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

CS437

Incident date

January 11, 2017

Location

دبسي عفنان, Debsi Afnan, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.8175348, 38.2162857 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and four civilians including a child were alleged killed in a Coalition airstrike on Debsi Afnan, according to some local sources.

Al Natek reported that four non-combatants died in a Coalition strike. And the Syrian Network said “at least two civilians including a child died in International Coalition warplanes missiles fired on Debsi Afnan village.” According to Syria News Desk, “Three civilians were killed and 4 others injured when an international coalition plane targeted with a raid a car they were in on the Aleppo – Raqqa motorway near the town of Debsi Afnan which is under IS control in the western Raqqa countryside. The raid led to the burning of the car entirely.”

SY_reported put the death toll at four and said that a woman was also injured. They blamed the Coalition.

Smart News said that the Coalition targeted “a civilian car near Al-Qadesiya street which killed three civilians and wounded others.”

According to Raqqa Post, “Coalition warplanes carried out a raid in the village of Debsi Afnan, at Al-Qadesiya street near the stands for selling oil. Two people died: a 12-year-old boy and an old man.”

Arabstoday and Asrar7days also reported the death of the child and man, and pointed towards the Coalition.

However while both Step News and ISIL mentioned Coalition strikes on Debsi Afnan, neither mentioned civilian casualties.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–4
  • 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 (21) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition strike on a xxx in Debsi Afnan, Jan 11th (via Raqqa Post)
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 Debsi Afnan (Raqqah), Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV2933963917
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 2017
  • 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 January 10th-11th 2017, the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, five strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed a front-end loader, a VBIED, a fighting position, and a tunnel entrance. Near Ayn Isa, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed a vehicle, five fighting positions, a command and control node, a VBIED, and a heavy machine gun.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–4
  • 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 (21) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS646

Incident date

March 30, 2017

Location

مزرعة تشرين, Tishreen farm, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.132398, 38.869372 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three or four civilians died in an alleged Coalition strike on Tishren farm, according to local sources.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently and the Syrian Network for Human Rights, blaming the Coalition, put the death toll at three.

However, Baladi, said that four civilians died, while Qasioun added that dozens more were injured.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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 (13) [ 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 Tishreen Farm, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017
  • 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 March 29th-30th, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; and destroyed five oil tanker trucks, three vehicles, two tractors, an oil trailer, and a tactical vehicle. Near Tabqah, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; and destroyed two fighting positions, a vehicle, and a tactical vehicle.”
For March 30th-31st, the Coalition reported: "Near Ar Raqqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a front-end loader. Near Tabqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; and destroyed a vehicle and a UAV."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI817

Incident date

July 30, 2017

Location

راوة, Rawah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.473919, 41.915991 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to residents and press, four civilians from the same family were killed in Rawa following an airstrike targeted their house.

The sources identified the victim family by name as Jamal Saeed Ali Abu Khalid 

None of the sources identified who was responsible for the airstrike.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Age unknown via Anqido Mudan al-Gharbyia killed
Age unknown via Anqido Mudan al-Gharbyia killed
Age unknown via Anqido Mudan al-Gharbyia killed
Age unknown via Anqido Mudan al-Gharbyia killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention residential areas in the town of Rawah (راوة). Due to limited information and satellite imagery available, Airwars was unable to verify the location of these areas. The generic coordinates for the town of Rawah (راوة) are: 34.473919, 41.915991.

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 July 29th-30th, the Coalition reported: “Near Rawah, one strike destroyed an ISIS fighting position, a VBIED and a VBIED facility.”

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1640

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Location

البدو, Clinics in Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.961778, 39.006083 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that four bodies were recovered from the Comprehensive Clinics area of Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred.

In their August 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
    4
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Bodies uncovered at the site of a mass grave. It is unclear when or how they died. (via Marsad Ar Raqqa)
  • Bodies uncovered at the site of a mass grave. It is unclear when or how they died. (via Marsad Ar Raqqa)
  • Bodies uncovered at the site of a mass grave. It is unclear when or how they died. (via Marsad Ar Raqqa)
  • Bodies uncovered at the site of a mass grave. It is unclear when or how they died. (via Marsad Ar Raqqa)
  • Bodies uncovered at the site of a mass grave. It is unclear when or how they died. (via Marsad Ar Raqqa)

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
    37SEV005797
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020
  • Oct. 17, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. The report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3155/CS1640 37SEV005797

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Date of event currently unknown

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1700

Incident date

December 22, 2017

Location

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6897222, 40.83 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and four civilians died and several others were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hajeen, according to local media. Sources said that the strike hit the car which the victims were in.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll at two, though most other sources said that three died. The Smart News Agency, also blaming the Coalition put the death toll at four.

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Thabet Alwais
Age unknown male killed
Attia Ibrahim Al-Duram
Age unknown

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a car in the village of Hajeen (هجين), for which the coordinates are: 34.6897222, 40.83 Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 34.68972, 40.83

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Hajin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU6762940159
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • Dec. 22, 2017, near Hajin, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 2563/S1499 37SFU6762940159

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For December 21st-22nd, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS vehicle and an ISIS staging area.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS014

Incident date

October 17, 2014

Location

خشام, Khusham, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3020098, 40.2914143 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An airstrike on a gas station near the Konoco gas refinery reportedly killed between three and four civilians.

A subsequent investigation by the Syrian Network for Human Rights later noted: “Around 7:00pm the international alliance warplanes targeted a gas station and an oil well in Deir Ezzor countryside which is located near Khasham town. the oil well is for Konico gas plant and it is three KM away from it. the shelling caused fires in a number of tanks. The airstrike killed three civilians who used to work in the oil trading field. Usually, many people come to this well to buy petrol and oil. Also we documented 11 injured including critical cases in addition to six who are still missing. Furthermore some ISIS military vehicles were damaged.”

Three killed civilians were later named by the VDC.

According to SN4HR and VDC, a fourth non-combatant, from Al-Jurathi town, was killed in a related coalition airstrike nearby.

Prompted by the US State Department six months later, CENTCOM re-examined claims of civilians killed at Khesham. Weapon system video from the time was reviewed and air crews interviewed.

Investigators finally concluded that there was “Insufficient evidence to determine CIVCAS.” Yet at the same time, they admitted to “limited video analysis” and “ntermittent visual contact with the ground.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Adult male Listed by VDC, from Al-Jurathi town killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    11
  • 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

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
    Khasham, Deir ez Zor Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2015
  • Insufficient evidence to determine CIVCAS. CFACC reviewed WSV. INTEL determined that the location was under strict ISIL control. The target was validated through the JTCB. Crews reported they did not observe any personnel on their targeting pod prior to weapon release. Given the limited video analysis available the CFACC assesses there is insufficient information to make a characterisation. Intermittent visual contact with the ground showed no personnel present in the target area. // CAOC conducted a deliberate strike on 16 Oct 14 on the Barghooth Crude Oil Collection Point

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

COALITION-ASSESSED CASUALTY INCIDENT

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    11
  • 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

RS2684 CS1666a

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Location

البوكمال, Abo Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.466049, 40.907593 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as four civilians were killed in Russian airstrikes according to local media, as well as a report by the Russian Ministry of Defence. However, one source reported “We do not know whether the bombing is Russian or Coalition”. Many other sources blamed the International Coalition for the strikes.

Some sources blamed Iraqi airstrikes, however Airwars understands this was most likely the International Coalition.

As many as 20 were reportedly wounded.

The Russian MOD reported that “Russia says it is for the third time in a row that the 6-millimeter Tulipov 6m22 launchers are still bombing the al-Bu Kamal “ ‘for the third day in a row its 6 launchers type Tulipov 6m22 are carrying out strikes on al Boukamal”.

Another source backed up this claim.

The houses of Saleh Obeid al Khalaf al Marsoumi and Riad Mohammed al-Daham al-Rahbi, were struck, and victims of the family were trapped under the rubble.

In the first of their September 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 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.

The victims were named as:

22 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A victim of the airstrikes, 4th November 2017. (via Euphrates Post)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

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
    37SFU752154
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • Nov. 5, 2017, in Abu Kamal, Syria, via Airwars report. The report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3165/CS1666a 37SFU752154

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 5th-6th: “Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three ISIS missiles. Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed an ISIS line of communication and a fighting position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS053

Incident date

February 6, 2015

Location

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al-Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.056316, 40.730438 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A coalition airstrike allegedly killed four unnamed civilian males in the vicinity of Al Shadadi, according to VDC. The Step news agency reported multiple coalition strikes in the vicinity: “The Alliance today carried out a number of raids on ISIL targets south of Al Hassakah. Five missiles fell on the city of Shadadi followed by 8 more on the organisation’s barriers around Shadadi including barrier number 47 where 5 members were killed and a further 14 wounded, most of them in critical conditions. Other strikes targeted… the southern entrance to the city of Al-Hasakah.”

Another news site reported a major coalition raid, describing more than 20 attacks around Shadadi and adding that “there are reports that there have been civilian deaths.”

 

The incident was first reported on February 6, 2015 at 12:08 am by Step News.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4 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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention Al Shadadi town ( الشدادي ), South Al-Hasakah Governorate, Syria. The location for the midpoint of Al Shadadi town ( الشدادي ) is: 36.056316, 40.730438

  • Al Shadadi town ( الشدادي )

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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-Shadadi, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV558915
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The coalition reported airstrikes in the vicinity on both February 5th-6th and February 6th-7th 2015, noting respectively that “Near Al Hasakah, an airstrike struck multiple storage and staging facilities” and that “Near Al Hasakah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL mobile oil rig.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4 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

Sources (4) [ collapse]