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

CS1566

Incident date

October 2, 2017

Location

مظلوم فوقاني, Mazloum Foqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3077313, 40.257403 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The civilian Abdullah al Jamma was reported to be “under the rubble” of buildings, following airstrikes by unidentified aircraft. Reportedly targeting the town of Mazloum Foqani according to the Euphrates Post.

The town sits on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, where the US-led Coalition was still conducting strikes. Mr al Jamma was suspected to have been under the rubble for two days at the time Euphrates Post reported the incident.

No additional details are presently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdullah al Jamma
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Mazloum Foqani (فوقاني مظلوم), for which the coordinates are: 35.3077313, 40.257403

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 Mazloum Foqani, 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 October 1st – 2nd the Coalition reported “Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed two ISIS well heads and a fighting position.”

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1598

Incident date

October 7, 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

A man named as Hussein al-Ali al-Hamam and “his family of six people” from the Hamam al Turkman area in Raqqah city (possibly where the incident occurred) died following airstrikes, local media reported.

Hussein al-Ali al Hamam reportedly worked for the local power company. Raqqa 24 blamed the US-led Coalition, while all other sources referred only to “aerial bombardment”.

Airwars will update the entry when any new information arises.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hussein al-Ali al-Hamam
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 7
  • (1–2 children1–2 women1 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]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Ar Raqqah (الرقة‎), for which the coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Sources mention that the victims were Internally Displaced People from the village of Hammam Al Turkman (حمام التركمان) located at these coordinates: 36.527709, 39.076395. Due to 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 6th-7th the Coalition reported •Near Raqqah, 17 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed a command and control node, seven fighting positions, two vehicles, and two communications infrastructures, and a VBIED; damaged two fighting positions, two communication infrastructures, two ISIS supply routes and suppressed one fighting position.” It additionally reported that “On Oct. 6, near Raqqah, Syria 23 strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed 17 fighting positions, six vehicles, a VBIED, and an ISIS supply road.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 7
  • (1–2 children1–2 women1 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

CS1629

Incident date

October 16, 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

Marsad Hasaka reported “the martyrdom of the child Ali Bashir Al-Daman from the village of Massada by the bombing of coalition aircraft on the city of Al-Rigga a few days ago”.

Raqqa24, reporting the death on October 25th, said that the victim died “a few days ago”. However the last reported Coalition action in the city was on October 16th, with victory over ISIS declared by the SDF the following day.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali Bashir Al-Daman
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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]

  • Ali Bashir Al-Daman, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqah, 16th October 2017. (via Marsad Hasaka)

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 16th-17th it noted: “Near Raqqah, three strikes suppressed three ISIS communication lines.” The last reported strikes prior to this were on October 12th.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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]

Incident Code

CS1721

Incident date

February 3–4, 2018

Location

البحرة, Al Bahra village, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.735379, 40.773976 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources reported up to 40 civilians killed, including up to 20 named children and at least 13 women, and “dozens” wounded in a major casualty event in Al Bahra on February 4th.

All sources identify the Coalition as the culprit or – as with the Enabbaladi local report – specifically mentioned “indiscriminate US shelling”.

ISIS released a video via A’amaq on February 4th, showing damage and the bodies of children laying on the ground. Multiple photographs appeared to document high infant fatalities in the town.

A report from Jisr TV mentioned that this incident was a continuation of the campaign on the village as mentioned before in event S1525, noting that “the international coalition fighters intensified their air strikes on the areas under the organization east of Deir Ezzor recently, especially in the village of Al-Bahra”.

On February 8th, the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the fatality toll had risen to “at least 40, including 20 children and 13 women”. According to the report, the airstrike targeted a school with Internally Displaced Persons. Euphrates Post and the Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies both later provided a list of the casualties that had been so far documented: Euphrates Poist said most of the deceased were IDPs from the town of Safira in eastern Aleppo.

Despite the event being apparently well documented, the Coalition later denied responsibility.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (21)

Malik Mohammed Al-Hussein Al Arabesh
Adult male killed
Wife of Malik Mohammed al Hussein
Adult female killed
Mahmoud bin Ali al-Hussein Al Arbash
Age unknown male killed
Haitham bin Ali Al Hussein Al Arbish
Age unknown male killed
Wife of Haitham
Adult female , daughter of Ahmed Al Ahmad al Juma’a killed
Wife of Malik Al-Ali
Adult female Al-Hussain the daughter of Mahmoud Al Dandal killed
Abdul Rahman
4 years old male Son of Mohammed Al-Hussein killed
Mohammed
3 years old male Son of Mohammed Al-Hussein killed
Emad
3 years old male Son of Haitham Al Hussein killed
Sondos
2 years old female Daughter of Haitham al-Hussein killed
Jihad Mahmoud Ali Al-Hussein
3 years old male killed
Mariya
2 years old female Daughter of Mahmoud al-Hussein killed
Shahd
5 years old female Daughter of Mahmoud Al Ali Al Hussein killed
Wife of Mahmoud bin Ali al-Hussein
Adult female Daughter of Mohammed al-Haj Ali killed
Wife of Ahmed bin Ali Al Hussein Al Hussein
Adult female killed
Hisham
7 years old male Son of Malik bin Ali Al Hussein killed
Hudhayfah
5 years old male Son of Malik Ali al Hussein killed
Bayan
3 years old female Daughter of Malik Ali Hussein killed
Nasreen al-Husain
Adult female Daughter of Hussein, wife of Ahmed al-Hussein bin Ali killed
Aya
3 months years old female Daughter of Ahmed Al Hussein Bin Ali killed
Nour
14 years old female Daughter of Ali al-Hussein killed

Family members (9)

Saleh Al Abboud Al Ahmad Al Alawi Abu Fadi
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim
6 years old male Son of Saleh al-‘Abdu al-Ahmad al-‘Alu killed
Izzo
9 years old male Son of Saleh al-‘Abdu al-Ahmad al-‘Alu killed
Wife of Fadi Ibn Saleh Al-Abboud Al-Ahmad Al-Alu
Adult female Daughter of Professor Mohamed Fouad Ismail killed
Magda
28 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-Hamdu al-Alou killed
Samih
40 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-Hamdu al-Alawi killed
Fatima
9 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-‘Abdu al-‘Alu, nicknamed Abu Basha killed
Maha
7 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-‘Abdu al-‘Ali killed
Iman
36 years old female Daughter of Hammad Al-Ahmad Al-Alou killed

Family members (7)

Abdullah Abu Hussein Haj Ibrahim
Age unknown male killed
Malika
Age unknown female Daughter of Abdullah Abu Hussein killed
Bashar
17 years old male Son of Abdullah Abu Hussein Haj Ibrahim killed
Mohammed
13 years old male Son of Abdullah Abu Hussein killed
Anwar Mohammed Al-Anwar
9 years old male killed
Nourah
3 years old female Daughter of Mohammed Al-Anwar killed
Qutaibah
2 years old male Son of Ibrahim Abdullah Abu Hussein killed

The victims were named as:

Wafa Al Ahmed Al Haj Ali
Age unknown male killed
Abdo Al-Ahmad Al-Alo Abu Nayef
Age unknown male killed
Wife of Abu Fadi
Adult female Daughter of Hammad Al-Ahmad Al-Alawi killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    38 – 40
  • (7–21 children13–20 women3–7 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24
  • 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 (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A little girl, one of the victims of the continued air campaign on Al Bahra (via Jısırtv)
  • A stills grab from an al Amaq propaganda video detailing reported destruction at al Bahra on Februiary 4th
  • A stills grab from an al Amaq propaganda video detailing reported destruction at al Bahra on Februiary 4th
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)

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 Bahra village, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU619458
    Military Grid Reference System

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 February 3rd, the Coalition reported that "On Feb. 3 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of eight engagements against ISIS targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, seven strikes [2 or more British] engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS supply route, four ISIS-held buildings and a weapons cache."

For February 4th the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 4 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of six engagements against ISIS targets.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Saturday 3 February – Typhoons and a Reaper hit three Daesh buildings…they [Typhoons] demolished a further two such buildings on 3 February, , whilst a Reaper destroyed another.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Sunday 4 February – a Reaper struck a large group of terrorists in a building…On 4 February, a Reaper hit another building held by a large group of terrorists.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

The Wagram Task Force continues its support security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, two firefighting missions were carried out for the benefit of the Iraqi security forces. This week, the air activity provided intelligence and support missions for the Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian Democratic Forces. It resulted in 28 sorties (assessment from 31 January to 6 February) during which a strike was conducted in the Abu Kamal area in support of the Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the last pockets of Daesh in the valley of the Euphrates.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les dernières poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leur combat contre les dernières poches daechies présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate. La Coalition y apporte un appui continu, permettant aux forces locales au sol de progresser régulièrement malgré une résistance importante de Daech. Poursuite des opérations de sécurisation en Irak… En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent leurs efforts pour sécuriser le territoire. La priorité porte actuellement sur les régions de Baji et de Kirkouk où des caches d’armes sont régulièrement découvertes et détruites. … favorisant le retour des réfugiés A la faveur de la sécurisation croissante du territoire irakien, les conditions du retour des réfugiés se sont sensiblement améliorées, notamment dans la partie ouest de l’Anbar. Les réfugiés rejoignent progressivement les villes d’Al Qaim et d’Anah où les opérations de dépollution des engins explosifs improvisés laissés par Daech se poursuivent. Environ 80 camps ont été fermés en Irak et une vingtaine devrait l’être dans les semaines à venir. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram forme des artilleurs irakiens… Du 30 janvier au 1er février, un détachement de la Task Force Wagram a réalisé une action de formation inédite au tir canon au profit de plus d’une centaine d’artilleurs irakiens. Cet échange d’expérience est le résultat des liens établis entre les Task force Monsabert et Wagram avec l’Ecole d’artillerie irakienne. Ce type de stage est appelé à être renouvelé. … tout en poursuivant son appui aux 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 (1 mission d’éclairement et 1 mission d’interdiction – bilan du 31 janvier au 6 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1617 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Cette semaine, l’activité aérienne a permis d’assurer des missions de renseignement et d’appui au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes et des forces démocratiques syriennes. Elle a donné lieu à 28 sorties aériennes (bilan du 31 janvier au 6 février) au cours desquelles une frappe a été réalisée dans le secteur d’Abu Kamal en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes combattant les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7736 sorties / 1435 frappes / 2223 objectifs neutralisés.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For January 31st-February 6th, the Dutch MoD reported its F-16s released four munitions in the vicinity of Abu Kamal: on ISIS fighters, a storage facility and artillery positions. Jets provided support to ground troops in 12 missions, including in the Iraqi provinces Nineva, Salah ad-Din and As-Sulaymaniyah.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 07-02-2018 | 12:00 Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-doelen aan: strijders, logistieke opslaglocaties en artillerieopstellingen. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 31 januari tot en met 6 februari 2018. F-16 taxiet naar startbaanToon opties Een Nederlandse F-16 op weg naar de startbaan. De jachtvliegtuigen hielpen de grondtroepen tijdens 11 missies, ook boven de Iraakse provincies Ninawa, Sala ad-Din en As-Sulaymaniyah. Bij 4 werden wapens ingezet. Nederland doet boven Irak en Oost-Syrië in coalitieverband mee aan de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Irak Voor Operation Inherent Resolve trainen Nederlandse militairen met diverse partnerlanden Peshmerga-strijders in Irak. Het team van Capacity Building Mission Iraq (CBMI) IX droeg vorige week het stokje over aan CBMI X. Zij voeren deze missie uit tot en met mei 2018. 2 trainingsteams verzorgen een basis-infanterieopleiding voor de manschappen en daarnaast een leiderschapstraining voor de kaderleden. Dat gebeurde in 2 opleidingscentra van Peshmerga. Zij kregen les in basisvaardigheden, kaartlezen en het verrichten van medische handelingen. Degenen die de training afrondden, ontvingen een certificaat. In het westen van Irak werkt een chirurgisch team in het Amerikaanse Role 2-hospitaal. De Nederlandse medici werken daar nauw samen met een Brits team.’

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    38 – 40
  • (7–21 children13–20 women3–7 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24
  • 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 (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI877

Incident date

May 14, 2018

Location

السفينة و حويجة, Mashraq village, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

35.57707, 43.34567 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local reports, airstrikes targeted villages south of Mosul on the morning of May 14th and resulted in considerable damage – and injured between two and five civilians. The Coalition later conceded injuring 13 civilians in the event.

Yaqein quoted a local source that stated that “An aircraft believed to be an American fired two large missiles on the village of Hawija south of Mosul”. The source added that “the rockets fell near the houses of the population, which resulted in the injury of five civilians”. All other sources also noted that the strikes took place south of Mosul, but identified the strike location as the village of al Safina. Ajl News reported that the “unknown bombing” targeted the villages of al Sefena, Mashraq, Talul Nasser, Nimrod and was believed to be executed by an “international Coalition aircraft”.

The security information center of the Ministry of Defense reported that a Coalition airstrike struck north of al-Qayarah base and injured 13 civilians. The center noted that “the injured were taken to the hospital, where ten of them left after receiving treatment while 3 remain in the hospital.”

Sputnik quoted an Iraqi security source who stated that two civilians were injured and that the aircraft may be either affiliated with the Coalition or the Iraqi air force. The source also mentioned that the strike may have been “made by mistake” as Iraqi forces had already liberated the Nineveh province from ISIS.

A local source told Yaqein that “the security forces carried the wounded to a military hospital in Mosul.”

In July 2018 the Coalition admitted responsibility, noting: “May 14, 2018, near Mishraq village, Iraq, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh campsite, thirteen civilians were unintentionally killed.” The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

In August 2019 the Coalition noted that they had made an error in the July 2018 report, stating that it should have read 13 civilians were injured, instead of killed.

In its 2019 annual report to Congress, the Pentagon declared this to be a US action – though also wrongly stated 13 deaths. This was corrected in the following year’s report.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Destruction at Mishraq following a Coalition strike which killed 13 civilians in May 2018 (via Ajl News)
  • Destruction at Mishraq following a Coalition strike which killed 13 civilians in May 2018 (via Ajl News)
  • Destruction at Mishraq following a Coalition strike which killed 13 civilians in May 2018 (via Ajl News)
  • Destruction at Mishraq following a Coalition strike which killed 13 civilians in May 2018 (via Ajl News)
  • Destruction of one of the villages south of Mosul after an alleged Coalition or Iraqi airstrike (via Ajl News)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

The coordinates provided to Airwars by the US-led Coalition are 35.57707, 43.34567 (Military Grid Reference System: 38SLE501383), defining an area of 100 × 100 m. Satellite imagery of this area shows none of the built structures or terrain visible in the documentation from local sources. Airwars has contacted the Coalition for clarification.

  • Coordinates of 100 m area indicated by Coalition

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    13
  • Stated location
    near Mishraq village, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLE501383
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 29, 2019
  • Jul 26, 2018
  • May 14, 2018, near Mishraq village, Iraq, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh campsite, thirteen civilians were unintentionally killed.

  • In the July 26, 2018 Monthly Civilian Casualty Report, CJTF-OIR reported, "May 14, 2018, near Mishraq village, Iraq, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh campsite, thirteen civilians were unintentionally killed." This was an administrative error and should have read, "May 14, 2018, near Mishraq village, Iraq, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh campsite, thirteen civilians were unintentionally injured." The total civilian casualty assessment has been updated to reflect this correction.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition publicly reported at the time that: “On May 14 in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted one strike consisting of one engagement against Daesh targets.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1782

Incident date

July 21, 2018

Location

بين بلدة السوسة والظهرة في البادية, Al Soussa/al Dahra, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.528889, 40.9675 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that up to thirty civilians were killed and injured when Coalition airstrikes allegedly targeted several locations between al Soussa and al Dahra.

Most sources stated that the civilians were struck when they were trying to escape the village of al Soussa and move towards the al Dahra area in al Badia, rural Deir Ezzor. ISIS had reportedly allowed some civilians to flee.

According to Deir Ezzor 24, this happened when Coalition aircraft were “targeting several locations for Daesh in the town of Al-Soussa”. All sources identified the Coalition as the culprit.

Baladi News later noted that “dozens of civilians, including women and children” were killed and injured in the attack. This was reiterated by Syrian state media SANA, which added that “scores of families from al-Soussa have been fleeing the airstrikes of the Coalition that have been targeting their homes for days.”

Al Soussa Youth reported that one of the civilians killed was identified as Hamid Al Zaidan from al Habatra, whose recovered body had been brought to his family. According to the report, the other bodies “can’t be reached.” Two days after the event, both al Soussa Youth and Step News Agency reported a tally of 30 civilians killed, while mentioning that these were still not recovered from the site.

Two days after the incident, Mena Monitor News stated that the SDF “found eight bodies of civilians in the town of Soussa in the eastern suburb of Deir al-Ghazur, which were killed by an air strike by the international coalition coalition two days ago”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hamid Al Zaidan
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    24 – 30
  • (2 children2 women)
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of Hamid Al Zaidan (via al Soussa Youth)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the villages of Al Baghouz and Al Soussa, for which the coordinates are: 34,528889, 40,9675

  • The villages Al Soussa and Al Baghouz

    Imagery:
    © 2018 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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al-Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU805225
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018
  • July 21, 2018, near al-Soussa, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition publicly reported that on July 21st 2018: “Near Abu Kamal, three strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, and destroyed three
Daesh vehicles and one Daesh line of communication."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    24 – 30
  • (2 children2 women)
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1804

Incident date

October 4, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6897222, 40.83 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local reports, a Coalition drone or air strike – or possibly a mortar strike by local US proxies the SDF – killed a woman and her two children in the town of Hajin in Deir Ezzor governorate.

Euphrates Post named the victims as the wife of Khaled Al-Hajij and her two daughters [named as Ruqayya and Noura Khaled al Hjeij by the Syrian Network]. However while Euphrates Post described multiple air and drone strikes on the town that day, both it along with Deir Ezzor 24 and the Syrian Human Rights Committee blamed the civilian deaths on an SDF mortar round. Free Deir Ezzor Radio and Step News instead said the deaths had resulted from a Coalition airstrike.

In a possibly related event, Smart News reported a local source as saying that “a UAV aircraft of the coalition targeted a house on the outskirts of the city taken by Daesh as a headquarters, which led to the death of eight of its members and wounded several others.”

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 the allegation provided insufficient information on the timing and location of the strike to make a determination.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Wife of Khaled Al-Hajij
Adult female Mother of two child victims killed
Ruqayya Khaled al Hjeij
Child female killed
Noura Khaled al Hjeij
Child female killed

Summary

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

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

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

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
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU676401
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • Oct. 4, 2018, in Hajin, Syria, via Airwars report. The report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3193/CS1804 37SFU676401

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 4th 2018, the US-led Coalition reported the following:
“On Oct. 4 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 10 strikes consisting of 12 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Abu Kamal, 10 strikes engaged 15 tactical units, and destroyed one command and control center, one vehicle-borne IED, one piece of heavy equipment, two mortars, one vehicle, two supply routes and suppressed two staging areas.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Thursday 4 October – Tornados supported a Syrian Democratic Forces attack on a Daesh position, destroying a truck-bomb, a strong-point and an improvised explosive device facility…The following day [Oct 4th], an SDF attack on a Daesh position encountered a truck-bomb which was blocking their advance towards a terrorist strong-point in a nearby building. Tornados destroyed the truck-bomb using a Brimstone missile, then demolished the strong-point with a Paveway IV. Another building in the area was then identified as not only Daesh-held, but a probable facility for further improvised truck-bombs. This target was also destroyed with a Paveway IV.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For October 3rd-9th, France report that the three CAESAR guns of TF Wagram carried out 18 shooting missions from Iraq. In the same week, aircraft conducted three strikes north of Abu Kamal in Syria.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, se poursuit. La progression est rendue difficile, Daech ayant notamment recours à une vaste palette d’engins explosifs improvisés. La coalition poursuit son action en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation qui ont permis la neutralisation d’abris, de caches et de matériel. Daech maintient sa stratégie d’évitement. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas connu d’évolution notable. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Cette semaine, les trois canons CAESAR de la TF Wagram ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 18 missions de tir (éclairement, fumigène, harcèlement – bilan du 03 au 09 octobre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1947 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 03 au 09 octobre inclus) et conduit trois frappes en appui des FDS au nord d’Abou Kamal en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8546 sorties / 1462 frappes / 2254 objectifs neutralisés. TF Monsabert et Narvik La Task Force Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, aux mois d’août et septembre, Monsabert a réalisé une dizaine de missions en différents lieux de Bagdad, notamment dans un hôpital de la ville ou pour rendre une expertise visant à préparer les travaux de construction d’un mur de protection. Début octobre, le « partenariat artillerie » a mené un audit du 106ème bataillon d’artillerie, ce qui a permis d’aider les Irakiens à planifier et conduire une campagne de tirs incluant, pour la première fois, des tirs de nuit.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For October 3rd-10th, Dutch F-16s supported ground troops in Syria during nine missions. Weapons were deployed during two missions. The weapons deployment took place in the province of Deir Ezzor, in the vicinity of Abu Kamal. ISIS weapons, a logistics warehouse and ISIS fighters targeted.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 10-10-2018 | 12:00 Nederlandse F-16’s ondersteunden tijdens 9 missies grondtroepen in Syrië. Dit gebeurde in het kader van de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Tijdens 2 missies werden wapens ingezet. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 3 tot 10 oktober 2018. De wapeninzet gebeurde in de provincie Deir al Zour, in de omgeving van Abu Kamal. ISIS-wapenopstellingen, een logistieke opslagplaats en ISIS-strijders waren het doelwit. Irak Nederlandse militairen geven momenteel de ‘bataljonstraining’ aan Koerdische eenheden in de omgeving van Erbil, Irak. Dat geldt ook voor een instructeursopleiding en een training voor het beveiligen van grote gebieden. Samen met Finse militairen wordt een leiderschapstraining voorbereid, die op korte termijn start. In de omgeving van Bagdad ondersteunen Nederlandse trainers het Speciale Operaties Trainings Centrum. Defensie levert ook een chirurgisch team voor het Amerikaanse Role 2-hospitaal. Hier werken de Nederlanders nauw samen met Deense en Britse medici.’

Summary

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

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1829

Incident date

November 10, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.68972, 40.82999 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between four and 26 civilians died in alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on the town of Hajin on November 10th, 2018, according to local sources. An unknown number of others was injured.

Sources claimed that many of the victims were women and children. Sana News put the death toll at four, reporting that “the US-led coalition carried out airstrikes on residential buildings in Hajin city 110 km east of Deir Ezzor city, claiming the lives of two children and two women, and wounding others.”

Syrian Unified Observatory reported 10 killed civilians, also stating most of them were women and children. According to Sound and Picture, 26 civilians died in the airstrikes while attempting to flee the ISIS-held area. Local SDF forces had attempted and failed to negotiate with ISIS an evacuation corridor from the town around this time. 

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition deemed this incident credible and assessed that “Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on ISIS terrorists in a building. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the strike”, which differs from the toll of civilian casualties given by other sources.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 26
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to 34.6897222, 40.83 to the nearest village.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 10th, the Coalition publicly reported: "On Nov. 10 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 23 strikes consisting of 36 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 23 strikes destroyed two command and control centers, one IED facility, one logistic facility, five buildings, four tunnels, two staging areas, six supply routes, one fighting position and one UAS launch site."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From Nov 7th – 13th, France reports that the three CAESAR guns carried out 49 ‘fire’ missions from the Iraqi territory – 35 illumination, 14 destruction. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 1 strike in support of forces on the ground in Syria.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un renforcement à la frontière irako-syrienne. Si Daech a perdu ses capacités militaires, l’organisation terroriste conserve une capacité de nuisance, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué de manière significative. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 49 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 14 destruction – bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2101 missions de tirs. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La TF Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, du 5 au 11 novembre, un groupe d’instructeurs s’est rendu au poste de commandement de la 24ème brigade pour former pour former 20 stagiaires irakiens aux techniques du combat urbain. La TF Narvik forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Elle dispense actuellement des instructions au combat débarqué et au recueil de renseignement. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus) et conduit 1 frappe, en appui des FDS en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8636 sorties / 1479 frappes / 2278 objectifs neutralises.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For November 7th-13th, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during 8 missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in 3 missions near Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 7 t/m 13 November laat MinDef weten Nederlandse F-16’s te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Tijdens 8 missies werden 3 wapens ingezet boven Deir al Zour, Syrie. IS Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 26
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]