6 children2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS195

Incident date

April 1, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95268, 39.00776 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A targeted airstrike on Daesh officials in vehicles outside the Al Nour mosque in Al Daraiyeh also killed up to five civilians and injured as many as 30 more.

The US later admitted responsibility for the attack, noting: “near Raqqah, Syria, against ISIL tactical unit, it is assessed that three civilians were killed after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon.

According to Bas News, “a US drone today struck two cars belonging to Daesh leaders in Raqqa after Friday prayer near Al Nour mosque in the city centre. Activists confirmed that the bombing resulted in the deaths of three senior leaders of the organization, one of Iraqi nationality, as well as wounding more than ten others. Daash sites confirmed the news of the raid and resulting deaths.”

But Enabaladi reported Al A’amaq as saying that “Three civilians were killed and others injured when a drone targeted a mosque in the city of Raqqa, during Friday prayers.” And Syria News Desk claimed five non-combatants died.

Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered later named Hamidi Abboud al Hamidi as a civilian killed in the attack.

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:

Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • Civilians reported injured
    30
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • The Al Nour mosque in Raqqa after it was hit in a likely Coalition targeted strike April 1st (via Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered)
  • Hamidi Abboud al Hamidi (via RBSS)
  • Photos of the damage caused at Al Nour mosque and the surrounding area following a raid by a drone. (via RBSS)
  • Photos of the damage caused at Al Nour mosque and the surrounding area following a raid by a drone. (via RBSS)
  • Photos of the damage caused at Al Nour mosque and the surrounding area following a raid by a drone. (via RBSS)
  • Photos of the damage caused at Al Nour mosque and the surrounding area following a raid by a drone. (via RBSS)
  • Photos of the damage caused at Al Nour mosque and the surrounding area following a raid by a drone. (via RBSS)

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:

  • Suspected 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
    3
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV007787
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • against ISIL tactical unit, it is assessed that three civilians were killed after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 1st-2nd, the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, one strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • Civilians reported injured
    30
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI357

Incident date

November 29, 2016

Location

Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.36459, 43.1954 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of three civilians near Mosul.

Their January 2017 civilian casualty report noted “During a strike on ISIL fighters it is assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area just prior to the munition’s impact.”

This incident may be related to CI356.

Al Rafidain published a video on the day (probably originating from ISIL) which showed significant damage to a west Mosul neighbourhood, along with dead and injured civilians. Local journalist Zyaad Alsenjary claimed civilian homes had been targeted.

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Bloody video shows the aftermath of the bombing of coalition allegedly aircraft on the industrial area on the right side of Mosul (via @rafidenchannel)

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
    3
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF381259
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2017
  • Nov. 29, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq: During a strike on ISIL fighters it is assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area just prior to the munition’s impact.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 28th-29th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units; destroyed five mortar systems, three ISILheld buildings, three vehicles, three VBIEDs, two front-end loaders, a VBIED factory, and a command and control node; suppressed three tactical units; and damaged five supply routes and two pieces of road construction equipment.”

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1703

Incident date

December 28, 2017

Location

تل الذهب, Tal Al Thahab or Tal Al Shayr, Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95669, 41.20882 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians died in an alleged Coalition strike on Tal Al Thahab or Tal Al Shayr, near the Syrian-Iraqi border, according to local sources on the ground.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “three civilians from the same family, including a child and a woman, were killed as International Coalition warplanes fired missiles on Tal al Thahab village in Hasaka governorate southern suburbs, on December 28, 2017.

Al Hasaka Arabea, named victims as Daham al-Haran and his wife and one of his sons.

Zaman ALwasl reported that “local sources said that helicopters of the International Coalition carried out a landing in order to arrest a leader of the Islamic State living in the village of Tel Al-Dahab. There was a clash during the operation, killing a civilian resident named Daham al-Oran al-Baalu along with his son and wife. Sources added that Coalition forces kidnapped the rest of the family of the victims and transferred them to the US base in the city of Shaddadi”.

The Coalition later confirmed that it had killed three and injured two civilians that day in the area.

Their May 2018 civilian casualty report noted: “During an attack two civilians were unintentionally injured and three civilians were unintentionally killed when they crossed into the impact area.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location for this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box. The location given placed the event in the Tal al Shayr area.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Daham al-Haran
Adult male killed
Wife of Daham al-Haran
female killed
Son of Daham al-Haran
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ 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
    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
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Rayhaniyah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV992814
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018
  • December 28, 2017, near Rayhaniyah, Syria, via self-report. During an attack two civilians were unintentionally injured and three civilians were unintentionally killed when they crossed into the impact area.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For December 27th-28th, the Coalition reported: ” Near Abu Kamal, 10 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed three ISIS vehicles, a heavy machine gun, an ISIS line of communication and a logistics center.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]