US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Civilians in the ruins of Mosul city. (Maranie R. Staab)

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CS1013

Incident date

June 16, 2017

Location

كسرة شيخ (جمعة), Kasrat Sheikh (Juma'a), Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.905278, 38.963889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians died in Kasrat Juma’a village, Raqqa, according to local sources. Reports blamed Coalition airstrikes and SDF/Coalition artillery. Some other reports said that one of the victims was killed by an SDF sniper.

According to Q_Alenzy, a Coalition airstrike targeted “the house of Mustafa al-Ahmad al-Muhaimid”. Other sources also said that a large number of civilian homes in the area were struck.

Ali Hamad Al Nijm was named as killed by Al Ragga Truth following the “bombing” of his home. However, according to Sharqiya voice, a YPG sniper killed Ali Hamad Al Nijm and also injured a child.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights also blamed an SDF “sniper stationed in the outskirts of Kesret al Sheikh Jom’a village” for Ali Hamad Al Nijm’s death.

But to add to the confusion, another report by SN4HR reported that the child, Mahmoud al Najm, died in a Coalition raid – though said that he was killed and his brothers injured “during a bombardment by the YPG militia”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mahmoud al Najm
Child male killed
Ali Hamad Al Nijm
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Ali Hamad Al Nijm, killed in a bombing on his home or - according to some source - by a YPG sniper in Kasrat al Jumaa, June 16/17th (via Al Ragga Truth)
  • Mahmoud Ibrahim al-Hamad al Najim was reportedly killed by the contested shelling of the village of Kasrat Al Sheikh al Jumaa, Raqqa (via Al Ragga Truth)
  • Aftermath of the contested shelling targeting Qusra Sheikh al Jumaa, Raqqa (via al Ragga Truth)
  • Aftermath of the contested shelling targeting Qusra Sheikh al Jumaa, Raqqa (via al Ragga Truth)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Kasrat Juma’a, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV967734
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 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

For June 16th-17th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 25 strikes engaged 21 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 34 fighting positions, three tunnels, three mortar systems, two vehicles and a VBIED facility.” It was additionally reported that “On June 16, near Raqqah, Syria, eight strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed four fighting positions, two ISIS headquarters, two VBIED facilities, and two VBIEDs; and suppressed a sniper team.”

For June 17th-18th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 12 fighting positions, two tunnels and a VBIED.” It additionally reported that “On June 17, near Raqqah, Syria, 13 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, two command and control nodes, a VBIED, a tunnel, and a sniper position.” And that “On June 17, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and two snipers; destroyed two ISIS headquarters, two mortar systems, an anti-air artillery system, a VBIED facility, and an ISIS staging area; and damaged 11 fighting positions.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For June 14th-20th, 19 strikes were made by French aircraft in Iraq and Syria. Most of them were carried out during the Battle of Mosul, in support of the Iraqi fighters engaged in the fighting to drive ISIL out of its positions in the North of the Medina. The other strikes were carried out in support of the fighting for the capture of Raqqah, and against flows of arms and fighters in Iraq and Syria.]

Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 34 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 19 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie. La majeure partie d’entre elle ont été réalisées dans le cadre de la bataille de Mossoul, en appui des combattants irakiens engagés dans les combats pour chasser Daech de ses positions au Nord de la Médina. Les autres frappes ont été réalisées en appui des combats pour la prise de Raqqah, et contre des flux d’armes et de combattants en Irak et en Syrie.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

riday 16 June – Typhoons bombed two Daesh positions in Raqqa, while Tornados and Typhoons attacked five positions in Mosul…Typhoons were again in action over Raqqa on Friday 16 June, when they bombed two further Daesh positions. Typhoons and Tornados, flying as mixed pairs, employed one Brimstone missile and four Paveway IVs to eliminate two machine-gun teams and three other Daesh strongpoints.

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1036

Incident date

June 19, 2017

Location

جامع الفواز, Al Fawaz mosque, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.951409, 39.012289 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that a number of people were killed and several more were injured following artillery fire allegedly carried out by the US-led Coalition on the area surrounding Al Fawaz Mosque on Tel Abyad Street.

Three of the seven sources alleged that SDF militia units were responsible whereas the remaining four did not apportion blame, but explicitly mentioned artillery fire. However, only the Coalition reports using artillery on Raqqa.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV011785
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 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

For June 18th-19th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed four vehicles, two fighting positions, two mortar systems, a VBIED, a tactical vehicle, and a heavy machine gun.” It additionally reported that “On June 18, near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units, destroyed eight fighting positions and a mortar system, and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” And that “On June 18, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed five fighting positions; damaged eight fighting positions; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

For June 19th-20th: “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed 15 fighting positions and a vehicle.” It additionally reported that “On June 19, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position and a UAS launch site.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For June 14th-20th, 19 strikes were made by French aircraft in Iraq and Syria. Most of them were carried out during the Battle of Mosul, in support of the Iraqi fighters engaged in the fighting to drive ISIL out of its positions in the North of the Medina. The other strikes were carried out in support of the fighting for the capture of Raqqah, and against flows of arms and fighters in Iraq and Syria.

Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 34 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 19 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie. La majeure partie d’entre elle ont été réalisées dans le cadre de la bataille de Mossoul, en appui des combattants irakiens engagés dans les combats pour chasser Daech de ses positions au Nord de la Médina. Les autres frappes ont été réalisées en appui des combats pour la prise de Raqqah, et contre des flux d’armes et de combattants en Irak et en Syrie.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI784

Incident date

June 23, 2017

Location

المدينة القديمة, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.345859, 43.130101 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians in an attack on Mosul’s Old City.

Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS mortar position, it was assessed that two civilians, were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area after the munition was released.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location for this incident, accurate to within a one metre box. The location given placed the event on Nabi Jorjis street.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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
    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
    2
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF3220023933
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 1, 2017
  • June 23, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS mortar position, it was assessed that two civilians, were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area after the munition was released.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 22nd-23rd, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed 16 fighting positions, eight medium machine guns, three mortar systems, an artillery system, an ISIS-held building, and a rocket-propelled grenade system; damaged a fighting position; and suppressed two mortar teams and an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionally reported that “On June 22, near Mosul, Iraq, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven vehicles, two medium machine guns, two rocket-propelled grenade systems, an ISIS staging area, a fighting positon, and a VBIED; and suppressed two mortar teams.”

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1117

Incident date

June 28, 2017

Location

الطيانة, Al Tayyana, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.021718, 40.866423 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one civilian male, but possibly as many as two, died in airstrikes on Al Tayyana, according to local media – though it was initially unclear whether the Coalition or Russia was responsible. The US-led alliance accepted responsibility in September 2017.

Five sources reported that only one fatality was caused by the airstrikes, however the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the higher number of two.

It also reported that the victim died “after warplanes targeted the area surrounding the oil wells” and the RFS Media Office reported that the bombing caused “the burning and destruction of a large number of tanks and burners”.

According to Baladi, “Warplanes, both Russian and allied, intensified raids on the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour, where a civilian was killed by raids targeting an area where oil tankers were gathering around the town of Tiyana on Wednesday.”

In its September 2017 casualty report, the Coalition stated: “June 28, 2017, near Mayadin, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on a convoy of ISIS oil trucks, it is was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed. After warning shots were fired, all truck drivers but one stopped, vacated their vehicles and moved a safe distance away. One truck continued driving and was subsequently destroyed and its driver presumed killed. The other vehicles in the area were abandoned after the warning shots were fired and subsequently destroyed with no assessed civilian casualties.”

Officials provided coordinates to Airwars – 35°01’18.2″N 40°51’59.1″E – which placed the event near Maleh, they said. This appears to be a match for this event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Iyad Hussein Al-Hameed.
Age unknown dentified by Euphrates Post killed

Summary

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

Sources (9) [ 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
    Inside target vehicle
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU7027977043
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 1, 2017
  • June 28, 2017, near Mayadin, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on a convoy of ISIS oil trucks, it is was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed. After warning shots were fired, all truck drivers but one stopped, vacated their vehicles and moved a safe distance away. One truck continued driving and was subsequently destroyed and its driver presumed killed. The other vehicles in the area were abandoned after the warning shots were fired and subsequently destroyed with no assessed civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 28th-29th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed 10 oil storage tanks, six oil trucks, two fuel trailers, an well head, a piece of oil processing equipment and an ISIS headquarters.”

Summary

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

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI796

Incident date

July 2, 2017

Location

الموصل القديمة, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.34075, 43.126911 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two local sources reported the death of a young man, called Hakam Marwan Ghazi, after air strikes were said to have hit him the day before. His body was still under the rubble – and his family were not yet able to bury him.

Sawlf Ateka (local Facebook page) later reported that Mohammed Sharif (Abu Suhaib) had also died as a result of air strikes.

The sources did not say who had carried out the raids. A senior Coalition official informed Airwars on July 5th that “It is primarily Coalition aircraft conducting AIR strikes in Mosul. It has been a number of weeks since the Iraqis flew there.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hakam Marwan Ghazi
Adult male killed
Mohammed Sharif
Adult male also known as Abu Suhaib killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Mohammed Sharif (Abu Suhaib) died in air strikes on his house in Old Mosul (via Sawlf Ateka)
  • Hakam Marwan Ghazi (via Sawlf Ateka)
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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 26, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 1st-July 2nd the Coalition publicly reported: “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and a sniper team; destroyed 13 fighting positions, eight IEDs, three medium machine guns, and a supply cache; damaged 11 fighting positions; and suppressed four sniper teams and two ISIS tactical units.” It additionally reported that “On July 1, near Mosul, Iraq, one strike destroyed an ISIS-held building and damaged four supply routes.”

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1755

Incident date

May 28, 2018

Location

باغوز فوقاني, Al Baghouz, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source reported that three civilians were killed after an air raid targeted the village of al Baghouz.

Sound and Picture stated that the three civilians were killed after “air strikes from a combat aircraft coming from the Iraqi side” struck the village in the countryside of Abu Kamal.

While the source was alone in saying this, several other reports made mention of Coalition airstrikes on al Baghouz in which “several members of Daesh were killed”. Baladi News said that ‘dozens’ of ISIS fighters were injured.

In January 2019, the Coalition announced that it had classed the event as non credible due to a lack of available evidence of civilian harm: “After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.”

The incident was first reported on May 28, 2018 at 11:00 am by .

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Baghuz Fawqani (باغوز فوقاني), for which the coordinates are: 34.4641667, 40.9452778

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Stated location
    near al-Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU786153
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 31, 2019
  • May 28, 2018, near al-Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 28th, the Coalition publicly reported no airstrikes in Syria.

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1379a

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Location

Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.957289, 38.994414 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In Amnesty and Airwars’ joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, three civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition artillery strikes in Raqqa.

Although Airwars generally assesses single sourced incidents as “weak”, our researchers have assessed this incident “fair” due to the depth of material provided by Amnesty.

The Amnesty report noted that “Ahmad Mohammed al-Hammadi, a mathematics teacher, 65, his wife Zahra Mahammed al-Khamri, 50, and their son Abderrahman Ahmad al-Hammadi, 20, were killed by an artillery strike on their home. A month earlier their other son, Abdallah, was killed in another artillery strike while fetching water from a well.”

The daughter of the victim, Maha, told Amnesty in testimony that “Only me and my sister survived. We have no one left. My brother Abdallah was killed by the well when he went to fetch water, then my parents and my brother Aabderrahman, Abdallah’s twin, were killed when our home was hit by a shell.”

In July 2019 the Coalition announced that it had assessed this allegation of civilian harm to be non-credible. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The incident occured around midday.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Ahmad Mohammed al-Hammadi
65 years old male mathematics teacher killed
Zahra Mahammed al-Khamri
50 years old female wife of Ahmad killed
Abderrahman Ahmad al-Hammadi
20 years old male son of Ahmad and Zahra killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 woman2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Abderrahman Ahmad Al Hammadi, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 16th August 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Ahmad Mohammed Al Hammadi, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 16th August 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Zahra Mohammed Al Khamri, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 16th August 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Abderrahman Ahmad Al Hammadi, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 16th August 2017. (via Amnesty) He is with a member of his family, Abdallah Ahmad Al Hammadi, who was also killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 12th July 2017.
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Stated location
    in Raqqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV995792
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2019
  • Aug. 17, 2017, in Raqqa, Syria, via Amnesty International report. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 17 fighting positions, a
logistics node, an IED, a command and control node, an ISIS UAS and a vehicle.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 woman2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Incident Code

CS626a

Incident date

March 27, 2017

Location

Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.18221, 36.70481 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 injury of another in an incident near Idlib, Syria.

In its May 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted a strike against a Daesh vehicle. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed and one civilian was injured due to their proximity to the strike.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box. The location given placed the event near Sarmada.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

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
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Idlib, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SBA936066
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2019
  • Mar. 27, 2017, near Idlib, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted a strike against a Daesh vehicle. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed and one civilian was injured due to their proximity to the strike. (Not previously reported)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

On Mar. 27, Coalition military forces conducted 30 strikes consisting of 72 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 20 strikes consisting of 32 engagements against ISIS targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed two ISIS well heads.
• Near Al Shadaddi, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; and destroyed three tactical vehicles, three vehicles, two bulldozers, two front-end loaders, a VBIED, and a tank.
• Near Ar Raqqa, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; and destroyed eight barges, a vehicle, a front-end loader, and a truck and trailer.
• Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed 15 ISIS barges and three well heads.
• Near Tabqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; and destroyed a front-end loader and a vehicle.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]