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

CS747

Incident date

April 28, 2017

Location

دبسي فرج, Dibsi Faraj, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.91617, 38.23002 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between three and seven civilians died including two children and one woman in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the villages of Dibsi Faraj and Al Bu’A’ass.

The Step News Agency and Damascustodaysy put the death toll at three.

However, according to the Smart News Agency, seven non-combatants died, including two children and one woman – and four more were wounded in a “likely” Coalition raid.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 7
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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]

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 Dibsi Faraj, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility. (1399)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 27th-28th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed a command and control node and a front-end loader.”
For April 28th-29th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed a front-end loader" and "Near Tabqah, 10 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions and four vehicles"

The Coalition later reported: "Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria April 28 that closed within the last 24 hours.
Near Tabqah, Syria, on April 28, four strikes destroyed three fighting positions and a VBIED.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

'Chammal: diversity and complementarity of the support pillar Updated: 28/04/2017 On April 23, a French A400M landed for the first time in Iraq. This first logistical link to Baghdad and Erbil is an opportunity to return to the diversity and complementarity of the means of the "support pillar" of Operation CHAMMAL. Chammal: diversity and complementarity of the pillar support These French resources, engaged in the Inherent Resolve interallied operation, have been operating in the Levant from different areas of influence to all the facades of the theater with optimized effects. They make it possible to sustain and last: the logistic support by air to the air bases and the support points in the Levant makes it possible to respond, by its flexibility, to the impromptu needs: repair of a M88 engine of Rafale, electronic bench of an AWACS, Atlantic optronic ball 2 ... Now relying on A400M flights to Iraqi airports, the armed forces are once again reinforcing their reactivity and the support of the three deployed Task Forces (Narvik, Monsabert, Wagram). They make it possible to assess the situation autonomously and to share the information gathered: for the reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence acquisition missions, the Atlantic 2 sensors and the Rafale RECO NG nacelle cameras confirm their high performance. The endurance of the vectors, the diversity of the sensors and the analytical capacities of the French personnel contribute to the good development of the "situational awareness" (Situation Awarness). They make it possible to respond to requests for support from local security forces or to strike Daech in depth on its hotspots. Chammal: diversity and complementarity of the pillar support After a rigorous targeting process and strong national control, the French armies contribute significantly to coalition strikes in various forms: Prepared strikes in the depths of the Iraqi or Syrian theater, targeting targets of vital importance for Daesh as a booby traps factory or illegal trafficking sites, sources of funding for terrorists. SCALP cruise missiles are regularly used for this purpose. By strikes in support of the local security forces: either on demand, on all lines of contact thanks to the Rafale fighters, punctually thanks to the Atlantic 2, or permanently but on a more restricted area, in direct support surrounding units using CAESAR guns. They enable the detection, control and surveillance of allied air movements thanks to the power of the E-3F (AWACS) weapon system deployed in Qatar, high value added aircraft (HVAA) that exceeds regularly the ten hours of flight after a refueling flight. Most of these assets have increased endurance thanks to the C135-FR air-to-air refueler deployed in the United Arab Emirates. The "Dean" of these abilities CHAMMAL continues to contribute to a commitment in the duration of the different effectors on the zone of combat. The complementarity of the French capabilities deployed in the Levant allows to multiply and combine the effects to ensure the effectiveness of support in the fight against Daesh. This diversity illustrates the commitment and strong involvement of the CHAMMAL forces in the coalition. '

‘Chammal : diversité et complémentarité du pilier appui Ajoutez aux favoris Partager Mise à jour : 28/04/2017 Le 23 avril dernier, un A400M français atterrissait pour la première fois en Irak. Cette première liaison logistique vers Bagdad et Erbil est l’occasion de revenir sur la diversité et la complémentarité des moyens du « pilier appui » de l’opération CHAMMAL. Chammal : diversité et complémentarité du pilier appui Ces moyens français, engagés au sein de l’opération interalliée Inherent Resolve, agissent au Levant depuis différentes emprises vers l’ensemble des façades du théâtre avec des effets optimisés. Ils permettent de soutenir et de durer : le soutien logistique par voie aérienne vers les bases aériennes et les points d’appui au Levant permet de répondre, par sa flexibilité, aux besoins impromptus : dépannage d’un moteur M88 de Rafale, banc électronique d’un AWACS, boule optronique de l’Atlantique 2… En s’appuyant désormais sur des vols A400M vers les aéroports irakiens, les armées renforcent à nouveau leur réactivité et le soutien des trois Task Forces déployées (Narvik, Monsabert, Wagram). Ils permettent d’apprécier la situation de manière autonome et de partager les informations recueillies : pour les missions de reconnaissance, de surveillance, d’acquisition du renseignement, les capteurs de l’Atlantique 2 et les caméras de la nacelle RECO NG des Rafale confirment leurs hautes performances. L’endurance des vecteurs, la diversité des capteurs et les capacités d’analyse du personnel français participent au bon développement de la « connaissance de situation » (Situation Awarness). Ils permettent de répondre aux demandes d’appui des forces de sécurité locales ou de frapper Daech en profondeur sur ses points névralgiques. Chammal : diversité et complémentarité du pilier appui Après un processus de ciblage rigoureux et forts d’un contrôle national intransigeant, les armées françaises contribuent de manière significative aux frappes de la coalition sous diverses formes : Par des frappes préparées, dans la profondeur du théâtre irakien ou syrien, en visant des objectifs d’importance vitale pour Daech comme une usine de véhicules piégés ou des sites de trafics illégaux, sources de financement pour les terroristes. Les missiles de croisière SCALP sont régulièrement utilisés à cet effet. Par des frappes en appui des forces locales de sécurité : soit à la demande, sur l’ensemble des lignes de contact grâce aux chasseurs Rafale, ponctuellement grâce à l’Atlantique 2, soit en permanence mais sur une zone plus restreinte, en appui direct des unités environnantes grâce aux canons CAESAR. Ils permettent la détection, le contrôle et la surveillance de l’ensemble des mouvements aériens alliés grâce à la puissance du système d’armes de l’E-3F (AWACS) déployé au Qatar, aéronef à haute valeur ajoutée (HVAA) qui dépasse régulièrement les dix heures de vol après un ravitaillement en vol. Car la plupart de ces moyens disposent d’une endurance accrue grâce au ravitailleur en vol C135-FR déployé au Emirats-Arabes-Unis. Le « doyen » de ces capacités CHAMMAL continue de contribuer à un engagement dans la durée des différents effecteurs sur la zone de combat. La complémentarité des capacités françaises déployées au Levant permet de démultiplier et de combiner les effets pour assurer l’efficacité des appuis dans la lutte engagée contre Daech. Cette diversité illustre bien l’engagement et la forte implication des forces CHAMMAL au sein de la coalition.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 7
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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

CI676

Incident date

April 29, 2017

Location

الرفاعي, Mosul, Rifai, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3558497, 43.0937862 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local residents reported on Facebook that four civilians were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Rifae neighborhood in West Mosul.

Bab Al Toob (local Facebook group) said that the two brothers Rami Adel Said and Ahmed Adel Said were among the victims in Rifae.

Iraqyoon Agency and Ninawa Media Center put the total death toll at four and said the Coalition had carried out the raids.

Mosul Daughters and Sawlf Ateka, other local Facebook groups, said that the young man Shahid Akram also died in West Mosul that day – though it was not stated whether this was in Rifae, nor who was responsible for the airstrikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Rami Adel Said
Adult male Brother of Ahmed Adel Said, worked at a computer office at a cultural centre killed
Ahmed Adel Said
Adult male Brother of Rami Adel Said, owned a shop for watches killed

The victims were named as:

Shahid Akram
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Rami Adel Said and his brother Ahmed reportedly died after alleged Coalition strikes hit Rifae neighbourhood in West Mosul (via Bab Al Toob, Facebook)
  • Shahid Akram was also reportedly killed in Rifai neighbourhood, local sources said (via Sawlf Ateka)
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 Rifai neighborhood, Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • 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. (1402)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 28th-29th: “Near Mosul, four strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed four mortar systems, two supply caches, an anti-air artillery system, a tactical vehicle, and an ISIS staging area; damaged seven ISIS supply routes; and suppressed an ISIS mortar team” and “Near Mosul, Iraq; on April 29th, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed two fighting positions, two weapons caches, one mortar system, and one front-end loader; and suppressed a heavy machine gun.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI677

Incident date

April 29, 2017

Location

مشيرفة, Mosul, Meshrfa, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.376753, 43.049025 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Seven families – an estimated 20 to 40 people – reportedly died in a Coalition or ISF airstrike on a house on the outskirts of Msherfa in West Mosul.

Amnesty International shared the following field report with Airwars, citing a local eyewitness: “I witnessed another airstrike (presumed) on 29 April in Msherfa. It was a one storey building with no cellar. Only the old buildings have cellars; since we got rid of Saddam we didn’t need cellars anymore (said with a wry smile). The airstrike killed seven families. They (coalition airstrikes) killed more civilians than ISIS. For every ISIS killed they killed 100 civilians (exaggeration for effect).

I was at home in 17 Tammuz when I heard the explosion. The fighting at the time was in Rajum Hadeed. It was quite far from my home – maybe 300 metres away – but my aunt lives in that direction so I got on my motorcycle and went to see if she was alright. The explosion was close to my aunt’s house, on the road out of Musharrafeh towards Harmat. There was no fire at the scene, just rubble and dust. The civil defence boys came and started hosing down the dust in order to dig the bodies out.

I didn’t stay around long as I was afraid of a second strike; that the plane would come around and strike again. It didn’t on this occasion. The neighbours at the scene told me that there had been seven families inside. I don’t know if there had been military targets in the neighbourhood but ISIS was usually mixed in with the population.

I was not afraid of ISIS. You grow a beard, you cut your trousers (above the ankle), you don’t smoke and you’re ok. I was afraid of the coalition as when they strike they don’t know the difference between you and ISIS.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 40
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    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 Meshrah neighborhood, Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • 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. (1403)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 28th-29th: “Near Mosul, four strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed four mortar systems, two supply caches, an anti-air artillery system, a tactical vehicle, and an ISIS staging area; damaged seven ISIS supply routes; and suppressed an ISIS mortar team” and “Near Mosul, Iraq; on April 29th, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed two fighting positions, two weapons caches, one mortar system, and one front-end loader; and suppressed a heavy machine gun.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 40
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS754

Incident date

April 29, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Al Qaryah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.837778, 38.551111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A family was reportedly killed in continued air raids, alleged to be carried out by the Coalition, on the city of Tabaqa.

Mohab Nasser named the victims.

The victims were also named by Raqqa is being Slaughtered Silently who blamed the Coalition. The source said that the raid was “on a residential home behind al Nahda mosque”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Ibrahim al Mir’i al Basha
Age unknown killed
Ali Ibrahim al Basha
61 years old killed
Zakariya Ali al Basha
16 years old killed

Summary

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

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Ali Ibrahim al Basha, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, April 29th (via RBSS)
  • A satellite image demarcates Tabaqah (via Mohab Nasser)
  • A satellite image demarcates Tabaqah (via Mohab Nasser)
  • Zakariya Al Basha (left) and Ali al Basha killed in alleged Coalition strikes on Tabaqah (via RBSS)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • 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. (1406)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 28th-29th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed a front-end loader. Near Tabqah, 10 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions and four vehicles.”

For April 29th - 20th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed 10 ISIS barges, three vehicles, two tactical vehicles, and an ISIS bridge" and "Near Tabqah, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units, destroyed four fighting positions and a vehicle; damaged an ISIS supply route, and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit"

Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria April 28 that closed within the last 24 hours.
"Near Tabqah, Syria, on April 28, four strikes destroyed three fighting positions and a VBIED.”

The Coalition later reported: "Near Raqqah, Syria; on April 29, two strikes destroyed an ISIS-held building, an ISIS staging area"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Sunday 30 April – Typhoons attacked a group of Daesh fighters west of Raqqa, while Tornados destroyed two Daesh buildings in Mosul…Sunday 30 April saw Typhoons once more flying in support of the SDF west of Raqqa, where they struck a group of Daesh fighters along the bank of the Euphrates. The Tornados then flew over Mosul, demolishing two Daesh-held buildings which the Iraqi ground forces had encountered.’

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS751

Incident date

April 29, 2017

Location

العالية, Al A'lia, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.821520, 38.765650 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Smart News Agency reported the death of four civilians in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of Al A’lia. It also said that a shop selling animal feed was burned down.

Lebanonnownews also put the death toll at four and blamed the Coalition.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al A’lia (العالية), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.821520, 38.765650. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • 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. (1404)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 28th-29th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed a front-end loader. Near Tabqah, 10 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions and four vehicles.”

For April 29th - 30th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed 10 ISIS barges, three vehicles, two tactical vehicles, and an ISIS bridge" and "Near Tabqah, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units, destroyed four fighting positions and a vehicle; damaged an ISIS supply route, and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit"

Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria April 28 that closed within the last 24 hours.
"Near Tabqah, Syria, on April 28, four strikes destroyed three fighting positions and a VBIED.”

The Coalition later reported: "Near Raqqah, Syria; on April 29, two strikes destroyed an ISIS-held building, an ISIS staging area"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Sunday 30 April – Typhoons attacked a group of Daesh fighters west of Raqqa, while Tornados destroyed two Daesh buildings in Mosul…Sunday 30 April saw Typhoons once more flying in support of the SDF west of Raqqa, where they struck a group of Daesh fighters along the bank of the Euphrates. The Tornados then flew over Mosul, demolishing two Daesh-held buildings which the Iraqi ground forces had encountered.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • 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

CS752

Incident date

April 29, 2017

Location

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.83917, 38.74288 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and three civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Mansoura, according to local media.

The Smart News Agency reported the death of one civilian and the injury of four more in an alleged Coalition airstrike.

Shamfm put the death toll at three including two children, also blaming the Coalition.

According to Rihab, the three killed were “three sisters from the family of Mabrook” – though these victims were also listed as killed in Al Wahab (event listed below) on April 29th.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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]

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 al Mansoura, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 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 April 28th-29th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed a front-end loader. Near Tabqah, 10 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions and four vehicles.”

For April 29th - 20th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed 10 ISIS barges, three vehicles, two tactical vehicles, and an ISIS bridge" and "Near Tabqah, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units, destroyed four fighting positions and a vehicle; damaged an ISIS supply route, and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit"

Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria April 28 that closed within the last 24 hours.
"Near Tabqah, Syria, on April 28, four strikes destroyed three fighting positions and a VBIED.”

The Coalition later reported: "Near Raqqah, Syria; on April 29, two strikes destroyed an ISIS-held building, an ISIS staging area"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Sunday 30 April – Typhoons attacked a group of Daesh fighters west of Raqqa, while Tornados destroyed two Daesh buildings in Mosul…Sunday 30 April saw Typhoons once more flying in support of the SDF west of Raqqa, where they struck a group of Daesh fighters along the bank of the Euphrates. The Tornados then flew over Mosul, demolishing two Daesh-held buildings which the Iraqi ground forces had encountered.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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

CS753

Incident date

April 29, 2017

Location

حي الوهب, Tabaqah, Al Wahab (First Neighbourhood), Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.814722, 38.537778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Seven civilians including a family of five died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the Al Wahab neighbourhood of Al Tabaqa, according to local sources – though there is currently some uncertainty about the date of the event.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, “the family of Ali al Mabrouk made up of five people were killed after a raid on their house west of the church in the Al Wahab neighbourhood in Al Tabaqa.”

Journalist Mohab Nasser, also blamed the Coalition, reporting on April 29th the death of “three girls [sisters] from one family killed after their house was targeted by the international Coalition west of the Al Kanissa roundabout two days ago”. He named the victims (also named by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently).

However, given that the report was on April 29th and said that the deaths occurred “two days ago”, there is some uncertainty on dates.

Mohab Nasser later named four further victims “killed in Coalition raids on civilian homes west of Al Kanissa roundabout a few days ago”.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also attributed the event to the Coalition, putting the death toll at six, including four women, with five of the victims from one family.

Mohab Nasser also published images on April 30th showing Al Wasat Street, Al Wahab in the Al Qariya area after the SDF took control of it, indicating that there could have been heavy raids a few days previously.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Intissar al Ali al Mabrouk
33 years old killed
Zeinab Ali Al Mabrouk
25 years old killed
Alaa Ali Al Mabrouk
15 years old killed

The victims were named as:

Iman Mohammad Ali Suleiman
18 years old killed
the wife of Ibrahim al I’llo
Age unknown female killed
Fatima al Hajji
Age unknown killed
Shamsa al I’llo
Age unknown killed
Saleh al-Alu
Age unknown injured
Ibrahim al-Khalil
Age unknown injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • (5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • An SDF fighter pictured in Tabqah late April 2017 (image via Mohab Nasser)
  • A street in the Al-Wahab neighbourhood of Tabaqah, the aftermath of alleged Coalition strikes, April 29th or April 27th (via Qasioun)
  • A street in Tabaqah allegedly taken over by SDF on April 29th (via Mohab Nasser)
  • SDF forces allegedly took over a street in Tabaqah, April 29th (via Mohab Nasser)
  • SDF fighters on a street in Tabaqah prior to alleged raids a few days after (via Mohab Nasser)
  • A photograph of smoke plumes above an urban area - the source alleged the SDF in control of western countryside in Raqqa following violent clashes with so-called ISIS late April (via EuphratesPost)
  • The family of Sheikh Ali al Mabrouk killed in international coalition raids post a photogrpahs of their son Bilal al Mubarak who was still fighting with the Kurdish units in late April (via Al Hassaka Rasd)
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 Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017
  • No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographic area of the reported civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 27th- 28th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed a command and control node and a front-end loader" and "Near Tabqah, eight strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions, two command and control nodes, two bunkers, and an ISIS staging area"

For April 28th - 29th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed a front-end loader" and "Near Tabqah, 10 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions and four vehicles"

For April 29th - 30th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed 10 ISIS barges, three vehicles, two tactical vehicles, and an ISIS bridge" and "Near Tabqah, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units, destroyed four fighting positions and a vehicle; damaged an ISIS supply route, and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit" Later reporting: Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria April 28 that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Tabqah, Syria, on April 28, four strikes destroyed three fighting positions and a VBIED.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

CHAMMAL ASSESSMENT OF SITUATION Status of operations as of April 27, 2017 In Syria the SDS continued to garner territorial gains at the expense of the terrorist organization. In the Tabqah region, progress continues in the city itself and around the dam. In the Raqqah region, the defensive perimeter of Daesh north of the city continues to shrink. In Iraq, Daesh continued its asymmetric actions and seeks to take advantage of weather that is not conducive to effective coalition air support. In the Mosul region, the situation continues to evolve favorably for ISPs. In the north-west, on the outskirts of the city, the 9th Division has paused in its progression to focus on securing the area under its control, including to counter attempts infiltrations of terrorist groups. Further south, in the districts of the city of Mosul, the ICTS and the FEDPOL continue their methodical progress aimed at isolating the medina. These units are facing continuing resistance from Daesh members, who this week launched unsuccessful counter-attacks from the Medina. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAMMAL FORCE Fire support - TF Wagram The Task Force (TF) Wagram continued this week its shooting missions in support of the 9th Iraqi Division engaged in the Badush region. It carried out 30 firing missions in support of Iraqi units, as part of their operations to secure the area against groups of Daesh seeking to infiltrate. It is, in equal proportions, missions of shelling or destruction against Daesh units. Air support to the Levant This week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal made 54 sorties, including 40 for armed reconnaissance or ground support (CAS), 3 for air command and control, 5 for refueling, and 6 for intelligence gathering. Six strikes were carried out by French aircraft in Iraq and Syria, with a special effort this week to support operations in the Raqqah region.

‘CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION Point de situation des opérations au 27 avril 2017 En Syrie les FDS ont continué à engranger des gains territoriaux aux dépends de l’organisation terroriste. Dans la région de Tabqah, la progression se poursuit dans la ville même et aux abords du barrage. Dans la région de Raqqah, le périmètre défensif de Daech au Nord de la ville continue de se réduire. En Irak, Daech a poursuivi ses actions asymétriques et cherche à tirer parti d’une météo peu favorable à l’efficacité des appuis aériens de la coalition. Dans la région de Mossoul, la situation continue à évoluer favorablement pour les FSI. Au nord-ouest, sur les abords de la ville, la 9e division a marqué une pause dans sa progression pour se concentrer sur la sécurisation de la zone sous son contrôle, notamment pour contrer les tentatives infiltrations de groupes terroristes. Plus au sud, dans les quartiers de la ville de Mossoul, l’ICTS et les FEDPOL poursuivent leur progression méthodique visant à isoler la médina. Ces unités font face à une résistance toujours aussi vive de la part des membres de Daech, qui cette semaine ont lancé, sans succès, plusieurs contre-attaques depuis la médina. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram a poursuivi cette semaine ses missions de tir en appui de la 9e division irakienne engagée dans la région de Badush. Elle a réalisé 30 missions de tir en appui des unités irakiennes, dans le cadre de leurs opérations de sécurisation de la zone face à des groupes de Daech cherchant à s’infiltrer. Il s’agit, dans des proportions égales, de missions de tirs éclairants ou de destruction contre des unités de Daech. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 54 sorties aériennes dont 40 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), 3 de commandement et de contrôle aérien, 5 de ravitaillement, et 6 de recueil de renseignements. 6 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie, avec un effort particulier consenti cette semaine en appui des opérations dans la région de Raqqah.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • (5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS755

Incident date

April 30, 2017

Location

دوار البانوراما, Panorama Roundabout, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.936667, 38.989722

Airwars assessment

One child died and his father was wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to local media.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that “an air raid targeted the new agriculture building near Al Panorama roundabout, killing several civilians and causing damage to private property.”

According to a further report by RBSS a child (named below) was killed and his father . lost a foot in a Coalition raids.

Al Raqqa Truth also named these victims and blamed the Coalition, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said one child died in a likely Coalition strike on Raqqa.

Raqqa Media Office1 reported that the “small raid targeted the new Directorate of Agriculture building near the Panorama roundabout”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mohammad al Fayyad
Adult male injured
Saif Mohammad al Fayyad
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (9) [ 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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • 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. (1407)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 29th - 30th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed 10 ISIS barges, three vehicles, two tactical vehicles, and an ISIS bridge" and "Near Tabqah, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units, destroyed four fighting positions and a vehicle; damaged an ISIS supply route, and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit"

For April 30th - May 1st, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed four ISIS barges and an ISIS weapons facility" and "Near Tabqah, 14 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; destroyed five ISIS oil stills, two vehicles, and a fighting position; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit"

Additionally, nine strikes were conducted in Syria April 28-29, and one strike was conducted in Iraq on April 29 that closed within the last 24 hours. "Near Raqqah, Syria; on April 29, two strikes destroyed an ISIS-held building, an ISIS staging area" and "Near Tabqah, Syria; on April 28-29, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed four vehicles, two VBIEDs, and three fighting positions; damaged three fighting positions and suppressed two ISIS tactical units"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Sunday 30 April – Typhoons attacked a group of Daesh fighters west of Raqqa, while Tornados destroyed two Daesh buildings in Mosul…Sunday 30 April saw Typhoons once more flying in support of the SDF west of Raqqa, where they struck a group of Daesh fighters along the bank of the Euphrates. The Tornados then flew over Mosul, demolishing two Daesh-held buildings which the Iraqi ground forces had encountered.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]