US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident Code

CS1450

Incident date

September 5, 2017

Location

Firdous, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.954025, 39.006268 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Step News Agency reported that 17 civilians died in a Coalition strike on a five-storey residential building in Al Firdous street.

According to Nhadshmot and 24 Raqqa, the Coalition “targeted the National Hospital area”.

No names have been linked to this event to date, and no addiitonal details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the area of Firdous (الفردوس) in the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎), for which the coordinates are: 35.954025, 39.006268

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
  • Jun 28, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 4th – 5th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, four oil stills, three oil trucks, two logistics nodes, and a command and control node; and suppressed two fighting positions.” It additionally stated that “On Sept. 4, near Raqqah, one strike destroyed five fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 4, near Raqqah, 15 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions and a vehicle.” Also that “On Sept. 4, near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed four fighting positions.”

For September 5th - 6th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah , 25 strikes for an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed 22 fighting positions, three ISIS communications infrastructure items, and a logistics node; damaged three fighting positions; and suppressed four fighting positions." It later reported, "On Sept. 5, near Raqqah , 15 strikes for eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed fighting positions, two vehicles, an IED, and a piece of ISIS engineering equipment"

For September 6th – 7th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, eight strikes destroyed 13 ISIS fighting positions, damaged five fighting positions and suppressed two fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 6, near Raqqah, 38 strikes engaged 19 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 35 fighting positions, three vehicles, two logistics nodes, a command and control node, a VBIED, and an ISIS UAS; and suppressed eight fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 6, near Raqqah, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions and a command and control node.”
For September 6th – 7th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, eight strikes destroyed 13 ISIS fighting positions, damaged five fighting positions and suppressed two fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 6, near Raqqah, 38 strikes engaged 19 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 35 fighting positions, three vehicles, two logistics nodes, a command and control node, a VBIED, and an ISIS UAS; and suppressed eight fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 6, near Raqqah, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions and a command and control node.”


Additional press release CJTFOIR on September 5th:

'CJTF-OIR transitions commanders in the mission to destroy ISIS

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, III Armored Corps Commanding General of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) from Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, XVIII Airborne Corps Commanding General, during a Sept. 5 ceremony here, which hosted an audience of hundreds of US and Coalition Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.

Presiding over the transfer of authority of the Commanding General for US Central Command, Gen. Joseph L. Votel.

Veiled confidence that the III Corps team from Fort Hood, Texas will be ready to continue the fight to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

"When III Corps was here last, they were instrumental in increasing the pressure on ISIS and setting conditions by Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian opposition groups," Votel said. "Their hard work to the recapturing of Fallujah and the airfield at Qayyarah-posturing ISF to begin clearing Mosul, the ISIS stronghold in Iraq."

The III Armored Corps previously led the CJTF-OIR Coalition from Sept. 2015 to Aug. 2016.

Since redeploying just over a year ago, the Soldiers of the Armed Corps have gone to the forefront of the task of preparing for the mission.

"ISIS" brutality forces us to look deep into the heart of darkness. They condone the systematic murder of women and children, the enslavement of religious minorities, and the torture and execution of prisoners, "Funk said. "As a result of the magnificent work of this strong Coalition, real change is happening. ISIS is on the run. "

Airborne Corps' support to its partners in the achievement of major milestones in the campaign to ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi Security Forces defeated ISIS in their capital of Mosul in Iraq, while Syria's Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Arab Coalition steadily made progress against ISIS's global capital in Raqqah, Syria.

Townsend Lauded Coalition Partners' Efforts in Iraq and Syria over the past year. Our Iraqi partners have liberated Mosul. Our Syrian partners are more than half of Raqqah. And the Iraqis have regained control of Tal Afar and the rest of Ninewah for good measure, "said Townsend. "I think it's all about you, we're able to partner with you."

Since its establishment in June 2014, CJTF-OIR - a global Coalition of more than 72 nations and organizations - has increased the capabilities of partner forces, and significantly degraded the ability of ISIS to plan, resource and execute attacks worldwide. Their collective accomplishments include:

* Trained and equipped nearly 115,000 Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and over 11,000 vetted-Syrian counter-ISIS forces.
* Recaptured over 82,000 square kilometers of territory previously held by ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
* Set free over 5.5 million men, women and children in Iraq and Syria.
Conducted over 26,000 strikes against ISIS in support of partner forces in Iraq and Syria.

Funk shared his vision for the CJTF-OIR mission ahead.

"The very existence of ISIS poses a threat to the civilized world and our way of life. We must defeat them, and our collective effort WILL defeat them, "Funk said."

French Military
  • English
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    Original

[In the past week, France reports carrying out 36 outings, including 27 Army Reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), 6 refueling sorties and 3 intelligence gathering sorties by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. It carried out 8 strikes destroying 8 targets. Most of the strikes were carried out in Raqqah and security operations in the Tal Afar region. The Task Force (TF) Wagram supported Iraqi Security Forces in the Tall Afar region. The CAESAR guns fired out 6 of neutralization / destruction and 2 of enlightenment.] ' OPERATION CHAMMAL Situation In Iraq The week was marked by the pursuit of Tal Afar security operations and its region. It was also marked by a start of re-articulation of the Iraqi Security Forces in northern Iraq, with a view to continuing the fight against Daesh in Iraq. The terrorist group remains very active in Iraq and with strong positions in the Hawijah and Anbar regions, where its fighters continue their asymmetric actions against the security forces and the people. In Syria In Raqqah, the Syrian Democratic Forces seized the entire old city and continued their offensive to seize areas still in the hands of Daesh. Elsewhere in Syria, Daesh continues to lose ground against the Syrian Armed Forces, which are continuing to advance, particularly in the Deir ez Zor and Palmyra regions. New leader of the Coalition On September 5, the command of the operation OIR was taken by the American general Paul FUNK in replacement of the American general Stephen TOWNSEND. FORCE ACTIVITIES The soldiers of Operation Chammal continue their support missions for the benefit of Iraqi units engaged against Daesh. They also carry out daily training to help build the security pillar of the Iraqi forces. Action of the air component: This week, the aircraft of the operation Chammal realized 36 aerial exits including 27 of armed reconnaissance and of support on the ground (CAS), 6 exits of supply as well as 3 outputs of collection of intelligence by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. These sorties resulted in 7 strikes and the destruction of 8 targets. Most of the strikes were carried out in support of fighting in Raqqah and security operations in the Tal Afar region. Fire Support - TF WAGRAM: Task Force (TF) Wagram supported this week the security operations conducted by the Iraqi Security Forces in the Tall Afar region. The CAESAR guns carried out 6 firing missions (4 of neutralization / destruction and 2 of illumination). Air activity: The overall balance of the air activity since 19 September 2014 amounts to 1363 strikes, 2138 objectives destroyed and 7058 sorties.

[La semaine dernière, la France a annoncé avoir effectué 36 sorties, dont 27 sorties de reconnaissance et d'appui au sol, 6 sorties de ravitaillement en carburant et 3 sorties de renseignement par la patrouille Atlantic 2 ou Rafale. Il a effectué 8 frappes détruisant 8 cibles. La plupart des frappes ont eu lieu à Raqqah et des opérations de sécurité dans la région de Tal Afar. La Force opérationnelle (GT) Wagram a soutenu les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la région de Tall Afar. Les armes à feu de CAESAR ont tiré 6 sur la neutralisation / destruction et 2 sur l'illumination.] 'OPERATION CHAMMAL Situation En Irak La semaine a été marquée par la poursuite des opérations de sécurité de Tal Afar et de sa région. Elle a également été marquée par le début de la réarticulation des forces de sécurité irakiennes dans le nord de l’Irak, en vue de poursuivre la lutte contre Daech en Irak. Le groupe terroriste reste très actif en Irak et avec des positions fortes dans les régions de Hawijah et d'Anbar, où ses combattants continuent leurs actions asymétriques contre les forces de sécurité et le peuple. En Syrie À Raqqah, les forces démocratiques syriennes ont saisi toute la vieille ville et ont poursuivi leur offensive afin de s'emparer de zones encore aux mains de Daesh. Ailleurs en Syrie, Daesh continue de perdre du terrain face aux forces armées syriennes, qui continuent de progresser, notamment dans les régions de Deir ez Zor et de Palmyra. Nouveau chef de la coalition Le 5 septembre, le général américain Paul FUNK a pris le commandement de l'opération OIR en remplacement du général américain Stephen TOWNSEND. ACTIVITES DE LA FORCE Les soldats de l'opération Chammal poursuivent leurs missions d'appui au profit des unités irakiennes engagées contre Daesh. Ils suivent également un entraînement quotidien pour aider à construire le pilier de sécurité des forces irakiennes. Action de la composante air: Cette semaine, l'avion de l'opération Chammal a réalisé 36 sorties aériennes dont 27 de reconnaissance armée et d'appui au sol (CAS), 6 sorties de ravitaillement ainsi que 3 sorties de collecte de renseignements par patrouille Atlantic 2 ou Rafale. Ces sorties ont entraîné 7 frappes et la destruction de 8 cibles. La plupart des frappes ont été menées pour soutenir les combats à Raqqah et les opérations de sécurité dans la région de Tal Afar. Soutien au feu - TF WAGRAM: La force opérationnelle (GT) Wagram a soutenu cette semaine les opérations de sécurité menées par les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la région de Tall Afar. Les canons CAESAR ont effectué 6 missions de tir (4 de neutralisation / destruction et 2 d'éclairage). Activité aérienne: Le solde global de l'activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s'élève à 1363 frappes, à 2138 objectifs détruits et à 7058 sorties.

UK Military
  • English
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    Original

'Wednesday 6 September - Typhoons struck a further two Daesh positions in Raqqa ... Typhoons continued operations over Raqqa on Wednesday 6 September, eliminating a further machine-gun position and a sniper.'

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1476 RS2434

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Location

Khisham town, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Local reports documented four civilians killed in airstrikes on Khisham town,13 kilometres east of Deir Ghaza, eastern Deir Ezzor.

Euphrates Post referred to “warplanes” and alleged that they targeted “the house of Awad al-Azar in the town of Khisham, opposite the divider, killing four people and wounding many civilians yesterday evening”, though they did not specify a culprit.

Russia was suspected responsible by Marsad al Hassaka and Qasioun News, both sources referring to Russia’s use of “cluster bombs” dropped in an extensive raid over the villages of Hatla, Mazloum, Khisham, Tabit, and Akeidat, “resulting in severe material damage and fires that are still burning”. Homes of civilians were reported destroyed.

Other sources alleged the US-led Coalition was to blame. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights “believed the warplanes to be International Coalition”, as did Al Watan News.

Asharq Asouri also alleged that the Coalition hit a school that housed displaced persons.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Khisham (خشام), for which the coordinates are: 35.3020098,40.2914143. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further

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 Khisham, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV174073
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 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

For September 11th – 12th the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, seven strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed two vehicles, a tactical vehicle, a VBIED, and a fighting position.“ It later reported, "On Sept. 11, near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed four ISIS fighting positions"
For September 12th-13th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions, two VBIEDs, a VBIED facility and a logistics node.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘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.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Tuesday 12 September – a Reaper successfully guided a coalition airstrike onto a truck-bomb workshop near Dayr az Zawr…The following day [Sept 12th], a Reaper remotely piloted aircraft operated in the same area near Dayr az Zawr, and provided precision targeting that enabled a coalition air strike to destroy a truck-bomb workshop and a vehicle that was being prepared there.’

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI849

Incident date

September 18, 2017

Location

القائم, Al Qaim, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Civilian casualties were reported following air raids and/or artillery strikes on the district of Qaim, in the west of Anbar province.

Yaqin first reported US occupation heavy artillery shelling on areas of the Anbar, coinciding with the continued displacement of families in the absence of food and medicine. A second Yaqin report alleged civilian casualties and attributed blame to an aerial bombardment of aircraft military-government on residential parts of Qaim.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 only mention the district of Al Qaim (قضاء القائم), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.3957715, 40.9943684. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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 Qaiem, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 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

For September 17th – 18th the Coalition reported “Near Al Qaim, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a VBIED factory and an ISIS-held building.”

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1530

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Location

السمرة, Al Raqqah Samra, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9327067, 39.0910721 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that civilians died following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on sites near al Raqqa al Samra district.

Subsequent reports documented the death of Hajj Abdullah Ali al-Khalaf al-Mqtash (pictured), with all sources considered the US-led Coalition to be the culprit. Qasioun asserted that a “number of civilians died and more were wounded” after suspected Coalition raids.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hajj Abdullah Ali al-Khalaf al-Mqtash
Adult male 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Hajj "Abdullah Ali al-Khalaf al-Mqtash, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqah Samra, Raqqah city, Sept 26th (via Sharqiya Voice)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Samra (السمرة), Raqqa governorate. The coordinates of this village are: 35.9327067, 39.0910721.

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 Raqqah Samrah, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 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

For September 25th-26th: “Near Raqqah, 26 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed 17 fighting positions, two ISIS headquarters and two vehicles.”

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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1556

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Location

طابية جزيرة, Tabiyyah Jazeera, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.279167, 40.311111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local leader Thalj Ragheb Al-Humaidi Al-Salman was killed in airstrikes on Tabiyyah Jazeera village, according to multiple local sources. He was Mukhtar of the village and Sheikh of the Burmah clan.

It is not presently clear who was responsible as no source apportioned blame – all but one referred to “shelling”. Airwars will amend the entry when any new information arises.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Thalj Ragheb Al-Humaidi Al-Salman
Adult male Mukhtar of the Taiba Jazeera village and Sheikh of the Burmah clan killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Tabiyyah Jazeera (جزیرة طابیة), for which the coordinates are: 35.279167, 40.311111

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 Tabiah Jazeerah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 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

For September 30th-October 1st the Coalition reported “Near Abu Kamal, three strikes destroyed an ISIS well head and engaged two tactical units. Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed an ISIS tactical vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1590

Incident date

October 5, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The entire family of Nour Mahmoud Al I’llo (pictured), reportedly died following aerial bombardment on the city of Raqqah, according to Raqqa is being Slaughtered Silently. The report added that Nour was transferred from Raqqah to Tal Abiyad National Hospital, and was under the care of Dr Abdul Muttalib Suleiman.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported the event on October 12th, saying that Nour Mahmoud Al I’llo was transferred to the hospital “almost a week ago”, indicating that the date of the event was around October 5th/6th. Airwars is, however, awaiting confirmation on this.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Nour Mahmoud Al I’llo
Child female injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Nour Mahmoud Al I’llo

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident only mention the city of Ar Raqqah (الرقة), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to the limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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
  • Jun 28, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 5th-6th, the Coalition reported that “Near Raqqah, 29 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed 23 fighting positions, two vehicles, a supply route, an IED, damaged a vehicle and suppressed three fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Oct. 5, near Raqqah, Syria, 10 strikes disrupted three ISIS supply routes, damaged five fighting positions, destroyed one fighting position, and suppressed one fighting position and one ISIS tactical unit.” And that “On Oct 5, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike damaged an ISIS fighting position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1622

Incident date

October 12, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media named two civilians as killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah.

The date of the incident is currently unclear: reporting on October 14th, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently said that the victims died “during the past few days”.

Raqqa Media Office and SHRC reported their deaths on October 15th, also saying that they died “during the past few days”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Rima Ibrahim Al-Hammadi
Age unknown killed
Razan al-Mutasin
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    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 city of Ar Raqqah (الرقة‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to the limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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
  • Jun 28, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 12th – 13th the Coalition reported “Near Ar Raqqah, 25 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units, suppressed one fighting position, destroyed two communications nodes, 10 fighting positions, one vehicle and one ISIS supply road.” And additionally that “Near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes destroyed three ISIS lines of communication and one fighting position.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Thursday 12 October – Tornados struck two Daesh-held buildings in Raqqah, and bombed a terrorist camp in the western Iraqi desert…On Thursday 12 October, over western Iraq, another Tornado flight dropped four Paveways on a Daesh camp in the desert, some 60 miles south-west of Ramadi….This included two Tornado GR4s providing close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqah on Thursday 12 October. A Paveway IV guided bomb was deployed to target the upper storeys of a building from which a Daesh sniper was firing, and a second weapon struck another building from which terrorists were engaged in a combat with the SDF.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    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

CS1650

Incident date

September 30–October 16, 2017

Location

الدرعية, Diriyah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported one adult male was killed in an alleged airstrike. It blamed the Coalition for his death, and said he had died almost a month previously.

Raqqa24, reporting the death on October 25th, said that the victim died “a few days ago” – possibly indicating that he had died from his injuries

There are no other details at this time.

In its assessment of the claim, the Coalition asserted that “The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Kamal Shawach Al-Wahesh
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Kamal Shawach Al-Wahesh, killed in an alleged Coalition strike of Raqqah, 25th October 2017. (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Dariya (الدرعیة) in the city of Raqqa. The exact boundaries of this neighbourhood are unclear, it covers a large area in the west of the city, for which the generic coordinates are: 35.947222, 38.991389.

  • Two possible locations for the neighbourhood of Diri’ya (الدرعیة)

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near 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

The Coalition has not publicly reported carrying out any strikes in Raqqah since October 16th 2017.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]