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

CS694

Incident date

April 15, 2017

Location

مزرعة يعرب, Mazra'at Yarub, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.977858, 38.872622 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians from the same family died and two others were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit homes in the village of Mazra’at Yarub, according to local sources which all blamed the Coalition.

According to Smart News, “Five civilians from one family were killed in most likely coalition air strike on a village west of the city of Raqqa, north of Syria, a local source told the Smart correspondent on Saturday night. The source added that the aircraft targeted the houses of civilians in the village of Mazra’at Yarub, in Mansoura district (35 km from the city of Raqqa), which is controlled by the Islamic State, killing the family members.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Mazra’at Yarub (مزرعة يعرب), Raqqa governorate, for which the coordinates are: 35.977858, 38.872622.

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 Mazra’at Yarub, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 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. (1330)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 14th-15th: “Near Raqqa, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three fighting positions and a weapons cache. Near Tabqa, one strike suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.“

For April 15th-16th: ” Near Raqqah, six strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units, destroyed an ISIS bridge, and damaged an ISIS supply route. Near Tabqah, 11 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units, destroyed seven fighting positions and an ISIS vehicle.“

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS695

Incident date

April 15, 2017

Location

السكرية, Sukariya, Al Bukamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.471667, 40.911111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between six and 17 civilians died and dozens more were injured in an airstrike on Sukariya area, according to local media. While most sources blamed the Coalition, one alleged that the Iraqi air force was responsible.

@ALAMAWI and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights were among sources that reported the death of a family of eight displaced civilians from Aleppo. According to JisrTV, “Coalition aircraft bombed nine civilians from one family, most of them children and women.”

Aksalser put the death toll as high as 17 but didn’t identify the culprit.

However, Smart News Agency pointed towards Iraqi forces, reporting: “The aircraft was believed to belong to the Iraqi air force and bombed a house in Sukariya in the countryside of the city of Al Bukamal (130 km southeast of the city of Deir al Zour), last night, killing nine civilians, displaced from the city of Aleppo, mostly women and children”.

Syria News Desk reported that eight displaced civilians from Aleppo, all from the same family, died in a Coalition strike.

In what is likely to be the same event, Sharqiya reported the deaths of 10 IDPs from Aleppo though at Al Hamdan.

In its July 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition deemed this incident non-credible due to a lack of evidence that civilians were killed: “April 15, 2017, near Abu Kamal, Syria, via social media report: After review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 17
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

The majority of sources refer to the Sukariya neighbourhood (السكرية), adjacent to Al Hamdan neighbourhood in Al Bukamal (البوكمال) city. The coordinates for the Sukariya neighbourhood (السكرية) are: 34.471667, 40.911111. 

  • Sukariya neighbourhood (السكرية) in Al Bukamal (البوكمال)

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 Sukariya, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 14th-15th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike damaged an ISIS fuel facility.”

For April 15th-16th: the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, three strikes destroyed three ISIS well heads and ISIS engineering equipment.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 17
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS696

Incident date

April 15, 2017

Location

البوكمال, near Abu Kamal, Syria, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.

Incident Code

CS698

Incident date

April 16, 2017

Location

كبش, Kabish, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.1308644, 38.7842273 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one man died – along with perhaps two families – in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Kabish, according to local sources.

One man was named as a victim of a Coalition strike by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently. RFS Media put the death toll at two – also blaming the Coalition.

However according to @SY-Reporter, two families died in a Coalition strike.

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 local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Ramadan Al-Bush
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 10
  • (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 (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Kabish (كبش), Raqqa governorate, for which the coordinates are: 36.1308644, 38.7842273.

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
  • Stated location
    near Kabish, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV805984
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 31, 2019

  • Apr. 16, 2017, near Kabish, 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
Official source

For April 15th – 16th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, six strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units, destroyed an ISIS bridge, and damaged an ISIS supply route. Near Tabqah, 11 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units, destroyed seven fighting positions and an ISIS vehicle.”

For April 16th – 17th: the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions and a mortar system. Near Tabqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and suppressed three ISIS tactical units.“

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Saturday 15 April – Typhoons attacked a Daesh-held building west of Raqqa, while Tornados assisted Iraqi forces inside western Mosul…On Saturday, a further Tornado patrol supported Iraqi forces engaged in a firefight with Daesh positioned in a large building in western Mosul. Two Paveway IVs silenced the terrorist fire. Meanwhile, Typhoons continued their support for the SDF as they pushed east from Tabqah towards Raqqa, bombing a terrorist-held building.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 10
  • (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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS699

Incident date

April 16, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqa, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.8295049, 38.5360909 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Alexandria in Tabaqa, according to local sources.

Ahmad-Alshibli named two victims – killed by unidentified “warplanes and heavy machine guns”.

The victims were additionally named by Q_Alenzy and Step News Agency, which also blamed the Coalition.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mohammed Ali
Adult male killed
Sami Abdel-Ali
killed

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 (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Tabaqa (الثورة), Raqqa governorate‎, for which the coordinates are: 35.8295049, 38.5360909.

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 April 15th-16th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, 11 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units, destroyed seven fighting positions and an ISIS vehicle.”

For April 16th-17th: the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and suppressed three ISIS tactical units.”

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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI644

Incident date

April 16, 2017

Location

عنه, Anah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.372699, 41.986442 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later denied a social media claim that it had caused civilian casualties at Anah.

According to its June report “April 16, 2017, near Annah, Iraq, via social media: The report contained insufficient information on 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
    0
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • 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 information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Annah, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 2, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 15th-16th, the Coalition reported: “Near Al Qaim, one strike destroyed an ISIS oil rig.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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

CS697

Incident date

April 16, 2017

Location

هنيدة, Hunayda, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.833402, 38.710328 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two children died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a school in Hunayda, according to local sources.

According to Syrian Mirror, “Field activists said a coalition combat aircraft launched air raids on Hindah town in the western Ar Raqqah countryside, targeting one of the village’s rural schools, killing two children and injuring others.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Hunayda (هنيدة), Raqqa governorate, for which the coordinates are: 35.833402, 38.710328.

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 Hunaida, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 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. (1332)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 15th – 16th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, six strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units, destroyed an ISIS bridge, and damaged an ISIS supply route. Near Tabqah, 11 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units, destroyed seven fighting positions and an ISIS vehicle.“

For April 16th – 17th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions and a mortar system. Near Tabqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and suppressed three ISIS tactical units.“

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Saturday 15 April – Typhoons attacked a Daesh-held building west of Raqqa, while Tornados assisted Iraqi forces inside western Mosul…On Saturday, a further Tornado patrol supported Iraqi forces engaged in a firefight with Daesh positioned in a large building in western Mosul. Two Paveway IVs silenced the terrorist fire. Meanwhile, Typhoons continued their support for the SDF as they pushed east from Tabqah towards Raqqa, bombing a terrorist-held building.’

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI645

Incident date

April 17, 2017

Location

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Al-Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3502851, 43.1098795 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that Coalition and Iraqi government warplanes carried out airstrikes on Zanjili and other neighbourhoods in West Mosul, killing and wounding dozens.

Iraqyoon and Yaqein spoke of more than 100 dead and wounded in the various western neighbourhoods of the city.

Several other sources reported (possibly based on an ISIL press statement): “55 dead and more than 50 wounded by US and Iraqi bombing on several neighborhoods” in West Mosul.

Iraqyoon posted a photo of a young boy, saying that the child was killed in “indiscriminate bombardment of the international coalition aircraft” in West Mosul.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    24 – 55
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24–50
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This young boy (name unknown) reportedly died in Coalition airstrikes on West Mosul, on April 17th (via Iraqyoon)
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
  • Jan 25, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 16th-17th the Coalition publicly reported: “Near Mosul, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, three VBIEDs, three mortar systems, two ISIS vehicles, two heavy machine guns, and one front-end loader; damaged 16 ISIS supply routes and four fighting positions; and suppressed 10 mortar teams and an ISIS tactical unit.”

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
    24 – 55
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24–50
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]