US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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Incident Code

CI167

Incident date

December 25, 2015

Location

الفلوجة‎, Fallujah, General hospital, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

33.353889, 43.7925 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Fallujah’s General Hospital was cited as reporting that seven people were killed – including five children and one woman – following an alleged Coalition airstrike. Three women and a child were also said to have been injured.

However, the Iraqi Spring Media Center did not attribute the incident to any party. And artillery sheling of the city by Iraq Army forces was also reported.

In its July 2017 report the Coalition said it had classed the event as non credible on grounds of limited information: “Dec. 25, 2015, near Fallujah, Iraq, via Airwars report: The report contained insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • (5 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (6) [ 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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Fallujah, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition reported that for December 25th-26th 2015: “Near Fallujah, two strikes destroyed two ISIL tunnels, two ISIL improvised explosive device (IED) factories, and wounded an ISIL fighter.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • (5 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS221

Incident date

June 1, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ten named civilians were reported killed in afternoon airstrikes on the Al Mashlab neighbourhood of Raqqa.

According to the local Civil Defence, “four civilians were martyred due to successive airstrikes by coalition warplanes on Mashlab neighbourhood according to local source.” The Syrian Observatory reported 10 civilian deaths from airstrikes in Al Mashlab and elsewhere in Raqqa, though did not attribute responsibility.

Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered also reported 10 deaths, most of whom it named: “The raids targeted the following sites: The houses of Ali Bashir, Mohammad Alkajwan and Ahmed al-Huwaidi, Al-Halisat mosque and the shops of Alkajwan family.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the Assad regime, putting the death toll at 10 including one child and two women.

Al Raqqa also said the regime were responsible, as did the Pride Revolution.

A Tweet by Aleppo Now alleged the Coalition were responsible: “coalition planes target al mashlab neighbourhood in raqqa – the biggest centre for Daesh – with several raids.”

RBSS published a number of reports on “warplanes” targeting the Al Mashlab neighbourhood, but did not say who the planes belonged to.

They said that the following areas were targeted:

“1 – the hospitality areaof al Sheikh Ali Al Bashir

2 – the house of Hammoud al Kajwan

3- the house of Mr. Ahmad al Huwaidi

4- near al Kajwan shops.”

However, Raqqa News Network said that this was a Russian incident:

“Treacherous Russian warplanes launched four raids on the city of Raqqa targeting the neighborhood of al Mashlab.”

While the Coalition has confirmed carrying out strikes in the vicinity of raw on June 1st, these appear to have targeted nearby oil facilities rather than the city itself. Both the Assad regime and Russia may also have been responsible.

In the first of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ali Alkajwan
Age unknown male killed
Ali Alkajwan's nephew
Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

Mohammed Jerkh
Age unknown male killed
Walid Jerkh
Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

A woman from Mustafa Al Obied family
Age unknown female killed
A woman from Mustafa Al Obied family
Age unknown female killed

Family members (1)

Hammoud al Kajwan and his family
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Ahmed al-Huwaidi
Age unknown male killed
Hassan Alharweel
Age unknown male killed
Tamer Marzouk
Age unknown male killed
Issa Alkajwan
Age unknown male killed
Mahmoud Alkajwan
Age unknown male killed
Ahmad Alharweel
Adult male killed
Adel al Jarakh
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Ahmad al Huwaidi (via RBSS)
  • Translation: regime planes launched 4 raids this afternoon targeting al Mashlab neighbourhood which led to the death of an entire family. (via Newsffffff)
  • Translation: raqqa - coalition planes target al mashlab neighbourhood in raqqa - the biggest centre for Daesh - with several raids.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV043777
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020

  • June 1, 2016, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2966/CS221 37SEV043777

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition reports for June 1st-2nd 2016 that “Near Ar Raqqah, three strikes destroyed six ISIL oil pump jacks and an ISIL crane.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS242

Incident date

June 27, 2016

Location

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.5269242, 37.9559288 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to seven civilians from one family were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Manbij, according to multiple sources.

Manbij Mother of the World placed the death toll at 7, though the Syrian Network reported that four died – including 2 children.

However a local activist (whose account is now suspended by Twitter) challenged the claim: “The news of the death of an entire family in their home near al Sharia school west of the town is a lie. There are no civilians there as some of them fled and others are taking refuge inside the city.”

In the second of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 7
  • (2 children)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Translation: the news of the death of an entire family in their home near al Sharia school west of the town is a lie. There are no civilians there as some of them fled and others are taking refuge inside the city (via Hodhod_Minbig1).

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA065429
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020

  • June 27, 2016, in Manbij, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2983/CS242 37SDA065429

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 26th-27th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Manbij, seven strikes struck five separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL tunnels and damaged an ISIL fighting position and denied ISIL access to terrain.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Monday 27 June – Typhoons provided close air support to Syrian democratic forces fighting in Manbij…On Monday 27 June, while Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s conducted reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence on Daesh activity, Typhoon FGR4s and Reaper remotely piloted aircraft provided support to both Syrian democratic forces and Iraqi units. The same day, in Syria, a pair of Typhoons conducted a successful attack with Paveway IV guided bombs against a Daesh strongpoint on the south-western outskirts of Manbij.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 7
  • (2 children)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI267

Incident date

July 16, 2016

Location

الحويجة, Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.3240179, 43.77335 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged Coalition strike targeted the house of an ISIL commander named as Abu Hajar, said to be from Diyala province, also reportedly killed his whole family according to a single source.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 15th-17th 2016, no Coalition strikes were publicly reported in the Hawijah area.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS291

Incident date

August 8, 2016

Location

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.5269242, 37.9559288 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

There were claims that two children died in northern Manbij as a result of Coalition strikes, though few specific details have emerged. The originator of the story may have been Al A’Amaq (ISIL’s news arm) which reported: “Urgent: two children killed following a US raid on north of Manbij city.”

According to Shaam News, “very violent battles are raging between IS and SDF forces in the city of Manbij where the latter now controls the majority of the city’s neighborhoods – with ISIL now trapped in the eastern neighborhoods. It is worth mentioning that SDF has offered for the third time safe passage for ISIL in return for surrender. As part of the battle, raids by international coalition aircraft caused the martyrdom of two civilian children north of the city.“

In their May 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that the allegation provided insufficient information on the timing and location of the strike to make a determination.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA065429
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020

  • Aug. 8, 2016, near Manbij, Syria via Airwars report. The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility. 3027/CS291 37SDA065429

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 7th-8th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Manbij, four strikes struck four separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions.”

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI286

Incident date

September 16, 2016

Location

الزاوية, Zawiyah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.2579968, 42.2034645 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An unspecified number of civilian casualties may have occurred near Haditha Dam following a reported strike on an imminent ISIL assault.

According to El Nel News, Coalition aircraft bombed a gathering of Daesh militants, killing dozens of terrorists and foiling an attack on the perimeter of Haditha Dam in Anbar province in western Iraq.

Yaqein said civilians died in a Coalition strike in the Hawiyah are near Haditha, which may be the same incident. The Iraqi Spring Media Centre also referenced a Coalition strike, which it said resulted in an unspecified number of deaths and injuries.

Given reported British actions in the near region that day, Airwars flagged the incident to the UK’s MoD which said ” we can confirm that there was no UK involvement in the event.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SKC424943
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020

  • Sept. 16, 2016, in Zawiyah, Iraq via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3039/CI286 38SKC424943

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 16th-17th 2016, the Coalition publicly reported no actions near Haditha, though did declare strikes in Anbar at Ramadi and Hit: ” “Near Hit, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a building… Near Ramadi, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and a staging area and destroyed a fighting position and a building.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI314

Incident date

November 1, 2016

Location

الكرامة, Karama (Mosul), Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3435269, 43.2140027 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to a single local report that a family was killed by airstrikes in Karama, Mosul.

Mosul Eye reported, an entire family was killed during a bombardment in Al-Karama neighbourhood. It said that no information about their number was available.

No additional details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ 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
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Karama, Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 27, 2018

  • 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
Official source

For October 31st-November 1st, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units; destroyed nine vehicles, a VBIED, and a VBIED facility; damaged 20 vehicles; and damaged a tunnel.”

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI332

Incident date

November 10, 2016

Location

حمام العليل, Mosul, Hamam al Alil subdistrict, Nineveh, Iraq

Airwars assessment

A UN report on the protection of civilians in the context of Nineveh operations and the retaking of Mosul stated: on 10 November: An airstrike reportedly hit Hamam al-Alil subdistrict of Mosul. Six members of one family (a married couple with four children) were killed and two other family members (a girl and a woman) were wounded. The family had been forcibly relocated by ISIL from Safina village, al- Qayyarah subdistrict of Mosul district, on the same date.

Airwars researchers have so far identified no known public allegations of civilians killed or injured relating to this incident.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF434035
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020

  • Nov. 10, 2016, in Hamam al Alil, Iraq via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3064/CI332 38SLF434035

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 9th-10, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, seven strikes [1 British] engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed five ISIL-held buildings, four vehicles, three mortar systems, three medium machine guns, four tunnels, two VBIEDs; damaged two supply routes, a solar panel, a rocket-propelled grenade, a VBIED facility, and a fighting position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]