US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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US-led Coalition
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Incident Code

CS1421

Incident date

August 27, 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

Two infants were reported killed along with their mother after “bombing” and “shelling” of Raqqa city.

A Tweet by @AhmadShibli blamed the US-led Coalition for the attack, however, the majority of other sources did not specify an actor. The city of Raqqa was reportedly “besieged by International Coalition aircraft” at the time of the incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Hamza al-Mousa
Child killed
Mohammed al-Mousa
Child male killed
Raham al-Makhlaf
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Either Hamza al-Mousa or Mohammed al-Mousa, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 27th August 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
  • Either Hamza al-Mousa or Mohammed al-Mousa, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 27th August 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)

Geolocation notes

Airwars has insufficient information to geolocate the incident beyond Raqqa city. The assessment summary uses genetic coordinates for Raqqa: 35.9505639, 39.0094148

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 27th-28th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 29 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 19 fighting positions, five logistics nodes, three vehicles, three ISIS headquarters, two VBIEDs, and two command and control nodes” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 27 near Raqqah, Syria, 24 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 22 fighting positions, two anti-aircraft artillery systems, and two logistics nodes.” And that “On Aug. 27, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Sunday 27 August – Typhoons and Tornados bombed ten Daesh positions in Raqqa.’

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For Aug 23rd-29th, France report 8 strikes in Iraq and 11 strikes in Syria, plus 46 artillery missions in Tal Afar, Iraq.(@EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1449

Incident date

September 5, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike in Raqqa City, according to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently. There is no additional information known at present.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muaya Hasan al-Ali al-Hamad
Age unknown killed

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

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

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

dditional press release CJTFOIR on September 5th:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

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

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1475

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Two civilians, father and son died following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa city – or as a result of ISIS actions in the city.

Discrepancies in the sources show Revolutionary Command Council in the city of Palmyra and Death page suspected the the men were executed by members of the so-called Islamic State organization. The two sources said they were killed “on the ground close to one of the organizations barriers around the city”. All other sources attributed the deaths to the US-led Coalition.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Asaad Gomaa Al Ramadan
Adult male killed
Mohamed Gomaa Ramadan
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, ISIS

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Father and son Asaad Gomaa Al Ramadan and Mohamed Gomaa Ramadan - who according to reports were either murdered by ISIS or died in a Coalition strike

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة), for which the coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. 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
    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
Official source

For September 11th – 12th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 31 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed 24 fighting positions, 17 vehicles, three logistics nodes, an ISIS headquarters, an IED, and a command and control node.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 11, near Raqqah, 16 strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed 17 fighting positions and a logistics node.” And that “On Sept. 11, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed an ISIS fighting position.”

For September 12th -13th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 56 strikes engaged 17 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 56 fighting positions, three logistics nodes, and two vehicles; and suppressed a fighting position" The Coalition later reported, "On Sept. 12, near Hawijah, Iraq, two strikes destroyed four ISIS tunnels, an anti-air artillery system, a mortar system, a weapons cache, an IED facility, a command and control node and a staging area. On Sept. 12, near Raqqah, Syria, five strikes destroyed 19 ISIS vehicles; and suppressed a fighting position"

ISIS Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, ISIS

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1504

Incident date

September 17, 2017

Location

المرور, Al Mourour neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.946605, 39.0000916 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians, died following suspected US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Mourour neighbourhood in the south of Raqqa city.

An unknown number of others were alleged wounded by local sources. According to Al Araby the strikes hit residential buildings in the area. All sources blamed the US-led Coalition.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mohammed Drake Al-Ruwaiteh
Adult male killed
Wife of Mohammed Drake Al-Ruwaiteh
Age unknown female killed

Family members (2)

Haj Abu Ali
Adult male killed
Wife of Haj Abu Ali
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 women2 men)
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Mouroor (المرور) in the city of Raqqa, for which the coordinates are: 35.946605, 39.0000916.

  • The neighbourhood of Al Mouroor (المرور) in the city of Raqqa

    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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 16th- 17th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 39 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 26 fighting positions, two ISIS communications infrastructure items, two vehicles, engineering equipment, an IED, a logistics node, a tactical vehicle, a VBIED factory, and a VBIED; damaged two supply routes; and suppressed four fighting positions.”

For September 17th - 18th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 39 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 26 fighting positions, two ISIS communications infrastructure items, two vehicles, engineering equipment, an IED, a logistics node, a tactical vehicle, a VBIED factory, and a VBIED; damaged two supply routes; and suppressed four fighting positions" and "Near Raqqah, 30 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units, destroyed 44 vehicles and 13 fighting positions, damaged 13 supply routes and a VBIED, and suppressed two fighting positions"

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 women2 men)
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1529

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Location

كرمازة, Kormaza village, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.5345166, 38.8974585 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that civilians were killed after unidentified aircraft targeted Kormaza village, Tal Abiyad countryside, Raqqa.

Marsad al Hassaka alleged that a vehicle was struck by “unknown aircraft”, and that the car was a “civilian pick-up” according to the source, with civilians reportedly inside. Soheb1199 released a carbon-copy of the Marsad al Hassaka report.

There is limited information at present. Airwars will amend the entry when new information arises.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Kormaza (قریة كورمازه), in the Tal Abiyad countryside (تل أبیض), Raqqa governorate. The coordinates for this village are: 36.5345166, 38.8974585.

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 Kormaza village, Tel Abiyad, 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
Official source

For September 24th-25th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 27 strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed 29 fighting positions, three vehicles; and suppressed a fighting position.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 24, near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes destroyed an IED, an ISIS fighting position and 11 vehicles.” And that “On Sept. 24, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed an ISIS fighting position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1555 RS2574

Incident date

September 30, 2017

Location

بقرص فوقاني, Bokros Foqani, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.090833, 40.398056 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 12 civilians were killed, including at least three children and two women, in airstrikes on Bokro Foqani, situated in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor. Sources were contested with blame attributed to Russia, the Syrian regime and the US-led Coalition. Most reports were unable to identify the culprit.

The news agency Baladi believed the “warplanes” to be US-led Coalition. According to Baladi mosques in the area “launched a distress call” for blood donations due to large numbers wounded and the area suffering for lack of medical resources.

Syrianpc suspected “dozens” wounded and provided an initial list of victims.

The airstrikes reportedly targeted civilian homes. Euphrates Post published a series of photographs of the material damage. The Post did not apportion blame.

Assad’s regime was attributed blame by Horrya, with the source reporting that three raids took place on the village.

Step News Agency blamed Moscow and said the strikes occurred whilst people of the town fled towards “the Badia and Euphrates River”.

Syriandays documented a lower death count at seven. It attributed blame to “the aggression of the “coalition””.

In contrast to this the Syrian Network for Human Rights held the regime responsible, it gave a lower figure of “at least 3” and did not name victims.

Smart referred to “unknown fighters” as culprit whilst Smart blamed Russia, as did Jisirtv.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Awad Al-Ahmad Al-Jedaie “Gaddafi”
Adult male killed
Ibrahim Al-Ahmad Al-Jedaie
Adult male killed
Rokaya Jalal Al-Olayan
Adult female wife of Khalil Ibrahim Al-Ahmad Al-Jedaie killed
Maha Mohammed Al-Khalif Al-Jaileh
Adult female wife of Mahmoud Hawala killed
Daughter of Maha al-Mohammad al-Khlaif al-Jeileh
Child female killed
Son of Rokaia al-Elian 1
Child male killed
Son of Rokaia al-Elian 2
Child male killed
Yusuf Mahmoud al-Hawala
Age unknown male Possibly the same as Saad Al-Yousef Al-Ahmad Al-Jedaie killed
Saad Al-Yousef Al-Ahmad Al-Jedaie
Adult male killed
Omar Khaled Al Khalaf Al Hammadi
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 12
  • (3 children3 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (33) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Awwad Al-Ahmad Al-Jedaie and Ibrahim Al-Ahmad Al-Jedaie victims of alleged airstrikes on the town on Bokro Foqani, Sept 30th (via Euphrates Post)
  • Aftermath of the airstrikes that allegedly hit Baqrs Foqani and cost the lives of nine civilians on September 30th (via Euphrates Post)
  • Aftermath of the airstrikes that allegedly hit Baqrs Foqani and cost the lives of nine civilians on September 30th (via Euphrates Post)
  • Aftermath of the airstrikes that allegedly hit Baqrs Foqani and cost the lives of nine civilians on September 30th (via Euphrates Post)
  • Aftermath of the airstrikes that allegedly hit Baqrs Foqani and cost the lives of nine civilians on September 30th (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Bokros Foqani (بقرص فوقاني), eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, for which the coordinates are: 35.090833, 40.398056.

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 Bokros 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
Official source

For September 29th – 30th the Coalition reported “Near Abu Kamal, 3 strikes engaged four ISIS units and destroyed three vehicles.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 12
  • (3 children3 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (33) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1589

Incident date

October 5, 2017

Location

الحديقة البيضا, Ar Raqqah: Hadika Al Bayda (White Garden), Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9605703, 38.9976883 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

It was reported that Radwan Kor Ahmed, in addition to two other civilians, died in al Hadika al Baidaa (the white garden) of Raqqah city following alleged US-led Coalition strikes, local sources said. The two sources tracked both blamed the US-led Coalition.

While the deaths were reported on October 8th, sources said the victims had died “a few days ago.”

At present information in very limited, we will update the entry when new details arise.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Radwan Kor Ahmed
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Reports of the incident mention the area surrounding Al Hadika al Baidaa (or White Garden) (الحديقة البيضاء), for which the coordinates are: 35.9605703, 38.9976883.

  • Reports of the incident mention the area surrounding Al Hadika al Baidaa (الحديقة البيضاء)

    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
    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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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

CI872

Incident date

October 26, 2017

Location

Al Qaim (Romana area), Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.39381, 41.07954 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Sources reported the deaths of 22 civilians and dozens of wounded as a result of an airstrike on the Romana area in Al Qaim. Local media outlets Yaqein and Dhiqar also reported the bombing. Both quoted a military source confirming the airstrike.

However, Yaqein, as well as Dhiqar, mentioned both the Coalition and the Iraqi air force as the culprit.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    22
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • An image shows the shelling of the Al Qaim, Romana area, Anbar (via Yaqein)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Romana (منطقة الرمانة), Qaim, west of the province of Anbar. The generic coordinates for the town of Romana (منطقة الرمانة) are: 34.39381, 41.07954. Due to limited information and satellite imagery 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 Qaeim, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 25th-26th the Coalition reported: “Near Al Qaim, six strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and an ISIS staging area and destroyed 10 supply routes, a VBIED facility, an ISIS vehicle and a command and control node.”

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
    22
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (3) [ collapse]