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

CS915

Incident date

June 4, 2017

Location

حي الدرعية, Dar’iya, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.947222, 38.991389 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians including one child and two women died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Dari’ya, according to local media.

Radio AlKul reported that four people from one family were killed in a Coalition raid.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “a woman, her daughter and her mother were killed as a result of bombing by the international coalition’s warplanes yesterday on places in Al-Dar’eiyah area in Al-Raqqah city.”

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported artillery shelling on post office area, while the Shaam News Network said that Coalition strikes occurred alongside “heavy artillery and rocket fire.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Turki al Sheikh al Afnan
Age unknown male named by Al Ragga Truth as a victim of a Coalition strike on Raqqa, though it’s currently unclear which neighbourhood he was killed in. killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 child2 women)
  • 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 (8) [ 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 Daraiya, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV987796
    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 4th-5th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions and five vehicles.” In addition it reported for June 4th that “Near Raqqah, Syria, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed 49 boats, five fighting positions, three anti-air artillery systems, two tactical vehicles and two ISIS staging areas.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 child2 women)
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS968

Incident date

June 10–12, 2017

Location

نهر الفرات، الرقة, Euphrates river, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.93375, 39.0133 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to four civilians died when their boat was struck by the Coalition as they attempted to flee Raqqa, local media said.

In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh barge. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed and 10 others unintentionally wounded due to their proximity of the strike.”

The United States later said this was one of its military actions.

According to the Euphrates Post at the time, “the coalition aircraft targets small ferries and boats transporting civilians between the banks of the Euphrates River, resulting in the martyrdom of a young man and his wife.”

Step News Agency, also blaming the Coalition, said that “two young men died” when their boat was struck as they tried to escape – which appears to be the same event.

In an August report by Amnesty International, a woman was interviewed who stated that her cousin Yasser along with two women and a man had been killed in an airstrike around June 10th. This event is likely related, as the victim was transporting people across the river. The interviewee stated that “A plane hit the boat and killed him and two women and a man he was transporting. He had taken me and my family across the river a few days earlier. That is what he did, he helped people to flee.”

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

There has been some confusion as to the exact date of this incident. Amnesty research was inconclusive on the date, so it has reported it as being ‘around the 10th’, whilst Airwars public sources pointed towards the 12th. The Coalition has also reported the 10th for this incident, so we have included a date range.

In its annual; civilian harm report to Congress in May 2020, the Pentagon declared this to have been a US action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Nida’a Khalil al Kirri
Age unknown female killed
Yasser Khalil al Kirri
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (1 woman3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.932126, 39.006111 The MGRS released by the Coalition in the first assessment was: 37SEV044776 The MGRS released by the Coalition in the second assessment was: 37SEV012766

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:

  • 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
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    10
  • Stated location
    near Euphrates River, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV012766
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 27, 2019
  • Jul 26, 2018

  • June 12, 2017, near Euphrates River, Raqqah, 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.

  • Jun. 10, 2017, near Raqqa, Syria, via Amnesty International report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh barge. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed and 10 others unintentionally wounded due to their proximity of the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 11th-12th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 16 fighting positions, two vehicles, and two ISIS boats; damaged five ISIS supply routes; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionally reported that “On June 11, near Raqqah, Syria, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three fighting positions and suppressed a sniper team.” And that “On June 11, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes destroyed two fighting positions.”

For June 12th-13th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 21 fighting positions and four vehicles.” It additionally reported that “On June 12, near Raqqah, Syria, nine strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, an IED factory, an ISIS staging area, an ammo cache, and a command and control node.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

On the 15/6-17, the French MoD reported: "In the past week, France reports his 31 sorties, 28 of which were Armed Reconnaissance or Ground Support (CAS) and 3 were intelligence gathering. Two strikes were conducted by French planes in Iraq and Syria, one in the west of Raqqah city, and the other in the Al Qaim region, both against ISIL fighters. Task Force Wagram carried out 80 artillery strikes in Mosul."

Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 28 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 2 frappes ont été conduites par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie, l’une à l’Ouest de la ville de Raqqah, et l’autre dans la région d’Al Qaim, toutes deux contre des combattants de Daech.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (1 woman3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1463

Incident date

September 10, 2017

Location

الجميلي, Ar Raqqah: Jumaili neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.957956, 39.002033 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two to four civilians were reportedly killed in Coalition air or artillery strikes on the al Jumaili neighbourhood of Raqqa City. There was some conflict of information regarding the culprit, though most sources blamed the US-led Coalition.

Sources that did not mention the Coalition referred to “artillery shelling” and “airstrikes”. Airwars understands that only the Coalition have access to artillery in Raqqa.

According to Diralzour and Raqqa Documentation and Legal Network, two of the victims named were situated inside their home when the house was hit by airstrikes. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered also named an additional civilian male.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Osama Ibrahim Abdul Wahab al Khudar
Adult male killed
Mohammed Khalil Badran
Adult male killed
Mustafa Hussein Al-Hamoud
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mustafa Hussein Al-Hamoud (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Jumaili (الجمیلي), for which the coordinates are: 35.957956, 39.002033. Satellite imagery shows the destruction of a building in that area between 6 and 19 September, 2017, for which the coordinates are: 35.958282, 39.000639.

  • Structural damage seen in the neighbourhood of Jumaili (الجمیلي) (left: September 6, 2017; right: September 19, 2017)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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 Jumaili, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 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 September 9th – 10th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 34 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed 21 fighting positions, 16 vehicles, four heavy machine guns, two command and control nodes, a logistics node, and engineering equipment; and suppressed six fighting positions.”

For September 10th - 11th the Coalition reported •Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, two logistics nodes, and a vehicle; and suppressed two fighting positions" It later reported, "Additionally, 15 strikes consisting of 21 engagements were conducted in Syria and Iraq on Sept. 10 that closed within the last 24 hours. On Sept. 10, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed 14 vehicles, three fighting positions, a logistics node, and an anti-air artillery system; and suppressed a fighting position"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Monday 11 September – Tornados destroyed two sniper positions in Raqqa, and attacked a Daesh-held compound and terrorists on a motorcycle near Dayr az Zawr…A flight of Royal Air Force Tornados supported the Syrian Democratic Forces fighting in Raqqa on Monday 11 September, when Paveway IV guided bombs were used to destroy two sniper positions. A second Tornado flight patrolled north-east of Dayr az Zawr, where they attacked a group of terrorists in a compound with a Paveway IV. Survivors of the attack then attempted to move to another position on a motorcycle, but were successfully engaged with a Brimstone missile.’

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1698

Incident date

December 13, 2017

Location

Near al Shaafa village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441

Airwars assessment

According to Eldorar, “sources pointed out that Coalition aircraft targeted a car carrying civilians on Wednesday, which resulted in the death of a number of them, including children and women. The international coalition aircraft had targeted the town of Al-Shaafa, yesterday evening, amid the movement of large-scale displacement of civilians towards neighboring villages.”

Baladi produced an almost identical report, but neither source provided information on the exact location of the event.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a car in the village of Al Shaafa (الشعفة), for which the coordinates are: 34.57888, 40.93441.

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 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 December 12th-13th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, seven strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed two ISIS vehicles and a heavy weapon.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

The Wagram Task Force continues its support for security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, two firefighting missions were carried out for the benefit of the Iraqi security forces (balance sheet from 6 to 10 December). Since the beginning of its mission, the TF Wagram, realized 1589 shooting missions. This week, the air activity focused on intelligence missions for the benefit of Iraqi security forces and Syrian democratic forces.There were 20 sorties (Nov 6th-10th) but no strikes were conducted. It gave rise to 20 aerial sorties (balance sheet from 06 to 10 December). During these outings no hits were made. Total balance since 19/09/14: 7561 sorties / 1422 strikes / 2209 targets destroyed.]

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Libération de l’Irak Cette semaine a été marquée par l’annonce par le premier ministre irakien de la libération de l’Irak et de la fin de la guerre contre l’Etat Islamique. Cette annonce fait suite à l’achèvement de la dernière opération d’ampleur dans le désert de Jézirah et à la reprise par les forces de sécurité irakiennes du contrôle de l’ensemble de la frontière entre l’Irak et la Syrie. La victoire militaire sur l’Etat Islamique ne signifie cependant pas la fin des opérations militaires ni strictement la fin des combats. Des poches terroristes subsistantes en Syrie En Syrie, le long de la frontière irako-syrienne, Daech contrôle encore quelques poches que les forces de sécurité syriennes s’attachent à réduire. Les combats y sont encore intenses, notamment dans le nord-ouest d’Abou Kamal, sur la rive orientale de l’Euphrate. EFFORT DE LA COALITION Poursuite du soutien aux forces locales En Irak, l’effort de la coalition porte sur le soutien aux forces de sécurité irakiennes actuellement impliquées dans des opérations de sécurisation et de stabilisation. En Syrie, la coalition poursuit son soutien aux forces démocratiques syriennes engagées dans des combats contre plusieurs poches terroristes restantes situées sur la rive orientale de l’Euphrate. Préparation de la période hivernale pour les réfugiés Avec l’arrivée de la période hivernale, la coalition s’attache à mettre en place les conditions permettant aux nombreux réfugiés et déplacés de passer l’hiver dans les meilleures conditions possibles. Ces opérations sont dirigées par le général Parisot, Senior National Représentative français, dont l’une des attributions est également de diriger la cellule en charge des actions civilo-militaires de l’état-major de l’opération Inherent Resolve. Dans ce cadre, trois C-17 américains ont récemment acheminé de l’aide humanitaire à Raqqa qui reste néanmoins infestée d’engins explosifs improvisés malgré les travaux de dépollution en cours. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE la Task Force Wagram en appui des dernières opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, deux missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (bilan du 6 au 10 décembre). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1589 missions de tirs. Activité aérienne Cette semaine, l’activité aérienne s’est concentrée sur des missions de renseignement au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes et des forces démocratiques syriennes. Elle a donné lieu à 20 sorties aériennes (bilan du 06 au 10 décembre). Au cours de ces sorties aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7561 sorties / 1422 frappes / 2209 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1791

Incident date

August 14, 2018

Location

الباغوز فوقاني), Al Bagouz Fawqani, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Four civilians died and several others were wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Bagouz al Fawqani, according to local media.

The Smart News Agency said: “Activists told Smart that the bombing killed four civilians and wounded others, including women and children, in addition to the killing of three members of ISIS. Some activists pointed out that the bombing was carried out by Iraqi warplanes operating under the umbrella of the international coalition.” Reports placed the event in both the morning and afternoon.

According to Fresh Syria, “aircraft of the International Alliance launched several attacks on different areas of the village of Al-Bagouz, which is under the control of ISIS in the countryside Deir Ezzor, killing four civilians and wounding others.”

Baladi, which also put the death toll at four, said that the victims were “mostly women and children”. Masarpress added that the Coalition “targeted a number of civilian houses in the town”.

Sound and Picture said that one civilian had been wounded in an alleged Coalition strike.

In the second 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 no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The incident occured between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm local time.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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]

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
    37SFU786153
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020

  • Aug. 14, 2018, in Al Baghouz Fawqani, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3180/CS1791 37SFU786153

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition publicly reported the following: “On August 14 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes consisting of three engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, three strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, and destroyed two Daesh command and control centers, one Daesh command and control support facility and one Daesh supply route.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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

CI131

Incident date

October 31, 2015

Location

المحلبية, Mahalabiya, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.26632, 42.70744 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four people from one family were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike, after missiles hit a civilian home.

While a number of outlets reported the incident there are no more details presently available.

In their January 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
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ 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
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SKF941159
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 3, 2020

  • October 31, 2015, in Mahalabiya, 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. 2853/CI131 38SKF941159

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 30th-31st 2015 the Coalition reports carring out one strike in the city: “Near Mosul, one strike struck an ISIL fighting position.”

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS214

Incident date

May 19, 2016

Location

الحمرات, Al Hamrat, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.916095, 39.1645432 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A family was reported killed in a contested airstrike at Al Hamrat in Raqqa governorate.

Shaam News blamed the US-led Coalition: “Activists said that aircraft believed to be from the international coalition bombed Al Hamrat in the eastern Raqqa countryside this morning, leading to the martyrdom of the family of Abdul Al Hadi Hassan Al Abd al-Hadi Albouhbal including children and women after targeting their home with several missiles.”

Other sources including local Civil Defence did not attribute responsibility for the deaths, citing only warplanes. At least one local activist blamed Russia for the attack. And Jisr TV blamed the Assad regime. Commenting on the confusion, Syrian Al Hall cited a local witness: “The source said there was no confirmed reports on the identity of the planes that carried out the bombing but it is likely to be the coalition given the accuracy of the targeting and the closing of the area by Daesh after the raid.”

In its reporting of at least four airstrikes by unidentified aircraft, Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered noted: “The areas targeted by air raids in the eastern countryside of the city of Al Raqqa were:

– the council of the village of Hamra Ghnam and the school nearby

– civilian homes in Badr farm

– Al Muntazaha village the home of Anoun al Sultan

– al Jirka village the home of Abd al Hadi Hassan al Bouhbal killing 3 of his children and his wife.”

On the same day, Coalition aircraft dropped leaflets on Raqqa city urging residents to flee an imminent assault to dislodge so-called Islamic State.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Abd al Hadi Hassan al Bouhbal's child
Child killed
Abd al Hadi Hassan al Bouhbal's child
Child killed
Abd al Hadi Hassan al Bouhbal's child
Child killed
Abd al Hadi Hassan al Bouhbal's wife
female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Translation: an entire family killed after their home was targeted by warplanes in the town of al Hamrat in the eastern Raqqa countryside.
  • Translation: an entire family martyred following bombing by warplanes the area of al Hamrat int he eastern countryside.
  • Translation: civilians dead and wounded following 4 raids by warplanes on the town of al Hamrat eastern Raqqa countryside.
  • Translation: #Al raqqa coalition planes throw leaflets over Raqqa says ‘The time has come to leave al Raqqa’ in a letter addressed to the civilians asking them to leave the town (via RBSS)

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

The Coalition noted no strikes near Raqqa for May 18th-19th 2016.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI472

Incident date

February 20, 2017

Location

Mosul, Wadi Hajar, Nineveh, Iraq

Airwars assessment

At least four civilians were reported killed following a rocket attack by either the ISF or the Coalition on a mosque at Wadi Hajjar, according to an eyewitness.

Amnesty International published the following account: “An attack struck Khaled Ibn al-Waleed mosque, in Wadi Hajjar, at close to 3pm on or around 20 February (witnesses could not be sure of the exact date). The mosque is in the middle of a residential neighbourhood near Sawas Roundabout. “Hadi”, a witness from the area, told Amnesty International that 60-70 people were praying inside the mosque. The mosque was hit by up to five rockets, causing the roof to collapse and destroying two nearby houses. A second round of strikes were carried out a few minutes after the first. Hadi attributed the damage to an air strike, having heard aircraft in the sky.

Hadi said: “I was 500m away from the mosque, and I heard the planes come and the sounds of the rockets. I went directly to the site, and I started dragging people out of the rubble. I pulled out at least 30 people, and we sent them to al-Jamhouri hospital. We had some ambulances, but mostly we were using small trucks. Everyone was shouting, and crying. I heard two of them under the rubble, moaning, and I found them. Then I found three more who were dead. Then I found one who was almost dead. I saw one, who was dead, stuck in the rubble up to his waist. Dozens were injured. I don’t know how many died, but I saw at least four dead with my own eyes.”

According to Hadi, at the time of the strike a car belonging to the Hesba police (religious police) of IS was parked outside the mosque. The car was painted in the distinctive black and white colours of IS and easily recognizable. He said that some IS fighters – no more than one or two of them – were praying inside. The strike appears to have been an attempt to target the IS vehicle and the fighters inside the mosque. Although Amnesty International cannot be sure how many IS fighters were impacted by the attack, the high civilian death toll and the nature of the objects that were struck raises the likelihood that it was a disproportionate attack.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    30
  • 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 (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
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 19th-20th the Coalition publicly noted: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and two ISIS staging areas; destroyed five mortar systems, four vehicles, three supply caches, three artillery systems, two command and control nodes, an ISIS headquarters, an IED facility, a heavy machine gun, a logistics node and a fighting position; damaged 15 supply routes; and suppressed nine mortar teams and an artillery team.”

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
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    30
  • 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