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

CI359

Incident date

December 3, 2016

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

At least nine civilians, including women and children, were reported killed and several others wounded due to an alleged Coalition strikes, according to several local sources.

Yaqein reported that the Coalition killed 21 civilians, mostly women and children and wounded ten others included 7 children. A source told Yaqein that “the bombing focused on the areas of Saada and al-Obeidi,” and destroyed four houses along with seven cars belonging to civilians.

Muntathar al Zaidi Al Harari put the number of injured at 13. News of Iraq put the death toll at 9 (all from one family), while Al Gharbia reported that 12 civilians had died and one child was identified by name.

In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other incidents in December 2016, Coalition officials said the event was presently assessed as ‘Not credible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ayham Ibrahim Jassam
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 21
  • (2 children2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A picture of Ayham Ibrahim Jassam, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Qa'im, Anbar on December 3rd, 2016 (via Alqaim Alhadath)
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 Qa'im, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area of the reported civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For December 2nd-3rd, the Coalition reported no strikes near Al Qaim but reported “Near Rawah, one strike destroyed a VBIED factory.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 21
  • (2 children2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS417 TS025

Incident date

December 17, 2016

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.371972, 37.51631 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three unnamed civilian males were reported killed in a Turkish (or less likely Coalition) action at al Bab. The Coalition later denied responsibility.

According to Step News, “Turkish planes targeted al Bab, east of Aleppo, with three raids and there are news about casualties.” VDC later reported three unidentfied male civilian deaths – though said these were a result of actions by “International Coalition forces.”

In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other incidents in December 2016, Coalition officials said the event was presently assessed as ‘Not credible’ with “no Coalition strikes conducted in the geographical area of the reported civilian casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • 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, Turkish Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Tweet reporting more than 50 alleged Turkish raids targeting al Bab over the last 12 hours. 17th December 2016. (via Muhammad Smiry)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al-Bab (الباب), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.371972, 37.51631. 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 Bab, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area of the reported civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For December 16th-18th 2016 the Coalition has publicly reported no strikes in the vicinity.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For December 14th to 20th, France reports 10 strikes: 8 in Iraq – 7 of which were in Mosul – and 2 in Syria. They reported that 16 targets were destroyed.

#Chammal : 10 frappes contre Daech en Irak et en Syrie cette semaine, 16 objectifs détruits.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • 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, Turkish Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS428

Incident date

January 6, 2017

Location

الضبعان, Dabaan, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Airwars assessment

At least two civilians were killed in a reported Coalition airstrike on Dabban village in Raqqa governorate.

According to the Syrian Observatory, “the international coalition’s warplanes bombed places in Dabaan area in the countryside of Al-Raqqah, and confirmed information about the death of two people.ISIL also said that “two people were killed in an American raid,” while Shaam News said three civilians died and at least two more were injured. Syrian News Desk said that all of those killed and injured came from the same family.

In a January 12th report, Al Natek noted: “Ibrahim Mukhlif Al Hardan al Shmeilani al A’nzi, 39 years old, has died due to his wounds sustained following coalition raids on al Dabaan village west of Ayn Issa a week ago.”

Jisr TV, who also blamed the Coalition, put the death toll as high as six.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ibrahim Mukhlif Al Hardan al Shmeilani al A’nzi
39 years years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • 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]

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
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV1042291104
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 2017
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For January 6th-7th the Coalition publicly reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, 12 strikes [1 British?] engaged eight ISIL tactical units; destroyed 14 oil refinement tanks, seven fighting positions, a VBIED facility, a VBIED, an ISIL-held building, an artillery system, and a bunker system; and damaged two supply routes. Near Ayn Isa, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position and an artillery system.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • 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

CS458

Incident date

January 25, 2017

Location

سحل الخشب, Sahil al Khashab, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.87441, 38.63985 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Several civilians were reported injured following alleged Coalition airstrikes on Sahil al Khashab.

According to Raqqa is Benig Slaughtered, “several civilians were injured following the targeting by the international coalition planes the village of Sahil al Khashab with an air raid.” All other sources reported similar.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Translation: raqqa - civilians injured following international coalition raids on the village of Sahel al Khashab in the western countryside.
  • Translation: international coalition planes launched a raid targeting the village of Sahil al Khashab north of al Tabaqa which led to several people being injured.
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
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Sahil al-Khashab village, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018
  • After reviewing all the available evidence, the preponderance of the evidence did not indicate that the alleged civilian casualties were caused by Coalition operations.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For January 24th-25th 2017, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 11 ISIL tactical units and destroyed 16 oil pump jacks, six oil storage tanks, six fighting positions, four tactical vehicles, two watercraft, a bunker, a VBIED, and a VBIED factory.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Wednesday 25 January – Typhoons supported Syrian Democratic Forces west of Raqqa, striking a group of terrorists and an armoured personnel carrier… Operations by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near Raqqa also continue to receive support. On Wednesday 25 January, the SDF reported that they were taking fire from a group of Daesh fighters with an armoured personnel carrier, to the west of Raqqa, on the north-eastern shores of Lake Assad. Despite challenging weather conditions and the proximity of the SDF to the targets, two Typhoons used a pair of Paveway IV precision guided bombs which removed the threat. Daesh targets have been less common since their defeat in eastern Mosul. As a result, no RAF attacks were required in the latter part of the week. Our aircraft, however, continued intensive armed reconnaissance patrols to gather intelligence on suspected terrorist positions and movement, and to be ready to strike should the situation require. Sentinel aircraft have also flown a number of surveillance missions, similarly gathering valuable information on Daesh. Hercules transports have also continued their essential role in providing logistical support required to British forces in the Middle East, particularly for the training and liaison teams deployed as part of the Coalition’s efforts to help the Iraqi security forces further improve their capabilities.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

[In the past week, France reports seven strikes destroying nine ISIL targets: six in Iraq in Mosul – concentrated on the edge of the city, and one strike in Syria, near Raqqa, against ISIL defenses near the Tabqah dam to destroy a combat site in which a tank was concealed. Task Force Wagram carried out 22 missions in Mosul.]

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL Au Levant, Daech continue de reculer globalement. En Irak, 3 mois après le lancement de la bataille de Mossoul, Daech perd pied dans les quartiers de la rive Est du Tigre, mais consolide ses positions sur la rive Ouest. L’organisation parvient encore à conserver un certain espace de manœuvre pour organiser des bascules de combattants, régénérer ses forces et empêcher les forces irakiennes d’enfermer ses combattants dans une poche. Dans le reste du pays, les forces irakiennes ont consolidé leurs positions pour empêcher les actions asymétriques des terroristes. En vallée de l’Euphrate, les forces irakiennes ont consolidé leurs positions au Nord d’Haditah dans l’objectif d’interdire aux combattants de Daech de s’infiltrer en direction de Bagdad. En Syrie, Daech cherche à tirer profit de la multitude d’acteurs prenant part au conflit pour essayer d’obtenir des gains tactiques sur le terrain. L’organisation mène de rudes combats dans les zones qu’elle considère comme son sanctuaire. Ainsi, dans la région de Raqqah, l’organisation terroriste mène une défense de plus en plus agressive à mesure que les forces kurdes s’approchent du barrage de Tabqah. A Der Eiz Zor, les combats sont intenses entre les combattants de Daech et les forces du régime syrien. Avancée sur la bataille de Mossoul La défense de Daech dans la partie Est de la ville de Mossoul est grandement affaiblie. Alors qu’au début de l’offensive les FSI subissaient près de dix attaques à la voiture piégée par jour, le rythme de ces attaques est désormais de dix par semaine. Alors que les combats se concentrent dans le quartier d’Al Rashidiyyiah, la quasi-totalité de la rive Est est désormais entre les mains des soldats irakiens qui procèdent aux opérations de sécurisation des quartiers récemment conquis. Dans un combat retardateur, Daech défend âprement la ville de Tall Kayf située immédiatement au Nord de Mossoul. Daech cherche ainsi à continuer à gagner du temps pour regrouper ses combattants dans l’ouest de la ville et valoriser ses positions. Actualité des opérations – pilier appui : Appui aérien Depuis le 18 janvier 2016, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont poursuivi leurs missions aériennes contre Daech en réalisant 46 sorties dont 40 reconnaissances armées et d’appui au sol, 4 de recueil de renseignement et 2 de ravitaillement. Les 7 frappes réalisées par les avions français ont permis de détruire 9 objectifs. Les frappes des aéronefs français se sont concentrées sur la périphérie de la ville de Mossoul. Il s’agit d’affaiblir les positions de l’organisation à l’extérieur de la ville pour réduire la capacité opérationnelle de Daech. Dans la région de Raqqah, une frappe a été menée contre les défenses de Daech à proximité du barrage de Tabqah pour détruire un emplacement de combat dans lequel un char était dissimulé. Appui feu (TF Wagram) : cette semaine la TF Wagram a réalisé 22 missions de tirs en appui des forces irakiennes. Ces missions se sont réparties en 13 missions d’éclairement et 9 missions d’interdiction, destruction ou semonce. Ces dernières étaient plus particulièrement dédiées à l’appui des unités irakiennes engagées dans la reprise de la ville de Tall Kayf. Elles ont également visé à interdire à Daech le franchissement du fleuve Tigre alors que ses combattants cherchaient à ravitailler les premières lignes.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI453

Incident date

February 9, 2017

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.3738, 41.04571 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources said that seven civilians were killed and many others injured after Coalition airstrikes targeted the city of Al Qa’im, in the west of Anbar province.

While two sources blamed the Coalition for the raids, Al Mayadeen Alhadath (Facebook) said “planes of [the] Iraqi forces were committing a massacre in the bombing of the neighbourhoods of Al Qaim city.”

In their April 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition confirmed a civilian casualty event in the immediate area: “Feb. 9, 2017, near Al Qaim, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS fighters in a moving vehicle, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally injured when they entered the target area after the munition was released.”

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Iraq Government Forces

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated this incident to the nearest city at 34.3957715, 40.9943684

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
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Al Qaim, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU881055
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 30, 2017
  • Feb. 9, 2017, near Al Qaim, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS fighters in a moving vehicle, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally injured when they entered the target area after the munition was released.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For February 8th-9th the Coalition did not report any strikes in the vicinity of Al Qa’im.

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
    7
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Iraq Government Forces

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI464

Incident date

February 18, 2017

Location

باب البيض, Mosul, Bab al Beith, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.334444, 43.123889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

“Dozens” of civilians were reported killed and injured following alleged US Apache helicopter and Iraqi artillery strikes on West Mosul.

Yaqein reported both Apache helicopter and Iraqi artillery strikes on the ISIL-occupied West of the city. Ajel al Mousul reported only artillery strikes, which it said: “caused the martyrdom and wounding of dozens of civilians.” Iraqi Spring Media Centre reported “Dead and wounded among #civilians in the bombing of Air and artillery targeted residential neighborhoods in the right side of the # Mosul city.”

Raedlay (Facebook) said 12 people had died and 28 were injured in the raids.

The incident occured between 12:00 am and 8:00 pm local time.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    28
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention Bab al Beith (باب البيض) area in West Mosul. The coordinates for Bab al Beith Health Centre (مركز صحة باب البيض) are: 36.334444, 43.123889.

  • Bab al Beith Health Centre (مركز صحة باب البيض)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 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.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For February 17th-18th the Coalition publicly noted: “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed eight front-end loaders, four excavators, three watercraft, an ISIS-held building and a barge; damaged 11 supply routes; and suppressed five mortar teams and an ISIS tactical unit.’

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
    12 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    28
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS525

Incident date

February 22, 2017

Location

سلحبية, Salhabiya, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95149, 38.78487 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on al Salhabiya, 25 km west of Raqqa city, according to the Smart news agency.

Jisr TV reported that the Coalition carried out raids on al Salhabiya, but didn’t mention any casualties.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

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 (3) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Salhabiya (Raqqah), Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV8059978589
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 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.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For February 21st – 22nd, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed three fighting positions and three tactical vehicles; and damaged two bridges.” For February 22nd – 23rd: “Near Ar Raqqah, seven strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and an ISIS staging area and destroyed three pump jacks, a command and control node, a fighting position and a tactical vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

[France reports carrying out 34 sorties in the last week – and 11 strikes destroying 19 ISIL targets. In Iraq, the six strikes were concentrated in the Mosul region. They targeted mortar positions, combatant groups, a logistics depot and a command center. In Syria, two ground troop support missions were carried out in the Raqqah and Deir Ezzor areas against artillery pieces and an armored vehicle, loaded with an explosive device (SVBIED). The intervention of a Rafale patrol, after detection and guidance of the ATL2, led to the destruction of 2 clandestine oil wells in the south-east of Raqqah. In the region of Palmyra, two planned strikes were carried out and enabled the neutralization of a military storage site and a vehicle-bomb manufacturing site (VBIED).Task Force Wagram carried out 28 missions]

‘CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION Point de situation sur les opérations au 02 mars 2017 En Syrie, à Al Bab, les forces d’opposition soutenues par la Turquie ont pu saisir la ville après le retrait de Daech de la ville. En périphérie, les forces armées syriennes et les FDS tentent d’accentuer ce repli progressif des combattants de Daech vers l’Est. Si ce repli dessine un renforcement probable de Raqqah par les combattants exfiltrés, la menace d’actions asymétriques reste présente. En Irak, Daech poursuit ses actions de harcèlement, notamment dans l’Anbar, par l’intermédiaire d’embuscades, de tirs de mortiers ou d’attaques par drones. Dans la région de Mossoul, l’encerclement progressif de l’agglomération perturbe le ravitaillement de Daech même si l’étendue de la zone ne permet pas de garantir l’étanchéité du dispositif. Dans la partie occidentale de la ville, le recul de Daech se poursuit. Près du Tigre, après la reprise de l’aéroport, les forces de police fédérale et l’ICTS continuent leur progression coordonnée vers le nord. Dans la périphérie ouest de Mossoul, les forces irakiennes avancent vers la prison de Badush et la crête d’Astanah. La résistance se durcit à mesure que le cercle se resserre et que les forces irakiennes s’approchent des zones urbanisées. A l’Est de la ville, Daech maintient ses actions de harcèlement par tirs indirects. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui aérien au Levant Point de situation sur les opérations au 02 mars 2017 Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 34 sorties aériennes dont 32 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), et 2 de recueil de renseignement. 11 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français, elles ont permis la destruction de 19 objectifs. En Irak, les 6 frappes se sont concentrées dans la région de Mossoul. Elles s’inscrivent dans le cadre de l’appui des troupes irakiennes engagées dans l’offensive visant à reprendre la partie ouest de Mossoul. Elles ont ciblé des positions de mortier, des groupes de combattants, un dépôt logistique ainsi qu’un centre de commandement. En Syrie, 2 missions d’appui des troupes au sol ont été conduites dans la région de Raqqah et de Der Er Zawr contre des pièces d’artillerie, un véhicule suicide, blindé, chargé d’engin explosif (SVBIED). L’intervention d’une patrouille de Rafale, après détection et guidage de l’ATL2, a par ailleurs permis la destruction de 2 puits de pétrole clandestins dans le sud-est de Raqqah. Dans la région de Palmyre, 2 frappes planifiées ont été réalisées et ont permis la neutralisation d’un site de stockage de matériel militaire et d’un site de fabrication de véhicules piégés (VBIED). Appui feu – TF Wagram Cette semaine, le détachement de la Task Force (TF) Wagram déployé au nord de Mossoul a fourni un appui important aux troupes engagées au sol, avec un effort marqué à l’ouest de la ville. Les 28 missions réalisées comprennent 21 de neutralisation, destruction ou harcèlement contre des positions de combattants, des pièces de mortier ou contre des tentatives d’infiltrations en bordure du Tigre. 7 missions d’éclairement ont également été effectuées pour interdire l’utilisation du terrain par Daech. La reprise de l’offensive sur Mossoul-Ouest a marqué un tournant dans la physionomie de l’activité de la TF. Au cours des 3 dernières semaines, l’intensification des missions confiées à la TF et la proportion croissante de missions de neutralisation ou de destruction sont significatives. Cette évolution de l’activité est couplée aux progressions sur le terrain des forces de sécurité irakiennes, elle souligne l’importance et l’efficacité des appuis fournis par la partie française.’

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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS539

Incident date

February 27, 2017

Location

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.34169, 40.19897 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five non-combatants died in an airstrike on Makta’a Hajar in Manbij, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or the Assad regime was responsible.

According to LCCSY, “five civilians from Hatla village in the eastern countryside were killed when the international coalition targeted members of Daesh who were holding civilians detainees with them in the Deir Ezzor desert while they were trying to escape to al Hasaka“.

However, Al Hadath blamed the regime, reporting that warplanes targeted an ISIL convoy.

Euphrates Post, RaedSyrian and the Shaam News Network didn’t identify the planes responsible.

RaedSyrian said that the strike “caused fires in the convoy and destroyed it, along with all the terrorists in it” – though they didn’t mention any civilian casualties.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (6) [ 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 Hatla (Dayr Az Zawr), Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV0895411596
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 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.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For February 26th-27th the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, eight strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and an ISIS staging area and destroyed four fighting positions, two ammo caches, a mortar system, a vehicle, a chemical weapons facility and an ISIS headquarters.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

France reports carrying out 34 sorties in the last week – and 11 strikes destroying 19 ISIL targets. In Iraq, the six strikes were concentrated in the Mosul region. They targeted mortar positions, combatant groups, a logistics depot and a command center. In Syria, two ground troop support missions were carried out in the Raqqah and Deir Ezzor areas against artillery pieces and an armored vehicle, loaded with an explosive device (SVBIED). The intervention of a Rafale patrol, after detection and guidance of the ATL2, led to the destruction of 2 clandestine oil wells in the south-east of Raqqah. In the region of Palmyra, two planned strikes were carried out and enabled the neutralization of a military storage site and a vehicle-bomb manufacturing site (VBIED).Task Force Wagram carried out 28 missions]

‘CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION Point de situation sur les opérations au 02 mars 2017 En Syrie, à Al Bab, les forces d’opposition soutenues par la Turquie ont pu saisir la ville après le retrait de Daech de la ville. En périphérie, les forces armées syriennes et les FDS tentent d’accentuer ce repli progressif des combattants de Daech vers l’Est. Si ce repli dessine un renforcement probable de Raqqah par les combattants exfiltrés, la menace d’actions asymétriques reste présente. En Irak, Daech poursuit ses actions de harcèlement, notamment dans l’Anbar, par l’intermédiaire d’embuscades, de tirs de mortiers ou d’attaques par drones. Dans la région de Mossoul, l’encerclement progressif de l’agglomération perturbe le ravitaillement de Daech même si l’étendue de la zone ne permet pas de garantir l’étanchéité du dispositif. Dans la partie occidentale de la ville, le recul de Daech se poursuit. Près du Tigre, après la reprise de l’aéroport, les forces de police fédérale et l’ICTS continuent leur progression coordonnée vers le nord. Dans la périphérie ouest de Mossoul, les forces irakiennes avancent vers la prison de Badush et la crête d’Astanah. La résistance se durcit à mesure que le cercle se resserre et que les forces irakiennes s’approchent des zones urbanisées. A l’Est de la ville, Daech maintient ses actions de harcèlement par tirs indirects. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui aérien au Levant Point de situation sur les opérations au 02 mars 2017 Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 34 sorties aériennes dont 32 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), et 2 de recueil de renseignement. 11 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français, elles ont permis la destruction de 19 objectifs. En Irak, les 6 frappes se sont concentrées dans la région de Mossoul. Elles s’inscrivent dans le cadre de l’appui des troupes irakiennes engagées dans l’offensive visant à reprendre la partie ouest de Mossoul. Elles ont ciblé des positions de mortier, des groupes de combattants, un dépôt logistique ainsi qu’un centre de commandement. En Syrie, 2 missions d’appui des troupes au sol ont été conduites dans la région de Raqqah et de Der Er Zawr contre des pièces d’artillerie, un véhicule suicide, blindé, chargé d’engin explosif (SVBIED). L’intervention d’une patrouille de Rafale, après détection et guidage de l’ATL2, a par ailleurs permis la destruction de 2 puits de pétrole clandestins dans le sud-est de Raqqah. Dans la région de Palmyre, 2 frappes planifiées ont été réalisées et ont permis la neutralisation d’un site de stockage de matériel militaire et d’un site de fabrication de véhicules piégés (VBIED). Appui feu – TF Wagram Cette semaine, le détachement de la Task Force (TF) Wagram déployé au nord de Mossoul a fourni un appui important aux troupes engagées au sol, avec un effort marqué à l’ouest de la ville. Les 28 missions réalisées comprennent 21 de neutralisation, destruction ou harcèlement contre des positions de combattants, des pièces de mortier ou contre des tentatives d’infiltrations en bordure du Tigre. 7 missions d’éclairement ont également été effectuées pour interdire l’utilisation du terrain par Daech. La reprise de l’offensive sur Mossoul-Ouest a marqué un tournant dans la physionomie de l’activité de la TF. Au cours des 3 dernières semaines, l’intensification des missions confiées à la TF et la proportion croissante de missions de neutralisation ou de destruction sont significatives. Cette évolution de l’activité est couplée aux progressions sur le terrain des forces de sécurité irakiennes, elle souligne l’importance et l’efficacité des appuis fournis par la partie française.’

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (6) [ collapse]