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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US-led Coalition
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Incident Code

CI497

Incident date

March 1, 2017

Location

سوق الشعارين, Mosul, Sha'aren market, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3438061, 43.1318843 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources said that 18 persons were either killed or injured, including children and women, after airstrikes reportedly struck the Sha’aren market and mills area in western Mosul.

Iraq News reported “the deaths of four people and the injuring of 14 others including women and children, following an aerial bombardment on the Sha’aren market and the Mills neighbourhood at the right side of Mosul, on Wednesday morning.”

@zyaad_alsenjary said on Twitter that “displacement into the old city of #Mosul increased the population density dramatically so any bombing operations or clash means the fall of a large number of innocents”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    14
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Damage to Sharen market area, March 1st 2017 (via Wadi Hajar Nerighbourhood)
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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF323236
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 28th-March 1st, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine mortar systems, six fighting positions, five VBIED facilities, three supply caches, three ISIS-held buildings, three VBIEDs, and an improvised weapons factory; damaged six supply routes; and suppressed 14 mortar teams and two ISIS tactical units.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    14
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS610

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Four civilians died and five were injured in an Coalition alleged airstrike on the Al Awwal neighbourhood of Tabaqa, according to local sources.

Raqqa_SL reported destruction of civilians’ homes as a result of Coalition strikes on the First neighbourhood. According to Step news agency, the Coalition struck a residential building, though the source said there were no reports of casualties.

However, Smart news agency said that “four civilians were killed and five others wounded in an air strike on Wednesday-Thursday night in al Tabaqa city [53 km west of Raqqa], north of Syria, according to a local source. The source said that the raids targeted al Awwal neighbourhood”. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently published images showing destruction of civilian homes reportedly in the Al Awwal neighbourhood.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Destruction of civilian homes following an alleged Coalition strike on Al Awwal, Tabaqa, March 22nd 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Destruction of civilian homes following an alleged Coalition strike on Al Awwal, Tabaqa, March 22nd 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Destruction of civilian homes following an alleged Coalition strike on Al Awwal, Tabaqa, March 22nd 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Destruction of civilian homes following an alleged Coalition strike on Al Awwal, Tabaqa, March 22nd 2017. (via RBSS)
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 Al Thawrah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV598674
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 22nd-23rd the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, eight strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed two tactical vehicles, a fighting position, and a heavy transport equipment piece; and damaged four supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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

CS1301

Incident date

July 30, 2017

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

Four civilians died in air and artillery or mortar shelling in Raqqa, according to local sources.

Alraqqa Ahlna  listed two civilians as killed by air and artillery strikes.

Mohammed Ali Swaid was named as dead “after being hit by a mortar shell from SDF militia on al Thakana”, according to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently.

Airwars understands that only the Coalition has access to artillery in Raqqa, however, the SDF are reportedly using mortars and rockets.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that four civilians died in Raqqa as a result of a Coalition airstrike.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Jamal al-Abd
Adult male named by Alraqqa Ahlna killed
Wife of Jamal al-Abd
Adult female named by Alraqqa Ahlna killed

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Jihad Al-Marouh
Child male displaced from Palmyra, was named by multiple sources as killed “as a result of aerial and artillery bombardment” in Raqqa. killed
Mohammed Ali Swaid
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1 child1 woman2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Ahmad Jihad Al-Marouh, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 30th July 2017. (via Revolution Coordination Committee in Palmyra)
  • Ahmad Jihad Al-Marouh, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 30th July 2017. (via Hasan Murawah)
  • Mohammed Ali Swaid, killed in an alleged airstrike on Raqqa, 30th July 2017. (via RBSS)

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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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 July 30th-31st: “Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, three supply caches, two ISIS-held buildings, a vehicle, a tunnel, and a command and control node; and suppressed a fighting position.”

It additionally reported that “On July 30, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units, destroyed four fighting positions, and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” And that “On July 30, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Sunday 30 July – a Tornado and Typhoon pair eliminated two terrorist snipers in Raqqa...On Sunday 30 July, a further mixed pair of aircraft conducted successful Paveway strikes when the SDF came under fire from two snipers as they continued to clear areas of Raqqa from Daesh control.’

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • RAF reporting on their continued airstrikes in Syria, 30th July 2017. (via Defence HQ)

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1 child1 woman2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1764

Incident date

June 4, 2018

Location

الباغوز الفوقاني, Al Baghouz al Foqani, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, four civilians were allegedly killed by a Coalition airstrike targeting the center of the town of al Baghouz Foqani.

Both Euphrates Post and Deir Ezzor 24 identified two of the people killed as Nader Jassim al-Mardoukh and Hussein Ali al-Mardoukh. In a separate report, Euphrates Post identified the third civilian as Rami As’ad Najm al-Dandal. According to Al Haall “more than nine others” were injured.

Although most sources reported that the death of three civilians, a fourth man was later identified. Two days after the strike, a family member posted on Facebook about the death of the engineer Dandal al Sheikh A’dhal al Mushrif al Dandal. Euphrates Post, among others, reported that the man was killed as a result of Coalition airstrikes on Al Baghouz al Foqani.

In a private conversation with Airwars researchers, family members stated that they only found out about his death on June 6th – possibly explaining why most sources initially only made mention of three deaths.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Hussein Ali al-Mardoukh
Adult male killed
Nader Jassim al-Mardoukh
Adult male killed

Family members (2)

Rami As’ad Najm al Dandal
Adult male killed
Dandal al Sheikh A’dhal al Mushrif al Dandal
Adult male Engineer killed

The victims were named as:

Name unknown
Age unknown

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

  • Rami As'ad Najm al-Dandal, one of four men reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on al Baghouz al Foq (via Euphrates Post)
  • Hussein Ali al-Mardoukh (via Euphrates Post)
  • Nader Ali al-Mardoukh (via Euphrates Post)
  • Dandal A’dhal Al-Dandal (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the center of the village of Baghuz Fawqani (باغوز فوقاني), for which the coordinates are: 34.4641667, 40.9452778. The town is near the Iraqi border

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
    al-Baghouz Fawqani, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • June 4, 2018, near al-Baghouz Fawqani, Syria, via Airwars. 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
Official source

For June 4th, the Coalition reported that “On June 4 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 17 strikes consisting of 20 engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, 15 strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit and destroyed two Daesh fighting positions, one Daesh tactical vehicle, six Daesh vehicles and one Daesh command and control center."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Monday 4 June – a Reaper destroyed an armed terrorist truck concealed under cover in eastern Syria…A Reaper provided further close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces in the Euphrates valley on Monday 4 June. An armed terrorist truck was reported to be to the north of Abu Kamal, and the Reaper’s crew were able to identify the vehicle, parked under cover in an attempt to conceal it, after a thorough search. A Hellfire missile destroyed the vehicle, with a number of subsequent secondary explosions as ammunition on the vehicle caught fire.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France report that the Wagram Task Force continues to support the offensive against the last pockets of Daesh present in the Euphrates Valley. Since the launch of the offensive on May 1st, it has carried out 111 shooting missions including 16 for the past week – May 30th to June 5th. Over the past week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal have carried out 20 sorties in support of local forces engaged on the ground, mainly missions of intelligence gathering and aerial reconnaissance. No airstrikes were carried out.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, l’activité majeure demeure l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie. Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes conduisent actuellement l’offensive finale contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes au nord-est de la Syrie. Cette offensive finale a été préparée avec soin par la Coalition qui a fourni un effort conséquent pour affiner le renseignement sur le dispositif de Daech et préparer le terrain pour les forces engagées au sol. Dans ce cadre, le nombre de frappes menées par la Coalition en mai a augmenté de 123 % par rapport à son niveau du mois d’avril. L’offensive est coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes qui ont augmenté leur présence le long de la frontière irako-syrienne pour empêcher toute fuite de terroristes des zones de combat vers l’Irak. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, l’action des forces de sécurité irakiennes se poursuit sur un rythme élevé, notamment dans l’Anbar et les monts Hamrim, mais aussi plus au nord en Ninive, et plus à l’ouest dans le désert de Jazirah. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Task Force Monsabert : poursuite de l’accompagnement de la 6e division irakienne Cette semaine, trois nouvelles formations ont débuté : une séquence d’entrainement au profit de compagnies commandos irakiennes, une instruction armement et une instruction à la lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force Wagram demeure engagée en appui de l’offensive menée contre Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, elle a réalisé 111 missions de tirs dont 16 pour la semaine écoulée (bilan du 30 mai au 5 juin inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, elle a réalisé 1770 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 20 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 30 mai au 5 juin inclus), essentiellement des missions de recueil de renseignements et de reconnaissance aérienne. Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8115 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For the 2nd straight week, Dutch F-16s fired weapons near Abu Kamal and Hajin in Deir Ezzor. The Dutch MoD reported that between May 30th-June 5th, aircraft targeted ISIS fighters and logistics centers in three missions. Jets supported ground troops in 9 missions, including in Nineveh, Iraq.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 06-06-2018 | 12:00 In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 3 daarvan zijn wapens ingezet. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal en Hajin in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Hierbij zijn onder andere ISIS-strijders en logistieke opslagplaatsen aangevallen. Ook is gevlogen boven de Irakese provincie Ninawa. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 30 mei tot en met 5 juni 2018. Militaire instructeurs in Irak leren Koerdische strijders gebieden te beveiligen. Daarbij staan onder meer wapenhandelingen, medische verzorging, oorlogsrecht en civiel-militaire samenwerking op het programma. De door de coalitie opgeleide instructeurs verzorgen een deel van de opleiding. Een Nederlands chirurgisch team opereert in een Amerikaans role 2-hospitaal in westelijk Irak. Het team werkt nauw samen met Noorse medici.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • 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

CS334

Incident date

October 9, 2016

Location

بادية هجين, Hajin Desert, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.68544, 40.83942 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 3 and 4 civilian drivers were reported killed in Coalition raids in the desert outside Deir ez-Zor, accoring to multiple local sources.

The Coalition reported that it attacked multiple “supply routes” in the area during this period. In November 2017 it confirmed responsibility for the event.

However, the Coalition admitted to having killed only one civilian: “Oct. 9, 2016, near Deir ez-Zoor, Syria, via web report. During a Coalition strike that engaged a Daesh tactical unit and destroyed Daesh fuel trucks, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

Deir Ezzor Free Broadcast reported that three truck drivers transporting fuel in the desert of Hajin were killed “following international coalition raids.”

A report from Qasioun stated that “international coalition planes launched at dawn today Monday air raids targeting fuel transport trucks in the Hajin desert in Deir Ezzor countryside which led to the death of 4 people and injury of 3 others.” A number of other outlets placed the death toll at three.

In July 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Translation: three people fuel truck drivers in the desert of Hajin in the eastern countryside killed following international coalition raids.
  • Translation: Deir Ezzor countryside - al Natek correspondent: warplane raid on Hajin desert [in al Jazira area in the Bukamal countryside] and news of the death of one person.
  • Translation: a warplane raid on Hajin desert.
  • Translation: News just in - Deir Ezzor: 3 people killed, fuel truck drivers, in Hajin desert in the eastern countryside as a result of raids by the international coalition.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 34.7187577, 40.9177208

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Deir ez-Zoor, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU685397
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017

  • Oct. 9, 2016, near Deir ez-Zoor, Syria, via web report. During a Coalition strike that engaged a Daesh tactical unit and destroyed Daesh fuel trucks, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike damaged three ISIL supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS400

Incident date

November 29, 2016

Location

الرحيات, Al Rahiat, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.08, 39.05917 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were reported killed and between 8 and 12 injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on al Rahiat.

In a detailed report, Syria News said that “two children and their parents were killed and 12 other civilians were injured after midnight, due to international coalition targeting of al Rahiat village under the control of Islamic State in Raqqa with two raids. The media opposition activist Mohamed Osman, quoting civilian sources from the village, told Syria News Desk that ,’the said Coalition aircraft targeted with vacuum missiles houses in the centre of Rahiat and another on the outskirts, confirming that there 4 injured who are in a critical situation and were transported by the residents to the National Hospital in Raqqa, while the others were taken to various medical points of the city. Osman added that the raids also resulted in the deaths of a number of livestock and the destruction of two houses completely and burning civilian vehicle and other physical damage to property.”

Others also reported the event – often using identical language.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8–12
  • 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 (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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Rahiat, 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
Official source

For November 28th-29th, the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes destroyed three oil well heads, two oil pump jacks, two oil refinement equipment pieces, an oil tank, and construction equipment.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8–12
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS474

Incident date

February 4, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, First neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.83462, 38.54714 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were reported killed and other injured in a confirmed Coalition strike on al Tabaqa.

According to the Euphrates Post “four people were martyred including two children and two others injured following international coalition raids on al Tabaqa.”

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered reported major destruction in the town, noting that the strikes targeted the First neighbourhood [Al Hayy al Awwal].

In November 2017 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed one building being used as a Daesh headquarters, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians unintentionally injured.”

In July 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the location for this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Translation: al Tabaqa - the total destruction of the court and the market behind the court in the First neighbourhood in raids by the international coalition on al tabaqa.

Geolocation notes

Airwars has identified the location of the First neighbourhood as: 35°51’00.0″N 38°33’12.0″E. Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 35.8295049, 38.5360909

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV591657
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017

  • Feb. 4, 2017, near Tabqah, Syria, via Airwars report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed one building being used as a Daesh headquarters, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians unintentionally injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition reported for February 3rd-4th 2017 that “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units; destroyed 11 oil tanker trucks, six oil barrels, three oil refinement stills, two fighting positions, two tunnels, two vehicles, an ISIL headquarters, an oil storage tank and a command and control node; and damaged 16 supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI744

Incident date

June 2, 2017

Location

ِعنة, Anah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that an elderly man was killed and his son and another woman were severely injured as a result of airstrikes hitting their houses in Anah district, in the west of Anbar province.

According to several Facebook posts, the elderly man was called Hajj Juma al-Abd. He reportedly died when shelling on a house next to his led to the collapse of the room he was in. Iraqi Spring Media Center said that up to five people were killed or wounded.

The head of the Anah district council, Abdul Karim al-Ani, told Alsumaria News (quoted by Western People Facebook group) that “an unknown military aircraft randomly bombed a house in the city of Anah (210 km west of Ramadi), killing a civilian, a senior citizen, and wounding his son and a woman.” Al-Ani called for “an end to the indiscriminate shelling of the city of Anah until the liberation of ISIL is launched, because it does not work for the time being.”

The Facebook page also mentioned that ISIL has controlled the Anah district since mid-2014, has used thousands of civilians as human shields, and has prevented them from leaving the area.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hajj Juma al-Abd
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Hajj Juma al-Abd, allegedly killed in airstrikes on Anah (via AbuRahma Alani)
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 Anah, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SGU742070
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 1st-June 2nd, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, four strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed 11 fighting positions, four rocket-propelled grenade systems, three medium machine guns, two mortar systems, a heavy machine gun, and a command and control node; damaged 12 ISIS supply routes, four fighting positions; and suppressed a mortar team and a medium machine gun.”

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (5) [ collapse]