US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident Code

CS303

Incident date

August 29, 2016

Location

البصيرة, Al Besera, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.15618, 40.42716 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Syrian Observatory reported that 6 civilians died and 25 were injured when an alleged Coalition strike hit an internet cafe in the town of al-Besera. However in response to a query from Airwars, the Coalition stated that “We can confirm there were no coalition strikes at the location you have indicated. Per our strike log, there was one coalition strike near Abu Kamal and one strike near Ar Raqqah on 29 August.”

According to the Observatory, “SOHR activists were informed that Coalition warplanes targeted an internet cafe on the outskirts of al-Besera town which killed 6 young men and wounded no less than 25 others from al-Zer village. The number of the dead is likely to rise.

The Coalition reported for the day that “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed inoperable coalition equipment.” Asked to further clarify, a spokesperson told Airwars: “On 29 August a coalition strike destroyed non-mission capable coalition equipment that malfunctioned. The equipment was struck and destroyed on 29 August. There was no further damage from this strike.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–25
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ 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

For August 28th-29th 2016, the Coalition reported one strike in Deir Ezzor province: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIL wellhead.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–25
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS329

Incident date

October 6, 2016

Location

جسر السياسية, Al Siassah Bridge [exact location], Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3416472, 40.1565796 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was killed when warplanes bombed Al Siassah bridge over the Euphrates river in Deir Ez-Zawr, it was widely claimed.

Reports cited both Coalition and Russian forces, although CENTCOM reported the destruction of two supply routes in Deir Ezzor for October 5th-6th.

Sham News Network reported that “Russian planes bombed al Siassah bridge, which leads to the city of Deir Ezzor.” It cited activists who said the raids destroyed part of the bridge, causing cars to fall into the Euphrates river, killing one person and leaving several civilians wounded.

Local sources reported that Subhi al Souweij (aka Subhi al A’kla) was killed in Russian Strikes on the bridge. Other reports, including from ARA News and Radio al Kul News, also blamed Russian sorties for the bombing of the bridge, which reportedly had been targeted for several days. ISIL’s media arm Al A’maq published a video of the bridge, showing part of it destroyed. It also attributed the airstrike to Russia, but did not mention any civilian casualties.

However, Step News Agency reported that “warplanes believed to belong to the international Coalition” targeted al Siassah bridge.

All4Syria blamed yet another party – “regime fighter jets” – for putting the bridge out of service, which it described as a “vital artery” to Deir Ezzor city.

Given reported British actions in the area 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. However given the limited information given by the MoD on its strikes in Syria that day, Airwars has requested further clarification.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Subhi al Huweij
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Subhi al A’kla otherwise known as Subhi al Huweij killed in the air raid that targeted al Siassa bridge (via Deir Ezzor and Raqqa legal network).
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 Dayr Az Zawr, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area of the reported civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 5th-6th CENTCOM reported “Near Dayr az Zawr, two strikes destroyed an ISIL oil well head and damaged two supply routes.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS348

Incident date

October 24, 2016

Location

تل أسود, Tall Aswad, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.29197, 37.98854 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Manbij Mother of All the World initially reported what it said were Coalition strikes on Tal Aswad, targeting a reservoir. In a subsequent report, it said a “massacre” had been committed “against two familes as a result of wrong information from the Kurdish units in the village.” It named four victims.

A report by the Military Committee for Manbij noted that strikes in Tal Aswad had “killed dozens” of members of IS.

The Syrian Netowrk reported three civilians had died “due to International Coalition warplanes” firing missiles on Tal Aswad. Subsequent reports, however, put the toll higher: Baladi Network reported 4 civilians “martyred in international coalition raids”; Aleppo 24 put the toll at 5 civilians killed, including three girls. Halab Today also reported at least 5 victims, including three girls, and identified Dr. al Abd as a veterinarian. The latest post by Manbij Mother of All the World put the total number of dead and injured at 10. The Manbij Documentation Agency reported “7 martyrs.”

However, additional reporting by the Syrian Observatory put the death toll at 5; Halab Today TV said that all three girls were the daughters of Khalaf af Farhan.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (7)

Dr. Mahmoud al Mustapha al Abd
31 years years old male Veterinarian killed
Osama al Mustapha al Abd
21 years years old male killed
Dr. Mahmoud's sister
Age unknown female injured
Abboud al Mustapha al Abd
Age unknown male injured
Abboud al Mustapha al Abd's wife
Age unknown female injured
Osama Mustapha al Abd
15 years years old male killed
Mustapha Mahmoud al Abd
37 years years old male killed

Family members (2)

Khalaf al Farhan's daughter
Age unknown female killed
Khalaf al Farhan's daughter
Age unknown female One of her feet was amputated as a result of the bombing injured

The victims were named as:

Mostapha al Mahmoud
4 years years old male killed
Mahmoud al Yasin al Dalik's wife
Age unknown female Died November 24th of wounds sustained in attack killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 9
  • (3–5 children1 woman3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Translation: at least five people killed including a vet and three girls after coalition planes raided the village of Tal Aswad south of Manbij in the Aleppo countryside
  • One of the victims of the air strike (via Manbij mother of all the world)
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 Tal Aswad, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area of the reported civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 23rd-24th, the Coalition reported “Near Manbij, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle.” For October 24th-25th, the Coalition reported “Near Mar’a, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions, a mortar system, and a vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 9
  • (3–5 children1 woman3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI326

Incident date

November 7, 2016

Location

السلام, Mosul, Al Salam, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.304558, 43.201711 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

14 civilians were killed by alleged Coalition strikes, according to local sources.

IBN News reported the deaths of 14 civilians who were mistakenly hit in a Coalition raid in southeast Mosul. However, the Coalition later denied responsibility.

IBN cited a medical source who said the dead included women and children. Iraqi Spring Media Center and al Jazeera also reported the deaths of 14 civilians. Al Araby added that 9 civilians were wounded.

A Coalition report issued January 2nd 21017 noted: Nov. 7, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that no civilians were harmed in this strike.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ 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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • The report contained insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 6th-7th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, seven strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units and three staging areas; destroyed 16 vehicles, seven mortar systems, three weapons caches, two ISIL-held buildings, an ISIL headquarters building, and a training facility; damaged two ISIL supply routes; degraded three ISIL tunnels; and suppressed two ISIL tactical units.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI356

Incident date

November 29, 2016

Location

الصناعة, Mosul, industrial district, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3434064, 43.1966972 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to one or two sources reported that civilians were killed or injured by targeting industry neighbourhood inside Mosul followed the alleged Coalition airstrikes.

Other sources said the casualties occurred were amongst ISIL fighters.

No additional details are presently known.

In their June 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
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected 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 aircraft on the industrial area on the right side of Mosul (via @rafidenchannel)
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
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF381235
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 24, 2020
  • Nov. 29, 2016, in Mosul, 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. 3076/CI356 38SLF381235

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI373

Incident date

December 15, 2016

Location

أحياء النور والفلاح والقدس شر, Mosul, Northeast, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3446163, 43.2249784 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

More than a dozen civilians – and possibly more than 40 – were reported killed in eastern Mosul.

Yaqein reported that 15 civilians were killed by a missile on the east side of Mosul, all from the same family – though a source it cited put the death toll lower, at 12. It did not say who was responsible but noted that the deaths came amid fighting in the area.

A separate account posted on Naynawaalghad.tv indicated that a higher number – over 40 civilians, including women and children – were killed as a result of air and artillery bombardments. That account and others referenced victims still being trapped under rubble and isolated from rescuers due to continued fighting.

In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other incidents in December 2016, Coalition officials requested additional information concerning the alleged event.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 40
  • 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 (5) [ 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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • The report contained insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For December 14th-15th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position; suppressed 11 ISIL tactical units and 13 mortar teams.”

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
    12 – 40
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI414

Incident date

January 11, 2017

Location

المالية, Mosul, Maliyah, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3427151, 43.1594467 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that Coalition airstrikes bombed a house in Maliyah neighborhood, at the left side of Mosul during an operation to retake it. Up to 17 civilians were killed and five others injured, mostly women and children from the same family who were inside the house at the time of the strike.

Iraqyoon spoke of dozens of people killed or injured during the liberation operations on Wednesday. Nineveh Media Center said that a rocket-propelled grenade hit the house of a family of 17 people. Yaqein put the death toll at 19, all from one family. It said another 17 people were injured, some seriously.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 19
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    17
  • 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 (3) [ 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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF3473823538
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 2017
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For January 10th-11th the Coalition publicly noted: “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed four fighting positions, two vehicles, an ISIL-held building, and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher; and damaged 39 supply

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 19
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    17
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI437

Incident date

January 21, 2017

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Local sources said that several people were killed in several alleged Coalition airstrikes on al Qaim city, west of Anbar.

It was reported that Mustafa Hashim Mustafa Said Ahmed al-Rawi died as a result of the attack.

News of Iraq said that “an entire family” died in the raids.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mustafa Hashim Mustafa Said Ahmed al-Rawi
Age unknown male

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mustafa Hashim Mustafa Said Ahmed al-Rawi (via Qaem News)
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 Al Qa’im, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 2017
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For January 20th – 21st the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in Anbar province.

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]