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

CS1093

Incident date

June 26, 2017

Location

ﻛﺴﺮﺓ ﻋﻔﻨﺎﻥ, Kasrat Afnan, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.909167, 39.037222 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian male and one child were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airsrikes on Kasrat Afnan, local sources reported.

All four sources who reported the incident alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Jassim Mahmoud al Sheikh
Adult male killed
Ali Jassim al Sheikh
Child killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Jassim Mahmoud al Sheikh, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 26th June 2017, Ar Raqqah. (via ALraqqanow1)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Ali Jassim al Sheikh, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 26th June 2017, Ar Raqqah. (via ALraqqanow1)
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
    farm near Kasrat Afnan, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV035739
    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

For June 26th-27th: “Near Raqqah, 18 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 13 fighting positions, two vehicles, a VBIED, a home-made explosives factory, and an ISIS headquarters; and damaged two fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On June 26, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an IED belt.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Monday 26 June – Tornados destroyed a truck-bomb workshop near Al Mayadin in eastern Syria, while Typhoons and Tornados eliminated snipers in Raqqa and Mosul… Two mixed pairs of Tornados and Typhoons, supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker, meanwhile provided close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) pushing into Raqqa and to the Iraqi troops clearing remaining Daesh positions in west Mosul. A Brimstone missile accounted for a sniper team in Raqqa'.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

19 strikes were made by French aircraft in Iraq and Syria in the last week. Most of them were carried out in the battles of Mosul and Raqqah. These strikes were aimed at groups of Daech fighters. The other strikes were carried out in Syria and targeted regrouping and refueling areas used by jihadi fighters. Task Force Wagram carried out 16 artillery strikes in Mosul.

‘CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION En Syrie, les Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS) sont engagées dans des combats féroces pour reprendre progressivement le contrôle du centre-ville de Raqqah. À l’Est, arrivés en bordure de la muraille d’enceinte de la vieille ville, les FDS sont ralentis sur les autres axes par les stratégies de harcèlement et d’imbrication de Daech déjà mises en œuvre à Mossoul. Les combattants du groupe terroriste s’appuient par ailleurs sur les rues étroites de la vieille ville pour freiner la progression des FDS. En Irak, le recul de Daech se poursuit. Au nord-ouest de l’Irak, les Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) et la 15e division irakienne poursuivent leurs actions pour consolider leur emprise sur la province de Ninive. Daech de son côté continue de concentrer ses actions de diversion dans la poche de Hawijah. À Mossoul, les Forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) continuent leur progression méthodique. Les combattants de Daech sont désormais isolés dans deux poches de résistances distinctes, entre la Médina et le complexe hospitalier. Le 21 juin les djihadistes ont fait sauter la mosquée Al Nouri alors que les FSI s’en approchaient, privant ces dernières d’une prise symbolique. Ils ont également mené plusieurs actions de harcèlement contre les lignes arrière des FSI. Dans les quartiers repris, la sécurisation est lente, progressive et dangereuse pour les FSI. Daech continue de mener des actions sporadiques de harcèlement et tente de maintenir des cellules dormantes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram a appuyé cette semaine les opérations de ratissage de la 15e division irakienne à l’ouest de Mossoul. 16 missions de tir ont été réalisées en appui des unités irakiennes dont : 10 missions de harcèlement 6 missions d’éclairement Depuis le début de son engagement, la TF Wagram a donc conduit plus de 1200 missions de tirs. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 29 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 2 de recueil de renseignements. 19 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie. La majeure partie d’entre elles ont été réalisées dans le cadre des batailles de Mossoul et de Raqqah. Ces frappes visaient des groupes de combattants de Daech. Les autres frappes ont été réalisées en Syrie et ont visé des zones de regroupement et de ravitaillements utilisées par les combattants djihadistes.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1122

Incident date

June 29, 2017

Location

الطوب, Al Toob, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.1739486, 40.3728676 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian male was reportedly killed and a number of others were injured in airstrikes on Al Toob in Deir Ezzor, however responsibility for the strike was contested.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claimed that the Coalition was responsible, whereas Baladi News alleged that Syrian government planes were to blame. The remaining six sources who reported the incident did not apportion blame to any party.

The strikes are said to have struck near the high school and the Abo Dello petrol station.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Saho Fenyatil al Dalli
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Saho Fnaytal Al-Delli, killed in a raid on Al Toob, June 29th 2017. (via DeirEzzor24)
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 Toob, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU251935
    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

For June 29th-30th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes destroyed four ISIS oil stills, four oil storage tanks, a modular oil refiner and a well head.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1144

Incident date

July 1, 2017

Location

بناء الحريري, Al-Hariri Building, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.954908, 39.023073 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Civilians from three families were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes which hit the Al Hariri building, near the Al Ateeq Mosque in Raqqa.

All ten sources reporting the incident alleged that the Coalition was responsible. Despite this the Coalition has responded that there was no civilian harm as a result of Coalition action. “Thorough review of available evidence indicated Coalition activity did not cause the alleged civilian casualties.”

Initial Airwars research indicated the airstrike occurred on the 2nd of July, however Amnesty field research has uncovered the airstrike occurred on the 1st of July at 5pm.

Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, reported that “Nine people – seven children, one woman and one man – from three families were killed when a three storey house was destroyed in an air strike.”

In a survivors testimony, the mother of the al Abdullah family, Rimal, stated in an emotional interview that “My entire family was taken from me, why? My four children and my husband; everything that was dear to me. Why did they kill them? I have nothing left to live for.”

The incident occured at 17:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

42 years old male father killed
11 years old male killed
4 years old male killed
3 years old male killed
1 year 4 months years old female killed

Family members (3)

Adult female her husband previously killed in Tayyar killed
2 years old male her son killed
4 years old female her daughter killed

Family members (1)

16-17 years old female Ghofran Horan Mohammed killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (4–7 children1 woman1 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 (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Yasser Al-Abdullah and four of his children - A’ssaf, Zain, Jude abd Rimas - died in a reported Coalition strike on Ar Raqqah, July 2nd 2017. (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes

The Al-Hariri building near the Old Mosque was hit by airstrikes at 35.954908, 39.023073. The building was a three story house.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV020789
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 30, 2018
  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 2nd – 3rd: “Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 10 fighting positions and a mortar system.” It additionally reported that “On July 2, near Raqqah, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed two VBIEDs, an ISIS communications tower, and a fighting position; and damaged 32 fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Sunday 2 July – Tornados and Typhoons struck four Daesh positions in Mosul, and two in Raqqa…On Sunday 2 July, mixed pairs of Tornados and Typhoons operated over both Mosul and Raqqa. In Mosul, the Iraqi ground forces encountered three groups of snipers – all three positions, plus another Daesh-held building, were successfully struck with Paveways. In similar fashion, Paveway IVs were used against two terrorist firing points in Raqqa.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (4–7 children1 woman1 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1171

Incident date

July 7, 2017

Location

شارع تل ابيض, Tal Abyad Street, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.948534, 39.012615 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian male was killed in Tal Abyad Street, according to local media.

Baladi said that one person died in artillery shelling on Tal Abyad Street in the center of the city. It is understood by Airwars that only the Coalition has artillery in Raqqa.

However, other sources referred to a rocket attack, with Sharqia Voice saying that it was carried out by “SDF militia”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Issa Mohammed
Adult male killed

Summary

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

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

For July 7th-8th: “Near Raqqah, 18 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 17 fighting positions, two vehicles, and a tunnel.” It was additionally reported that “On July 7, near Raqqah, Syria, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed five fighting positions, an IED factory, and a VBIED; and damaged 15 fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Friday 7 July – Typhoons struck two Daesh positions in Raqqa, whilst Tornados destroyed a terrorist-held building and an armed truck north-west of Bayji, and two targets in Mosul…Tornados flew further missions over Mosul on Friday 7 July, delivering two Paveway IV attacks which eliminated a sniper team and another group of terrorists firing on Iraqi troops. Further south in Iraq, a Daesh-held building had been identified in the countryside some 25 miles north-west of Bayji, with an armed truck hidden inside. Tornados demolished the building with a direct hit from a Paveway IV. Two more such weapons were used in attacks by Typhoons on a pair of defensive positions which the SDF had come up against in Raqqa.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the past week, France reports 21 sorties and 4 strikes, 2 in Raqqa and 2 in Iraq. Task Force Wagram conducted 15 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014, it reports 1311 strikes, 2076 targets destroyed and 6775 sorties.

‘Point de situation des opérations Armée française – Opérations militaires·Thursday, 13 July 2017 CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la manœuvre d’encerclement menée au Sud de la ville pour couper les combattants de Daech de leurs soutiens est terminée. Dans la ville, la progression des Forces Démocratiques Syriennes se poursuit maison par maison, face à une défense de Daech faite d’actions permanentes de harcèlement, d’infiltrations et d’attaques suicides menées avec l’aide de boucliers humains. Les Forces armées syriennes se heurtent aux défense de Daech plus à l’Est et les positions se stabilisent. En Irak, Dimanche 9 juillet, le Premier ministre irakien a annoncé la libération de Mossoul. Cette victoire sur l’organisation terroriste marque le succès de forces irakiennes appuyées par les forces aériennes de la Coalition et un soutien artillerie, au cœur d’une stratégie qui aura permis d’affaiblir Daech avant de contre-attaquer en remontant le Tigre et de progresser ensemble jusqu’au cœur de la ville après l’avoir encerclée. Désormais, les forces de sécurité débutent une longue phase de sécurisation de Mossoul. La nécessité de nettoyer la ville des très nombreux pièges posés par Daech, la présence de combattants-suicides disséminés au sein de la population, la probable présence de cellules terroristes dormantes, va imposer aux Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes de poursuivre leurs efforts pendant de longues semaines. Les combats se concentrent désormais dans le secteur de Tall Afar où bon nombre de combattants terroristes ont trouvé refuge après avoir fui la zone de Mossoul. Daech poursuit de son côté ses actions terroristes dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah où l’organisation dispose encore de forces importantes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 21 sorties aériennes dont 19 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 2 missions de recueil de renseignement. 04 frappes ont été réalisées dont 02 dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 15 missions de tir dont 14 de harcèlement et 01 d’éclairement. Le bilan global depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1311 frappes, 2076 objectifs et 6775 sorties. ‘

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

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

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For July 5th-11th, France reports 4 strikes – 2 in Iraq and 2 in Syria (Raqqa) and 15 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1198

Incident date

July 13, 2017

Location

حي الدرعية, Al Dari'ya, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Between seven and 10 civilians, including women and children, were reportedly killed and a “large” number of people wounded following alleged Coalition airstrikes in the Al Dariya neighbourhood of Raqqa, local sources reported.

Among the 19 sources who reported the incident, 17 alleged that the Coalition was responsible. Baladi News said that SDF artillery strikes contributed to the deaths. However Airwars understands only the Coalition has access to artillery therefore they would still be responsible. Ara News instead claimed that the civilians were killed as a result of ISIL mines, but no other report validates this claim.

Amnesty International later reported generally on the situation in the neighbourhood, citing ‘Mahmouda’, who escaped on July 21st: “They were fighting on both sides when we left. They [the SDF/coalition] had been shelling for two months. IS slaughtered people like birds. Many people were killed in the shelling. There were bodies all over the streets. The killing was from both sides but the worst was from IS. Families and families died.

The planes couldn’t distinguish between IS and civilians as IS made us all wear the same clothes. If the religious police caught my 12 year old son they’d make him cut his trousers [between the knee and the ankle – Kandahari style] so they couldn’t distinguish.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (7)

Member of the Ba’anat family 1
Age unknown killed
Member of the Ba’anat family 2
Age unknown killed
Member of the Ba’anat family 3
Age unknown killed
Member of the Ba’anat family 4
Age unknown killed
Member of the Ba’anat family 5
Age unknown killed
Member of the Ba’anat family 6
Age unknown killed
Member of the Ba’anat family 7
Age unknown killed

Family members (2)

Ahmed al Zuhu
Adult male killed
Wife of Ahmed al Zuhu
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 10
  • (2 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (19) [ 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 Dariya, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 28, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 13th-14th: “Near Raqqah, nine strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed three ISIS communication towers, three fighting positions, a command and control node, a front-end loader, and an artillery system; and damaged three supply routes.“ It additionally reported that “On July 13, near Raqqah, Syria, eight strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed five ISIS communication towers.” And that On July 13, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes damaged nine fighting positions and suppressed five mortar teams.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the past week, France reports 21 sorties and 4 strikes, 2 in Raqqa and 2 in Iraq. Task Force Wagram conducted 15 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014, it reports 1311 strikes, 2076 targets destroyed and 6775 sorties.

‘Point de situation des opérations Armée française – Opérations militaires·Thursday, 13 July 2017 CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la manœuvre d’encerclement menée au Sud de la ville pour couper les combattants de Daech de leurs soutiens est terminée. Dans la ville, la progression des Forces Démocratiques Syriennes se poursuit maison par maison, face à une défense de Daech faite d’actions permanentes de harcèlement, d’infiltrations et d’attaques suicides menées avec l’aide de boucliers humains. Les Forces armées syriennes se heurtent aux défense de Daech plus à l’Est et les positions se stabilisent. En Irak, Dimanche 9 juillet, le Premier ministre irakien a annoncé la libération de Mossoul. Cette victoire sur l’organisation terroriste marque le succès de forces irakiennes appuyées par les forces aériennes de la Coalition et un soutien artillerie, au cœur d’une stratégie qui aura permis d’affaiblir Daech avant de contre-attaquer en remontant le Tigre et de progresser ensemble jusqu’au cœur de la ville après l’avoir encerclée. Désormais, les forces de sécurité débutent une longue phase de sécurisation de Mossoul. La nécessité de nettoyer la ville des très nombreux pièges posés par Daech, la présence de combattants-suicides disséminés au sein de la population, la probable présence de cellules terroristes dormantes, va imposer aux Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes de poursuivre leurs efforts pendant de longues semaines. Les combats se concentrent désormais dans le secteur de Tall Afar où bon nombre de combattants terroristes ont trouvé refuge après avoir fui la zone de Mossoul. Daech poursuit de son côté ses actions terroristes dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah où l’organisation dispose encore de forces importantes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 21 sorties aériennes dont 19 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 2 missions de recueil de renseignement. 04 frappes ont été réalisées dont 02 dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 15 missions de tir dont 14 de harcèlement et 01 d’éclairement. Le bilan global depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1311 frappes, 2076 objectifs et 6775 sorties. ‘

Unknown
  • English
    /
    Original

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 10
  • (2 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1228

Incident date

July 18, 2017

Location

صبيخان, Sabikan, car, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.85305, 40.59987 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A father and his young son were killed and a number of other civilians wounded after an airstrike hit the man’s pick-up truck in Sabikhan in Deir Ezzor, local sources reported. However it was contested who was responsible.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights and Al Hasaka Rasd also reported that the man’s childwas killed in the strike.

Ahmad al Shabli reported that the car was struck at 2pm and several sources shared images of the blasted pick-up truck.

Five sources – Al Hasaka Rasd, Euphrates Post, Ahmad al Shabli, Sharqiya Voice and @7News_Kuw – alleged that the Coalition was responsible meanwhile the Syrian Network for Human Rights alleged that the Syrian government was responsible.

Four sources did not make any allegations with regard to responsibility.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Bassam Hassan al Ja’ifis
Adult male he was reportedly the owner of the Al Bassem al Hawalat Bureau of Exchange killed
Hussein
Child male child of Bassam Hassan al Ja’ifis killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (0–1 children2 women1 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 attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Bassam al-Muhammad, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Sabikhan, July 18th 2017. (via SN4HR)
  • The aftermath of the alleged Coalition raid on Sabikhan, 18th July 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
  • The aftermath of the alleged Coalition raid on Sabikhan, 18th July 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
  • Bassam al-Muhammad, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Sabikhan, July 18th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)
  • The aftermath of the alleged Coalition raid on Sabikhan, 18th July 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Subaikhan, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU462579
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 30, 2018
  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 18th-19th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed six ISIS oil stills.“

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (0–1 children2 women1 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 attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1260

Incident date

July 24, 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

Local sources reported the death of a civilian male, who it was reported was displaced from Palymyra, following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa.

Mohannad Al Hamad confirmed his uncle’s death on Facebook.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Hamad (Abu Jaber)
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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Hamad (Abu Jaber), killed in an alleged Coalition raid on Raqqa, July 24th 2017. (via Revolution Coordination Committee in Palmyra)
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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 24th-25th: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, a VBIED, and a mortar system; and damaged a fighting position.” It additionally reported that “On July 24, near Raqqah, Syria, 10 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions, three oil refinement stills, a vehicle, a command and control node, and a weapons cache.” And that “On July 24, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed one supply cache and suppressed 14 fighting positions.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Monday 24 July – Tornados and Typhoons hit three positions in Raqqa… Three more Paveway IVs were dropped on 24 July, targeting a further three terrorist firing points.

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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1290

Incident date

July 28, 2017

Location

غرانيج, Graneej, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.776667, 40.73 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians died and several more were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Granejj town, according to local media.

While some sources said that there was not yet any news on the death toll, Jisrtv, Syrianpc and Step News Agency were among those who attributed the event to the Coalition, reporting that three non-combatants had died, with an unspecified number more wounded.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Graneej, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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 July 28th-29th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed an ISIS headquarters, an oil storage vehicle, and a well-head.” It additionally reported that “On July 28, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, one strike destroyed four ISIS oil stills.”

Summary

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